1
|
Doda D, Alonso Jimenez S, Rehrauer H, Carreño JF, Valsamides V, Di Santo S, Widmer HR, Edge A, Locher H, van der Valk WH, Zhang J, Koehler KR, Roccio M. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived inner ear organoids recapitulate otic development in vitro. Development 2023; 150:dev201865. [PMID: 37791525 PMCID: PMC10565253 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Our molecular understanding of the early stages of human inner ear development has been limited by the difficulty in accessing fetal samples at early gestational stages. As an alternative, previous studies have shown that inner ear morphogenesis can be partially recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells directed to differentiate into inner ear organoids (IEOs). Once validated and benchmarked, these systems could represent unique tools to complement and refine our understanding of human otic differentiation and model developmental defects. Here, we provide the first direct comparisons of the early human embryonic otocyst and fetal sensory organs with human IEOs. We use multiplexed immunostaining and single-cell RNA-sequencing to characterize IEOs at three key developmental steps, providing a new and unique signature of in vitro-derived otic placode, epithelium, neuroblasts and sensory epithelia. In parallel, we evaluate the expression and localization of crucial markers at these equivalent stages in human embryos. Together, our data indicate that the current state-of-the-art protocol enables the specification of bona fide otic tissue, supporting the further application of IEOs to inform inner ear biology and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Doda
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Alonso Jimenez
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jose F. Carreño
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (ETH Zurich and University of Zurich), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Valsamides
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Di Santo
- Program for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans R. Widmer
- Program for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Albert Edge
- Eaton Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Heiko Locher
- OtoBiology Leiden, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter H. van der Valk
- OtoBiology Leiden, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital,Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karl R. Koehler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital,Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marta Roccio
- Inner Ear Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), 8091 Zurich,Switzerland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Zurich (UZH), 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smith-Cortinez N, Tan AK, Stokroos RJ, Versnel H, Straatman LV. Regeneration of Hair Cells from Endogenous Otic Progenitors in the Adult Mammalian Cochlea: Understanding Its Origins and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097840. [PMID: 37175547 PMCID: PMC10177935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to sensory hair cells and/or spiral ganglion neurons. In non-mammalian species, hair cell regeneration after damage is observed, even in adulthood. Although the neonatal mammalian cochlea carries regenerative potential, the adult cochlea cannot regenerate lost hair cells. The survival of supporting cells with regenerative potential after cochlear trauma in adults is promising for promoting hair cell regeneration through therapeutic approaches. Targeting these cells by manipulating key signaling pathways that control mammalian cochlear development and non-mammalian hair cell regeneration could lead to regeneration of hair cells in the mammalian cochlea. This review discusses the pathways involved in the development of the cochlea and the impact that trauma has on the regenerative capacity of the endogenous progenitor cells. Furthermore, it discusses the effects of manipulating key signaling pathways targeting supporting cells with progenitor potential to promote hair cell regeneration and translates these findings to the human situation. To improve hearing recovery after hearing loss in adults, we propose a combined approach targeting (1) the endogenous progenitor cells by manipulating signaling pathways (Wnt, Notch, Shh, FGF and BMP/TGFβ signaling pathways), (2) by manipulating epigenetic control, and (3) by applying neurotrophic treatments to promote reinnervation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Smith-Cortinez
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Katherine Tan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J Stokroos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Versnel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Louise V Straatman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Doda D, Jimenez SA, Rehrauer H, Carre O JF, Valsamides V, Santo SD, Widmer HR, Edge A, Locher H, van der Valk W, Zhang J, Koehler KR, Roccio M. Human pluripotent stem cells-derived inner ear organoids recapitulate otic development in vitro. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.11.536448. [PMID: 37090562 PMCID: PMC10120641 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.11.536448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Our molecular understanding of the early stages of human inner ear development has been limited by the difficulty in accessing fetal samples at early gestational stages. As an alternative, previous studies have shown that inner ear morphogenesis can be partially recapitulated using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directed to differentiate into Inner Ear Organoids (IEOs). Once validated and benchmarked, these systems could represent unique tools to complement and refine our understanding of human otic differentiation and model developmental defects. Here, we provide the first direct comparisons of the early human embryonic otocyst and human iPSC-derived IEOs. We use multiplexed immunostaining, and single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize IEOs at three key developmental steps, providing a new and unique signature of in vitro derived otic -placode, -epithelium, -neuroblasts, and -sensory epithelia. In parallel, we evaluate the expression and localization of critical markers at these equivalent stages in human embryos. We show that the placode derived in vitro (days 8-12) has similar marker expression to the developing otic placode of Carnegie Stage (CS) 11 embryos and subsequently (days 20-40) this gives rise to otic epithelia and neuroblasts comparable to the CS13 embryonic stage. Differentiation of sensory epithelia, including supporting cells and hair cells starts in vitro at days 50-60 of culture. The maturity of these cells is equivalent to vestibular sensory epithelia at week 10 or cochlear tissue at week 12 of development, before functional onset. Together, our data indicate that the current state-of-the-art protocol enables the specification of bona fide otic tissue, supporting the further application of IEOs to inform inner ear biology and disease.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hosoya M, Fujioka M, Okahara J, Yoshimatsu S, Okano H, Ozawa H. Early development of the cochlea of the common marmoset, a non-human primate model. Neural Dev 2022; 17:6. [PMID: 35524278 PMCID: PMC9077934 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-022-00162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fine-tuned cochlear development is essential for hearing. Owing to the difficulty in using early human fetal samples, most of our knowledge regarding cochlear development has been obtained from rodents. However, several inter-species differences in cochlear development between rodents and humans have been reported. To bridge these differences, we investigated early otic development of a non-human primate model animal, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Methods We examined 20 genes involved in early cochlear development and described the critical developmental steps for morphogenesis, which have been reported to vary between rodents and marmosets. Results The results revealed that several critical genes involved in prosensory epithelium specifications showed higher inter-species differences, suggesting that the molecular process for hair cell lineage acquisition in primates differs considerably from that of rodents. We also observed that the tempo of cochlear development was three times slower in the primate than in rodents. Conclusions Our data provide new insights into early cochlear development in primates and humans and imply that the procedures used for manipulating rodent cochlear sensory cells cannot be directly used for the research of primate cells due to the intrinsic inter-species differences in the cell fate determination program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hosoya
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masato Fujioka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
| | - Junko Okahara
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa Wako, Saitama, 351-0193, Japan.,Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi Kawasaki-ku Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-0821, Japan
| | - Sho Yoshimatsu
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa Wako, Saitama, 351-0193, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa Wako, Saitama, 351-0193, Japan.,Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ozawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Roccio M. Directed differentiation and direct reprogramming: Applying stem cell technologies to hearing research. Stem Cells 2020; 39:375-388. [PMID: 33378797 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss is the most widely spread sensory disorder in our society. In the majority of cases, it is caused by the loss or malfunctioning of cells in the cochlea: the mechanosensory hair cells, which act as primary sound receptors, and the connecting auditory neurons of the spiral ganglion, which relay the signal to upper brain centers. In contrast to other vertebrates, where damage to the hearing organ can be repaired through the activity of resident cells, acting as tissue progenitors, in mammals, sensory cell damage or loss is irreversible. The understanding of gene and cellular functions, through analysis of different animal models, has helped to identify causes of disease and possible targets for hearing restoration. Translation of these findings to novel therapeutics is, however, hindered by the lack of cellular assays, based on human sensory cells, to evaluate the conservation of molecular pathways across species and the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies. In the last decade, stem cell technologies enabled to generate human sensory cell types in vitro, providing novel tools to study human inner ear biology, model disease, and validate therapeutics. This review focuses specifically on two technologies: directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of somatic cell types to sensory hair cells and neurons. Recent development in the field are discussed as well as how these tools could be implemented to become routinely adopted experimental models for hearing research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Roccio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hosoya M, Fujioka M, Murayama AY, Okano H, Ogawa K. The common marmoset as suitable nonhuman alternative for the analysis of primate cochlear development. FEBS J 2020; 288:325-353. [PMID: 32323465 PMCID: PMC7818239 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cochlear development is a complex process with precise spatiotemporal patterns. A detailed understanding of this process is important for studies of congenital hearing loss and regenerative medicine. However, much of our understanding of cochlear development is based on rodent models. Animal models that bridge the gap between humans and rodents are needed. In this study, we investigated the development of hearing organs in a small New World monkey species, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). We describe the general stages of cochlear development in comparison with those of humans and mice. Moreover, we examined more than 25 proteins involved in cochlear development and found that expression patterns were generally conserved between rodents and primates. However, several proteins involved in supporting cell processes and neuronal development exhibited interspecific expression differences. Human fetal samples for studies of primate‐specific cochlear development are extremely rare, especially for late developmental stages. Our results support the use of the common marmoset as an effective alternative for analyses of primate cochlear development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Hosoya
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Fujioka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Y Murayama
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, Center for Brain Science, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ogawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Johnson Chacko L, Sergi C, Eberharter T, Dudas J, Rask-Andersen H, Hoermann R, Fritsch H, Fischer N, Glueckert R, Schrott-Fischer A. Early appearance of key transcription factors influence the spatiotemporal development of the human inner ear. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:459-471. [PMID: 31788757 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Expression patterns of transcription factors leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) in the developing human fetal inner ear were studied between the gestation weeks 9 and 12. Further development of cochlear apex between gestational weeks 11 and 16 (GW11 and GW16) was examined using transmission electron microscopy. LGR5 was evident in the apical poles of the sensory epithelium of the cochlear duct and the vestibular end organs at GW11. Immunostaining was limited to hair cells of the organ of Corti by GW12. TAK1 was immune positive in inner hair cells of the organ of Corti by GW12 and colocalized with p75 neurotrophic receptor expression. Expression for SOX2 was confined primarily to the supporting cells of utricle at the earliest stage examined at GW9. Intense expression for GATA3 was presented in the cochlear sensory epithelium and spiral ganglia at GW9. Expression of GATA3 was present along the midline of both the utricle and saccule in the zone corresponding to the striolar reversal zone where the hair cell phenotype switches from type I to type II. The spatiotemporal gradient of the development of the organ of Corti was also evident with the apex of the cochlea forming by GW16. It seems that highly specific staining patterns of several transcriptions factors are critical in guiding the genesis of the inner ear over development. Our findings suggest that the spatiotemporal gradient in cochlear development extends at least until gestational week 16.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lejo Johnson Chacko
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Consolato Sergi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 8440 112 St, NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Theresa Eberharter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helge Rask-Andersen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Romed Hoermann
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helga Fritsch
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natalie Fischer
- University Clinics Innsbruck, Tirol Kliniken, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- University Clinics Innsbruck, Tirol Kliniken, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anneliese Schrott-Fischer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Novel insights into inner ear development and regeneration for targeted hearing loss therapies. Hear Res 2019; 397:107859. [PMID: 31810596 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.107859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in humans. Despite the global scale of the problem, only limited treatment options are available today. The mammalian inner ear is a highly specialized postmitotic organ, which lacks proliferative or regenerative capacity. Since the discovery of hair cell regeneration in non-mammalian species however, much attention has been placed on identifying possible strategies to reactivate similar responses in humans. The development of successful regenerative approaches for hearing loss strongly depends on a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that control human inner ear cellular specification, differentiation and function, as well as on the development of robust in vitro cellular assays, based on human inner ear cells, to study these processes and optimize therapeutic interventions. We summarize here some aspects of inner ear development and strategies to induce regeneration that have been investigated in rodents. Moreover, we discuss recent findings in human inner ear development and compare the results with findings from animal models. Finally, we provide an overview of strategies for in vitro generation of human sensory cells from pluripotent and somatic progenitors that may provide a platform for drug development and validation of therapeutic strategies in vitro.
Collapse
|
9
|
Johnson Chacko L, Wertjanz D, Sergi C, Dudas J, Fischer N, Eberharter T, Hoermann R, Glueckert R, Fritsch H, Rask-Andersen H, Schrott-Fischer A, Handschuh S. Growth and cellular patterning during fetal human inner ear development studied by a correlative imaging approach. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:11. [PMID: 31109306 PMCID: PMC6528216 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Progressive transformation of the otic placode into the functional inner ear during gestational development in humans leads to the acquisition of hearing perception via the cochlea and balance and spatial orientation via the vestibular organ. Results Using a correlative approach involving micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT), transmission electron microscopy and histological techniques we were able to examine both the morphological and cellular changes associated with human inner ear development. Such an evaluation allowed for the examination of 3D geometry with high spatial and temporal resolution. In concert with gestational progression and growth of the cochlear duct, an increase in the distance between some of the Crista ampullaris is evident in all the specimens examined from GW12 to GW36. A parallel increase in the distances between the macular organs - fetal utricle and saccule - is also evident across the gestational stages examined. The distances between both the utricle and saccule to the three cristae ampullares also increased across the stages examined. A gradient in hair cell differentiation is apparent from apex to base of the fetal cochlea even at GW14. Conclusion We present structural information on human inner ear development across multiple levels of biological organization, including gross-morphology of the inner ear, cellular and subcellular details of hearing and vestibular organs, as well as ultrastructural details in the developing sensory epithelia. This enabled the gathering of detailed information regarding morphometric changes as well in realizing the complex developmental patterns of the human inner ear. We were able to quantify the volumetric and linear aspects of selected gestational inner ear specimens enabling a better understanding of the cellular changes across the fetal gestational timeline. Moreover, these data could serve as a reference for better understanding disorders that arise during inner ear development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0191-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lejo Johnson Chacko
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - David Wertjanz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Consolato Sergi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Division of Anatomical Pathology, 5B4.09 Walter C MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jozsef Dudas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natalie Fischer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Theresa Eberharter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Romed Hoermann
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,University Clinics Innsbruck, Tirol Kliniken, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helga Fritsch
- Department of Anatomy, Histology & Embryology, Division of Clinical & Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Muellerstrasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helge Rask-Andersen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, SE, Sweden
| | - Anneliese Schrott-Fischer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research, Imaging Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Key Transcription Factor Expression in the Developing Vestibular and Auditory Sensory Organs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Spatial and Temporal Patterns. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:7513258. [PMID: 30410537 PMCID: PMC6205106 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7513258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inner ear formation requires that a series of cell fate decisions and morphogenetic events occur in a precise temporal and spatial pattern. Previous studies have shown that transcription factors, including Pax2, Sox2, and Prox1, play important roles during the inner ear development. However, the temporospatial expression patterns among these transcription factors are poorly understood. In the current study, we present a comprehensive description of the temporal and spatial expression profiles of Pax2, Sox2, and Prox1 during auditory and vestibular sensory organ development in mice. Using immunohistochemical analyses, we show that Sox2 and Pax2 are both expressed in the prosensory cells (the developing hair cells), but Sox2 is later restricted to only the supporting cells of the organ of Corti. In the vestibular sensory organ, however, the Pax2 expression is localized in hair cells at postnatal day 7, while Sox2 is still expressed in both the hair cells and supporting cells at that time. Prox1 was transiently expressed in the presumptive hair cells and developing supporting cells, and lower Prox1 expression was observed in the vestibular sensory organ compared to the organ of Corti. The different expression patterns of these transcription factors in the developing auditory and vestibular sensory organs suggest that they play different roles in the development of the sensory epithelia and might help to shape the respective sensory structures.
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular characterization and prospective isolation of human fetal cochlear hair cell progenitors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4027. [PMID: 30279445 PMCID: PMC6168603 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory hair cells located in the organ of Corti are essential for cochlear mechanosensation. Their loss is irreversible in humans resulting in permanent hearing loss. The development of therapeutic interventions for hearing loss requires fundamental knowledge about similarities and potential differences between animal models and human development as well as the establishment of human cell based-assays. Here we analyze gene and protein expression of the developing human inner ear in a temporal window spanning from week 8 to 12 post conception, when cochlear hair cells become specified. Utilizing surface markers for the cochlear prosensory domain, namely EPCAM and CD271, we purify postmitotic hair cell progenitors that, when placed in culture in three-dimensional organoids, regain proliferative potential and eventually differentiate to hair cell-like cells in vitro. These results provide a foundation for comparative studies with otic cells generated from human pluripotent stem cells and for establishing novel platforms for drug validation. Hearing requires mechanosensitive hair cells in the organ of Corti, which derive from progenitors of the cochlear duct. Here the authors examine human inner ear development by studying key developmental markers and describe organoid cultures from human cochlear duct progenitors for in vitro hair cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Johnson Chacko L, Blumer MJF, Pechriggl E, Rask-Andersen H, Dietl W, Haim A, Fritsch H, Glueckert R, Dudas J, Schrott-Fischer A. Role of BDNF and neurotrophic receptors in human inner ear development. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 370:347-363. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
13
|
Johnson Chacko L, Pechriggl EJ, Fritsch H, Rask-Andersen H, Blumer MJF, Schrott-Fischer A, Glueckert R. Neurosensory Differentiation and Innervation Patterning in the Human Fetal Vestibular End Organs between the Gestational Weeks 8-12. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:111. [PMID: 27895556 PMCID: PMC5108762 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Balance orientation depends on the precise operation of the vestibular end organs and the vestibular ganglion neurons. Previous research on the assemblage of the neuronal network in the developing fetal vestibular organ has been limited to data from animal models. Insights into the molecular expression profiles and signaling moieties involved in embryological development of the human fetal inner ear have been limited. We present an investigation of the cells of the vestibular end organs with specific focus on the hair cell differentiation and innervation pattern using an uninterrupted series of unique specimens from gestational weeks 8-12. Nerve fibers positive for peripherin innervate the entire fetal crista and utricle. While in rodents only the peripheral regions of the cristae and the extra-striolar region of the statolithic organs are stained. At week 9, transcription factors PAX2 and PAX8 were observed in the hair cells whereas PAX6 was observed for the first time among the supporting cells of the cristae and the satellite glial cells of the vestibular ganglia. Glutamine synthetase, a regulator of the neurotransmitter glutamate, is strongly expressed among satellite glia cells, transitional zones of the utricle and supporting cells in the sensory epithelium. At gestational week 11, electron microscopic examination reveals bouton contacts at hair cells and first signs of the formation of a protocalyx at type I hair cells. Our study provides first-hand insight into the fetal development of the vestibular end organs as well as their pattern of innervation by means of immunohistochemical and EM techniques, with the aim of contributing toward our understanding of balance development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lejo Johnson Chacko
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth J Pechriggl
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helga Fritsch
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael J F Blumer
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria; University Clinics Innsbruck, Tirol KlinikenInnsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lim R, Brichta AM. Anatomical and physiological development of the human inner ear. Hear Res 2016; 338:9-21. [PMID: 26900072 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We describe the development of the human inner ear with the invagination of the otic vesicle at 4 weeks gestation (WG), the growth of the semicircular canals from 5 WG, and the elongation and coiling of the cochlea at 10 WG. As the membranous labyrinth takes shape, there is a concomitant development of the sensory neuroepithelia and their associated structures within. This review details the growth and differentiation of the vestibular and auditory neuroepithelia, including synaptogenesis, the expression of stereocilia and kinocilia, and innervation of hair cells by afferent and efferent nerve fibres. Along with development of essential sensory structures we outline the formation of crucial accessory structures of the vestibular system - the cupula and otolithic membrane and otoconia as well as the three cochlea compartments and the tectorial membrane. Recent molecular studies have elaborated on classical anatomical studies to characterize the development of prosensory and sensory regions of the fetal human cochlea using the transcription factors, PAX2, MAF-B, SOX2, and SOX9. Further advances are being made with recent physiological studies that are beginning to describe when hair cells become functionally active during human gestation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled <Annual Reviews 2016>.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alan M Brichta
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cochlear afferent innervation development. Hear Res 2015; 330:157-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|