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Isogenic GAA-KO Murine Muscle Cell Lines Mimicking Severe Pompe Mutations as Preclinical Models for the Screening of Potential Gene Therapy Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116298. [PMID: 35682977 PMCID: PMC9181599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pompe disease (PD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene. Most gene therapies (GT) partially rely on the cross-correction of unmodified cells through the uptake of the GAA enzyme secreted by corrected cells. In the present study, we generated isogenic murine GAA-KO cell lines resembling severe mutations from Pompe patients. All of the generated GAA-KO cells lacked GAA activity and presented an increased autophagy and increased glycogen content by means of myotube differentiation as well as the downregulation of mannose 6-phosphate receptors (CI-MPRs), validating them as models for PD. Additionally, different chimeric murine GAA proteins (IFG, IFLG and 2G) were designed with the aim to improve their therapeutic activity. Phenotypic rescue analyses using lentiviral vectors point to IFG chimera as the best candidate in restoring GAA activity, normalising the autophagic marker p62 and surface levels of CI-MPRs. Interestingly, in vivo administration of liver-directed AAVs expressing the chimeras further confirmed the good behaviour of IFG, achieving cross-correction in heart tissue. In summary, we generated different isogenic murine muscle cell lines mimicking the severe PD phenotype, as well as validating their applicability as preclinical models in order to reduce animal experimentation.
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Zou H, Guan M, Li Y, Luo F, Wang W, Qin Y. Targeted gene correction and functional recovery in achondroplasia patient-derived iPSCs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:485. [PMID: 34454631 PMCID: PMC8403427 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02555-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Achondroplasia (ACH) is the most common genetic form of dwarfism and belongs to dominant monogenic disorder caused by a gain-of-function point mutation in the transmembrane region of FGFR3. There are no effective treatments for ACH. Stem cells and gene-editing technology provide us with effective methods and ideas for ACH research and treatment. Methods We generated non-integrated iPSCs from an ACH girl’s skin and an ACH boy’s urine by Sendai virus. The mutation of ACH iPSCs was precisely corrected by CRISPR-Cas9. Results Chondrogenic differentiation ability of ACH iPSCs was confined compared with that of healthy iPSCs. Chondrogenic differentiation ability of corrected ACH iPSCs could be restored. These corrected iPSCs displayed pluripotency, maintained normal karyotype, and demonstrated none of off-target indels. Conclusions This study may provide an important theoretical and experimental basis for the ACH research and treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02555-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zou
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Mingfeng Guan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yundong Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Fang Luo
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wenyuan Wang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Yiren Qin
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China. .,2State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derivation and Ex Vivo Gene Correction Using a Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 Disease Mouse Model. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:6978303. [PMID: 31065277 PMCID: PMC6466856 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6978303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS-1), also known as Hurler's disease, is a congenital metabolic disorder caused by a mutation in the alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) gene, which results in the loss of lysosomal enzyme function for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Here, we demonstrate the proof of concept of ex vivo gene editing therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies with MPS-1 model mouse cell. Disease-affected iPSCs were generated from Idua knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which carry a disrupting neomycin-resistant gene cassette (Neor) in exon VI of the Idua gene. Double guide RNAs were used to remove the Neor sequence, and various lengths of donor templates were used to reconstruct the exon VI sequence. A quantitative PCR-based screening method was used to identify Neor removal. The sequence restoration without any indel mutation was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. After induced fibroblast differentiation, the gene-corrected iPSC-derived fibroblasts demonstrated Idua function equivalent to the wild-type iPSC-derived fibroblasts. The Idua-deficient cells were competent to be reprogrammed to iPSCs, and pluripotency was maintained through CRISPR/CAS9-mediated gene correction. These results support the concept of ex vivo gene editing therapy using iPSC and CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for MPS-1 patients.
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Kurokawa YK, Yin RT, Shang MR, Shirure VS, Moya ML, George SC. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells for Three-Dimensional Microphysiological Systems. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2018. [PMID: 28622076 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microphysiological systems (MPS), or "organ-on-a-chip" platforms, aim to recapitulate in vivo physiology using small-scale in vitro tissue models of human physiology. While significant efforts have been made to create vascularized tissues, most reports utilize primary endothelial cells that hinder reproducibility. In this study, we report the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (iPS-ECs) in developing three-dimensional (3D) microvascular networks. We established a CDH5-mCherry reporter iPS cell line, which expresses the vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin fused to mCherry. The iPS-ECs demonstrate physiological functions characteristic of primary endothelial cells in a series of in vitro assays, including permeability, response to shear stress, and the expression of endothelial markers (CD31, von Willibrand factor, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase). The iPS-ECs form stable, perfusable microvessels over the course of 14 days when cultured within 3D microfluidic devices. We also demonstrate that inhibition of TGF-β signaling improves vascular network formation by the iPS-ECs. We conclude that iPS-ECs can be a source of endothelial cells in MPS providing opportunities for human disease modeling and improving the reproducibility of 3D vascular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke K Kurokawa
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Rose T Yin
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael R Shang
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Venktesh S Shirure
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Monica L Moya
- 2 Center for Micro and Nano Technology, Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California
| | - Steven C George
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
- 3 Department of Energy, Environment, and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
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5
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Tavian D, Missaglia S, Castagnetta M, Degiorgio D, Pennisi EM, Coleman RA, Dell'Era P, Mora C, Angelini C, Coviello DA. Generation of induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as disease modelling of NLSDM. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 121:28-34. [PMID: 28391974 PMCID: PMC5434246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neutral Lipid Storage Disease with Myopathy (NLSDM) is a rare defect of triacylglycerol metabolism, characterized by the abnormal storage of neutral lipid in organelles known as lipid droplets (LDs). The main clinical features are progressive myopathy and cardiomyopathy. The onset of NLSDM is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the PNPLA2 gene, which encodes adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Despite its name, this enzyme is present in a wide variety of cell types and catalyzes the first step in triacylglycerol lipolysis and the release of fatty acids. Here, we report the derivation of NLSDM-induced pluripotent stem cells (NLSDM-iPSCs) from fibroblasts of two patients carrying different PNPLA2 mutations. The first patient was homozygous for the c.541delAC, while the second was homozygous for the c.662G>C mutation in the PNPLA2 gene. We verified that the two types of NLSDM-iPSCs possessed properties of embryonic-like stem cells and could differentiate into the three germ layers in vitro. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that iPSCs had an abnormal accumulation of triglycerides in LDs, the hallmark of NLSDM. Furthermore, NLSDM-iPSCs were deficient in long chain fatty acid lipolysis, when subjected to a pulse chase experiment with oleic acid. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NLSDM-iPSCs are a promising in vitro model to investigate disease mechanisms and screen drug compounds for NLSDM, a rare disease with few therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tavian
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CRIBENS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, pz Buonarroti 30, Milan 20145, Italy; Psychology Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Gemelli 1, Milan 20123, Italy.
| | - S Missaglia
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, CRIBENS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, pz Buonarroti 30, Milan 20145, Italy; Psychology Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Gemelli 1, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - M Castagnetta
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Via Volta 6, Genoa 16128, Italy
| | - D Degiorgio
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Via Volta 6, Genoa 16128, Italy; Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, c/o Advanced Biotechnology Center, L.go R. Benzi, 10, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - E M Pennisi
- UOC Neurologia, San Filippo Neri Hospital, via Martinotti 20, Rome 00135, Italy
| | - R A Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - P Dell'Era
- Cellular Fate Reprogramming Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - C Mora
- Cellular Fate Reprogramming Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia 25123, Italy
| | - C Angelini
- IRCCS Fondazione Ospedale S. Camillo, Venice, Italy
| | - D A Coviello
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Via Volta 6, Genoa 16128, Italy
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Hosoya M, Czysz K. Translational Prospects and Challenges in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Research in Drug Discovery. Cells 2016; 5:cells5040046. [PMID: 28009813 PMCID: PMC5187530 DOI: 10.3390/cells5040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous efforts to improve the process of drug discovery and development, achieving success at the clinical stage remains challenging because of a persistent translational gap between the preclinical and clinical settings. Under these circumstances, the discovery of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has brought new hope to the drug discovery field because they enable scientists to humanize a variety of pharmacological and toxicological models in vitro. The availability of human iPS cell-derived cells, particularly as an alternative for difficult-to-access tissues and organs, is increasing steadily; however, their use in the field of translational medicine remains challenging. Biomarkers are an essential part of the translational effort to shift new discoveries from bench to bedside as they provide a measurable indicator with which to evaluate pharmacological and toxicological effects in both the preclinical and clinical settings. In general, during the preclinical stage of the drug development process, in vitro models that are established to recapitulate human diseases are validated by using a set of biomarkers; however, their translatability to a clinical setting remains problematic. This review provides an overview of current strategies for human iPS cell-based drug discovery from the perspective of translational research, and discusses the importance of early consideration of clinically relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Hosoya
- Integrated Technology Research Laboratories, Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
| | - Katherine Czysz
- Integrated Technology Research Laboratories, Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
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Liu Y, Yang Y, Kang X, Lin B, Yu Q, Song B, Gao G, Chen Y, Sun X, Li X, Bu L, Fan Y. One-Step Biallelic and Scarless Correction of a β-Thalassemia Mutation in Patient-Specific iPSCs without Drug Selection. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2016; 6:57-67. [PMID: 28325300 PMCID: PMC5363452 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Monogenic disorders (MGDs), which are caused by single gene mutations, have a serious effect on human health. Among these, β-thalassemia (β-thal) represents one of the most common hereditary hematological diseases caused by mutations in the human hemoglobin β (HBB) gene. The technologies of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genetic correction provide insights into the treatments for MGDs, including β-thal. However, traditional approaches for correcting mutations have a low efficiency and leave a residual footprint, which leads to some safety concerns in clinical applications. As a proof of concept, we utilized single-strand oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs), high-fidelity CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease, and small molecules to achieve a seamless correction of the β-41/42 (TCTT) deletion mutation in β thalassemia patient-specific iPSCs with remarkable efficiency. Additionally, off-target analysis and whole-exome sequencing results revealed that corrected cells exhibited a minimal mutational load and no off-target mutagenesis. When differentiated into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and then further to erythroblasts, the genetically corrected cells expressed normal β-globin transcripts. Our studies provide the most efficient and safe approach for the genetic correction of the β-41/42 (TCTT) deletion in iPSCs for further potential cell therapy of β-thal, which represents a potential therapeutic avenue for the gene correction of MGD-associated mutants in patient-specific iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Liu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Qian Yu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Bing Song
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yaoyong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Lei Bu
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
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Murdocca M, Ciafrè SA, Spitalieri P, Talarico RV, Sanchez M, Novelli G, Sangiuolo F. SMA Human iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons Show Perturbed Differentiation and Reduced miR-335-5p Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081231. [PMID: 27483257 PMCID: PMC5000629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene, resulting in very low levels of functional Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. SMA human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs) represent a useful and valid model for the study of the disorder, as they provide in vitro the target cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are often reported as playing a key role in regulating neuronal differentiation and fate specification. In this study SMA hiPSCs have been differentiated towards early motor neurons and their molecular and immunocytochemical profile were compared to those of wild type cells. Cell cycle proliferation was also evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). SMA hiPSCs showed an increased proliferation rate and also higher levels of stem cell markers. Moreover; when differentiated towards early motor neurons they expressed lower levels of NCAM and MN specific markers. The expression of miR-335-5p; already identified to control self-renewal or differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs); resulted to be reduced during the early steps of differentiation of SMA hiPSCs compared to wild type cells. These results suggest that we should speculate a role of this miRNA both in stemness characteristic and in differentiation efficiency of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Murdocca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Anna Ciafrè
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Spitalieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Valentina Talarico
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Sanchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Golas MM, Sander B. Use of human stem cells in Huntington disease modeling and translational research. Exp Neurol 2016; 278:76-90. [PMID: 26826449 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a devastating neurological disorder caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 1 of the gene that encodes the huntingtin (HTT) protein. HD pathology involves a loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and progressive neurodegeneration affects the striatum and other brain regions. Because HTT is involved in multiple cellular processes, the molecular mechanisms of HD pathogenesis should be investigated on multiple levels. On the cellular level, in vitro stem cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from HD patients and HD embryonic stem cells (ESCs), have yielded progress. Approaches to differentiate functional MSNs from ESCs, iPSCs, and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) have been established, enabling MSN differentiation to be studied and disease phenotypes to be recapitulated. Isolation of target stem cells and precursor cells may also provide a resource for grafting. In animal models, transplantation of striatal precursors differentiated in vitro to the striatum has been reported to improve disease phenotype. Initial clinical trials examining intrastriatal transplantation of fetal neural tissue suggest a more favorable clinical course in a subset of HD patients, though shortcomings persist. Here, we review recent advances in the development of cellular HD models and approaches aimed at cell regeneration with human stem cells. We also describe how genome editing tools could be used to correct the HTT mutation in patient-specific stem cells. Finally, we discuss the potential and the remaining challenges of stem cell-based approaches in HD research and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika M Golas
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Bjoern Sander
- Stereology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Kaitsuka T, Tomizawa K. Cell-Penetrating Peptide as a Means of Directing the Differentiation of Induced-Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:26667-76. [PMID: 26561805 PMCID: PMC4661845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161125986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein transduction using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is useful for the delivery of large protein molecules, including some transcription factors. This method is safer than gene transfection methods with a viral vector because there is no risk of genomic integration of the exogenous DNA. Recently, this method was reported as a means for the induction of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, directing the differentiation into specific cell types and supporting gene editing/correction. Furthermore, we developed a direct differentiation method to obtain a pancreatic lineage from mouse and human pluripotent stem cells via the protein transduction of three transcription factors, Pdx1, NeuroD, and MafA. Here, we discuss the possibility of using CPPs as a means of directing the differentiation of iPS cells and other stem cell technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Kaitsuka
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjyo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Kazuhito Tomizawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjyo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
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