1
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Tai W, Du X, Chen C, Xu XM, Zhang CL, Wu W. NG2 Glia Reprogramming Induces Robust Axonal Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury. bioRxiv 2023:2023.06.14.544792. [PMID: 37398355 PMCID: PMC10312714 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544792] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neuronal loss, axonal degeneration and behavioral dysfunction. We recently show that in vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia produces new neurons, reduces glial scaring, and ultimately leads to improved function after SCI. By examining endogenous neurons, we here unexpectedly uncover that NG2 glia reprogramming also induces robust axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract and serotonergic neurons. Such reprogramming-induced axonal regeneration may contribute to the reconstruction of neural networks essential for behavioral recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Xiaolong Du
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 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
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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2
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Abstract
Traumatic injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are difficult to treat due to the poorly regenerative nature of neurons. Engrafting neural stem cells into the CNS is a classic approach for neuroregeneration. Despite great advances, stem cell therapy still faces the challenges of overcoming immunorejection and achieving functional integration. Neuronal reprogramming, a recent innovation, converts endogenous non-neuronal cells (e.g., glial cells) into mature neurons in the adult mammalian CNS. In this review, we summarize the progress of neuronal reprogramming research, mainly focusing on strategies and mechanisms of reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of neuronal reprogramming and outline related challenges. Although the significant development has been made in this field, several findings are controversial. Even so, neuronal reprogramming, especially in vivo reprogramming, is expected to become an effective treatment for CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wan
- 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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3
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Guallar D. Roadmap of the Early Events of In Vivo Somatic Cell Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2023; 25:7-8. [PMID: 36695734 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0160] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomics and in situ imaging of murine pancreas upon partial reprogramming in vivo reveal transcriptional dynamics upon Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc (OSKM) induction. Interestingly, transcriptomic signatures of partial reprogramming observed in pancreas are shared by several tissues upon OSKM induction as well as during in vitro reprogramming of fibroblasts, pointing to the existence of conserved pathways critical for early reprogramming, regeneration, and rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Guallar
- Epitranscriptomics & Ageing Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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4
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von Joest M, Chen C, Douché T, Chantrel J, Chiche A, Gianetto QG, Matondo M, Li H. Amphiregulin mediates non-cell-autonomous effect of senescence on reprogramming. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111074. [PMID: 35830812 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111074] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is an irreversible growth arrest with a dynamic secretome, termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Senescence is a cell-intrinsic barrier for reprogramming, whereas the SASP facilitates cell fate conversion in non-senescent cells. However, the mechanisms by which reprogramming-induced senescence regulates cell plasticity are not well understood. Here, we investigate how the heterogeneity of paracrine senescence impacts reprogramming. We show that senescence promotes in vitro reprogramming in a stress-dependent manner. Unbiased proteomics identifies a catalog of SASP factors involved in the cell fate conversion. Amphiregulin (AREG), frequently secreted by senescent cells, promotes in vitro reprogramming by accelerating proliferation and the mesenchymal-epithelial transition via EGFR signaling. AREG treatment diminishes the negative effect of donor age on reprogramming. Finally, AREG enhances in vivo reprogramming in skeletal muscle. Hence, various SASP factors can facilitate cellular plasticity to promote reprogramming and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu von Joest
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Cheng Chen
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thibaut Douché
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jeremy Chantrel
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Chiche
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Quentin Giai Gianetto
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Computational Biology Department, CNRS USR 3756, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Proteomics Platform, Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit (MSBio), CNRS USR 2000, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Han Li
- Cellular Plasticity & Disease Modelling, Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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5
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Wang LL, Zhang CL. In vivo glia-to-neuron conversion: pitfalls and solutions. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:367-374. [PMID: 35535734 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuron loss and disruption of neural circuits are associated with many neurological conditions. A key question is how to rebuild neural circuits for functional improvements. In vivo glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion emerges as a potential solution for regeneration-based therapeutics. This approach takes advantage of the regenerative ability of resident glial cells to produce new neurons through cell fate reprogramming. Significant progress has been made over the years in this emerging field. However, inappropriate analysis often leads to misleading conclusions that create confusion and hype. In this perspective, we point out the most salient pitfalls associated with some recent studies and provide solutions to prevent them in the future. The goal is to foster healthy development of this promising field and lay a solid cellular foundation for future regeneration-based medicine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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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, 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
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6
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Puls B, Ding Y, Zhang F, Pan M, Lei Z, Pei Z, Jiang M, Bai Y, Forsyth C, Metzger M, Rana T, Zhang L, Ding X, Keefe M, Cai A, Redilla A, Lai M, He K, Li H, Chen G. Regeneration of Functional Neurons After Spinal Cord Injury via in situ NeuroD1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:591883. [PMID: 33425896 PMCID: PMC7793709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.591883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to impaired motor and sensory functions, partially because the injury-induced neuronal loss cannot be easily replenished through endogenous mechanisms. In vivo neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology to regenerate neurons from endogenous glial cells by forced expression of neurogenic transcription factors. We have previously demonstrated successful astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in mouse brains with injury or Alzheimer's disease by overexpressing a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1. Here we demonstrate regeneration of spinal cord neurons from reactive astrocytes after SCI through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy. We find that NeuroD1 converts reactive astrocytes into neurons in the dorsal horn of stab-injured spinal cord with high efficiency (~95%). Interestingly, NeuroD1-converted neurons in the dorsal horn mostly acquire glutamatergic neuronal subtype, expressing spinal cord-specific markers such as Tlx3 but not brain-specific markers such as Tbr1, suggesting that the astrocytic lineage and local microenvironment affect the cell fate after conversion. Electrophysiological recordings show that the NeuroD1-converted neurons can functionally mature and integrate into local spinal cord circuitry by displaying repetitive action potentials and spontaneous synaptic responses. We further show that NeuroD1-mediated neuronal conversion can occur in the contusive SCI model with a long delay after injury, allowing future studies to further evaluate this in vivo reprogramming technology for functional recovery after SCI. In conclusion, this study may suggest a paradigm shift from classical axonal regeneration to neuronal regeneration for spinal cord repair, using in vivo astrocyte-to-neuron conversion technology to regenerate functional new neurons in the gray matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mengjie Pan
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Cody Forsyth
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Morgan Metzger
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Tanvi Rana
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Keefe
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Alice Cai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Austin Redilla
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Michael Lai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Kevin He
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Zhang L, Lei Z, Guo Z, Pei Z, Chen Y, Zhang F, Cai A, Mok G, Lee G, Swaminathan V, Wang F, Bai Y, Chen G. Development of Neuroregenerative Gene Therapy to Reverse Glial Scar Tissue Back to Neuron-Enriched Tissue. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594170. [PMID: 33250718 PMCID: PMC7674596 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Injuries in the central nervous system (CNS) often causes neuronal loss and glial scar formation. We have recently demonstrated NeuroD1-mediated direct conversion of reactive glial cells into functional neurons in adult mouse brains. Here, we further investigate whether such direct glia-to-neuron conversion technology can reverse glial scar back to neural tissue in a severe stab injury model of the mouse cortex. Using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy approach, we ectopically expressed a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in reactive astrocytes in the injured areas. We discovered that the reactive astrocytes were efficiently converted into neurons both before and after glial scar formation, and the remaining astrocytes proliferated to repopulate themselves. The astrocyte-converted neurons were highly functional, capable of firing action potentials and establishing synaptic connections with other neurons. Unexpectedly, the expression of NeuroD1 in reactive astrocytes resulted in a significant reduction of toxic A1 astrocytes, together with a significant decrease of reactive microglia and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, accompanying the regeneration of new neurons and repopulation of new astrocytes, new blood vessels emerged and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) was restored. These results demonstrate an innovative neuroregenerative gene therapy that can directly reverse glial scar back to neural tissue, opening a new avenue for brain repair after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Ziyuan Guo
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Alice Cai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gabriel Mok
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Grace Lee
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Vishal Swaminathan
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Ge LJ, Yang FH, Li W, Wang T, Lin Y, Feng J, Chen NH, Jiang M, Wang JH, Hu XT, Chen G. In vivo Neuroregeneration to Treat Ischemic Stroke Through NeuroD1 AAV-Based Gene Therapy in Adult Non-human Primates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:590008. [PMID: 33224952 PMCID: PMC7674285 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.590008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke may cause severe death and disability but many clinical trials have failed in the past, partially because the lack of an effective method to regenerate new neurons after stroke. In this study, we report an in vivo neural regeneration approach through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy to repair damaged brains after ischemic stroke in adult non-human primates (NHPs). We demonstrate that ectopic expression of a neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in the reactive astrocytes after monkey cortical stroke can convert 90% of the infected astrocytes into neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are not depleted in the NeuroD1-converted areas, consistent with the proliferative capability of astrocytes. Following ischemic stroke in monkey cortex, the NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion significantly increased local neuronal density, reduced microglia and macrophage, and surprisingly protected parvalbumin interneurons in the converted areas. Furthermore, the NeuroD1 gene therapy showed a broad time window in AtN conversion, from 10 to 30 days following ischemic stroke. The cortical astrocyte-converted neurons showed Tbr1+ cortical neuron identity, similar to our earlier findings in rodent animal models. Unexpectedly, NeuroD1 expression in converted neurons showed a significant decrease after 6 months of viral infection, indicating a downregulation of NeuroD1 after neuronal maturation in adult NHPs. These results suggest that in vivo cell conversion through NeuroD1-based gene therapy may be an effective approach to regenerate new neurons for tissue repair in adult primate brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Jiao Ge
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Fu-Han Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Lin
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Nan-Hui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontier Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hong Wang
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xin-Tian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Center, and National Research Facility for Phenotypic and Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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9
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Abstract
The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has very limited regenerative capacity upon neural injuries or under degenerative conditions. In recent years, however, significant progress has been made on in vivo cell fate reprogramming for neural regeneration. Resident glial cells can be reprogrammed into neuronal progenitors and mature neurons in the CNS of adult mammals. In this review article, we briefly summarize the current knowledge on innate adult neurogenesis under pathological conditions and then focus on induced neurogenesis through cell fate reprogramming. We discuss how the reprogramming process can be regulated and raise critical issues requiring careful considerations to move the field forward. With emerging evidence, we envision that fate reprogramming-based regenerative medicine will have a great potential for treating neurological conditions such as brain injury, spinal cord injury (SCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Tai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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10
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Fang L, El Wazan L, Tan C, Nguyen T, Hung SSC, Hewitt AW, Wong RCB. Corrigendum: Potentials of Cellular Reprogramming as a Novel Strategy for Neuroregeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:147. [PMID: 31130844 PMCID: PMC6510166 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lyujie Fang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Layal El Wazan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine Tan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tu Nguyen
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy S C Hung
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Abstract
Adult neurogenesis has been extensively studied in rodent animals, with distinct niches found in the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ). In non-human primates and human postmortem samples, there has been heated debate regarding adult neurogenesis, but it is largely agreed that the rate of adult neurogenesis is much reduced comparing to rodents. The limited adult neurogenesis may partly explain why human brains do not have self-repair capability after injury or disease. A new technology called “in vivo cell conversion” has been invented to convert brain internal glial cells in the injury areas directly into functional new neurons to replenish the lost neurons. Because glial cells are abundant throughout the brain and spinal cord, such engineered glia-to-neuron conversion technology can be applied throughout the central nervous system (CNS) to regenerate new neurons. Thus, compared to cell transplantation or the non-engineered adult neurogenesis, in vivo engineered neuroregeneration technology can provide a large number of functional new neurons in situ to repair damaged brain and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longjiao Ge
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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12
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Fang L, El Wazan L, Tan C, Nguyen T, Hung SSC, Hewitt AW, Wong RCB. Potentials of Cellular Reprogramming as a Novel Strategy for Neuroregeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:460. [PMID: 30555303 PMCID: PMC6284065 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular reprogramming technology holds great potential for tissue repair and regeneration to replace cells that are lost due to diseases or injuries. In addition to the landmark discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells, advances in cellular reprogramming allow the direct lineage conversion of one somatic cell type to another using defined transcription factors. This direct reprogramming technology represents a rapid way to generate target cells in the laboratory, which can be used for transplantation and studies of biology and diseases. More importantly, recent work has demonstrated the exciting application of direct reprogramming to stimulate regeneration in vivo, providing an alternative approach to transplantation of donor cells. Here, we provide an overview of the underlying concept of using cellular reprogramming to convert cell fates and discuss the current advances in cellular reprogramming both in vitro and in vivo, with particular focuses on the neural and retinal systems. We also discuss the potential of in vivo reprogramming in regenerative medicine, the challenges and potential solutions to translate this technology to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyujie Fang
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Layal El Wazan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine Tan
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tu Nguyen
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy S C Hung
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Raymond C B Wong
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Sassone J, Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Regenerative Approaches in Huntington's Disease: From Mechanistic Insights to Therapeutic Protocols. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:800. [PMID: 30450032 PMCID: PMC6224350 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the exon-1 of the IT15 gene encoding the protein Huntingtin. Expression of mutated Huntingtin in humans leads to dysfunction and ultimately degeneration of selected neuronal populations of the striatum and cerebral cortex. Current available HD therapy relies on drugs to treat chorea and control psychiatric symptoms, however, no therapy has been proven to slow down disease progression or prevent disease onset. Thus, although 24 years have passed since HD gene identification, HD remains a relentless progressive disease characterized by cognitive dysfunction and motor disability that leads to death of the majority of patients, on average 10–20 years after its onset. Up to now several molecular pathways have been implicated in the process of neurodegeneration involved in HD and have provided potential therapeutic targets. Based on these data, approaches currently under investigation for HD therapy aim on the one hand at getting insight into the mechanisms of disease progression in a human-based context and on the other hand at silencing mHTT expression by using antisense oligonucleotides. An innovative and still poorly investigated approach is to identify new factors that increase neurogenesis and/or induce reprogramming of endogenous neuroblasts and parenchymal astrocytes to generate new healthy neurons to replace lost ones and/or enforce neuroprotection of pre-existent striatal and cortical neurons. Here, we review studies that use human disease-in-a-dish models to recapitulate HD pathogenesis or are focused on promoting in vivo neurogenesis of endogenous striatal neuroblasts and direct neuronal reprogramming of parenchymal astrocytes, which combined with neuroprotective protocols bear the potential to re-establish brain homeostasis lost in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sassone
- Vita-Salute University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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14
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YAMADA Y, YAMADA Y. The causal relationship between epigenetic abnormality and cancer development: in vivo reprogramming and its future application. Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci 2018; 94:235-247. [PMID: 29887568 PMCID: PMC6085517 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.94.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cancer cells acquire epigenetic abnormalities as well as genetic mutations during cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression. However, the role of epigenetic regulation in cancer development, especially at the organismal level, remains to be elucidated. Here, we describe the causative role of epigenetic abnormalities in cancer, referring to our in vivo studies using induced pluripotent stem cell technology. We first summarize epigenetic reorganization during cellular reprogramming and introduce our in vivo reprogramming system for investigating the impact of dedifferentiation-driven epigenetic disruption in cancer development. Accordingly, we propose that particular types of cancer, in which causative mutations are not often detectable, such as pediatric cancers like Wilms' tumor, may develop mainly through alterations in epigenetic regulation triggered by dedifferentiation. Finally, we discuss issues that still remain to be resolved, and propose possible future applications of in vivo reprogramming to study cancer and other biological phenomena including organismal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke YAMADA
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro YAMADA
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Division of Stem Cell Pathology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- AMED-CREST, AMED, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Abstract
Decades of studies have shown that epigenetic alterations play a significant role on cancer development both in vitro and in vivo. However, considering that many cancers harbor mutations at epigenetic modifier genes and that transcription factor-mediated gene regulations are tightly coupled with epigenetic modifications, the majority of epigenetic alterations in cancers could be the consequence of the dysfunction or dysregulation of epigenetic modifiers caused by genetic abnormalities. Therefore, it remains unclear whether bona fide epigenetic abnormalities have causal roles on cancer development. Reprogramming technologies enable us to actively alter epigenetic regulations while preserving genomic information. Taking advantage, recent studies have provided in vivo evidence for the significant impact of epigenetic abnormalities on the initiation, maintenance and progression of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ito
- Center for iPS Cell Research & Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Center for iPS Cell Research & Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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16
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Jin Y, Seo J, Lee JS, Shin S, Park HJ, Min S, Cheong E, Lee T, Cho SW. Triboelectric Nanogenerator Accelerates Highly Efficient Nonviral Direct Conversion and In Vivo Reprogramming of Fibroblasts to Functional Neuronal Cells. Adv Mater 2016; 28:7365-7374. [PMID: 27302900 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201601900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) can be an effective cell reprogramming platform for producing functional neuronal cells for therapeutic applications. Triboelectric stimulation accelerates nonviral direct conversion of functional induced neuronal cells from fibroblasts, increases the conversion efficiency, and induces highly matured neuronal phenotypes with improved electrophysiological functionalities. TENG devices may also be used for biomedical in vivo reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhee Jin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmok Seo
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Seung Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Sera Shin
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Min
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyoon Lee
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-749, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-750, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to irreversible neuronal loss and glial scar formation, which ultimately result in persistent neurological dysfunction. Cellular regeneration could be an ideal approach to replenish the lost cells and repair the damage. However, the adult spinal cord has limited ability to produce new neurons. Here we show that resident astrocytes can be converted to doublecortin (DCX)-positive neuroblasts by a single transcription factor, SOX2, in the injured adult spinal cord. Importantly, these induced neuroblasts can mature into synapse-forming neurons in vivo. Neuronal maturation is further promoted by treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA). The results of this study indicate that in situ reprogramming of endogenous astrocytes to neurons might be a potential strategy for cellular regeneration after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhida Su
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wenze Niu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Meng-Lu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Yuhua Zou
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
- Corresponding author Chun-Li Zhang, Ph.D., Tel: 212-648-1670, Fax: 214-648-1488,
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18
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Li W, Nakanishi M, Zumsteg A, Shear M, Wright C, Melton DA, Zhou Q. In vivo reprogramming of pancreatic acinar cells to three islet endocrine subtypes. eLife 2014; 3:e01846. [PMID: 24714494 PMCID: PMC3977343 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct lineage conversion of adult cells is a promising approach for regenerative medicine. A major challenge of lineage conversion is to generate specific cell subtypes. The pancreatic islets contain three major hormone-secreting endocrine subtypes: insulin(+) β-cells, glucagon(+) α-cells, and somatostatin(+) δ-cells. We previously reported that a combination of three transcription factors, Ngn3, Mafa, and Pdx1, directly reprograms pancreatic acinar cells to β-cells. We now show that acinar cells can be converted to δ-like and α-like cells by Ngn3 and Ngn3+Mafa respectively. Thus, three major islet endocrine subtypes can be derived by acinar reprogramming. Ngn3 promotes establishment of a generic endocrine state in acinar cells, and also promotes δ-specification in the absence of other factors. δ-specification is in turn suppressed by Mafa and Pdx1 during α- and β-cell induction. These studies identify a set of defined factors whose combinatorial actions reprogram acinar cells to distinct islet endocrine subtypes in vivo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01846.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weida Li
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Mio Nakanishi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Zumsteg
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Matthew Shear
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Christopher Wright
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States
| | - Douglas A Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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