Molecular Characterization of Down Syndrome Embryonic Stem Cells Reveals a Role for RUNX1 in Neural Differentiation

Analysis of genotype effects and inter-individual variability in iPSC-derived trisomy 21 neural progenitor cells

Trisomy of human chromosome 21 (T21) gives rise to Down syndrome (DS), the most frequent live-born autosomal aneuploidy. T21 triggers genome-wide transcriptomic alterations that result in multiple atypical phenotypes with highly variable penetrance and expressivity in individuals with DS. Many of these phenotypes, including atypical neurodevelopment, emerge prenatally. To enable in vitro analyses of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to the neurological alterations associated with T21, we created and characterized a panel of genomically diverse T21 and euploid induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We subsequently differentiated these iPSCs to generate a panel of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Alongside characterizing genotype effects from T21, we found that T21 NPCs showed inter-individual variability in growth rates, oxidative stress, senescence characteristics, and gene and protein expression. Pathway enrichment analyses of T21 NPCs identified vesicular transport, DNA repair, and cellular response to stress pathways. These results demonstrate T21-associated variability at the cellular level and suggest that cell lines from individuals with DS should not solely be analyzed as a homogenous population. Examining large cohorts of genetically diverse samples may more fully reveal the effects of aneuploidy on transcriptomic and phenotypic characteristics in T21 cell types. A panel of genomically diverse T21 and euploid induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were created and subsequently differentiated into neural progenitor cells (NPCs). T21 NPCs showed reduced growth, increased oxidative stress, and inter-individual variability in gene and protein expression. This inter-individual variability suggests that studies with large cohorts of genetically diverse T21 samples may more fully reveal the effects of aneuploidy.

Chromosomal and cellular therapeutic approaches for Down syndrome: A research update

In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), an additional HSA21 chromosome copy leads to the overexpression of a myriad of HSA21 genes, disrupting the transcription of the entire genome. This dysregulation in transcription and post-transcriptional modifications contributes to abnormal phenotypes across nearly all tissues and organs in DS individuals. The array of severe clinical symptoms associated with trisomy 21 poses a considerable challenge in the quest for a cure for DS. Fortunately, a wealth of research suggests that chromosome therapy, hinging on cutting-edge genome editing technologies, can potentially eliminate the extra copy of the human chromosome 21. Genome editing tools have demonstrated their efficacy in restoring trisomy to a normal diploid state in vitro DS cell models. Furthermore, we delve into the noteworthy findings in cellular therapy for DS, with recent studies showcasing the increasing feasibility of strategies involving stem cells and CAR T-cells to address corresponding clinical phenotypes.

RUN(X) out of blood: emerging RUNX1 functions beyond hematopoiesis and links to Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

RUNX1 is a transcription factor and a master regulator for the specification of the hematopoietic lineage during embryogenesis and postnatal megakaryopoiesis. Mutations and rearrangements on RUNX1 are key drivers of hematological malignancies. In humans, this gene is localized to the 'Down syndrome critical region' of chromosome 21, triplication of which is necessary and sufficient for most phenotypes that characterize Trisomy 21.

MAIN BODY

Individuals with Down syndrome show a higher predisposition to leukemias. Hence, RUNX1 overexpression was initially proposed as a critical player on Down syndrome-associated leukemogenesis. Less is known about the functions of RUNX1 in other tissues and organs, although growing reports show important implications in development or homeostasis of neural tissues, muscle, heart, bone, ovary, or the endothelium, among others. Even less is understood about the consequences on these tissues of RUNX1 gene dosage alterations in the context of Down syndrome. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on RUNX1 activities outside blood/leukemia, while suggesting for the first time their potential relation to specific Trisomy 21 co-occurring conditions.

CONCLUSION

Our concise review on the emerging RUNX1 roles in different tissues outside the hematopoietic context provides a number of well-funded hypotheses that will open new research avenues toward a better understanding of RUNX1-mediated transcription in health and disease, contributing to novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Down syndrome-associated conditions.

REST Targets JAK-STAT and HIF-1 Signaling Pathways in Human Down Syndrome Brain and Neural Cells

Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequently diagnosed chromosomal disorder of chromosome 21 (HSA21) aneuploidy, characterized by intellectual disability and reduced lifespan. The transcription repressor, Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription factor (REST), which acts as an epigenetic regulator, is a crucial regulator of neuronal and glial gene expression. In this study, we identified and investigated the role of REST-target genes in human brain tissues, cerebral organoids, and neural cells in Down syndrome. Gene expression datasets generated from healthy controls and DS samples of human brain tissues, cerebral organoids, NPC, neurons, and astrocytes were retrieved from the Gene Ontology (GEO) and Sequence Read Archive (SRA) databases. Differential expression analysis was performed on all datasets to produce differential expression genes (DEGs) between DS and control groups. REST-targeted DEGs were subjected to functional ontologies, pathways, and network analyses. We found that REST-targeted DEGs in DS were enriched for the JAK-STAT and HIF-1 signaling pathways across multiple distinct brain regions, ages, and neural cell types. We also identified REST-targeted DEGs involved in nervous system development, cell differentiation, fatty acid metabolism and inflammation in the DS brain. Based on the findings, we propose REST as the critical regulator and a promising therapeutic target to modulate homeostatic gene expression in the DS brain.

NR2F1 shapes mitochondria in the mouse brain, providing new insights into Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome

The nuclear receptor NR2F1 acts as a strong transcriptional regulator in embryonic and postnatal neural cells. In humans, mutations in the NR2F1 gene cause Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple clinical features including vision impairment, intellectual disability and autistic traits. In this study, we identified, by genome-wide and in silico analyses, a set of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes as potential genomic targets under direct NR2F1 transcriptional control in neurons. By combining mouse genetic, neuroanatomical and imaging approaches, we demonstrated that conditional NR2F1 loss of function within the adult mouse hippocampal neurogenic niche results in a reduced mitochondrial mass associated with mitochondrial fragmentation and downregulation of key mitochondrial proteins in newborn neurons, the genesis, survival and functional integration of which are impaired. Importantly, we also found dysregulation of several nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes and downregulation of key mitochondrial proteins in the brain of Nr2f1-heterozygous mice, a validated BBSOAS model. Our data point to an active role for NR2F1 in the mitochondrial gene expression regulatory network in neurons and support the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in BBSOAS pathogenesis.

Cellular senescence and premature aging in Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in cognitive impairment, physical abnormalities, and an increased risk of age-related co-morbidities. Individuals with DS exhibit accelerated aging, which has been attributed to several cellular mechanisms, including cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that cellular senescence may play a key role in the pathogenesis of DS and the development of age-related disorders in this population. Importantly, cellular senescence may be a potential therapeutic target in alleviating age-related DS pathology. Here, we discuss the importance of focusing on cellular senescence to understand accelerated aging in DS. We review the current state of knowledge regarding cellular senescence and other hallmarks of aging in DS, including its putative contribution to cognitive impairment, multi-organ dysfunction, and premature aging phenotypes.

RUNX1 Upregulation Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Regulating the PI3K-Akt Pathway in iPSC from Patients with Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common autosomal aneuploidy caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Previous studies demonstrated that DS affected mitochondrial functions, which may be associated with the abnormal development of the nervous system in patients with DS. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is an encoding gene located on chromosome 21. It has been reported that RUNX1 may affect cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. The present study investigated whether RUNX1 plays a critical role in mitochondrial dysfunction in DS and explored the mechanism by which RUNX1 affects mitochondrial functions. Expression of RUNX1 was detected in induced pluripotent stem cells of patients with DS (DS-iPSCs) and normal iPSCs (N-iPSCs), and the mitochondrial functions were investigated in the current study. Subsequently, RUNX1 was overexpressed in N-iPSCs and inhibited in DS-iPSCs. The mitochondrial functions were investigated thoroughly, including reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content and lysosomal activity. Finally, RNA-sequencing was used to explore the global expression pattern. It was observed that the expression levels of RUNX1 in DS-iPSCs were significantly higher than those in normal controls. Impaired mitochondrial functions were observed in DS-iPSCs. Of note, overexpression of RUNX1 in N-iPSCs resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, while inhibition of RUNX1 expression could improve the mitochondrial function in DS-iPSCs. Global gene expression analysis indicated that overexpression of RUNX1 may promote the induction of apoptosis in DS-iPSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The present findings indicate that abnormal expression of RUNX1 may play a critical role in mitochondrial dysfunction in DS-iPSCs.

Cell models for Down syndrome-Alzheimer’s disease research

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality and leads to intellectual disability, increased risk of cardiac defects, and an altered immune response. Individuals with DS have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) and are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than the general population. Changes in expression of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21)-encoded genes, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD in DS (DS-AD). However, the mechanisms of DS-AD remain poorly understood. To date, several mouse models with an extra copy of genes syntenic to Hsa21 have been developed to characterise DS-AD-related phenotypes. Nonetheless, due to genetic and physiological differences between mouse and human, mouse models cannot faithfully recapitulate all features of DS-AD. Cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), isolated from individuals with genetic diseases, can be used to model disease-related cellular and molecular pathologies, including DS. In this review, we will discuss the limitations of mouse models of DS and how these can be addressed using recent advancements in modelling DS using human iPSCs and iPSC-mouse chimeras, and potential applications of iPSCs in preclinical studies for DS-AD.

Overexpression of the Hsa21 Transcription Factor RUNX1 Modulates the Extracellular Matrix in Trisomy 21 Cells

Down syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder frequently characterized by other developmental defects, such as congenital heart disease. Analysis of gene expression profiles of hearts from trisomic fetuses have shown upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. The aim of this work was to identify genes on chromosome 21 potentially responsible for the upregulation of ECM genes and to pinpoint any functional consequences of this upregulation. By gene set enrichment analysis of public data sets, we identified the transcription factor RUNX1, which maps to chromosome 21, as a possible candidate for regulation of ECM genes. We assessed that approximately 80% of ECM genes overexpressed in trisomic hearts have consensus sequences for RUNX1 in their promoters. We found that in human fetal fibroblasts with chromosome 21 trisomy there is increased expression of both RUNX1 and several ECM genes, whether located on chromosome 21 or not. SiRNA silencing of RUNX1 reduced the expression of 11 of the 14 ECM genes analyzed. In addition, collagen IV, an ECM protein secreted in high concentrations in the culture media of trisomic fibroblasts, was modulated by RUNX1 silencing. Attenuated expression of RUNX1 increased the migratory capacity of trisomic fibroblasts, which are characterized by a reduced migratory capacity compared to euploid controls.

Regulation of mRNA translation in stem cells; links to brain disorders

Translational control of gene expression is emerging as a cardinal step in the regulation of protein abundance. Especially for embryonic (ESC) and neuronal stem cells (NSC), regulation of mRNA translation is involved in the maintenance of pluripotency but also differentiation. For neuronal stem cells this regulation is linked to the various neuronal subtypes that arise in the developing brain and is linked to numerous brain disorders. Herein, we review translational control mechanisms in ESCs and NSCs during development and differentiation, and briefly discuss their link to brain disorders.

Immunonano-Lipocarrier-Mediated Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell-Specific RUNX1 Inhibition Impedes Immune Cell Infiltration and Hepatic Inflammation in Murine Model of NASH

Background: Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX1) regulates inflammation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: We performed in vivo targeted silencing of the RUNX1 gene in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) by using vegfr3 antibody tagged immunonano-lipocarriers encapsulated RUNX1 siRNA (RUNX1 siRNA) in murine models of methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH. MCD mice given nanolipocarriers-encapsulated negative siRNA were vehicle, and mice with standard diet were controls. Results: Liver RUNX1 expression was increased in the LSECs of MCD mice in comparison to controls. RUNX1 protein expression was decreased by 40% in CD31-positive LSECs of RUNX1 siRNA mice in comparison to vehicle, resulting in the downregulation of adhesion molecules, ICAM1 expression, and VCAM1 expression in LSECs. There was a marked decrease in infiltrated T cells and myeloid cells along with reduced inflammatory cytokines in the liver of RUNX1 siRNA mice as compared to that observed in the vehicle. Conclusions: In vivo LSEC-specific silencing of RUNX1 using immunonano-lipocarriers encapsulated siRNA effectively reduces its expression of adhesion molecules, infiltrate on of immune cells in liver, and inflammation in NASH.

Alzheimer's Disease in the Down Syndrome: An Overview of Genetics and Molecular Aspects

The overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene, encoded on chromosome 21, has been associated in Down syndrome (DS) with the development of early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD). The increase in APP levels leads to an overproduction of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide that accumulates in the brain. In response to this deposition, microglial cells are active and generate cascade events that include release cytokines and chemokine. The prolonged activation microglial cells induce neuronal loss, production of reactive oxygen species, neuron death, neuroinflammation, and consequently the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The intrinsically deficient immune systems in people with DS result in abnormalities in cytokine levels, which possibly contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. Knowledge about the biomarkers involved in the process of neurodegeneration and neuroinflamation is important for understanding the mechanisms involved in the incidence and the precocity of AD in individuals with DS.

Low-pass whole genome bisulfite sequencing of neonatal dried blood spots identifies a role for RUNX1 in Down syndrome DNA methylation profiles

Neonatal dried blood spots (NDBS) are a widely banked sample source that enables retrospective investigation into early life molecular events. Here, we performed low-pass whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of 86 NDBS DNA to examine early life Down syndrome (DS) DNA methylation profiles. DS represents an example of genetics shaping epigenetics, as multiple array-based studies have demonstrated that trisomy 21 is characterized by genome-wide alterations to DNA methylation. By assaying over 24 million CpG sites, thousands of genome-wide significant (q < 0.05) differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that distinguished DS from typical development and idiopathic developmental delay were identified. Machine learning feature selection refined these DMRs to 22 loci. The DS DMRs mapped to genes involved in neurodevelopment, metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. Based on comparisons with previous DS methylation studies and reference epigenomes, the hypermethylated DS DMRs were significantly (q < 0.05) enriched across tissues while the hypomethylated DS DMRs were significantly (q < 0.05) enriched for blood-specific chromatin states. A ~28 kb block of hypermethylation was observed on chromosome 21 in the RUNX1 locus, which encodes a hematopoietic transcription factor whose binding motif was the most significantly enriched (q < 0.05) overall and specifically within the hypomethylated DMRs. Finally, we also identified DMRs that distinguished DS NDBS based on the presence or absence of congenital heart disease (CHD). Together, these results not only demonstrate the utility of low-pass WGBS on NDBS samples for epigenome-wide association studies, but also provide new insights into the early life mechanisms of epigenomic dysregulation resulting from trisomy 21.

Studying Abnormal Chromosomal Diseases Using Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Chromosomal abnormality causes congenital and acquired intractable diseases. In general, there are no fundamental treatments for these diseases. To establish platforms to develop therapeutics for these diseases, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are highly beneficial. To study abnormal chromosomal diseases, it is often hard to apply animal disease models because the chromosomal structures are variable among species. It is also difficult to apply simple genome editing technology in cells or individuals for abnormal chromosomes. Thus, these patient-derived iPSCs have advantages for developing disease models with multiple cell and tissue types, which are typically seen in the symptoms of abnormal chromosomal diseases. Here we review the studies of patient-derived iPSCs carrying abnormal chromosomes, focusing on pluripotent state and neural lineages. We also discuss the technological advances in chromosomal manipulations toward establishing experimental models and future therapeutics. Patient-derived iPSCs carrying chromosomal abnormality are valuable as cellular bioresources since they can indefinitely proliferate and provide various cell types. Also, these findings and technologies are important for future studies on elucidating pathogenesis, drug development, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy for abnormal chromosomal diseases.

mitoXplorer, a visual data mining platform to systematically analyze and visualize mitochondrial expression dynamics and mutations

Mitochondria participate in metabolism and signaling. They adapt to the requirements of various cell types. Publicly available expression data permit to study expression dynamics of genes with mitochondrial function (mito-genes) in various cell types, conditions and organisms. Yet, we lack an easy way of extracting these data for mito-genes. Here, we introduce the visual data mining platform mitoXplorer, which integrates expression and mutation data of mito-genes with a manually curated mitochondrial interactome containing ∼1200 genes grouped in 38 mitochondrial processes. User-friendly analysis and visualization tools allow to mine mitochondrial expression dynamics and mutations across various datasets from four model species including human. To test the predictive power of mitoXplorer, we quantify mito-gene expression dynamics in trisomy 21 cells, as mitochondrial defects are frequent in trisomy 21. We uncover remarkable differences in the regulation of the mitochondrial transcriptome and proteome in one of the trisomy 21 cell lines, caused by dysregulation of the mitochondrial ribosome and resulting in severe defects in oxidative phosphorylation. With the newly developed Fiji plugin mitoMorph, we identify mild changes in mitochondrial morphology in trisomy 21. Taken together, mitoXplorer (http://mitoxplorer.ibdm.univ-mrs.fr) is a user-friendly, web-based and freely accessible software, aiding experimental scientists to quantify mitochondrial expression dynamics.

Modeling Down syndrome in cells: From stem cells to organoids

Down Syndrome (DS) is a complex chromosomal disorder, with neurological issues, featuring among the symptoms. Primary neuronal cells and tissues are extremely useful, but limited both in supply and experimental manipulability. To better understand the cellular, molecular and pathological mechanisms involved in DS neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, a range of different cellular models have been developed over the years including human: mouse hybrid cells, transchromosomic mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and human ESC and induced pluripotent stem cells derived from different sources. All of these model systems have provided useful information in the study of DS. Furthermore, different technologies to genetically modify or correct trisomy of either single genes or the whole chromosome have been developed using these cellular models. New techniques and protocols to allow better modeling of cellular mechanisms and disease processes are being developed and the use of cerebral organoids offers great promise for future research into the neural phenotypes seen in DS.

Transcriptome and Proteome Profiling of Neural Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Individuals with Down Syndrome Disclose Dynamic Dysregulations of Key Pathways and Cellular Functions

Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 (T21) is a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability. To gain insights into dynamics of molecular perturbations during neurogenesis in DS, we established a model using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) with transcriptome profiles comparable to that of normal fetal brain development. When applied on iPSCs with T21, transcriptome and proteome signatures at two stages of differentiation revealed strong temporal dynamics of dysregulated genes, proteins and pathways belonging to 11 major functional clusters. DNA replication, synaptic maturation and neuroactive clusters were disturbed at the early differentiation time point accompanied by a skewed transition from the neural progenitor cell stage and reduced cellular growth. With differentiation, growth factor and extracellular matrix, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis emerged as major perturbed clusters. Furthermore, we identified a marked dysregulation of a set of genes encoded by chromosome 21 including an early upregulation of the hub gene APP, supporting its role for disturbed neurogenesis, and the transcription factors OLIG1, OLIG2 and RUNX1, consistent with deficient myelination and neuronal differentiation. Taken together, our findings highlight novel sequential and differentiation-dependent dynamics of disturbed functions, pathways and elements in T21 neurogenesis, providing further insights into developmental abnormalities of the DS brain.

The diverse consequences of aneuploidy

Aneuploidy, or imbalanced chromosome number, has profound effects on eukaryotic cells. In humans, aneuploidy is associated with various pathologies, including cancer, which suggests that it mediates a proliferative advantage under these conditions. Here, we discuss physiological changes triggered by aneuploidy, such as altered cell growth, transcriptional changes, proteotoxic stress, genomic instability and response to interferons, and how cancer cells adapt to the changing aneuploid genome.

Differentially expressed gene (DEG) based protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identifies a spectrum of gene interactome, transcriptome and correlated miRNA in nondisjunction Down syndrome

Down syndrome, a genetic disorder of known attribution reveals several types of brain abnormalities resulting in mental retardation, inadequacy in speech and memory. In this study, we have presented a consolidative network approach to comprehend the intricacy of the associated genes of Down syndrome. In this analysis, the differentially expressed genes (DEG's) were identified and the central networks were constructed as upregulated and downregulated. Subsequently, GNB5, CDC42, SPTAN1, GNG2, GNAZ, PRKACB, SST, CD44, FGF2, PHLPP1, APP, and FYN were identified as the candidate hub genes by using topological parameters. Later, Fpclass a PPI tool identified WASP gene, a co-expression interacting partner with highest network topology. Moreover, an enhanced enrichment pathway namely Opioid signaling was obtained using ClueGo, depicting the roles of the hub genes in signaling and neuronal mechanisms. The transcriptional regulatory factors and the common miRNA connected to them were identified by using MatInspector and miRTarbase. Later, a regulatory network constructed showed that PLAG, T2FB, CREB, NEUR, and GATA were the most commonly connected transcriptional factors and hsa-miR-122-5p was the most prominent miRNA. In a nutshell, these hub genes and the enriched pathway could help understand at a molecular level and eventually used as therapeutic targets for Down syndrome.

Poly(C)-Binding Protein Pcbp2 Enables Differentiation of Definitive Erythropoiesis by Directing Functional Splicing of the Runx1 Transcript

Formation of the mammalian hematopoietic system is under a complex set of developmental controls. Here, we report that mouse embryos lacking the KH domain poly(C) binding protein, Pcbp2, are selectively deficient in the definitive erythroid lineage. Compared to wild-type controls, transcript splicing analysis of the Pcbp2-/- embryonic liver reveals accentuated exclusion of an exon (exon 6) that encodes a highly conserved transcriptional control segment of the hematopoietic master regulator, Runx1. Embryos rendered homozygous for a Runx1 locus lacking this cassette exon (Runx1ΔE6) effectively phenocopy the loss of the definitive erythroid lineage in Pcbp2-/- embryos. These data support a model in which enhancement of Runx1 cassette exon 6 inclusion by Pcbp2 serves a critical role in development of hematopoietic progenitors and constitutes a critical step in the developmental pathway of the definitive erythropoietic lineage.

Muscle stem cell dysfunction impairs muscle regeneration in a mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome, caused by trisomy 21, is characterized by a variety of medical conditions including intellectual impairments, cardiovascular defects, blood cell disorders and pre-mature aging phenotypes. Several somatic stem cell populations are dysfunctional in Down syndrome and their deficiencies may contribute to multiple Down syndrome phenotypes. Down syndrome is associated with muscle weakness but skeletal muscle stem cells or satellite cells in Down syndrome have not been investigated. We find that a failure in satellite cell expansion impairs muscle regeneration in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. Ts65Dn satellite cells accumulate DNA damage and over express Usp16, a histone de-ubiquitinating enzyme that regulates the DNA damage response. Impairment of satellite cell function, which further declines as Ts65Dn mice age, underscores stem cell deficiencies as an important contributor to Down syndrome pathologies.

Sphingolipid Metabolism Is Dysregulated at Transcriptomic and Metabolic Levels in the Spinal Cord of an Animal Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Lipid metabolism is drastically dysregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and impacts prognosis of patients. Animal models recapitulate alterations in the energy metabolism, including hypermetabolism and severe loss of adipose tissue. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we have performed RNA-sequencing and lipidomic profiling in spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1^G86R mice. Spinal transcriptome of SOD1^G86R mice was characterized by differential expression of genes related to immune system, extracellular exosome, and lysosome. Hypothesis-driven identification of metabolites showed that lipids, including sphingomyelin(d18:0/26:1), ceramide(d18:1/22:0), and phosphatidylcholine(o-22:1/20:4) showed profound altered levels. A correlation between disease severity and gene expression or metabolite levels was found for sphingosine, ceramide(d18:1/26:0), Sgpp2, Sphk1, and Ugt8a. Joint-analysis revealed a significant enrichment of glycosphingolipid metabolism in SOD1^G86R mice, due to the down-regulation of ceramide, glucosylceramide, and lactosylceramide and the overexpression of genes involved in their recycling in the lysosome. A drug-gene interaction database was interrogated to identify potential drugs able to modulate the dysregulated genes from the signaling pathway. Our results suggest that complex lipids are pivotally changed during the first phase of motor symptoms in an animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Neural Stem Cell Dysfunction in Human Brain Disorders

Neural stem cells (NSCs) give rise to the entire nervous system. Animal models suggest that defects in NSC proliferation and differentiation contribute to several brain disorders (e.g., microcephaly, macrocephaly, autism, schizophrenia, and Huntington's disease). However, animal models of such diseases do not fully recapitulate all disease-related phenotypes because of substantial differences in brain development between rodents and humans. Therefore, additional human-based evidence is required to understand the mechanisms that are involved in the development of neurological diseases that result from human NSC (hNSC) dysfunction. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells provide a new model to investigate the contribution of hNSCs to various neurological pathologies. In this chapter, we review the role of hNSCs in both neurodevelopment- and neurodegeneration-related human brain pathologies, with an emphasis on recent evidence that has been obtained using embryonic stem cell- or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hNSCs and progenitors.

Down Syndrome iPSC-Derived Astrocytes Impair Neuronal Synaptogenesis and the mTOR Pathway In Vitro

Several methods have been used to study the neuropathogenesis of Down syndrome (DS), such as mouse aneuploidies, post mortem human brains, and in vitro cell culture of neural progenitor cells. More recently, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has offered new approaches in investigation, providing a valuable tool for studying specific cell types affected by DS, especially neurons and astrocytes. Here, we investigated the role of astrocytes in DS developmental disease and the impact of the astrocyte secretome in neuron mTOR signaling and synapse formation using iPSC derived from DS and wild-type (WT) subjects. We demonstrated for the first time that DS neurons derived from hiPSC recapitulate the hyperactivation of the Akt/mTOR axis observed in DS brains and that DS astrocytes may play a key role in this dysfunction. Our results bear out that 21 trisomy in astrocytes contributes to neuronal abnormalities in addition to cell autonomous dysfunctions caused by 21 trisomy in neurons. Further research in this direction will likely yield additional insights, thereby improving our understanding of DS and potentially facilitating the development of new therapeutic approaches.