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Dong W, Liu S, Li S, Wang Z. Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2444-2455. [PMID: 38526281 PMCID: PMC11090434 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease. The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease, which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. However, ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos, which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy. Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons, without the need for intermediate proliferation states, thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation. Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed. This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy, including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research. The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming. These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shangang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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2
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Yuan M, Tang Y, Huang T, Ke L, Huang E. In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2240-2248. [PMID: 38488558 PMCID: PMC11034579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390957] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00025/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.eB-GFAP-shPTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-shPTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Tianwen Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lining Ke
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - En Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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3
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Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and direct neuronal reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1929-1939. [PMID: 38227517 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a tightly regulated process in time and space both in the developing embryo and in adult neurogenic niches. A drastic change in the transcriptome and proteome of radial glial cells or neural stem cells towards the neuronal state is achieved due to sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Understanding these neurogenic mechanisms is of major importance, not only for shedding light on very complex and crucial developmental processes, but also for the identification of putative reprogramming factors, that harbor hierarchically central regulatory roles in the course of neurogenesis and bare thus the capacity to drive direct reprogramming towards the neuronal fate. The major transcriptional programs that orchestrate the neurogenic process have been the focus of research for many years and key neurogenic transcription factors, as well as repressor complexes, have been identified and employed in direct reprogramming protocols to convert non-neuronal cells, into functional neurons. The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during nervous system development has emerged as another important and intricate regulatory layer, strongly contributing to the complexity of the mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and neuronal function. In particular, recent advances are highlighting the importance of specific RNA binding proteins that control major steps of mRNA life cycle during neurogenesis, such as alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and translation. Apart from the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that block the translation of their target mRNAs, have also been shown to play crucial roles in all the stages of the neurogenic process, from neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration, to functional maturation. Here, we provide an overview of the most prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms mediated by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs during the neurogenic process, giving particular emphasis on the interplay of specific RNA binding proteins with neurogenic microRNAs. Taking under consideration that the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis exert high similarity to the ones driving direct neuronal reprogramming, we also discuss the current advances in in vitro and in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming approaches that have employed microRNAs or RNA binding proteins as reprogramming factors, highlighting the so far known mechanisms of their reprogramming action.
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Li ST, Wan Y, Chen L, Ding Y. Advances in neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies, controversies, and opportunities. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114817. [PMID: 38763354 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114817] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal death is often observed in central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The mammalian central nervous system manifests limited neuronal regeneration capabilities, and traditional cell therapies are limited in their potential applications due to finite cell sources and immune rejection. Neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology, in which non-neuronal cells (e.g. glial cells) are transdifferentiated into mature neurons. This process results in relatively minimal immune rejection. The present review discuss the latest progress in this cutting-edge field, including starter cell selection, innovative technical strategies and methods of neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential problems and controversies. The further development of neuronal reprogramming technology may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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5
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Liu MH, Xu YG, Bai XN, Lin JH, Xiang ZQ, Wang T, Xu L, Chen G. Efficient Dlx2-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1. Dev Neurobiol 2024. [PMID: 39034481 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22951] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor, Dlx2, converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Lineage-tracing studies in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time-course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2-infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic levels in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, although Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the gray matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion in both the gray matter and white matter to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils the critical role of anti-inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Liu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yu-Ge Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Bai
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Qin Xiang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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6
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and nuclear factor I (NFI) factors in adult mammalian retina. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2091. [PMID: 38996013 PMCID: PMC11244444 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we present an efficient method for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons. By suppressing Notch signaling by disrupting either Rbpj or Notch1/2, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar- and amacrine-like neurons. We demonstrate that Rbpj directly activates both Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while indirectly repressing expression of neurogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Last, inducing Müller glial proliferation by overexpression of dominant-active Yap promotes neurogenesis in both Rbpj- and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj-deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that Notch signaling and NFI factors act in parallel to inhibit neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia and help clarify potential strategies for regenerative therapies aimed at treating retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyet Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Trieu-Duc Vu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Isabella Palazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ritvik Pulya
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yehna Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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7
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Cao P, Li J, Liu Z, Liang G. Current controversies in glia-to-neuron conversion therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:723-724. [PMID: 37843203 PMCID: PMC10664116 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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8
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Murdock MH, Yang CY, Sun N, Pao PC, Blanco-Duque C, Kahn MC, Kim T, Lavoie NS, Victor MB, Islam MR, Galiana F, Leary N, Wang S, Bubnys A, Ma E, Akay LA, Sneve M, Qian Y, Lai C, McCarthy MM, Kopell N, Kellis M, Piatkevich KD, Boyden ES, Tsai LH. Multisensory gamma stimulation promotes glymphatic clearance of amyloid. Nature 2024; 627:149-156. [PMID: 38418876 PMCID: PMC10917684 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07132-6] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The glymphatic movement of fluid through the brain removes metabolic waste1-4. Noninvasive 40 Hz stimulation promotes 40 Hz neural activity in multiple brain regions and attenuates pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease5-8. Here we show that multisensory gamma stimulation promotes the influx of cerebrospinal fluid and the efflux of interstitial fluid in the cortex of the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Influx of cerebrospinal fluid was associated with increased aquaporin-4 polarization along astrocytic endfeet and dilated meningeal lymphatic vessels. Inhibiting glymphatic clearance abolished the removal of amyloid by multisensory 40 Hz stimulation. Using chemogenetic manipulation and a genetically encoded sensor for neuropeptide signalling, we found that vasoactive intestinal peptide interneurons facilitate glymphatic clearance by regulating arterial pulsatility. Our findings establish novel mechanisms that recruit the glymphatic system to remove brain amyloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Murdock
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheng-Yi Yang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Na Sun
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ping-Chieh Pao
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin C Kahn
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - TaeHyun Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas S Lavoie
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fabiola Galiana
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Noelle Leary
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sidney Wang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adele Bubnys
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily Ma
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leyla A Akay
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Madison Sneve
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yong Qian
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cuixin Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, and Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michelle M McCarthy
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Kopell
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kiryl D Piatkevich
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, and Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Tao Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Yang X, Mu H. Alternative splicing and related RNA binding proteins in human health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:26. [PMID: 38302461 PMCID: PMC10835012 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) serves as a pivotal mechanism in transcriptional regulation, engendering transcript diversity, and modifications in protein structure and functionality. Across varying tissues, developmental stages, or under specific conditions, AS gives rise to distinct splice isoforms. This implies that these isoforms possess unique temporal and spatial roles, thereby associating AS with standard biological activities and diseases. Among these, AS-related RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an instrumental role in regulating alternative splicing events. Under physiological conditions, the diversity of proteins mediated by AS influences the structure, function, interaction, and localization of proteins, thereby participating in the differentiation and development of an array of tissues and organs. Under pathological conditions, alterations in AS are linked with various diseases, particularly cancer. These changes can lead to modifications in gene splicing patterns, culminating in changes or loss of protein functionality. For instance, in cancer, abnormalities in AS and RBPs may result in aberrant expression of cancer-associated genes, thereby promoting the onset and progression of tumors. AS and RBPs are also associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune diseases. Consequently, the study of AS across different tissues holds significant value. This review provides a detailed account of the recent advancements in the study of alternative splicing and AS-related RNA-binding proteins in tissue development and diseases, which aids in deepening the understanding of gene expression complexity and offers new insights and methodologies for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Mu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Li Q, Zhang W, Qiao XY, Liu C, Dao JJ, Qiao CM, Cui C, Shen YQ, Zhao WJ. Reducing polypyrimidine tract‑binding protein 1 fails to promote neuronal transdifferentiation on HT22 and mouse astrocyte cells under physiological conditions. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:72. [PMID: 38234625 PMCID: PMC10792410 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12360] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to prior findings that have illustrated the conversion of non-neuronal cells into functional neurons through the specific targeting of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), accumulated evidence suggests the impracticality of inducing neuronal transdifferentiation through suppressing PTBP1 expression in pathological circumstances. Therefore, the present study explored the effect of knocking down PTBP1 under physiological conditions on the transdifferentiation of mouse hippocampal neuron HT22 cells and mouse astrocyte (MA) cells. A total of 20 µM negative control small interfering (si)RNA and siRNA targeting PTBP1 were transfected into HT22 and MA cells using Lipo8000™ for 3 and 5 days, respectively. The expression of early neuronal marker βIII-Tubulin and mature neuronal markers NeuN and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) were detected using western blotting. In addition, βIII-tubulin, NeuN and MAP2 were labeled with immunofluorescence staining to evaluate neuronal cell differentiation in response to PTBP1 downregulation. Under physiological conditions, no significant changes in the expression of βIII-Tubulin, NeuN and MAP2 were found after 3 and 5 days of knockdown of PTBP1 protein in both HT22 and MA cells. In addition, the immunofluorescence staining results showed no apparent transdifferentiation in maker levels and morphology. The results suggested that the knockdown of PTBP1 failed to induce neuronal differentiation under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Nursing Vocational College, Guiyang, Guizhou 550081, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Yu Qiao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Ji Dao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Meng Qiao
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Chun Cui
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Qin Shen
- Department of Neurodegeneration and Neuroinjury, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
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11
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Huang L, Lai X, Liang X, Chen J, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. A promise for neuronal repair: reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231717. [PMID: 38175538 PMCID: PMC10830445 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231717] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Massive loss of neurons following brain injury or disease is the primary cause of central nervous system dysfunction. Recently, much research has been conducted on how to compensate for neuronal loss in damaged parts of the nervous system and thus restore functional connectivity among neurons. Direct somatic cell differentiation into neurons using pro-neural transcription factors, small molecules, or microRNAs, individually or in association, is the most promising form of neural cell replacement therapy available. This method provides a potential remedy for cell loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the development of reprogramming technology has made this method feasible. This article provides a comprehensive review of reprogramming, including the selection and methods of reprogramming starting cell populations as well as the signaling methods involved in this process. Additionally, we thoroughly examine how reprogramming astrocytes into neurons can be applied to treat stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of neuronal reprogramming and offer insights about the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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12
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Nguyen L. RNA therapeutics for neurological disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:165-180. [PMID: 38359997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the group of diseases that primarily affect the center nervous system, which could lead to a significant negative impact on the ability of learning new skills, speaking, breathing, walking, judging, making decision, and other essential living skills. In the last decade, neurological disorders have significantly increased their impact to our community and become the one of leading causes of disability and death. The World Health Organization has identified neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease and other dementia as the health crisis for the modern life. Tremendous ongoing research efforts focus on understanding of disease genetics, molecular mechanisms and developing therapeutic interventions. Because of the urgent need of the effective therapeutics and the recent advances in the toolkits and understanding for developing more drug-like RNA molecules, there is a growing interest for developing RNA therapeutics for neurological disorders. This article will discuss genetics and mechanisms of neurological disorders and how RNA-based molecules have been used to develop therapeutics for this group of diseases, challenges of RNA therapeutics and future perspectives on this rising therapeutic intervention tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Center for NeuroGenetics, University of Florida, Cancer Genetics Research Complex (CGRC), Gainesville, FL, United States.
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13
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Yu Q, Wu T, Xu W, Wei J, Zhao A, Wang M, Li M, Chi G. PTBP1 as a potential regulator of disease. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04905-x. [PMID: 38129625 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04905-x] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, which plays a key role in alternative splicing of precursor mRNA and RNA metabolism. PTBP1 is universally expressed in various tissues and binds to multiple downstream transcripts to interfere with physiological and pathological processes such as the tumor growth, body metabolism, cardiovascular homeostasis, and central nervous system damage, showing great prospects in many fields. The function of PTBP1 involves the regulation and interaction of various upstream molecules, including circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). These regulatory systems are inseparable from the development and treatment of diseases. Here, we review the latest knowledge regarding the structure and molecular functions of PTBP1 and summarize its functions and mechanisms of PTBP1 in various diseases, including controversial studies. Furthermore, we recommend future studies on PTBP1 and discuss the prospects of targeting PTBP1 in new clinical therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongtong Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Yang G, Yan Z, Wu X, Zhang M, Xu C, Shi L, Yang H, Fang K. Ptbp1 knockdown failed to induce astrocytes to neurons in vivo. Gene Ther 2023; 30:801-806. [PMID: 36721028 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-023-00382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons is a promising potential strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have reported that shRNA-, CasRx-, or ASO-mediated Ptbp1 suppression could reprogram resident astrocytes to neurons. However, some groups have disputed the interpretation of the data underlying the reported neuron conversion events. These controversies surrounding neuron conversion may be due to differences in the astrocyte fate-mapping systems. Here, we suppressed Ptbp1 using Cas13X and labelled astrocytes with an HA tag fused to Cas13X (Cas13X-NLS-HA). We found no astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in the mouse striatum via the HA-tagged labelling system compared with the GFAP-driven tdTomato labelling system (AAV-GFAP::tdTomato-WPRE) used in previous studies. Our findings indicate that Cas13X-mediated Ptbp1 knockdown failed to induce neuron conversion in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zixiang Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Meng Zhang
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlong Xu
- Lingang Laboratory/Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyu Shi
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Huigene Therapeutics Inc., Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kailun Fang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Gleichman AJ, Kawaguchi R, Sofroniew MV, Carmichael ST. A toolbox of astrocyte-specific, serotype-independent adeno-associated viral vectors using microRNA targeting sequences. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7426. [PMID: 37973910 PMCID: PMC10654773 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, one of the most prevalent cell types in the central nervous system (CNS), are critically involved in neural function. Genetically manipulating astrocytes is an essential tool in understanding and affecting their roles. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) enable rapid genetic manipulation; however, astrocyte specificity of AAVs can be limited, with high off-target expression in neurons and sparsely in endothelial cells. Here, we report the development of a cassette of four copies of six miRNA targeting sequences (4x6T) which triggers transgene degradation specifically in neurons and endothelial cells. In combination with the GfaABC1D promoter, 4x6T increases astrocytic specificity of Cre with a viral reporter from <50% to >99% in multiple serotypes in mice, and confers astrocyte specificity in multiple recombinases and reporters. We also present empty vectors to add 4x6T to other cargo, independently and in Cre/Dre-dependent forms. This toolbox of AAVs allows rapid manipulation of astrocytes throughout the CNS, is compatible with different AAV serotypes, and demonstrates the efficacy of using multiplexed miRNA targeting sequences to decrease expression in multiple off-target cell populations simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Gleichman
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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16
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and NFI factors in adult mammalian retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.29.560483. [PMID: 37961663 PMCID: PMC10634926 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.560483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite successful applications in vitro , in vivo implementation has been hampered by low efficiency. In this study, we present a highly efficient strategy for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons by simultaneously inhibiting key negative regulators. By suppressing Notch signaling through the removal of its central mediator Rbpj, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar and amacrine neurons in uninjured adult mouse retinas, and observed that this effect was further enhanced by retinal injury. We found that specific loss of function of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors in Müller glia mimicked the effect of Rbpj deletion on Müller glia-derived neurogenesis. Integrated analysis of multiome (scRNA- and scATAC-seq) and CUT&Tag data revealed that Rbpj directly activates Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while also indirectly represses the expression of neurogenic bHLH factors. Furthermore, we found that combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in a robust conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that inducing Müller glial proliferation by AAV (adeno-associated virus)-mediated overexpression of dominant- active Yap supports efficient levels of Müller glia-derived neurogenesis in both Rbpj - and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj - deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that, much like in zebrafish, Notch signaling actively represses neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia, and suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling and Nfia/b/x in combination with overexpression of activated Yap could serve as an effective component of regenerative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
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17
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Wang J, Sun S, Deng H. Chemical reprogramming for cell fate manipulation: Methods, applications, and perspectives. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1130-1147. [PMID: 37625410 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Chemical reprogramming offers an unprecedented opportunity to control somatic cell fate and generate desired cell types including pluripotent stem cells for applications in biomedicine in a precise, flexible, and controllable manner. Recent success in the chemical reprogramming of human somatic cells by activating a regeneration-like program provides an alternative way of producing stem cells for clinical translation. Likewise, chemical manipulation enables the capture of multiple (stem) cell states, ranging from totipotency to the stabilization of somatic fates in vitro. Here, we review progress in using chemical approaches for cell fate manipulation in addition to future opportunities in this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Wang
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center and the MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shicheng Sun
- Changping Laboratory, 28 Life Science Park Road, Beijing, China; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Hongkui Deng
- MOE Engineering Research Center of Regenerative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center and the MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, College of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Changping Laboratory, 28 Life Science Park Road, Beijing, China.
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18
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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19
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Bazarek SF, Thaqi M, King P, Mehta AR, Patel R, Briggs CA, Reisenbigler E, Yousey JE, Miller EA, Stutzmann GE, Marr RA, Peterson DA. Engineered neurogenesis in naïve adult rat cortex by Ngn2-mediated neuronal reprogramming of resident oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1237176. [PMID: 37662111 PMCID: PMC10471311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1237176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult tissue stem cells contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair but the long-lived neurons in the human adult cerebral cortex are not replaced, despite evidence for a limited regenerative response. However, the adult cortex contains a population of proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). We examined the capacity of rat cortical OPCs to be re-specified to a neuronal lineage both in vitro and in vivo. Expressing the developmental transcription factor Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) in OPCs isolated from adult rat cortex resulted in their expression of early neuronal lineage markers and genes while downregulating expression of OPC markers and genes. Ngn2 induced progression through a neuronal lineage to express mature neuronal markers and functional activity as glutamatergic neurons. In vivo retroviral gene delivery of Ngn2 to naive adult rat cortex ensured restricted targeting to proliferating OPCs. Ngn2 expression in OPCs resulted in their lineage re-specification and transition through an immature neuronal morphology into mature pyramidal cortical neurons with spiny dendrites, axons, synaptic contacts, and subtype specification matching local cytoarchitecture. Lineage re-specification of rat cortical OPCs occurred without prior injury, demonstrating these glial progenitor cells need not be put into a reactive state to achieve lineage reprogramming. These results show it may be feasible to precisely engineer additional neurons directly in adult cerebral cortex for experimental study or potentially for therapeutic use to modify dysfunctional or damaged circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley F. Bazarek
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mentor Thaqi
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Patrick King
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amol R. Mehta
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ronil Patel
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Clark A. Briggs
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emily Reisenbigler
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jonathon E. Yousey
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Elis A. Miller
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Grace E. Stutzmann
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert A. Marr
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniel A. Peterson
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, The Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
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20
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Alber S, Di Matteo P, Zdradzinski MD, Dalla Costa I, Medzihradszky KF, Kawaguchi R, Di Pizio A, Freund P, Panayotis N, Marvaldi L, Doron-Mandel E, Okladnikov N, Rishal I, Nevo R, Coppola G, Lee SJ, Sahoo PK, Burlingame AL, Twiss JL, Fainzilber M. PTBP1 regulates injury responses and sensory pathways in adult peripheral neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi0286. [PMID: 37506203 PMCID: PMC10381954 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is thought to be expressed only at embryonic stages in central neurons. Its down-regulation triggers neuronal differentiation in precursor and non-neuronal cells, an approach recently tested for generation of neurons de novo for amelioration of neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, PTBP1 is replaced by its paralog PTBP2 in mature central neurons. Unexpectedly, we found that both proteins are coexpressed in adult sensory and motor neurons, with PTBP2 restricted mainly to the nucleus, while PTBP1 also shows axonal localization. Levels of axonal PTBP1 increased markedly after peripheral nerve injury, and it associates in axons with mRNAs involved in injury responses and nerve regeneration, including importin β1 (KPNB1) and RHOA. Perturbation of PTBP1 affects local translation in axons, nociceptor neuron regeneration and both thermal and mechanical sensation. Thus, PTBP1 has functional roles in adult axons. Hence, caution is required before considering targeting of PTBP1 for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Alber
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Pierluigi Di Matteo
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Matthew D. Zdradzinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Irene Dalla Costa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Katalin F. Medzihradszky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Agostina Di Pizio
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Philip Freund
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nicolas Panayotis
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Letizia Marvaldi
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano 10043, Italy
| | - Ella Doron-Mandel
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nataliya Okladnikov
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ida Rishal
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Seung Joon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Pabitra K. Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Alma L. Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jeffery L. Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Mike Fainzilber
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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21
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Wang LL, Zhang CL. Therapeutic Potential of PTBP1 Inhibition, If Any, Is Not Attributed to Glia-to-Neuron Conversion. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:1-15. [PMID: 36750409 PMCID: PMC10404630 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-092822-083410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A holy grail of regenerative medicine is to replenish the cells that are lost due to disease. The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has, however, largely lost such a regenerative ability. An emerging strategy for the generation of new neurons is through glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion in vivo, mainly accomplished by the regulation of fate-determining factors. When inhibited, PTBP1, a factor involved in RNA biology, was reported to induce rapid and efficient GtN conversion in multiple regions of the adult CNS. Remarkably, PTBP1 inhibition was also claimed to greatly improve behaviors of mice with neurological diseases or aging. These phenomenal claims, if confirmed, would constitute a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, neither GtN conversion nor therapeutic potential via PTBP1 inhibition was validated by the results of multiple subsequent replication studies with stringent methods. Here we review these controversial studies and conclude with recommendations for examining GtN conversion in vivo and future investigations of PTBP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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22
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Fu XD, Mobley WC. Therapeutic Potential of PTB Inhibition Through Converting Glial Cells to Neurons in the Brain. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:145-165. [PMID: 37428606 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-083022-113120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy represents a promising approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Contrary to the common addition strategy to generate new neurons from glia by overexpressing a lineage-specific transcription factor(s), a recent study introduced a subtraction strategy by depleting a single RNA-binding protein, Ptbp1, to convert astroglia to neurons not only in vitro but also in the brain. Given its simplicity, multiple groups have attempted to validate and extend this attractive approach but have met with difficulty in lineage tracing newly induced neurons from mature astrocytes, raising the possibility of neuronal leakage as an alternative explanation for apparent astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. This review focuses on the debate over this critical issue. Importantly, multiple lines of evidence suggest that Ptbp1 depletion can convert a selective subpopulation of glial cells into neurons and, via this and other mechanisms, reverse deficits in a Parkinson's disease model, emphasizing the importance of future efforts in exploring this therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong Fu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China;
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
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23
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Wang Y, Xia Y, Kou L, Yin S, Chi X, Li J, Sun Y, Wu J, Zhou Q, Zou W, Jin Z, Huang J, Xiong N, Wang T. Astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and crosstalk in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106224. [PMID: 37433411 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106224] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the fastest growing disabling neurological disorder worldwide, with motor and non-motor symptoms being its main clinical manifestations. The primary pathological features include a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decrease in dopamine levels in the nigrostriatal pathway. Existing treatments only alleviate clinical symptoms and do not stop disease progression; slowing down the loss of dopaminergic neurons and stimulating their regeneration are emerging therapies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that transplantation of dopamine cells generated from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells can restore the loss of dopamine. However, the application of cell transplantation is limited owing to ethical controversies and the restricted source of cells. Until recently, the reprogramming of astrocytes to replenish lost dopaminergic neurons has provided a promising alternative therapy for PD. In addition, repair of mitochondrial perturbations, clearance of damaged mitochondria in astrocytes, and control of astrocyte inflammation may be extensively neuroprotective and beneficial against chronic neuroinflammation in PD. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the progress and remaining issues in astrocyte reprogramming using transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, as well as exploring possible new targets for treating PD by repairing astrocytic mitochondria and reducing astrocytic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Sijia Yin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaosa Chi
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yadi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qiulu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenkai Zou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zongjie Jin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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24
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Stogsdill JA, Harwell CC, Goldman SA. Astrocytes as master modulators of neural networks: Synaptic functions and disease-associated dysfunction of astrocytes. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1525:41-60. [PMID: 37219367 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system and are essential to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of neural circuits. Astrocytes are heterogeneous, with their diversity rooted in developmental programs modulated by the local brain environment. Astrocytes play integral roles in regulating and coordinating neural activity extending far beyond their metabolic support of neurons and other brain cell phenotypes. Both gray and white matter astrocytes occupy critical functional niches capable of modulating brain physiology on time scales slower than synaptic activity but faster than those adaptive responses requiring a structural change or adaptive myelination. Given their many associations and functional roles, it is not surprising that astrocytic dysfunction has been causally implicated in a broad set of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries concerning the contributions of astrocytes to the function of neural networks, with a dual focus on the contribution of astrocytes to synaptic development and maturation, and on their role in supporting myelin integrity, and hence conduction and its regulation. We then address the emerging roles of astrocytic dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and on potential strategies for targeting these cells for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Corey C Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Sana Biotechnology Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Hoang T, Kim DW, Appel H, Ozawa M, Zheng S, Kim J, Blackshaw S. Ptbp1 deletion does not induce astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. Nature 2023; 618:E1-E7. [PMID: 37286658 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06066-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Hoang
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Haley Appel
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sika Zheng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Center for RNA Biology and Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Institute for Cell Engineering, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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26
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Hao Y, Hu J, Xue Y, Dowdy SF, Mobley WC, Qian H, Fu XD. Reply to: Ptbp1 deletion does not induce astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. Nature 2023; 618:E8-E13. [PMID: 37286647 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Hao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jing Hu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Steven F Dowdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hao Qian
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
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27
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Thompson C, Evans B, Zhao D, Purcell E. Spatiotemporal Expression of RNA-Seq Identified Proteins at the Electrode Interface. Acta Biomater 2023; 164:209-222. [PMID: 37116634 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.04.028] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Implantation of electrodes in the brain can be used to record from or stimulate neural tissues to treat neurological disease and injury. However, the tissue response to implanted devices can limit their functional longevity. Recent RNA-seq datasets identify hundreds of genes associated with gliosis, neuronal function, myelination, and cellular metabolism that are spatiotemporally expressed in neural tissues following the insertion of microelectrodes. To validate mRNA as a predictor of protein expression, this study evaluates a sub-set of RNA-seq identified proteins (RSIP) at 24-hours, 1-week, and 6-weeks post-implantation using quantitative immunofluorescence methods. This study found that expression of RSIPs associated with glial activation (Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Polypyrmidine tract binding protein-1 (Ptbp1)), neuronal structure (Neurofilament heavy chain (Nefh), Proteolipid protein-1 (Plp1), Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)), and iron metabolism (Transferrin (TF), Ferritin heavy chain-1 (Fth1)) reinforce transcriptional data. This study also provides additional context to the cellular distribution of RSIPs using a MATLAB-based approach to quantify immunofluorescence intensity within specific cell types. Ptbp1, TF, and Fth1 were found to be spatiotemporally distributed within neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes at the device interface relative to distal and contralateral tissues. The altered distribution of RSIPs relative to distal tissue is largely localized within 100µm of the device injury, which approaches the functional recording range of implanted electrodes. This study provides evidence that RNA-sequencing can be used to predict protein-level changes in cortical tissues and that RSIPs can be further investigated to identify new biomarkers of the tissue response that influence signal quality. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Microelectrode arrays implanted into the brain are useful tools that can be used to study neuroscience and to treat pathological conditions in a clinical setting. The tissue response to these devices, however, can severely limit their functional longevity. Transcriptomics has deepened the understandings of the tissue response by revealing numerous genes which are differentially expressed following device insertion. This manuscript provides validation for the use of transcriptomics to characterize the tissue response by evaluating a subset of known differentially expressed genes at the protein level around implanted electrodes over time. In additional to validating mRNA-to-protein relationships at the device interface, this study has identified emerging trends in the spatiotemporal distribution of proteins involved with glial activation, neuronal remodeling, and essential iron binding proteins around implanted silicon devices. This study additionally provides a new MATLAB based methodology to quantify protein distribution within discrete cell types at the device interface which may be used as biomarkers for further study or therapeutic intervention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cort Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America
| | - Blake Evans
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America
| | - Dorothy Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America
| | - Erin Purcell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America; Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States of America.
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28
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Shen P, Gao J, Huang S, You C, Wang H, Chen P, Yao T, Gao T, Zhou B, Shen S, Zhao X, Ma J. LncRNA AC006064.4-201 serves as a novel molecular marker in alleviating cartilage senescence and protecting against osteoarthritis by destabilizing CDKN1B mRNA via interacting with PTBP1. Biomark Res 2023; 11:39. [PMID: 37055817 PMCID: PMC10099822 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent age-related disease in the world. Chondrocytes undergo an age-dependent decline in their proliferation and synthetic capacity, which is the main cause of OA development. However, the intrinsic mechanism of chondrocyte senescence is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), AC006064.4-201 in the regulation of chondrocyte senescence and OA progression and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The function of AC006064.4-201 in chondrocytes was assessed using western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence (IF) and β-galactosidase staining. The interaction between AC006064.4-201 and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1), as well as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), was evaluated using RPD-MS, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays. Mice models were used to investigate the role of AC006064.4-201 in post-traumatic and age-related OA in vivo. RESULTS Our research revealed that AC006064.4-201 was downregulated in senescent and degenerated human cartilage, which could alleviate senescence and regulate metabolism in chondrocytes. Mechanically, AC006064.4-201 directly interacts with PTBP1 and blocks the binding between PTBP1 and CDKN1B mRNA, thereby destabilizing CDKN1B mRNA and decreasing the translation of CDKN1B. The in vivo experiments were consistent with the results of the in vitro experiments. CONCLUSIONS The AC006064.4-201/PTBP1/CDKN1B axis plays an important role in OA development and provides new molecular markers for the early diagnosis and treatment of OA in the future. Schematic diagram of AC006064.4-201 mechanism. A schematic diagram of the mechanism underlying the effect of AC006064.4-201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panyang Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shaohan Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chenan You
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Teng Yao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tianyou Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Bohao Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuying Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jianjun Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University & Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, China.
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29
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Talifu Z, Liu JY, Pan YZ, Ke H, Zhang CJ, Xu X, Gao F, Yu Y, Du LJ, Li JJ. In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:750-755. [PMID: 36204831 PMCID: PMC9700087 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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30
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Khakh BS, Goldman SA. Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1522:42-59. [PMID: 36864567 PMCID: PMC10145027 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14977] [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: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease-related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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Jiang YK, Dong FY, Dong YB, Zhu XY, Pan LH, Hu LB, Xu L, Xu XF, Xu LM, Zhang XQ. Lateral septal nucleus, dorsal part, and dentate gyrus are necessary for spatial and object recognition memory, respectively, in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1139737. [PMID: 37064302 PMCID: PMC10102498 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1139737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCognitive impairment includes the abnormality of learning, memory and judgment, resulting in severe learning and memory impairment and social activity impairment, which greatly affects the life quality of individuals. However, the specific mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in different behavioral paradigms remain to be elucidated.MethodsThe study utilized two behavioral paradigms, novel location recognition (NLR) and novel object recognition (NOR), to investigate the brain regions involved in cognitive function. These tests comprised two phases: mice were presented with two identical objects for familiarization during the training phase, and a novel (experiment) or familiar (control) object/location was presented during testing. Immunostaining quantification of c-Fos, an immediate early gene used as a neuronal activity marker, was performed in eight different brain regions after the NLR or NOR test.ResultsThe number of c-Fos-positive cells was significantly higher in the dorsal part of the lateral septal nucleus (LSD) in the NLR and dentate gyrus (DG) in the NOR experiment group than in the control group. We further bilaterally lesioned these regions using excitotoxic ibotenic acid and replenished the damaged areas using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) strategy.DiscussionThese data reinforced the importance of LSD and DG in regulating spatial and object recognition memory, respectively. Thus, the study provides insight into the roles of these brain regions and suggests potential intervention targets for impaired spatial and object recognition memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ke Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei-Yuan Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Bei Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Yi Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu-Hui Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin-Bo Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Min Xu
- Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Li-Min Xu,
| | - Xiao-Qin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Qin Zhang,
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Xie Y, Zhou J, Wang LL, Zhang CL, Chen B. New AAV tools fail to detect Neurod1-mediated neuronal conversion of Müller glia and astrocytes in vivo. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104531. [PMID: 36947961 PMCID: PMC10033723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reprogramming resident glial cells to convert them into neurons in vivo represents a potential therapeutic strategy that could replenish lost neurons, repair damaged neural circuits, and restore function. AAV (adeno-associated virus)-based expression systems are powerful tools for in vivo gene delivery in glia-to-neuron reprogramming, however, recent studies show that AAV-based gene delivery of Neurod1 into the mouse brain can cause severe leaky expression into endogenous neurons leading to misinterpretation of glia-to-neuron conversion. METHODS AAV-based delivery systems were modified for improved in vivo delivery of Neurod1, Math5, Ascl1, and Neurog2 in the adult mouse retina and brain. To examine whether bona fide glia-to-neuron conversion occurs, stringent fate mapping experiments were performed to trace the lineage of glial cells. FINDINGS The neuronal leakage is prevalent after AAV-GFAP-mediated delivery of Neurod1, Math5, Ascl1, and Neurog2. The transgene-dependent leakage cannot be corrected after lowering the AAV doses, using alterative AAV serotypes or injection routes. Importantly, we report the development of two new AAV-based tools that can significantly reduce neuronal leakage. Using the new AAV-based tools, we provide evidence that Neurod1 gene transfer fails to convert lineage traced glial cells into neurons. INTERPRETATION Stringent fate mapping techniques independently of an AAV-based expression system are the golden standard for tracing the fate of glia cells during neuronal reprogramming. The newly developed AAV-based systems are invaluable tools for glia-to-neuron reprogramming in vivo. FUNDING The work in Chen lab was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants R01 EY024986 and R01 EY028921, an unrestricted challenge grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Foundation, and The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation for Vision Research. The work in Zhang lab was supported by NIH (R01 NS127375 and R01 NS117065) and The Decherd Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Huang Q, Chen C, Chen W, Cai C, Xing H, Li J, Li M, Ma S. Cell type- and region-specific translatomes in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106105. [PMID: 36977454 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons (DANs), involving the dysregulation of both neurons and glial cells. Cell type- and region-specific gene expression profiles can provide an effective source for revealing the mechanisms of PD. In this study, we adopted the RiboTag approach to obtain cell type (DAN, microglia, astrocytes)- and brain region (substantia nigra, caudate-putamen)-specific translatomes at an early stage in an MPTP-induced mouse model of PD. Through DAN-specific translatome analysis, the glycosphingolipid biosynthetic process was identified as a significantly downregulated pathway in the MPTP-treated mice. ST8Sia6, a key downregulated gene related to glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, was confirmed to be downregulated in nigral DANs from postmortem brains of patients with PD. Specific expression of ST8Sia6 in DANs exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in MPTP-treated mice. Through cell type (microglia vs. astrocyte) and brain region (substantia nigra vs. caudate-putamen) comparisons, nigral microglia showed the most intense immune responses. Microglia and astrocytes in the substantia nigra showed similar levels of activation in interferon-related pathways and interferon gamma (IFNG) was identified as the top upstream regulator in both cell types. This work highlights that the glycosphingolipid metabolism pathway in the DAN is involved in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in an MPTP mouse model of PD and provides a new data source for elucidating the pathogenesis of PD.
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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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Develop an efficient and specific AAV-based labeling system for Muller glia in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22410. [PMID: 36575359 PMCID: PMC9794687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming Müller glia (MG) into functional cells is considered a promising therapeutic strategy to treat ocular diseases and vision loss. However, current AAV-based system for MG-tracing was reported to have high leakage in recent studies. Here, we focused on reducing the leakage of AAV-based labeling systems and found that different AAV serotypes showed a range of efficiency and specificity in labeling MG, leading us to optimize a human GFAP-Cre reporter system packaged in the AAV9 serotype with the woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) removed. The leakage ratio of the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-ΔWPRE decreased by an approximate 40-fold compared with the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-WPRE labeling system. In addition, we validated the specificity of the AAV-ΔWPRE system for tracing MG reprogramming under Ptbp1-suppression and observed strict non-MG-conversion, similar to previous studies using genetic lineage tracking mouse models. Thus, the AAV9-hGFAP-Cre-ΔWPRE system showed high efficiency and specificity for MG labeling, providing a promising tool for tracing cell fate in vivo.
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Cooper A, Berninger B. Gatekeeping astrocyte identity. eLife 2022; 11:80232. [PMID: 35723428 PMCID: PMC9208752 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80232] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
New findings cast doubt on whether suppressing the RNA-binding protein PTBP1 can force astrocytes to become dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Cooper
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.,University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Seng C, Luo W, Földy C. Circuit formation in the adult brain. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4187-4213. [PMID: 35724981 PMCID: PMC9546018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Seng
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wenshu Luo
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Földy
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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