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Wu HF, Saito-Diaz K, Huang CW, McAlpine JL, Seo DE, Magruder DS, Ishan M, Bergeron HC, Delaney WH, Santori FR, Krishnaswamy S, Hart GW, Chen YW, Hogan RJ, Liu HX, Ivanova NB, Zeltner N. Parasympathetic neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells model human diseases and development. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:734-753.e8. [PMID: 38608707 PMCID: PMC11069445 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Autonomic parasympathetic neurons (parasymNs) control unconscious body responses, including "rest-and-digest." ParasymN innervation is important for organ development, and parasymN dysfunction is a hallmark of autonomic neuropathy. However, parasymN function and dysfunction in humans are vastly understudied due to the lack of a model system. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons can fill this void as a versatile platform. Here, we developed a differentiation paradigm detailing the derivation of functional human parasymNs from Schwann cell progenitors. We employ these neurons (1) to assess human autonomic nervous system (ANS) development, (2) to model neuropathy in the genetic disorder familial dysautonomia (FD), (3) to show parasymN dysfunction during SARS-CoV-2 infection, (4) to model the autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and (5) to show that parasymNs innervate white adipocytes (WATs) during development and promote WAT maturation. Our model system could become instrumental for future disease modeling and drug discovery studies, as well as for human developmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jessica L McAlpine
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Dong Eun Seo
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - D Sumner Magruder
- Department of Genetics, Department of Computer Science, Wu Tsai Institute, Program for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mohamed Ishan
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Harrison C Bergeron
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - William H Delaney
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Fabio R Santori
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Smita Krishnaswamy
- Department of Genetics, Department of Computer Science, Wu Tsai Institute, Program for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Gerald W Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Institute for Airway Sciences, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert J Hogan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Hong-Xiang Liu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Natalia B Ivanova
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Zeltner N, Wu HF, Saito-Diaz K, Sun X, Song M, Saini T, Grant C, James C, Thomas K, Abate Y, Howerth E, Kner P, Xu B. A modular platform to generate functional sympathetic neuron-innervated heart assembloids. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3894397. [PMID: 38562819 PMCID: PMC10984094 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3894397/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The technology of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based 3D organoid/assembloid cultures has become a powerful tool for the study of human embryonic development, disease modeling and drug discovery in recent years. The autonomic sympathetic nervous system innervates and regulates almost all organs in the body, including the heart. Yet, most reported organoids to date are not innervated, thus lacking proper neural regulation, and hindering reciprocal tissue maturation. Here, we developed a simple and versatile sympathetic neuron (symN)-innervated cardiac assembloid without the need for bioengineering. Our human sympathetic cardiac assembloids (hSCAs) showed mature muscle structures, atrial to ventricular patterning, and spontaneous beating. hSCA-innervating symNs displayed neurotransmitter synthesis and functional regulation of the cardiac beating rate, which could be manipulated pharmacologically or optogenetically. We modeled symN-mediated cardiac development and myocardial infarction. This hSCAs provides a tool for future neurocardiotoxicity screening approaches and is highly versatile and modular, where the types of neuron (symN or parasympathetic or sensory neuron) and organoid (heart, lung, kidney) to be innervated may be interchanged.
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Wu HF, Art J, Saini T, Zeltner N. Protocol for generating postganglionic sympathetic neurons using human pluripotent stem cells for electrophysiological and functional assessments. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102970. [PMID: 38517897 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Assessing the development and function of the sympathetic nervous system in diseases on a large scale is challenging. Here, we present a protocol to generate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived postganglionic sympathetic neurons (symNs) differentiated via neural crest cells (NCCs), which can be cryopreserved. We describe steps for hPSC replating, NCC replating and cryobanking, and symN differentiation. We then demonstrate the functionality of the hPSC-derived symNs, focusing on electrophysiological activity, calcium flux, and norepinephrine dynamics. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wu et al.1,2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jennifer Art
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tripti Saini
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Dookwah M, Wagner SK, Ishihara M, Yu SH, Ulrichs H, Kulik MJ, Zeltner N, Dalton S, Strauss KA, Aoki K, Steet R, Tiemeyer M. Neural-specific alterations in glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and cell signaling associated with two human ganglioside GM3 synthase deficiency variants. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3323-3341. [PMID: 37676252 PMCID: PMC10695682 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
GM3 Synthase Deficiency (GM3SD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from pathogenic variants in the ST3GAL5 gene, which encodes GM3 synthase, a glycosphingolipid (GSL)-specific sialyltransferase. This enzyme adds a sialic acid to the terminal galactose of lactosylceramide (LacCer) to produce the monosialylated ganglioside GM3. In turn, GM3 is extended by other glycosyltransferases to generate nearly all the complex gangliosides enriched in neural tissue. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the neural phenotypes associated with GM3SD are unknown. To explore how loss of GM3 impacts neural-specific glycolipid glycosylation and cell signaling, GM3SD patient fibroblasts bearing one of two different ST3GAL5 variants were reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then differentiated to neural crest cells (NCCs). GM3 and GM3-derived gangliosides were undetectable in cells carrying either variant, while LacCer precursor levels were elevated compared to wildtype (WT). NCCs of both variants synthesized elevated levels of neutral lacto- and globo-series, as well as minor alternatively sialylated GSLs compared to WT. Ceramide profiles were also shifted in GM3SD variant cells. Altered GSL profiles in GM3SD cells were accompanied by dynamic changes in the cell surface proteome, protein O-GlcNAcylation, and receptor tyrosine kinase abundance. GM3SD cells also exhibited increased apoptosis and sensitivity to erlotinib-induced inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Pharmacologic inhibition of O-GlcNAcase rescued baseline and erlotinib-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings indicate aberrant cell signaling during differentiation of GM3SD iPSCs and also underscore the challenge of distinguishing between variant effect and genetic background effect on specific phenotypic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Dookwah
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Shannon K Wagner
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Mayumi Ishihara
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Seok-Ho Yu
- Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646, United States
| | - Heidi Ulrichs
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Michael J Kulik
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Stephen Dalton
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Kevin A Strauss
- Clinic for Special Children, 535 Bunker Hill Road, Strasburg, PA 17579, United States
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Richard Steet
- Greenwood Genetic Center, 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646, United States
| | - Michael Tiemeyer
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, United States
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Huang CW, Rust NC, Wu HF, Yin A, Zeltner N, Yin H, Hart GW. Low glucose induced Alzheimer's disease-like biochemical changes in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons is due to dysregulated O-GlcNAcylation. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:4872-4885. [PMID: 37037474 PMCID: PMC10562522 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) is the leading type of dementia. Brain glucose hypometabolism, along with decreased O-GlcNAcylation levels, occurs before the onset of symptoms and correlates with pathogenesis. Heretofore, the mechanisms involved and the roles of O-GlcNAcylation in sAD pathology largely remain unknown due to a lack of human models of sAD. METHODS Human cortical neurons were generated from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and treated with glucose reduction media. RESULTS We found a narrow window of glucose concentration that induces sAD-like phenotypes in PSC-derived neurons. With our model, we reveal that dysregulated O-GlcNAc, in part through mitochondrial dysfunction, causes the onset of sAD-like changes. We demonstrate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting O-GlcNAcase in alleviating AD-like biochemical changes. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that dysregulated O-GlcNAc might be a direct molecular link between hypometabolism and sAD-like alternations. Moreover, this model can be exploited to explore molecular processes and for drug development. HIGHLIGHTS Lowering glucose to a critical level causes AD-like changes in cortical neurons. Defective neuronal structure and function were also recapitulated in current model. Dysregulated O-GlcNAcylation links impaired glucose metabolism to AD-like changes. Mitochondrial abnormalities correlate with O-GlcNAcylation and precede AD-like phenotype. Our model provides a platform to study sAD as a metabolic disease in human neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wei Huang
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Rust
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Amelia Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Gerald W. Hart
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Wu HF, Huang CW, Art J, Liu HX, Hart GW, Zeltner N. O-GlcNAcylation is crucial for sympathetic neuron development, maintenance, functionality and contributes to peripheral neuropathy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1137847. [PMID: 37229433 PMCID: PMC10203903 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1137847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) that regulates a wide range of cellular functions and has been associated with multiple metabolic diseases in various organs. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the efferent portion of the autonomic nervous system that regulates metabolism of almost all organs in the body. How much the development and functionality of the SNS are influenced by O-GlcNAcylation, as well as how such regulation could contribute to sympathetic neuron (symN)-related neuropathy in diseased states, remains unknown. Here, we assessed the level of protein O-GlcNAcylation at various stages of symN development, using a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based symN differentiation paradigm. We found that pharmacological disruption of O-GlcNAcylation impaired both the growth and survival of hPSC-derived symNs. In the high glucose condition that mimics hyperglycemia, hPSC-derived symNs were hyperactive, and their regenerative capacity was impaired, which resembled typical neuronal defects in patients and animal models of diabetes mellitus. Using this model of sympathetic neuropathy, we discovered that O-GlcNAcylation increased in symNs under high glucose, which lead to hyperactivity. Pharmacological inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation rescued high glucose-induced symN hyperactivity and cell stress. This framework provides the first insight into the roles of O-GlcNAcylation in both healthy and diseased human symNs and may be used as a platform for therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Chia-Wei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer Art
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Hong-Xiang Liu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Gerald W. Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Saito-Diaz K, James C, Patel AJ, Zeltner N. Isolation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neuron subtypes by immunopanning. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1101423. [PMID: 37206924 PMCID: PMC10189519 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1101423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neurons (SNs) detect a wide range of information from the body and the environment that is critical for homeostasis. There are three main subtypes of SNs: nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors, which express different membrane proteins, such as TRKA, TRKB, or TRKC, respectively. Human pluripotent stem cell technology provides an ideal platform to study development and diseases of SNs, however there is not a viable method to isolate individual SN subtype for downstream analysis available. Here, we employ the method immunopanning to isolate each SN subtype. This method is very gentle and allows proper survival after the isolation. We use antibodies against TRKA, TRKB, and TRKC to isolate nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors, respectively. We show that our cultures are enriched for each subtype and express their respective subtype markers. Furthermore, we show that the immunopanned SNs are electrically active and respond to specific stimuli. Thus, our method can be used to purify viable neuronal subtypes using respective membrane proteins for downstream studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Christina James
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Archie Jayesh Patel
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Saito-Diaz K, Dietrich P, Wu HF, Sun X, Patel AJ, Wzientek CG, Prudden AR, Boons GJ, Chen S, Studer L, Xu B, Dragatsis I, Zeltner N. Genipin Crosslinks the Extracellular Matrix to Rescue Developmental and Degenerative Defects, and Accelerates Regeneration of Peripheral Neurons. bioRxiv 2023:2023.03.22.533831. [PMID: 36993570 PMCID: PMC10055431 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for proper body function. A high percentage of the population suffer nerve degeneration or peripheral damage. For example, over 40% of patients with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy develop peripheral neuropathies. Despite this, there are major gaps in the knowledge of human PNS development and therefore, there are no available treatments. Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a devastating disorder that specifically affects the PNS making it an ideal model to study PNS dysfunction. FD is caused by a homozygous point mutation in ELP1 leading to developmental and degenerative defects in the sensory and autonomic lineages. We previously employed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to show that peripheral sensory neurons (SNs) are not generated efficiently and degenerate over time in FD. Here, we conducted a chemical screen to identify compounds able to rescue this SN differentiation inefficiency. We identified that genipin, a compound prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for neurodegenerative disorders, restores neural crest and SN development in FD, both in the hPSC model and in a FD mouse model. Additionally, genipin prevented FD neuronal degeneration, suggesting that it could be offered to patients suffering from PNS neurodegenerative disorders. We found that genipin crosslinks the extracellular matrix, increases the stiffness of the ECM, reorganizes the actin cytoskeleton, and promotes transcription of YAP-dependent genes. Finally, we show that genipin enhances axon regeneration in an in vitro axotomy model in healthy sensory and sympathetic neurons (part of the PNS) and in prefrontal cortical neurons (part of the central nervous system, CNS). Our results suggest genipin can be used as a promising drug candidate for treatment of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, and as a enhancer of neuronal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Paula Dietrich
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Geert-Jan Boons
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bingqian Xu
- College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Ioannis Dragatsis
- Department of Physiology, The University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
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Wu HF, Yu W, Saito-Diaz K, Huang CW, Carey J, Lefcort F, Hart GW, Liu HX, Zeltner N. Norepinephrine transporter defects lead to sympathetic hyperactivity in Familial Dysautonomia models. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7032. [PMID: 36396637 PMCID: PMC9671909 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34811-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial dysautonomia (FD), a rare neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder affects the sympathetic and sensory nervous system. Although almost all patients harbor a mutation in ELP1, it remains unresolved exactly how function of sympathetic neurons (symNs) is affected; knowledge critical for understanding debilitating disease hallmarks, including cardiovascular instability or dysautonomic crises, that result from dysregulated sympathetic activity. Here, we employ the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) system to understand symN disease mechanisms and test candidate drugs. FD symNs are intrinsically hyperactive in vitro, in cardiomyocyte co-cultures, and in animal models. We report reduced norepinephrine transporter expression, decreased intracellular norepinephrine (NE), decreased NE re-uptake, and excessive extracellular NE in FD symNs. SymN hyperactivity is not a direct ELP1 mutation result, but may connect to NET via RAB proteins. We found that candidate drugs lowered hyperactivity independent of ELP1 modulation. Our findings may have implications for other symN disorders and may allow future drug testing and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Wenxin Yu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Joseph Carey
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Frances Lefcort
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Gerald W Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Hong-Xiang Liu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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10
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Latchoumane CFV, Chopra P, Sun L, Ahmed A, Palmieri F, Wu HF, Guerreso R, Thorne K, Zeltner N, Boons GJ, Karumbaiah L. Synthetic Heparan Sulfate Hydrogels Regulate Neurotrophic Factor Signaling and Neuronal Network Activity. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:28476-28488. [PMID: 35708492 PMCID: PMC10108098 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) synthetic heparan sulfate (HS) constructs possess promising attributes for neural tissue engineering applications. However, their sulfation-dependent ability to facilitate molecular recognition and cell signaling has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that fully sulfated synthetic HS constructs (bearing compound 1) that are functionalized with neural adhesion peptides will enhance fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) binding and complexation with FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1) to promote the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) when compared to constructs with unsulfated controls (bearing compound 2). We tested this hypothesis in vitro using 2D and 3D substrates consisting of different combinations of HS tetrasaccharides (compounds 3 and 4) and an engineered integrin-binding chimeric peptide (CP), which were assembled using strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) chemistry. Results indicated that the adhesion of hNSCs increased significantly when cultured on 2D glass substrates functionalized with chimeric peptide. hNSCs encapsulated in 1-CP hydrogels and cultured in media containing the mitogen FGF2 exhibited significantly higher neuronal differentiation when compared to hNSCs in 2-CP hydrogels. These observations were corroborated by Western blot analysis, which indicated the enhanced binding and retention of both FGF2 and FGFR1 by 1 as well as downstream phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and enhanced proliferation of hNSCs. Lastly, calcium activity imaging revealed that both 1 and 2 hydrogels supported the neuronal growth and activity of pre-differentiated human prefrontal cortex neurons. Collectively, these results demonstrate that synthetic HS hydrogels can be tailored to regulate growth factor signaling and neuronal fate and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles-Francois V Latchoumane
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Edgar L. Rhodes Center for ADS, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Pradeep Chopra
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Lifeng Sun
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3583, The Netherlands
| | - Aws Ahmed
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Francesco Palmieri
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3583, The Netherlands
| | - Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Rebecca Guerreso
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Edgar L. Rhodes Center for ADS, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Kristen Thorne
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Geert-Jan Boons
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3583, The Netherlands
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Lohitash Karumbaiah
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Edgar L. Rhodes Center for ADS, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
- Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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11
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Saito-Diaz K, Zeltner N. A protocol to differentiate nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors from human pluripotent stem cells. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101187. [PMID: 35330962 PMCID: PMC8938318 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) show promise for studying diseases affecting cell populations that are not easily available, including sensory neurons (SNs). Here, we present a differentiation protocol in chemically defined conditions to generate peripheral SNs from hPSCs. We describe four main steps: expansion of hPSCs, neural crest cell (NCC) differentiation, NCC dissociation and replating, and sensory neuron (SN) differentiation. This protocol enables generation of a mechanoreceptor-enriched culture or a population containing all three SN subtypes (nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Saito-Diaz et al. (2021). Protocol for differentiation of hPSCs into different types of SNs from one culture Step-by-step protocol for in vitro differentiation of NCCs In vitro differentiation into mechanoreceptor-enriched culture Differentiation of three main SN subtypes that mimic in vivo composition
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Corresponding author
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12
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Wu HF, Huang CW, Daga KR, Marklein RA, Ivanova N, Zeltner N. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived functional sympathetic neurons express ACE2 and RAAS components: a framework for studying the effect of COVID-19 on sympathetic responsiveness. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:59-63. [PMID: 35091835 PMCID: PMC8799422 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-021-00850-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kanupriya R Daga
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Rhodes Center for Animal Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ross A Marklein
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Rhodes Center for Animal Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Natalia Ivanova
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Genetics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, 325 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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13
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Cederquist GY, Tchieu J, Callahan SJ, Ramnarine K, Ryan S, Zhang C, Rittenhouse C, Zeltner N, Chung SY, Zhou T, Chen S, Betel D, White RM, Tomishima M, Studer L. A Multiplex Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Platform Defines Molecular and Functional Subclasses of Autism-Related Genes. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 27:35-49.e6. [PMID: 32619517 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Despite significant advances in the genetics of autism, understanding how genetic changes perturb brain development and affect clinical symptoms remains elusive. Here, we present a multiplex human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) platform, in which 30 isogenic disease lines are pooled in a single dish and differentiated into prefrontal cortex (PFC) lineages to efficiently test early-developmental hypotheses of autism. We define subgroups of autism mutations that perturb PFC neurogenesis and are correlated to abnormal WNT/βcatenin responses. Class 1 mutations (8 of 27) inhibit while class 2 mutations (5 of 27) enhance PFC neurogenesis. Remarkably, autism patient data reveal that individuals carrying subclass-specific mutations differ clinically in their corresponding language acquisition profiles. Our study provides a framework to disentangle genetic heterogeneity associated with autism and points toward converging molecular and developmental pathways of diverse autism-associated mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Y Cederquist
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill-Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jason Tchieu
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Scott J Callahan
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA; Cancer Genetics and Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA; Gerstner Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kiran Ramnarine
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sean Ryan
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chelsea Rittenhouse
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cellular Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sun Young Chung
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ting Zhou
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Doron Betel
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Richard M White
- Cancer Genetics and Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mark Tomishima
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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14
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Mus LM, Van Haver S, Popovic M, Trypsteen W, Lefever S, Zeltner N, Ogando Y, Jacobs EZ, Denecker G, Sanders E, Van Neste C, Vanhauwaert S, Decaesteker B, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Mestdagh P, Vandesompele J, Menten B, De Preter K, Studer L, Heindryckx B, Durinck K, Roberts S, Speleman F. Recurrent chromosomal imbalances provide selective advantage to human embryonic stem cells under enhanced replicative stress conditions. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 60:272-281. [PMID: 33336840 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and embryonal tumors share a number of common features, including a compromised G1/S checkpoint. Consequently, these rapidly dividing hESCs and cancer cells undergo elevated levels of replicative stress, inducing genomic instability that drives chromosomal imbalances. In this context, it is of interest that long-term in vitro cultured hESCs exhibit a remarkable high incidence of segmental DNA copy number gains, some of which are also highly recurrent in certain malignancies such as 17q gain (17q+). The selective advantage of DNA copy number changes in these cells has been attributed to several underlying processes including enhanced proliferation. We hypothesized that these recurrent chromosomal imbalances become rapidly embedded in the cultured hESCs through a replicative stress driven Darwinian selection process. To this end, we compared the effect of hydroxyurea-induced replicative stress vs normal growth conditions in an equally mixed cell population of isogenic euploid and 17q + hESCs. We could show that 17q + hESCs rapidly overtook normal hESCs. Our data suggest that recurrent chromosomal segmental gains provide a proliferative advantage to hESCs under increased replicative stress, a process that may also explain the highly recurrent nature of certain imbalances in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liselot M Mus
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Van Haver
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Trypsteen
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steve Lefever
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Yudelca Ogando
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Eva Z Jacobs
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geertrui Denecker
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Sanders
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Neste
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Vanhauwaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bieke Decaesteker
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Mestdagh
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen De Preter
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Durinck
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephen Roberts
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Frank Speleman
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent University, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Wu HF, Zeltner N. Efficient Differentiation of Postganglionic Sympathetic Neurons using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Feeder-free and Chemically Defined Culture Conditions. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32510508 DOI: 10.3791/60843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have become a powerful tool for disease modeling and the study of human embryonic development in vitro. We previously presented a differentiation protocol for the derivation of autonomic neurons with sympathetic character that has been applied to patients with autonomic neuropathy. However, the protocol was built on Knock Out Serum Replacement (KSR) and feeder-based culture conditions, and to ensure high differentiation efficiency, cell sorting was necessary. These factors cause high variability, high cost, and low reproducibility. Moreover, mature sympathetic properties, including electrical activity, have not been verified. Here, we present an optimized protocol where PSC culture and differentiation are performed in feeder-free and chemically defined culture conditions. Genetic markers identifying trunk neural crest are identified. Further differentiation into postganglionic sympathetic neurons is achieved after 20 days without the need for cell sorting. Electrophysiological recording further shows the functional neuron identity. Firing detected from our differentiated neurons can be enhanced by nicotine and suppressed by the adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol. Intermediate sympathetic neural progenitors in this protocol can be maintained as neural spheroids for up to 2 weeks, which allows expansion of the cultures. In sum, our updated sympathetic neuron differentiation protocol shows high differentiation efficiency, better reproducibility, more flexibility, and better neural maturation compared to the previous version. This protocol will provide researchers with the cells necessary to study human disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia; Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia;
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16
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Abstract
Sympathetic neurons are crucial for maintenance of body homeostasis and regulation of all organs. Diseases can arise from malfunction of sympathetic neurons, including malignancies, hypertension, and genetic disorders. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) allow modeling of human diseases and the in-depth study of pathologies of specific cell types associated with such disorders. Advances in the ability to differentiate hPSCs in vitro has allowed the generation of specific cell types such as sympathetic neurons, which provides the novel opportunity to study diseases affecting the sympathetic nervous system in the human context. Here, we compare selected recent publications that have achieved the goal of generating sympathetic neurons from hPSCs. We discuss strengths and weaknesses of each approach and debate future improvements and the next steps for using these neurons to better our understanding of sympathetic neuron disorders and their treatments. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Cellular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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17
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Abstract
We describe an in vitro differentiation protocol to derive autonomic neurons of the peripheral nervous system with the character of postganglionic sympathetic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. This protocol has been used to generate autonomic neurons from healthy embryonic stem cells as well as from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which were previously used to model familial dysautonomia, a genetic childhood disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe each step in detail that is necessary to successfully derive these cells. First, we generate neural crest cells, which are purified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This is followed by intermediate culture as neural crest spheroids, where the cells can be expanded, and lastly long-term differentiation into neurons. The cells have morphological and molecular characteristics of autonomic neurons and thus can be employed to study diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Hsueh Fu Wu
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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18
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Saito-Diaz K, Zeltner N. Induced pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling, cell therapy and drug discovery in genetic autonomic disorders: a review. Clin Auton Res 2019; 29:367-384. [PMID: 30631982 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-018-00587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates all organs in the body independent of consciousness, and is thus essential for maintaining homeostasis of the entire organism. Diseases of the ANS can arise due to environmental insults such as injury, toxins/drugs and infections or due to genetic lesions. Human studies and animal models have been instrumental to understanding connectivity and regulation of the ANS and its disorders. However, research into cellular pathologies and molecular mechanisms of ANS disorders has been hampered by the difficulties in accessing human patient-derived ANS cells in large numbers to conduct meaningful research, mainly because patient neurons cannot be easily biopsied and primary human neuronal cultures cannot be expanded.Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology can elegantly bridge these issues, allowing unlimited access of patient-derived ANS cell types for cellular, molecular and biochemical analysis, facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, and eventually leading to drug discovery. Additionally, such cells may provide a source for cell replacement therapy to replenish lost or injured ANS tissue in patients.Here, we first review the anatomy and embryonic development of the ANS, as this knowledge is crucial for understanding disease modeling approaches. We then review the current advances in human stem cell technology for modeling diseases of the ANS, recent strides toward cell replacement therapy and drug discovery initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyi Saito-Diaz
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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19
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Tchieu J, Zimmer B, Fattahi F, Amin S, Zeltner N, Chen S, Studer L. A Modular Platform for Differentiation of Human PSCs into All Major Ectodermal Lineages. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 21:399-410.e7. [PMID: 28886367 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Directing the fate of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into different lineages requires variable starting conditions and components with undefined activities, introducing inconsistencies that confound reproducibility and assessment of specific perturbations. Here we introduce a simple, modular protocol for deriving the four main ectodermal lineages from hPSCs. By precisely varying FGF, BMP, WNT, and TGFβ pathway activity in a minimal, chemically defined medium, we show parallel, robust, and reproducible derivation of neuroectoderm, neural crest (NC), cranial placode (CP), and non-neural ectoderm in multiple hPSC lines, on different substrates independently of cell density. We highlight the utility of this system by interrogating the role of TFAP2 transcription factors in ectodermal differentiation, revealing the importance of TFAP2A in NC and CP specification, and performing a small-molecule screen that identified compounds that further enhance CP differentiation. This platform provides a simple stage for systematic derivation of the entire range of ectodermal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tchieu
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bastian Zimmer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Faranak Fattahi
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sadaf Amin
- Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA; Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Soliman MA, Aboharb F, Zeltner N, Studer L. Pluripotent stem cells in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1241-1249. [PMID: 28322279 PMCID: PMC5582162 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders place an enormous medical burden on patients across all social and economic ranks. The current understanding of the molecular and cellular causes of neuropsychiatric disease remains limited, which leads to a lack of targeted therapies. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a novel platform for modeling the genetic contribution to mental disorders and yields access to patient-specific cells for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Here, we review recent progress in using iPSC technology to model and potentially treat neuropsychiatric disorders by focusing on the most prevalent conditions in psychiatry, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Soliman
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA,Developmental Biology and Center of Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,, Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 256, New York, NY 10065, US. E-mail: or
| | - F Aboharb
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA,Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Zeltner
- Developmental Biology and Center of Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Studer
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA,Developmental Biology and Center of Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,, Developmental Biology, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, Box 256, New York, NY 10065, US. E-mail: or
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Zeltner N, Studer L. Pluripotent stem cell-based disease modeling: current hurdles and future promise. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2015; 37:102-10. [PMID: 26629748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can yield unlimited numbers of patient-specific cells of any type and may be an important tool in efforts to overcome current shortcomings in biomedical research. In vitro disease models based on the use of hiPSCs have been proposed for various applications. Those include drug discovery and validation, efficacy, safety and toxicity assays, the elucidation of previously unknown disease mechanisms, the enhancement of animal based assays, the promise of conducting clinical trials in the dish and the identification of cell types and stages suitable for cell replacement therapies. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of hiPSC-based disease modeling and discuss recent progress and remaining challenges on the road to realizing the full potential of this novel technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Zeltner
- Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA; Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, USA.
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Zeltner N, Lafaille FG, Fattahi F, Studer L. Feeder-free derivation of neural crest progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24893703 DOI: 10.3791/51609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have great potential for studying human embryonic development, for modeling human diseases in the dish and as a source of transplantable cells for regenerative applications after disease or accidents. Neural crest (NC) cells are the precursors for a large variety of adult somatic cells, such as cells from the peripheral nervous system and glia, melanocytes and mesenchymal cells. They are a valuable source of cells to study aspects of human embryonic development, including cell fate specification and migration. Further differentiation of NC progenitor cells into terminally differentiated cell types offers the possibility to model human diseases in vitro, investigate disease mechanisms and generate cells for regenerative medicine. This article presents the adaptation of a currently available in vitro differentiation protocol for the derivation of NC cells from hPSCs. This new protocol requires 18 days of differentiation, is feeder-free, easily scalable and highly reproducible among human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines as well as human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines. Both old and new protocols yield NC cells of equal identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Zeltner
- Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research;
| | - Fabien G Lafaille
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University
| | - Faranak Fattahi
- Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
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Lee G, Ramirez CN, Kim H, Zeltner N, Liu B, Radu C, Bhinder B, Kim YJ, Choi IY, Mukherjee-Clavin B, Djaballah H, Studer L. Large-scale screening using familial dysautonomia induced pluripotent stem cells identifies compounds that rescue IKBKAP expression. Nat Biotechnol 2012; 30:1244-8. [PMID: 23159879 PMCID: PMC3711177 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a novel system for modeling human genetic disease and could develop into a key drug discovery platform. We recently reported disease-specific phenotypes in iPSCs from familial dysautonomia (FD) patients. FD is a rare but fatal genetic disorder affecting neural crest lineages. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of performing a primary screen in FD-iPSC derived neural crest precursors. Out of 6,912 compounds tested we characterized 8 hits that rescue expression of IKBKAP, the gene responsible for FD. One of those hits, SKF-86466, is shown to induce IKBKAP transcription via modulation of intracellular cAMP levels and PKA dependent CREB phosphorylation. SKF-86466 also rescues IKAP protein expression and the disease-specific loss of autonomic neuron marker expression. Our data implicate alpha-2 adrenergic receptor activity in regulating IKBKAP expression and demonstrate that small molecule discovery in an iPSC-based disease model can identify candidate drugs for potential therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabsang Lee
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, New York, USA.
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