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Pham DL, Gillette AA, Riendeau J, Wiech K, Guzman EC, Datta R, Skala MC. Perspectives on label-free microscopy of heterogeneous and dynamic biological systems. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2025; 29:S22702. [PMID: 38434231 PMCID: PMC10903072 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.29.s2.s22702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Significance Advancements in label-free microscopy could provide real-time, non-invasive imaging with unique sources of contrast and automated standardized analysis to characterize heterogeneous and dynamic biological processes. These tools would overcome challenges with widely used methods that are destructive (e.g., histology, flow cytometry) or lack cellular resolution (e.g., plate-based assays, whole animal bioluminescence imaging). Aim This perspective aims to (1) justify the need for label-free microscopy to track heterogeneous cellular functions over time and space within unperturbed systems and (2) recommend improvements regarding instrumentation, image analysis, and image interpretation to address these needs. Approach Three key research areas (cancer research, autoimmune disease, and tissue and cell engineering) are considered to support the need for label-free microscopy to characterize heterogeneity and dynamics within biological systems. Based on the strengths (e.g., multiple sources of molecular contrast, non-invasive monitoring) and weaknesses (e.g., imaging depth, image interpretation) of several label-free microscopy modalities, improvements for future imaging systems are recommended. Conclusion Improvements in instrumentation including strategies that increase resolution and imaging speed, standardization and centralization of image analysis tools, and robust data validation and interpretation will expand the applications of label-free microscopy to study heterogeneous and dynamic biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan L. Pham
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | | | | | - Kasia Wiech
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | | | - Rupsa Datta
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Melissa C. Skala
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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2
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Hu D, Cao Y, Cai C, Wang G, Zhou M, Peng L, Fan Y, Lai Q, Gao Z. Establishment of human cerebral organoid systems to model early neural development and assess the central neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:242-252. [PMID: 38767489 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00032/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Human brain development is a complex process, and animal models often have significant limitations. To address this, researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures, known as brain-like organoids, to more accurately model early human brain development and disease. To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development, in this study, we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture. This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation, resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system. This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development, including neuroepithelium derivation, neural progenitor cell production and maintenance, neuron differentiation and migration, and cortical layer patterning and formation, providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing. As a proof of concept, we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns, including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation. Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity, accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations. The convenience, flexibility, and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyu Hu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanqing Cao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglin Cai
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangming Wang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yantao Fan
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Lai
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengliang Gao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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3
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Li M, Yuan Y, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Human brain organoid: trends, evolution, and remaining challenges. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2387-2399. [PMID: 38526275 PMCID: PMC11090441 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390972] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced brain organoids provide promising platforms for deciphering the cellular and molecular processes of human neural development and diseases. Although various studies and reviews have described developments and advancements in brain organoids, few studies have comprehensively summarized and analyzed the global trends in this area of neuroscience. To identify and further facilitate the development of cerebral organoids, we utilized bibliometrics and visualization methods to analyze the global trends and evolution of brain organoids in the last 10 years. First, annual publications, countries/regions, organizations, journals, authors, co-citations, and keywords relating to brain organoids were identified. The hotspots in this field were also systematically identified. Subsequently, current applications for brain organoids in neuroscience, including human neural development, neural disorders, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and toxicity assessment studies, are comprehensively discussed. Towards that end, several considerations regarding the current challenges in brain organoid research and future strategies to advance neuroscience will be presented to further promote their application in neurological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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4
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Ahn S, Jain A, Kasuba KC, Seimiya M, Okamoto R, Treutlein B, Müller DJ. Engineering fibronectin-templated multi-component fibrillar extracellular matrices to modulate tissue-specific cell response. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122560. [PMID: 38603826 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells assemble fibronectin, the major extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, into fibrillar matrices, which serve as 3D architectural scaffolds to provide, together with other ECM proteins tissue-specific environments. Although recent approaches enable to bioengineer 3D fibrillar fibronectin matrices in vitro, it remains elusive how fibronectin can be co-assembled with other ECM proteins into complex 3D fibrillar matrices that recapitulate tissue-specific compositions and cellular responses. Here, we introduce the engineering of fibrillar fibronectin-templated 3D matrices that can be complemented with other ECM proteins, including vitronectin, collagen, and laminin to resemble ECM architectures observed in vivo. For the co-assembly of different ECM proteins, we employed their innate fibrillogenic mechanisms including shear forces, pH-dependent electrostatic interactions, or specific binding domains. Through recapitulating various tissue-specific ECM compositions and morphologies, the large scale multi-composite 3D fibrillar ECM matrices can guide fibroblast adhesion, 3D fibroblast tissue formation, or tissue morphogenesis of epithelial cells. In other examples, we customize multi-composite 3D fibrillar matrices to support the growth of signal propagating neuronal networks and of human brain organoids. We envision that these 3D fibrillar ECM matrices can be tailored in scale and composition to modulate tissue-specific responses across various biological length scales and systems, and thus to advance manyfold studies of cell biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungkuk Ahn
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Akanksha Jain
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Krishna Chaitanya Kasuba
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Makiko Seimiya
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ryoko Okamoto
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Treutlein
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Müller
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Sawada T, Barbosa AR, Araujo B, McCord AE, D'Ignazio L, Benjamin KJM, Sheehan B, Zabolocki M, Feltrin A, Arora R, Brandtjen AC, Kleinman JE, Hyde TM, Bardy C, Weinberger DR, Paquola ACM, Erwin JA. Recapitulation of Perturbed Striatal Gene Expression Dynamics of Donors' Brains With Ventral Forebrain Organoids Derived From the Same Individuals With Schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:493-511. [PMID: 37915216 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that originates during neurodevelopment and has complex genetic and environmental etiologies. Despite decades of clinical evidence of altered striatal function in affected patients, studies examining its cellular and molecular mechanisms in humans are limited. To explore neurodevelopmental alterations in the striatum associated with schizophrenia, the authors established a method for the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into ventral forebrain organoids (VFOs). METHODS VFOs were generated from postmortem dural fibroblast-derived iPSCs of four individuals with schizophrenia and four neurotypical control individuals for whom postmortem caudate genotypes and transcriptomic data were profiled in the BrainSeq neurogenomics consortium. Individuals were selected such that the two groups had nonoverlapping schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRSs). RESULTS Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of VFOs revealed differences in developmental trajectory between schizophrenia and control individuals in which inhibitory neuronal cells from the patients exhibited accelerated maturation. Furthermore, upregulated genes in inhibitory neurons in schizophrenia VFOs showed a significant overlap with upregulated genes in postmortem caudate tissue of individuals with schizophrenia compared with control individuals, including the donors of the iPSC cohort. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that striatal neurons derived from high-PRS individuals with schizophrenia carry abnormalities that originated during early brain development and that the VFO model can recapitulate disease-relevant cell type-specific neurodevelopmental phenotypes in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyo Sawada
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - André R Barbosa
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Bruno Araujo
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Alejandra E McCord
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Laura D'Ignazio
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Kynon J M Benjamin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Bonna Sheehan
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Michael Zabolocki
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Arthur Feltrin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Ria Arora
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Anna C Brandtjen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Joel E Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Thomas M Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Cedric Bardy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Apuã C M Paquola
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
| | - Jennifer A Erwin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore (Sawada, Barbosa, Araujo, McCord, D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Sheehan, Feltrin, Arora, Brandtjen, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin); Department of Neurology (D'Ignazio, Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger, Paquola, Erwin), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Benjamin, Kleinman, Hyde, Weinberger), and Department of Neuroscience (Weinberger, Erwin), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy); Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide (Zabolocki, Bardy)
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6
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Danačíková Š, Straka B, Daněk J, Kořínek V, Otáhal J. In vitro human cell culture models in a bench-to-bedside approach to epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:865-890. [PMID: 38637998 PMCID: PMC11145627 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12941] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting nearly 1%-2% of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatment and regimen adjustments are aimed at controlling seizures; however, they are ineffective in one-third of the patients. Although neuronal hyperexcitability was previously thought to be mainly due to ion channel alterations, current research has revealed other contributing molecular pathways, including processes involved in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, axon guidance, inflammation, and others. Some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy are caused by genetic defects that constitute potential targets for precision therapy. Although such approaches are increasingly important, they are still in the early stages of development. This review aims to provide a summary of practical aspects of the employment of in vitro human cell culture models in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and research. First, we briefly summarize the genetic testing that may result in the detection of candidate pathogenic variants in genes involved in epilepsy pathogenesis. Consequently, we review existing in vitro cell models, including induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells, providing their specific properties, validity, and employment in research pipelines. We cover two methodological approaches. The first approach involves the utilization of somatic cells directly obtained from individual patients, while the second approach entails the utilization of characterized cell lines. The models are evaluated in terms of their research and clinical benefits, relevance to the in vivo conditions, legal and ethical aspects, time and cost demands, and available published data. Despite the methodological, temporal, and financial demands of the reviewed models they possess high potential to be used as robust systems in routine testing of pathogenicity of detected variants in the near future and provide a solid experimental background for personalized therapy of genetic epilepsies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but current treatments fail for many patients. Beyond traditional ion channel alterations, various genetic factors contribute to the disorder's complexity. This review explores how in vitro human cell models, either from patients or from cell lines, can aid in understanding epilepsy's genetic roots and developing personalized therapies. While these models require further investigation, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of genetic forms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Danačíková
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Barbora Straka
- Neurogenetics Laboratory of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles University and Motol University Hospital, Full Member of the ERN EpiCAREPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Daněk
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kořínek
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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7
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Suong DNA, Imamura K, Kato Y, Inoue H. Design of neural organoids engineered by mechanical forces. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:190-195. [PMID: 38328799 PMCID: PMC10847990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.01.004] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural organoids consist of three-dimensional tissue derived from pluripotent stem cells that could recapitulate key features of the human brain. During the past decade, organoid technology has evolved in the field of human brain science by increasing the quality and applicability of its products. Among them, a novel approach involving the design of neural organoids engineered by mechanical forces has emerged. This review describes previous approaches for the generation of neural organoids, the engineering of neural organoids by mechanical forces, and future challenges for the application of mechanical forces in the design of neural organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dang Ngoc Anh Suong
- iPSC‑Based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Imamura
- iPSC‑Based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical‑Risk Avoidance Based On iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kato
- Mixing Technology Laboratory, SATAKE MultiMix Corporation, Saitama, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Inoue
- iPSC‑Based Drug Discovery and Development Team, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Kyoto, Japan
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical‑Risk Avoidance Based On iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Groveman BR, Williams K, Race B, Foliaki S, Thomas T, Hughson AG, Walters RO, Zou W, Haigh CL. Lack of Transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions to Human Cerebral Organoids. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1193-1202. [PMID: 38781931 PMCID: PMC11138967 DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.231568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a cervid prion disease with unknown zoonotic potential that might pose a risk to humans who are exposed. To assess the potential of CWD to infect human neural tissue, we used human cerebral organoids with 2 different prion genotypes, 1 of which has previously been associated with susceptibility to zoonotic prion disease. We exposed organoids from both genotypes to high concentrations of CWD inocula from 3 different sources for 7 days, then screened for infection periodically for up to 180 days. No de novo CWD propagation or deposition of protease-resistant forms of human prions was evident in CWD-exposed organoids. Some persistence of the original inoculum was detected, which was equivalent in prion gene knockout organoids and thus not attributable to human prion propagation. Overall, the unsuccessful propagation of CWD in cerebral organoids supports a strong species barrier to transmission of CWD prions to humans.
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9
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Chen C, Lee S, Zyner KG, Fernando M, Nemeruck V, Wong E, Marshall LL, Wark JR, Aryamanesh N, Tam PPL, Graham ME, Gonzalez-Cordero A, Yang P. Trans-omic profiling uncovers molecular controls of early human cerebral organoid formation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114219. [PMID: 38748874 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Defining the molecular networks orchestrating human brain formation is crucial for understanding neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. Challenges in acquiring early brain tissue have incentivized the use of three-dimensional human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural organoids to recapitulate neurodevelopment. To elucidate the molecular programs that drive this highly dynamic process, here, we generate a comprehensive trans-omic map of the phosphoproteome, proteome, and transcriptome of the exit of pluripotency and neural differentiation toward human cerebral organoids (hCOs). These data reveal key phospho-signaling events and their convergence on transcriptional factors to regulate hCO formation. Comparative analysis with developing human and mouse embryos demonstrates the fidelity of our hCOs in modeling embryonic brain development. Finally, we demonstrate that biochemical modulation of AKT signaling can control hCO differentiation. Together, our data provide a comprehensive resource to study molecular controls in human embryonic brain development and provide a guide for the future development of hCO differentiation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Chen
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Scott Lee
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Katherine G Zyner
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Milan Fernando
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Victoria Nemeruck
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Emilie Wong
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lee L Marshall
- Bioinformatics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jesse R Wark
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Nader Aryamanesh
- Bioinformatics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark E Graham
- Synapse Proteomics, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell and Organoid Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Pengyi Yang
- Computational Systems Biology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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10
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Hu Y, Geng Q, Wang L, Wang Y, Huang C, Fan Z, Kong D. Research progress and application of liver organoids for disease modeling and regenerative therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00109-024-02455-3. [PMID: 38802517 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02455-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The liver is a major metabolic organ of the human body and has a high incidence of diseases. In recent years, the annual incidence of liver disease has increased, seriously endangering human life and health. The study of the occurrence and development mechanism of liver diseases, discovery of new therapeutic targets, and establishment of new methods of medical treatment are major issues related to the national economy and people's livelihood. The development of stable and effective research models is expected to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of liver diseases and the search for more effective treatment options. Organoid technology is a new in vitro culture system, and organoids constructed by human cells can simulate the morphological structure, gene expression, and glucose and lipid metabolism of organs in vivo, providing a new model for related research on liver diseases. This paper reviews the latest research progress on liver organoids from the establishment of cell sources and application of liver organoids and discusses their application potential in the field of liver disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiao Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Angioenterology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Daming Avenue, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Angioenterology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Daming Avenue, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuyue Huang
- Department of Angioenterology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Daming Avenue, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Angioenterology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Daming Avenue, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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11
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Yang H, Niu S, Guo M, Xue Y. Applications of 3D organoids in toxicological studies: a comprehensive analysis based on bibliometrics and advances in toxicological mechanisms. Arch Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s00204-024-03777-4. [PMID: 38806717 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
A mechanism exploration is an important part of toxicological studies. However, traditional cell and animal models can no longer meet the current needs for in-depth studies of toxicological mechanisms. The three-dimensional (3D) organoid derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) is an ideal experimental model for the study of toxicological effects and mechanisms, which further recapitulates the human tissue microenvironment and provides a reliable method for studying complex cell-cell interactions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the 3D organoid technology in toxicological studies, including a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature and an exploration of the latest advances in toxicological mechanisms. The use of 3D organoids in toxicology research is growing rapidly, with applications in disease modeling, organ-on-chips, and drug toxicity screening being emphasized, but academic communications among countries/regions, institutions, and research scholars need to be further strengthened. Attempts to study the toxicological mechanisms of exogenous chemicals such as heavy metals, nanoparticles, drugs and organic pollutants are also increasing. It can be expected that 3D organoids can be better applied to the safety evaluation of exogenous chemicals by establishing a standardized methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuyan Niu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Menghao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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12
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Lampis S, Galardi A, Di Paolo V, Di Giannatale A. Organoids as a new approach for improving pediatric cancer research. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1414311. [PMID: 38835365 PMCID: PMC11148379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1414311] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in cancer research is the meticulous development of models that faithfully emulates the intricacies of the patient scenario, with emphasis on preserving intra-tumoral heterogeneity and the dynamic milieu of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Organoids emerge as promising tool in new drug development, drug screening and precision medicine. Despite advances in the diagnoses and treatment of pediatric cancers, certain tumor subtypes persist in yielding unfavorable prognoses. Moreover, the prognosis for a significant portion of children experiencing disease relapse is dismal. To improve pediatric outcome many groups are focusing on the development of precision medicine approach. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about using organoid system as model in preclinical and clinical solid-pediatric cancer. Since organoids retain the pivotal characteristics of primary parent tumors, they exert great potential in discovering novel tumor biomarkers, exploring drug-resistance mechanism and predicting tumor responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapies. We also examine both the potential opportunities and existing challenges inherent organoids, hoping to point out the direction for future organoid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lampis
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Galardi
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Di Paolo
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, IRCCS, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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13
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Schröter J, Deininger L, Lupse B, Richter P, Syrbe S, Mikut R, Jung-Klawitter S. A large and diverse brain organoid dataset of 1,400 cross-laboratory images of 64 trackable brain organoids. Sci Data 2024; 11:514. [PMID: 38769371 PMCID: PMC11106320 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03330-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids represent a useful tool for modeling of neurodevelopmental disorders and can recapitulate brain volume alterations such as microcephaly. To monitor organoid growth, brightfield microscopy images are frequently used and evaluated manually which is time-consuming and prone to observer-bias. Recent software applications for organoid evaluation address this issue using classical or AI-based methods. These pipelines have distinct strengths and weaknesses that are not evident to external observers. We provide a dataset of more than 1,400 images of 64 trackable brain organoids from four clones differentiated from healthy and diseased patients. This dataset is especially powerful to test and compare organoid analysis pipelines because of (1) trackable organoids (2) frequent imaging during development (3) clone diversity (4) distinct clone development (5) cross sample imaging by two different labs (6) common imaging distractors, and (6) pixel-level ground truth organoid annotations. Therefore, this dataset allows to perform differentiated analyses to delineate strengths, weaknesses, and generalizability of automated organoid analysis pipelines as well as analysis of clone diversity and similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schröter
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luca Deininger
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Group for Automated Image and Data Analysis, Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Blaz Lupse
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petra Richter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- MSH Medical School Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Group for Automated Image and Data Analysis, Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Sabine Jung-Klawitter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Ciucci G, Braga L, Zacchigna S. Discovery platforms for RNA therapeutics. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38760893 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics are emerging as a unique opportunity to drug currently "undruggable" molecules and diseases. While their advantages over conventional, small molecule drugs, their therapeutic implications and the tools for their effective in vivo delivery have been extensively reviewed, little attention has been so far paid to the technological platforms exploited for the discovery of RNA therapeutics. Here, we provide an overview of the existing platforms and ex vivo assays for RNA discovery, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as their main fields of application, with specific focus on RNA therapies that have reached either phase 3 or market approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ciucci
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Braga
- Functional Cell Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Zacchigna
- Cardiovascular Biology Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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15
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Boreland AJ, Stillitano AC, Lin HC, Abbo Y, Hart RP, Jiang P, Pang ZP, Rabson AB. Sustained type I interferon signaling after human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of human iPSC derived microglia and cerebral organoids. iScience 2024; 27:109628. [PMID: 38628961 PMCID: PMC11019286 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects up to half of people living with HIV-1 and causes long term neurological consequences. The pathophysiology of HIV-1-induced glial and neuronal functional deficits in humans remains enigmatic. To bridge this gap, we established a model simulating HIV-1 infection in the central nervous system using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia combined with sliced neocortical organoids. Incubation of microglia with two replication-competent macrophage-tropic HIV-1 strains (JRFL and YU2) elicited productive infection and inflammatory activation. RNA sequencing revealed significant and sustained activation of type I interferon signaling pathways. Incorporating microglia into sliced neocortical organoids extended the effects of aberrant type I interferon signaling in a human neural context. Collectively, our results illuminate a role for persistent type I interferon signaling in HIV-1-infected microglia in a human neural model, suggesting its potential significance in the pathogenesis of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Boreland
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alessandro C. Stillitano
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Hsin-Ching Lin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Yara Abbo
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ronald P. Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zhiping P. Pang
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Arnold B. Rabson
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, and Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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16
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Caiaffa CD, Tukeman G, Delgado CZ, Ambekar YS, Mekonnen TT, Singh M, Rodriguez V, Ricco E, Kraushaar D, Aglyamov SR, Scarcelli G, Larin KV, Finnell RH, Cabrera RM. Dolutegravir induces FOLR1 expression during brain organoid development. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1394058. [PMID: 38828282 PMCID: PMC11140035 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1394058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
During the first month of pregnancy, the brain and spinal cord are formed through a process called neurulation. However, this process can be altered by low serum levels of folic acid, environmental factors, or genetic predispositions. In 2018, a surveillance study in Botswana, a country with a high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and lacking mandatory food folate fortification programs, found that newborns whose mothers were taking dolutegravir (DTG) during the first trimester of pregnancy had an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). As a result, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have issued guidelines emphasizing the potential risks associated with the use of DTG-based antiretroviral therapies during pregnancy. To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the DTG-induced NTDs, we sought to assess the potential neurotoxicity of DTG in stem cell-derived brain organoids. The gene expression of brain organoids developed in the presence of DTG was analyzed by RNA sequencing, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Optical Coherence Elastography (OCE), and Brillouin microscopy. The sequencing data shows that DTG induces the expression of the folate receptor (FOLR1) and modifies the expression of genes required for neurogenesis. The Brillouin frequency shift observed at the surface of DTG-exposed brain organoids indicates an increase in superficial tissue stiffness. In contrast, reverberant OCE measurements indicate decreased organoid volumes and internal stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Donato Caiaffa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel Tukeman
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Yogeshwari S. Ambekar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Taye T. Mekonnen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Victoria Rodriguez
- Genomic and RNA Profiling Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Emily Ricco
- Genomic and RNA Profiling Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Daniel Kraushaar
- Genomic and RNA Profiling Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Salavat R. Aglyamov
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Giuliano Scarcelli
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Kirill V. Larin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular and Human Genetics and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert M. Cabrera
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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17
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Dwivedi I, Haddad GG. Investigating the neurobiology of maternal opioid use disorder and prenatal opioid exposure using brain organoid technology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1403326. [PMID: 38812788 PMCID: PMC11133580 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1403326] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) among pregnant women has become a major global public health concern. OUD has been characterized as a problematic pattern of opioid use despite adverse physical, psychological, behavioral, and or social consequences. Due to the relapsing-remitting nature of this disorder, pregnant mothers are chronically exposed to exogenous opioids, resulting in adverse neurological and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Collateral fetal exposure to opioids also precipitates severe neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive sequelae. At present, much of what is known regarding the neurobiological consequences of OUD and prenatal opioid exposure (POE) has been derived from preclinical studies in animal models and postnatal or postmortem investigations in humans. However, species-specific differences in brain development, variations in subject age/health/background, and disparities in sample collection or storage have complicated the interpretation of findings produced by these explorations. The ethical or logistical inaccessibility of human fetal brain tissue has also limited direct examinations of prenatal drug effects. To circumvent these confounding factors, recent groups have begun employing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoid technology, which provides access to key aspects of cellular and molecular brain development, structure, and function in vitro. In this review, we endeavor to encapsulate the advancements in brain organoid culture that have enabled scientists to model and dissect the neural underpinnings and effects of OUD and POE. We hope not only to emphasize the utility of brain organoids for investigating these conditions, but also to highlight opportunities for further technical and conceptual progress. Although the application of brain organoids to this critical field of research is still in its nascent stages, understanding the neurobiology of OUD and POE via this modality will provide critical insights for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ila Dwivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel G. Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
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18
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Lekkala VKR, Kang SY, Liu J, Shrestha S, Acharya P, Joshi P, Zolfaghar M, Lee M, Vanga MG, Jamdagneya P, Pagnis S, Kundi A, Kabbur S, Kim UT, Yang Y, Lee MY. A Pillar/Perfusion Plate Enhances Cell Growth, Reproducibility, Throughput, and User Friendliness in Dynamic 3D Cell Culture. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3478-3488. [PMID: 38695610 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Static three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has been demonstrated in ultralow attachment well plates, hanging droplet plates, and microtiter well plates with hydrogels or magnetic nanoparticles. Although it is simple, reproducible, and relatively inexpensive, thus potentially used for high-throughput screening, statically cultured 3D cells often suffer from a necrotic core due to limited nutrient and oxygen diffusion and waste removal and have a limited in vivo-like tissue structure. Here, we overcome these challenges by developing a pillar/perfusion plate platform and demonstrating high-throughput, dynamic 3D cell culture. Cell spheroids were loaded on the pillar plate with hydrogel by simple sandwiching and encapsulation and cultured dynamically in the perfusion plate on a digital rocker. Unlike traditional microfluidic devices, fast flow velocity was maintained within perfusion wells and the pillar plate was separated from the perfusion plate for cell-based assays. It was compatible with common lab equipment and allowed cell culture, testing, staining, and imaging in situ. The pillar/perfusion plate enhanced cell growth by rapid diffusion, reproducibility, assay throughput, and user friendliness in a dynamic 3D cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soo-Yeon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Pranav Joshi
- Bioprinting Laboratories, Inc., Dallas, Texas 75234, United States
| | - Mona Zolfaghar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Minseong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Manav Goud Vanga
- Bioprinting Laboratories, Inc., Dallas, Texas 75234, United States
| | - Paarth Jamdagneya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Sohan Pagnis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Arham Kundi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Samarth Kabbur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Ung Tae Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, United States
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76207, United States
- Bioprinting Laboratories, Inc., Dallas, Texas 75234, United States
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19
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Wenzel TJ, Mousseau DD. Brain organoids engineered to give rise to glia and neural networks after 90 days in culture exhibit human-specific proteoforms. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1383688. [PMID: 38784709 PMCID: PMC11111902 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1383688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoids are emerging as translationally relevant models for the study of human brain health and disease. However, it remains to be shown whether human-specific protein processing is conserved in human brain organoids. Herein, we demonstrate that cell fate and composition of unguided brain organoids are dictated by culture conditions during embryoid body formation, and that culture conditions at this stage can be optimized to result in the presence of glia-associated proteins and neural network activity as early as three-months in vitro. Under these optimized conditions, unguided brain organoids generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from male-female siblings are similar in growth rate, size, and total protein content, and exhibit minimal batch-to-batch variability in cell composition and metabolism. A comparison of neuronal, microglial, and macroglial (astrocyte and oligodendrocyte) markers reveals that profiles in these brain organoids are more similar to autopsied human cortical and cerebellar profiles than to those in mouse cortical samples, providing the first demonstration that human-specific protein processing is largely conserved in unguided brain organoids. Thus, our organoid protocol provides four major cell types that appear to process proteins in a manner very similar to the human brain, and they do so in half the time required by other protocols. This unique copy of the human brain and basic characteristics lay the foundation for future studies aiming to investigate human brain-specific protein patterning (e.g., isoforms, splice variants) as well as modulate glial and neuronal processes in an in situ-like environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J. Wenzel
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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20
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Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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21
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Liang KX. The application of brain organoid for drug discovery in mitochondrial diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 170:106556. [PMID: 38423381 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are difficult to treat due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of mitochondrial dysfunction. Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells designed to mimic brain-like development and function. Brain organoids have received a lot of attention in recent years as powerful tools for modeling human diseases, brain development, and drug screening. Screening compounds for mitochondrial diseases using brain organoids could provide a more physiologically relevant platform for drug discovery. Brain organoids offer the possibility of personalized medicine because they can be derived from patient-specific cells, allowing testing of drugs tailored to specific genetic mutations. In this article, we highlight how brain organoids offer a promising avenue for screening compounds for mitochondrial diseases and address the challenges and limitations associated with their use. We hope this review will provide new insights into the further progress of brain organoids for mitochondrial screening studies.
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22
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Krontira AC, Cruceanu C, Dony L, Kyrousi C, Link MH, Rek N, Pöhlchen D, Raimundo C, Penner-Goeke S, Schowe A, Czamara D, Lahti-Pulkkinen M, Sammallahti S, Wolford E, Heinonen K, Roeh S, Sportelli V, Wölfel B, Ködel M, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Räikkönen K, Labeur M, Cappello S, Binder EB. Human cortical neurogenesis is altered via glucocorticoid-mediated regulation of ZBTB16 expression. Neuron 2024; 112:1426-1443.e11. [PMID: 38442714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are important for proper organ maturation, and their levels are tightly regulated during development. Here, we use human cerebral organoids and mice to study the cell-type-specific effects of glucocorticoids on neurogenesis. We show that glucocorticoids increase a specific type of basal progenitors (co-expressing PAX6 and EOMES) that has been shown to contribute to cortical expansion in gyrified species. This effect is mediated via the transcription factor ZBTB16 and leads to increased production of neurons. A phenome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of an enhancer variant that moderates glucocorticoid-induced ZBTB16 levels reveals causal relationships with higher educational attainment and altered brain structure. The relationship with postnatal cognition is also supported by data from a prospective pregnancy cohort study. This work provides a cellular and molecular pathway for the effects of glucocorticoids on human neurogenesis that relates to lasting postnatal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthi C Krontira
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany.
| | - Cristiana Cruceanu
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Leander Dony
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Department for Computational Health, Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany; TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Christina Kyrousi
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens 15784, Greece; University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute "Costas Stefanis", Athens 15601, Greece
| | - Marie-Helen Link
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Nils Rek
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Dorothee Pöhlchen
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Catarina Raimundo
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Signe Penner-Goeke
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Alicia Schowe
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 82152, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki 00271, Finland; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sara Sammallahti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Elina Wolford
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Kati Heinonen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Psychology/Welfare, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere 33014, Finland; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P8, Canada
| | - Simone Roeh
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Vincenza Sportelli
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Barbara Wölfel
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Maik Ködel
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Marta Labeur
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Silvia Cappello
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich 82152, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany.
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23
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Stepan J, Heinz DE, Dethloff F, Wiechmann S, Martinelli S, Hafner K, Ebert T, Junglas E, Häusl AS, Pöhlmann ML, Jakovcevski M, Pape JC, Zannas AS, Bajaj T, Hermann A, Ma X, Pavenstädt H, Schmidt MV, Philipsen A, Turck CW, Deussing JM, Rammes G, Robinson AC, Payton A, Wehr MC, Stein V, Murgatroyd C, Kremerskothen J, Kuster B, Wotjak CT, Gassen NC. Inhibiting Hippo pathway kinases releases WWC1 to promote AMPAR-dependent synaptic plasticity and long-term memory in mice. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadj6603. [PMID: 38687825 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adj6603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The localization, number, and function of postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are crucial for synaptic plasticity, a cellular correlate for learning and memory. The Hippo pathway member WWC1 is an important component of AMPAR-containing protein complexes. However, the availability of WWC1 is constrained by its interaction with the Hippo pathway kinases LATS1 and LATS2 (LATS1/2). Here, we explored the biochemical regulation of this interaction and found that it is pharmacologically targetable in vivo. In primary hippocampal neurons, phosphorylation of LATS1/2 by the upstream kinases MST1 and MST2 (MST1/2) enhanced the interaction between WWC1 and LATS1/2, which sequestered WWC1. Pharmacologically inhibiting MST1/2 in male mice and in human brain-derived organoids promoted the dissociation of WWC1 from LATS1/2, leading to an increase in WWC1 in AMPAR-containing complexes. MST1/2 inhibition enhanced synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampal brain slices and improved cognition in healthy male mice and in male mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and aging. Thus, compounds that disrupt the interaction between WWC1 and LATS1/2 might be explored for development as cognitive enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Stepan
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel E Heinz
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Max Planck School of Cognition, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frederik Dethloff
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Svenja Wiechmann
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Hafner
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Ebert
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Ellen Junglas
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander S Häusl
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Max L Pöhlmann
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Mira Jakovcevski
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Julius C Pape
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Thomas Bajaj
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anke Hermann
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Xiao Ma
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann Pavenstädt
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph W Turck
- Proteomics and Biomarkers, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Molecular Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew C Robinson
- Division of Neuroscience, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, Salford M6 8HD, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Antony Payton
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
| | - Michael C Wehr
- Research Group Cell Signalling, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, Medical Faculty University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Kremerskothen
- Department of Medicine D, Division of General Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Research Group Neuronal Plasticity, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Central Nervous System Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Nils C Gassen
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Research Group Neurohomeostasis, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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24
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Gomes CM, Sebastião MJ, Silva G, Moura F, Simão D, Gomes-Alves P, Alves PM, Brito C. Miniaturization of hiPSC-derived 3D neural cultures in stirred-tank bioreactors for parallelized preclinical assessment of rAAV. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1379597. [PMID: 38737536 PMCID: PMC11082387 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1379597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Engineered 3D models employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derivatives have the potential to recapitulate the cell diversity and structure found in the human central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, these complex cellular systems offer promising human models to address the safety and potency of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), such as gene therapies. Specifically, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are currently considered highly attractive for CNS gene therapy due to their broad tropism, low toxicity, and moderate immunogenicity. To accelerate the clinical translation of rAAVs, in-depth preclinical evaluation of efficacy and safety in a human setting is primordial. The integration of hiPSC-derived CNS models in rAAV development will require, amongst other factors, robust, small-scale, high-throughput culture platforms that can feed the preclinical trials. Methods: Herein, we pioneer the miniaturization and parallelization of a 200 mL stirred-tank bioreactor-based 3D brain cell culture derived from hiPSCs. We demonstrate the applicability of the automated miniaturized Ambr® 15 Cell Culture system for the maintenance of hiPSC-derived neurospheroids (iNSpheroids), composed of neuronal and glial cells. Critical process parameters were optimized, namely, cell density and agitation mode. Results: Under optimized conditions, stable iNSpheroid cultures were attained in the microbioreactors for at least 15 days, with high cell viability and astrocytic and neuronal phenotype maintenance. This culture setup allowed the parallelization of different rAAVs, in different multiplicity of infections (MOIs), to address rAAV-host interactions at a preclinical scale. The iNSpheroids were exposed to rAAV2- and rAAV9-eGFP in the microbioreactors. Transgene expression was detected 14 days post-transduction, revealing different astrocyte/neuron tropism of the two serotypes. Discussion: We advocate that the iNSpheroid cultures in miniaturized bioreactors are reliable and reproducible screening tools for addressing rAAV transduction and tropism, compatible with preclinical demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina M. Gomes
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Gabriela Silva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Filipa Moura
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Daniel Simão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Paula M. Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Biológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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Schuster M, Braun FK, Chiang DML, Ludwig C, Meng C, Grätz C, Kirchner B, Proescholdt M, Hau P, Steinlein OK, Pfaffl MW, Riemenschneider MJ, Reithmair M. Extracellular vesicles secreted by 3D tumor organoids are enriched for immune regulatory signaling biomolecules compared to conventional 2D glioblastoma cell systems. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388769. [PMID: 38726003 PMCID: PMC11079215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Newer 3D culturing approaches are a promising way to better mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment and to study the interactions between the heterogeneous cell populations of glioblastoma multiforme. Like many other tumors, glioblastoma uses extracellular vesicles as an intercellular communication system to prepare surrounding tissue for invasive tumor growth. However, little is known about the effects of 3D culture on extracellular vesicles. The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize extracellular vesicles in 3D organoid models and compare them to conventional 2D cell culture systems. Methods Primary glioblastoma cells were cultured as 2D and 3D organoid models. Extracellular vesicles were obtained by precipitation and immunoaffinity, with the latter allowing targeted isolation of the CD9/CD63/CD81 vesicle subpopulation. Comprehensive vesicle characterization was performed and miRNA expression profiles were generated by smallRNA-sequencing. In silico analysis of differentially regulated miRNAs was performed to identify mRNA targets and corresponding signaling pathways. The tumor cell media and extracellular vesicle proteome were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results We observed an increased concentration of extracellular vesicles in 3D organoid cultures. Differential gene expression analysis further revealed the regulation of twelve miRNAs in 3D tumor organoid cultures (with nine miRNAs down and three miRNAs upregulated). MiR-23a-3p, known to be involved in glioblastoma invasion, was significantly increased in 3D. MiR-7-5p, which counteracts glioblastoma malignancy, was significantly decreased. Moreover, we identified four miRNAs (miR-323a-3p, miR-382-5p, miR-370-3p, miR-134-5p) located within the DLK1-DIO3 domain, a cancer-associated genomic region, suggesting a possible importance of this region in glioblastoma progression. Overrepresentation analysis identified alterations of extracellular vesicle cargo in 3D organoids, including representation of several miRNA targets and proteins primarily implicated in the immune response. Conclusion Our results show that 3D glioblastoma organoid models secrete extracellular vesicles with an altered cargo compared to corresponding conventional 2D cultures. Extracellular vesicles from 3D cultures were found to contain signaling molecules associated with the immune regulatory signaling pathways and as such could potentially change the surrounding microenvironment towards tumor progression and immunosuppressive conditions. These findings suggest the use of 3D glioblastoma models for further clinical biomarker studies as well as investigation of new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Schuster
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank K. Braun
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dapi Meng-Lin Chiang
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Christina Ludwig
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Chen Meng
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Christian Grätz
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Benedikt Kirchner
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Proescholdt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander Neuro-Oncology Unit, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ortrud K. Steinlein
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael W. Pfaffl
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | | | - Marlene Reithmair
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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26
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Choe MS, Yeo HC, Kim JS, Lee J, Lee HJ, Kim HR, Baek KM, Jung NY, Choi M, Lee MY. Simple modeling of familial Alzheimer's disease using human pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebral organoid technology. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:118. [PMID: 38659053 PMCID: PMC11040922 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03732-1] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral organoids (COs) are the most advanced in vitro models that resemble the human brain. The use of COs as a model for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as other brain diseases, has recently gained attention. This study aimed to develop a human AD CO model using normal human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that recapitulates the pathological phenotypes of AD and to determine the usefulness of this model for drug screening. METHODS We established AD hPSC lines from normal hPSCs by introducing genes that harbor familial AD mutations, and the COs were generated using these hPSC lines. The pathological features of AD, including extensive amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, tauopathy, and neurodegeneration, were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Amylo-Glo staining, thioflavin-S staining, immunohistochemistry, Bielschowsky's staining, and western blot analysis. RESULTS The AD COs exhibited extensive Aβ accumulation. The levels of paired helical filament tau and neurofibrillary tangle-like silver deposits were highly increased in the AD COs. The number of cells immunoreactive for cleaved caspase-3 was significantly increased in the AD COs. In addition, treatment of AD COs with BACE1 inhibitor IV, a β-secretase inhibitor, and compound E, a γ-secretase inhibitor, significantly attenuated the AD pathological features. CONCLUSION Our model effectively recapitulates AD pathology. Hence, it is a valuable platform for understanding the mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis and can be used to test the efficacy of anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Seog Choe
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Cheol Yeo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong Sun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, 61186, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jean Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 03080, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Jun Lee
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), 01812, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ryong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, 54896, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Baek
- Department of Cardiovascular and Neurologic Disease, College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, 42158, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Yeon Jung
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, 50612, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, 03080, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Walsh RM, Luongo R, Giacomelli E, Ciceri G, Rittenhouse C, Verrillo A, Galimberti M, Bocchi VD, Wu Y, Xu N, Mosole S, Muller J, Vezzoli E, Jungverdorben J, Zhou T, Barker RA, Cattaneo E, Studer L, Baggiolini A. Generation of human cerebral organoids with a structured outer subventricular zone. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114031. [PMID: 38583153 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Outer radial glia (oRG) emerge as cortical progenitor cells that support the development of an enlarged outer subventricular zone (oSVZ) and the expansion of the neocortex. The in vitro generation of oRG is essential to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human neocortical development and expansion. By activating the STAT3 signaling pathway using leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which is not expressed in guided cortical organoids, we define a cortical organoid differentiation method from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that recapitulates the expansion of a progenitor pool into the oSVZ. The oSVZ comprises progenitor cells expressing specific oRG markers such as GFAP, LIFR, and HOPX, closely matching human fetal oRG. Finally, incorporating neural crest-derived LIF-producing cortical pericytes into cortical organoids recapitulates the effects of LIF treatment. These data indicate that increasing the cellular complexity of the organoid microenvironment promotes the emergence of oRG and supports a platform to study oRG in hPSC-derived brain organoids routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Walsh
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Raffaele Luongo
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Giacomelli
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gabriele Ciceri
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chelsea Rittenhouse
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY 1300, USA
| | - Antonietta Verrillo
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maura Galimberti
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vittoria Dickinson Bocchi
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Youjun Wu
- The SKI Stem Cell Research Facility, The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nan Xu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Simone Mosole
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - James Muller
- Developmental Biology and Immunology Programs, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elena Vezzoli
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Johannes Jungverdorben
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ting Zhou
- The SKI Stem Cell Research Facility, The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Roger A Barker
- Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Forvie Site, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; INGM, Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenz Studer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, New York, NY 1300, USA.
| | - Arianna Baggiolini
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
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Graffunder AS, Bresser AAJ, Fernandez Vallone V, Megges M, Stachelscheid H, Kühnen P, Opitz R. Spatiotemporal expression of thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 and THRA mRNA in human cerebral organoids recapitulating first trimester cortex development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9355. [PMID: 38654093 PMCID: PMC11039642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59533-2] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) play critical roles during nervous system development and patients carrying coding variants of MCT8 (monocarboxylate transporter 8) or THRA (thyroid hormone receptor alpha) present a spectrum of neurological phenotypes resulting from perturbed local TH action during early brain development. Recently, human cerebral organoids (hCOs) emerged as powerful in vitro tools for disease modelling recapitulating key aspects of early human cortex development. To begin exploring prospects of this model for thyroid research, we performed a detailed characterization of the spatiotemporal expression of MCT8 and THRA in developing hCOs. Immunostaining showed MCT8 membrane expression in neuronal progenitor cell types including early neuroepithelial cells, radial glia cells (RGCs), intermediate progenitors and outer RGCs. In addition, we detected robust MCT8 protein expression in deep layer and upper layer neurons. Spatiotemporal SLC16A2 mRNA expression, detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), was highly concordant with MCT8 protein expression across cortical cell layers. FISH detected THRA mRNA expression already in neuroepithelium before the onset of neurogenesis. THRA mRNA expression remained low in the ventricular zone, increased in the subventricular zone whereas strong THRA expression was observed in excitatory neurons. In combination with a robust up-regulation of known T3 response genes following T3 treatment, these observations show that hCOs provide a promising and experimentally tractable model to probe local TH action during human cortical neurogenesis and eventually to model the consequences of impaired TH function for early cortex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Sophie Graffunder
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Audrey Amber Julie Bresser
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeria Fernandez Vallone
- Core Unit Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids (CUSCO), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Megges
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Stachelscheid
- Core Unit Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids (CUSCO), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Opitz
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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29
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De Cock L, Bercier V, Van Den Bosch L. New developments in pre-clinical models of ALS to guide translation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:477-524. [PMID: 38802181 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which selective death of motor neurons leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Most research has focused on understanding and treating monogenic familial forms, most frequently caused by mutations in SOD1, FUS, TARDBP and C9orf72, although ALS is mostly sporadic and without a clear genetic cause. Rodent models have been developed to study monogenic ALS, but despite numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, few disease-modifying therapies are available. ALS is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying mechanisms where several genes and molecular pathways appear to play a role. One reason for the high failure rate of clinical translation from the current models could be oversimplification in pre-clinical studies. Here, we review advances in pre-clinical models to better capture the heterogeneous nature of ALS and discuss the value of novel model systems to guide translation and aid in the development of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenja De Cock
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valérie Bercier
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Louvain-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
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30
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Petersilie L, Heiduschka S, Nelson JS, Neu LA, Le S, Anand R, Kafitz KW, Prigione A, Rose CR. Cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) for the study of human neural cells in minimal networks. iScience 2024; 27:109415. [PMID: 38523789 PMCID: PMC10957451 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109415] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells are a promising tool for studying human neurodevelopment and related disorders. Here, we generated long-term cultures of cortical brain organoid slices (cBOS) grown at the air-liquid interphase from regionalized cortical organoids. We show that cBOS host mature neurons and astrocytes organized in complex architecture. Whole-cell patch-clamp demonstrated subthreshold synaptic inputs and action potential firing of neurons. Spontaneous intracellular calcium signals turned into synchronous large-scale oscillations upon combined disinhibition of NMDA receptors and blocking of GABAA receptors. Brief metabolic inhibition to mimic transient energy restriction in the ischemic brain induced reversible intracellular calcium loading of cBOS. Moreover, metabolic inhibition induced a reversible decline in neuronal ATP as revealed by ATeam1.03YEMK. Overall, cBOS provide a powerful platform to assess morphological and functional aspects of human neural cells in intact minimal networks and to address the pathways that drive cellular damage during brain ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sonja Heiduschka
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joel S.E. Nelson
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Louis A. Neu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Le
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruchika Anand
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl W. Kafitz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, University Children’s Hospital and Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
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31
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Broca-Brisson L, Disdier C, Harati R, Hamoudi R, Mabondzo A. Epigenetic alterations in creatine transporter deficiency: a new marker for dodecyl creatine ester therapeutic efficacy monitoring. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1362497. [PMID: 38694899 PMCID: PMC11062253 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1362497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the Slc6a8 gene. The impaired creatine uptake in the brain leads to developmental delays with intellectual disability. We hypothesized that deficient creatine uptake in CTD cerebral cells impact methylation balance leading to alterations of genes and proteins expression by epigenetic mechanism. In this study, we determined the status of nucleic acid methylation in both Slc6a8 knockout mouse model and brain organoids derived from CTD patients' cells. We also investigated the effect of dodecyl creatine ester (DCE), a promising prodrug that increases brain creatine content in the mouse model of CTD. The level of nucleic acid methylation was significantly reduced compared to healthy controls in both in vivo and in vitro CTD models. This hypo-methylation tended to be regulated by DCE treatment in vivo. These results suggest that increased brain creatine after DCE treatment restores normal levels of DNA methylation, unveiling the potential of using DNA methylation as a marker to monitor the drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Broca-Brisson
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Clémence Disdier
- Ceres Brain Therapeutics, ICM-Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Excellence of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirtes
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Excellence of Precision Medicine, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- BIMAI-Lab, Biomedically Informed Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aloïse Mabondzo
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé, CEA, INRAE, SPI, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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32
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Giorgi C, Castelli V, d’Angelo M, Cimini A. Organoids Modeling Stroke in a Petri Dish. Biomedicines 2024; 12:877. [PMID: 38672231 PMCID: PMC11048104 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040877] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common neurological disorder, the second leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of disability. Unfortunately, the only approved drug for it is tissue plasminogen, but the therapeutic window is limited. In this context, preclinical studies are relevant to better dissect the underlying mechanisms of stroke and for the drug screening of potential therapies. Brain organoids could be relevant in this setting. They are derived from pluripotent stem cells or isolated organ progenitors that differentiate to form an organ-like tissue, exhibiting multiple cell types that self-organize to form a structure not unlike the organ in vivo. Brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural, and functional levels and have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain diseases including stroke. Brain organoids are a promising and powerful tool for ischemic stroke studies; however, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed, including the lack of vascularization and the many cell types that are typically present in the human brain. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of brain organoids as a novel model system for studying ischemic stroke, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages in the use of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (V.C.)
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Donadoni M, Cakir S, Bellizzi A, Swingler M, Sariyer IK. Modeling HIV-1 infection and NeuroHIV in hiPSCs-derived cerebral organoid cultures. J Neurovirol 2024:10.1007/s13365-024-01204-z. [PMID: 38600307 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-024-01204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is an ongoing global health problem affecting 38 million people worldwide with nearly 1.6 million new infections every year. Despite the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), a large percentage of people with HIV (PWH) still develop neurological deficits, grouped into the term of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Investigating the neuropathology of HIV is important for understanding mechanisms associated with cognitive impairment seen in PWH. The major obstacle for studying neuroHIV is the lack of suitable in vitro human culture models that could shed light into the HIV-CNS interactions. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and 3D brain organoid systems have allowed the generation of 2D and 3D culture methods that possess a potential to serve as a model of neurotropic viral diseases, including HIV. In this study, we first generated and characterized several hiPSC lines from healthy human donor skin fibroblast cells. hiPSCs were then used for the generation of microglia-containing human cerebral organoids (hCOs). Once fully characterized, hCOs were infected with HIV-1 in the presence and absence of cART regimens and viral infection was studied by cellular, molecular/biochemical, and virological assays. Our results revealed that hCOs were productively infected with HIV-1 as evident by viral p24-ELISA in culture media, RT-qPCR and RNAscope analysis of viral RNA, as well as ddPCR analysis of proviral HIV-1 in genomic DNA samples. More interestingly, replication and gene expression of HIV-1 were also greatly suppressed by cART in hCOs as early as 7 days post-infections. Our results suggest that hCOs derived from hiPSCs support HIV-1 replication and gene expression and may serve as a unique platform to better understand neuropathology of HIV infection in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Donadoni
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Senem Cakir
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna Bellizzi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Swingler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ilker K Sariyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Malara M, Prestel M, Tahirovic S. Endo-lysosomal dysfunction and neuronal-glial crosstalk in Niemann-Pick type C disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220388. [PMID: 38368932 PMCID: PMC10874755 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0388] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare progressive lysosomal lipid storage disorder that manifests with a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical syndromes, including visceral, neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This monogenetic autosomal recessive disease is largely caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, which controls intracellular lipid homeostasis. Vesicle-mediated endo-lysosomal lipid trafficking and non-vesicular lipid exchange via inter-organelle membrane contact sites are both regulated by the NPC1 protein. Loss of NPC1 function therefore triggers intracellular accumulation of diverse lipid species, including cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, sphingomyelin and sphingosine. The NPC1-mediated dysfunction of lipid transport has severe consequences for all brain cells, leading to neurodegeneration. Besides the cell-autonomous contribution of neuronal NPC1, aberrant NPC1 signalling in other brain cells is critical for the pathology. We discuss here the importance of endo-lysosomal dysfunction and a tight crosstalk between neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia in NPC pathology. We strongly believe that a cell-specific rescue may not be sufficient to counteract the severity of the NPC pathology, but targeting common mechanisms, such as endo-lysosomal and lipid trafficking dysfunction, may ameliorate NPC pathology. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Understanding the endo-lysosomal network in neurodegeneration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagiovanna Malara
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Prestel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Kuhn MK, Kang RY, Kim C, Tagay Y, Morris N, Tabdanov ED, Elcheva IA, Proctor EA. Dynamic neuroinflammatory profiles predict Alzheimer's disease pathology in microglia-containing cerebral organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.16.567220. [PMID: 38014053 PMCID: PMC10680718 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.567220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and the underlying dysregulated immune responses of microglia actively contribute to the progression and, likely, the initiation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fine-tuned therapeutic modulation of immune dysfunction to ameliorate disease cannot be achieved without the characterization of diverse microglial states that initiate unique, and sometimes contradictory, immune responses that evolve over time in chronic inflammatory environments. Because of the functional differences between human and murine microglia, untangling distinct, disease-relevant reactive states and their corresponding effects on pathology or neuronal health may not be possible without the use of human cells. In order to profile shifting microglial states in early AD and identify microglia-specific drivers of disease, we differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying a familial AD PSEN2 mutation or its isogenic control into cerebral organoids and quantified the changes in cytokine concentrations over time with Luminex XMAP technology. We used partial least squares (PLS) modeling to build cytokine signatures predictive of disease and age to identify key differential patterns of cytokine expression that inform the overall organoid immune milieu and quantified the corresponding changes in protein pathology. AD organoids exhibited an overall reduction in cytokine secretion after an initial amplified immune response. We demonstrate that reduced synapse density observed in the AD organoids is prevented with microglial depletion. Crucially, these differential effects of dysregulated immune signaling occurred without the accumulation of pathological proteins. In this study, we used microglia-containing AD organoids to quantitatively characterize an evolving immune milieu, made up of a diverse of collection of activation patterns and immune responses, to identify how a dynamic, overall neuroinflammatory state negatively impacts neuronal health and the cell-specific contribution of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison K Kuhn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Neural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Y Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - ChaeMin Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Yerbol Tagay
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Nathan Morris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Erdem D Tabdanov
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Irina A Elcheva
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Proctor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Center for Neural Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Phalnikar K, Srividya M, Mythri SV, Vasavi NS, Ganguly A, Kumar A, S P, Kalia K, Mishra SS, Dhanya SK, Paul P, Holla B, Ganesh S, Reddy PC, Sud R, Viswanath B, Muralidharan B. Altered neuroepithelial morphogenesis and migration defects in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids and 2D neural stem cells in familial bipolar disorder. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae007. [PMID: 38638145 PMCID: PMC11024480 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mental illness that can result from neurodevelopmental aberrations, particularly in familial BD, which may include causative genetic variants. In the present study, we derived cortical organoids from BD patients and healthy (control) individuals from a clinically dense family in the Indian population. Our data reveal that the patient organoids show neurodevelopmental anomalies, including organisational, proliferation and migration defects. The BD organoids show a reduction in both the number of neuroepithelial buds/cortical rosettes and the ventricular zone size. Additionally, patient organoids show a lower number of SOX2-positive and EdU-positive cycling progenitors, suggesting a progenitor proliferation defect. Further, the patient neurons show abnormal positioning in the ventricular/intermediate zone of the neuroepithelial bud. Transcriptomic analysis of control and patient organoids supports our cellular topology data and reveals dysregulation of genes crucial for progenitor proliferation and neuronal migration. Lastly, time-lapse imaging of neural stem cells in 2D in vitro cultures reveals abnormal cellular migration in BD samples. Overall, our study pinpoints a cellular and molecular deficit in BD patient-derived organoids and neural stem cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kruttika Phalnikar
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - M Srividya
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - S V Mythri
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - N S Vasavi
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Archisha Ganguly
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Aparajita Kumar
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Padmaja S
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Kishan Kalia
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Srishti S Mishra
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Sreeja Kumari Dhanya
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
| | - Pradip Paul
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Bharath Holla
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Suhas Ganesh
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Puli Chandramouli Reddy
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi-NCR, India-201314
| | - Reeteka Sud
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Biju Viswanath
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Road Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560029
| | - Bhavana Muralidharan
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK - Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560065
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37
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Cubillos P, Ditzer N, Kolodziejczyk A, Schwenk G, Hoffmann J, Schütze TM, Derihaci RP, Birdir C, Köllner JE, Petzold A, Sarov M, Martin U, Long KR, Wimberger P, Albert M. The growth factor EPIREGULIN promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation in the developing neocortex. EMBO J 2024; 43:1388-1419. [PMID: 38514807 PMCID: PMC11021537 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00068-7] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neocortex expansion during evolution is linked to higher numbers of neurons, which are thought to result from increased proliferative capacity and neurogenic potential of basal progenitor cells during development. Here, we show that EREG, encoding the growth factor EPIREGULIN, is expressed in the human developing neocortex and in gorilla cerebral organoids, but not in the mouse neocortex. Addition of EPIREGULIN to the mouse neocortex increases proliferation of basal progenitor cells, whereas EREG ablation in human cortical organoids reduces proliferation in the subventricular zone. Treatment of cortical organoids with EPIREGULIN promotes a further increase in proliferation of gorilla but not of human basal progenitor cells. EPIREGULIN competes with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) to promote proliferation, and inhibition of the EGF receptor abrogates the EPIREGULIN-mediated increase in basal progenitor cells. Finally, we identify putative cis-regulatory elements that may contribute to the observed inter-species differences in EREG expression. Our findings suggest that species-specific regulation of EPIREGULIN expression may contribute to the increased neocortex size of primates by providing a tunable pro-proliferative signal to basal progenitor cells in the subventricular zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cubillos
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora Ditzer
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annika Kolodziejczyk
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gustav Schwenk
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janine Hoffmann
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Theresa M Schütze
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Razvan P Derihaci
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TU Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cahit Birdir
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TU Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Center for feto/neonatal Health, TU Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Em Köllner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Petzold
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mihail Sarov
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs, Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
- REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katherine R Long
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TU Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mareike Albert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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38
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Lamichhane A, Tavana H. Three-Dimensional Tumor Models to Study Cancer Stemness-Mediated Drug Resistance. Cell Mol Bioeng 2024; 17:107-119. [PMID: 38737455 PMCID: PMC11082110 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-024-00798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors often contain genetically different populations of cancer cells, stromal cells, various structural and soluble proteins, and other soluble signaling molecules. The American Cancer society estimated 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths in the United States in 2023. A major barrier against successful treatment of cancer patients is drug resistance. Gain of stem cell-like states by cancer cells under drug pressure or due to interactions with the tumor microenvironment is a major mechanism that renders therapies ineffective. Identifying approaches to target cancer stem cells is expected to improve treatment outcomes for patients. Most of our understanding of drug resistance and the role of cancer stemness is from monolayer cell cultures. Recent advances in cell culture technologies have enabled developing sophisticated three-dimensional tumor models that facilitate mechanistic studies of cancer drug resistance. This review summarizes the role of cancer stemness in drug resistance and highlights the various tumor models that are used to discover the underlying mechanisms and test potentially novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astha Lamichhane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 USA
| | - Hossein Tavana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325 USA
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Van Lent J, Baggiolini A. Harmony in chaos: understanding cancer through the lenses of developmental biology. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:793-796. [PMID: 38282579 PMCID: PMC10994237 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13594] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
When we think about cancer, the link to development might not immediately spring to mind. Yet, many foundational concepts in cancer biology trace their roots back to developmental processes. Several defining traits of cancer were indeed initially observed and studied within developing embryos. As our comprehension of embryonic mechanisms deepens, it not only illuminates how and why cancer cells hijack these processes but also spearheads the emergence of innovative technologies for modeling and comprehending tumor biology. Among these technologies are stem cell-based models, made feasible through our grasp of fundamental mechanisms related to embryonic development. The intersection between cancer and stem cell research is evolving into a tangible synergy that extends beyond the concepts of cancer stem cells and cell-of-origin, offering novel tools to unravel the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Van Lent
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+)Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical SciencesUniversità della Svizzera ItalianaLuganoSwitzerland
| | - Arianna Baggiolini
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)Bellinzona Institutes of Science (BIOS+)Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical SciencesUniversità della Svizzera ItalianaLuganoSwitzerland
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40
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Hossain MK, Kim HR, Chae HJ. Aging phenotype in AD brain organoids: Track to success and challenges. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102256. [PMID: 38460555 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a complex challenge, with abnormal protein accumulation in the brain causing memory loss and cognitive decline. Traditional models fall short in AD research, prompting interest in 3D brain organoids (BOs) from human stem cells. These findings hold promise for unveiling the mechanisms of AD, especially in relation to aging. However, an understanding of the aging impact of AD remains elusive. BOs offer insight but face challenges. This review delves into the role of BOs in deciphering aging-related AD and acknowledges limitations. Strategies to enhance BOs for accurate aging modeling in AD brains are suggested. Strengthened by molecular advancements, BOs have the potential to uncover the aging phenotype, advancing AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyung-Ryong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Han Jung Chae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
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41
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Wang Z, Tang X, Khutsishvili D, Sang G, Galan EA, Wang J, Ma S. Protocol to encapsulate cerebral organoids with alginate hydrogel shell to induce volumetric compression. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102952. [PMID: 38555589 PMCID: PMC10998242 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102952] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro organoids, including cerebral organoids, are usually developed without mechanical compression, which may contribute to a delay in maturation. Here, we present a protocol for encapsulating cerebral organoids with a thin shell of low-concentration alginate hydrogel. We describe steps for organoid generation, microfluidic chip culture, Matrigel coating, expansion culture, and alginate encapsulation. We then detail procedures for maturation culture and organoid characterization. The moderate compressive stimulation that the shell provides promotes cell proliferation and neuronal maturation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tang et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitian Wang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Davit Khutsishvili
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gan Sang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Edgar A Galan
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shaohua Ma
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100084, China.
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42
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Prete A, Matrone A, Plebani R. State of the Art in 3D Culture Models Applied to Thyroid Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:520. [PMID: 38674166 PMCID: PMC11051914 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the prevalent endocrine tumor with a rising incidence, particularly in higher-income countries, leading to an increased interest in its management and treatment. While overall, survival rates for TC are usually favorable, advanced cases, especially with metastasis and specific histotypes, pose challenges with poorer outcomes, advocating the need of systemic treatments. Targeted therapies have shown efficacy in both preclinical models and clinical trials but face issues of resistance, since they usually induce partial and transient response. These resistance phenomena are currently only partially addressed by traditional preclinical models. This review explores the limitations of traditional preclinical models and emphasizes the potential of three-dimensional (3D) models, such as transwell assays, spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-chip technology in providing a more comprehensive understanding of TC pathogenesis and treatment responses. We reviewed their use in the TC field, highlighting how they can produce new interesting insights. Finally, the advent of organ-on-chip technology is currently revolutionizing preclinical research, offering dynamic, multi-cellular systems that replicate the complexity of human organs and cancer-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrine Unit 2, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Antonio Matrone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrine Unit 2, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy;
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Giorgi C, Lombardozzi G, Ammannito F, Scenna MS, Maceroni E, Quintiliani M, d’Angelo M, Cimini A, Castelli V. Brain Organoids: A Game-Changer for Drug Testing. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:443. [PMID: 38675104 PMCID: PMC11054008 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are the second cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, no cure exists for these disorders, but the actual therapies are only able to ameliorate people's quality of life. Thus, there is an urgent need to test potential therapeutic approaches. Brain organoids are a possible valuable tool in the study of the brain, due to their ability to reproduce different brain regions and maturation stages; they can be used also as a tool for disease modelling and target identification of neurological disorders. Recently, brain organoids have been used in drug-screening processes, even if there are several limitations to overcome. This review focuses on the description of brain organoid development and drug-screening processes, discussing the advantages, challenges, and limitations of the use of organoids in modeling neurological diseases. We also highlighted the potential of testing novel therapeutic approaches. Finally, we examine the challenges and future directions to improve the drug-screening process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Science, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.G.); (G.L.); (F.A.); (M.S.S.); (E.M.); (M.Q.); (M.d.)
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44
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Zhao HH, Haddad G. Brain organoid protocols and limitations. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1351734. [PMID: 38572070 PMCID: PMC10987830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1351734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-derived organoid technology is a powerful tool that revolutionizes the field of biomedical research and extends the scope of our understanding of human biology and diseases. Brain organoids especially open an opportunity for human brain research and modeling many human neurological diseases, which have lagged due to the inaccessibility of human brain samples and lack of similarity with other animal models. Brain organoids can be generated through various protocols and mimic whole brain or region-specific. To provide an overview of brain organoid technology, we summarize currently available protocols and list several factors to consider before choosing protocols. We also outline the limitations of current protocols and challenges that need to be solved in future investigation of brain development and pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H. Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
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45
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Egilmezer E, Hamilton ST, Foster CSP, Marschall M, Rawlinson WD. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) dysregulates neurodevelopmental pathways in cerebral organoids. Commun Biol 2024; 7:340. [PMID: 38504123 PMCID: PMC10951402 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05923-1] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic aetiology of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal neurological injury. This study investigated potential CMV pathogenetic mechanisms of fetal neural malformation using in vitro human cerebral organoids. Cerebral organoids were permissive to CMV replication, and infection dysregulated cellular pluripotency and differentiation pathways. Aberrant expression of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRK), sonic hedgehog (SHH), pluripotency, neurodegeneration, axon guidance, hippo signalling and dopaminergic synapse pathways were observed in CMV-infected organoids using immunofluorescence and RNA-sequencing. Infection with CMV resulted in dysregulation of 236 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-related genes (p = 1.57E-05) and pathways. This notable observation suggests potential links between congenital CMV infection and ASD. Using DisGeNET databases, 103 diseases related to neural malformation or mental disorders were enriched in CMV-infected organoids. Cytomegalovirus infection-related dysregulation of key cerebral cellular pathways potentially provides important, modifiable pathogenetic mechanisms for congenital CMV-induced neural malformation and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Egilmezer
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stuart T Hamilton
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Charles S P Foster
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - William D Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, Microbiology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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46
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Schroder AL, Fairbanks-Santana M, Rakotomamonjy J, Guemez-Gamboa A. Quantifying differentiation of progenitor populations using cerebral organoid models for neurodevelopmental disorders. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102904. [PMID: 38427568 PMCID: PMC10918321 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.102904] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by complex phenotypes that often result from concomitant dysregulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, or other crucial developmental processes. Here, we present a protocol to quantify differentiation of progenitor populations during early stages of neurogenesis in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cerebral organoids. We describe steps for organoid differentiation and maturation, sample preparation, immunofluorescence, and imaging and analysis using epifluorescence microscopy. This protocol can be used to compare cerebral organoids from control and patient-derived iPSCs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rakotomamonjy et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika L Schroder
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Martin Fairbanks-Santana
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer Rakotomamonjy
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alicia Guemez-Gamboa
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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47
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Gallego Villarejo L, Gerding WM, Bachmann L, Hardt LHI, Bormann S, Nguyen HP, Müller T. Optical Genome Mapping Reveals Genomic Alterations upon Gene Editing in hiPSCs: Implications for Neural Tissue Differentiation and Brain Organoid Research. Cells 2024; 13:507. [PMID: 38534351 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060507] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome editing, notably CRISPR (cluster regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), has revolutionized genetic engineering allowing for precise targeted modifications. This technique's combination with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is a particularly valuable tool in cerebral organoid (CO) research. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9-generated fluorescently labeled hiPSCs exhibited no significant morphological or growth rate differences compared with unedited controls. However, genomic aberrations during gene editing necessitate efficient genome integrity assessment methods. Optical genome mapping, a high-resolution genome-wide technique, revealed genomic alterations, including chromosomal copy number gain and losses affecting numerous genes. Despite these genomic alterations, hiPSCs retain their pluripotency and capacity to generate COs without major phenotypic changes but one edited cell line showed potential neuroectodermal differentiation impairment. Thus, this study highlights optical genome mapping in assessing genome integrity in CRISPR/Cas9-edited hiPSCs emphasizing the need for comprehensive integration of genomic and morphological analysis to ensure the robustness of hiPSC-based models in cerebral organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Gallego Villarejo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wanda M Gerding
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Luzie H I Hardt
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Stefan Bormann
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thorsten Müller
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
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48
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Acharya P, Shrestha S, Joshi P, Choi NY, Lekkala VKR, Kang SY, Ni G, Lee MY. Dynamic culture of cerebral organoids using a pillar/perfusion plate for the assessment of developmental neurotoxicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.11.584506. [PMID: 38559002 PMCID: PMC10979904 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.11.584506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the potential toxicity of commercial chemicals to the development of the nervous system (known as developmental neurotoxicity or DNT), conventional in vitro cell models have primarily been employed for the assessment of acute neuronal toxicity. On the other hand, animal models used for the assessment of DNT are not physiologically relevant due to the heterogenic difference between humans and animals. In addition, animal models are low-throughput, time-consuming, expensive, and ethically questionable. Recently, human brain organoids have emerged as a promising alternative to assess the detrimental effects of chemicals on the developing brain. However, conventional organoid culture systems have several technical limitations including low throughput, lack of reproducibility, insufficient maturity of organoids, and the formation of the necrotic core due to limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. To address these issues and establish predictive DNT models, cerebral organoids were differentiated in a dynamic condition in a unique pillar/perfusion plate, which were exposed to test compounds to evaluate DNT potential. The pillar/perfusion plate facilitated uniform, dynamic culture of cerebral organoids with improved proliferation and maturity by rapid, bidirectional flow generated on a digital rocker. Day 9 cerebral organoids in the pillar/perfusion plate were exposed to ascorbic acid (DNT negative) and methylmercury (DNT positive) in a dynamic condition for 1 and 3 weeks, and changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression were measured to determine DNT potential. As expected, ascorbic acid didn't induce any changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. However, exposure of day 9 cerebral organoids to methylmercury resulted in significant changes in organoid morphology and neural gene expression. Interestingly, methylmercury did not induce adverse changes in cerebral organoids in a static condition, thus highlighting the importance of dynamic organoid culture in DNT assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Sunil Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | | | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | | | - Soo-Yeon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Gabriel Ni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
- Bioprinting Laboratories Inc., Dallas, Texas
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49
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Lacin ME, Yildirim M. Applications of multiphoton microscopy in imaging cerebral and retinal organoids. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1360482. [PMID: 38505776 PMCID: PMC10948410 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1360482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral organoids, self-organizing structures with increased cellular diversity and longevity, have addressed shortcomings in mimicking human brain complexity and architecture. However, imaging intact organoids poses challenges due to size, cellular density, and light-scattering properties. Traditional one-photon microscopy faces limitations in resolution and contrast, especially for deep regions. Here, we first discuss the fundamentals of multiphoton microscopy (MPM) as a promising alternative, leveraging non-linear fluorophore excitation and longer wavelengths for improved imaging of live cerebral organoids. Then, we review recent applications of MPM in studying morphogenesis and differentiation, emphasizing its potential for overcoming limitations associated with other imaging techniques. Furthermore, our paper underscores the crucial role of cerebral organoids in providing insights into human-specific neurodevelopmental processes and neurological disorders, addressing the scarcity of human brain tissue for translational neuroscience. Ultimately, we envision using multimodal multiphoton microscopy for longitudinal imaging of intact cerebral organoids, propelling advancements in our understanding of neurodevelopment and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Murat Yildirim
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
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50
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Spirig SE, Renner M. Toward Retinal Organoids in High-Throughput. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041275. [PMID: 37217280 PMCID: PMC10910359 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human retinal organoids recapitulate the cellular diversity, arrangement, gene expression, and functional aspects of the human retina. Protocols to generate human retinal organoids from pluripotent stem cells are typically labor intensive, include many manual handling steps, and the organoids need to be maintained for several months until they mature. To generate large numbers of human retinal organoids for therapy development and screening purposes, scaling up retinal organoid production, maintenance, and analysis is of utmost importance. In this review, we discuss strategies to increase the number of high-quality retinal organoids while reducing manual handling steps. We further review different approaches to analyze thousands of retinal organoids with currently available technologies and point to challenges that still await to be overcome both in culture and analysis of retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Erich Spirig
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Renner
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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