1
|
Jerber J, Seaton DD, Cuomo ASE, Kumasaka N, Haldane J, Steer J, Patel M, Pearce D, Andersson M, Bonder MJ, Mountjoy E, Ghoussaini M, Lancaster MA, Marioni JC, Merkle FT, Gaffney DJ, Stegle O. Population-scale single-cell RNA-seq profiling across dopaminergic neuron differentiation. Nat Genet 2021; 53:304-312. [PMID: 33664506 PMCID: PMC7610897 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-021-00801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studying the function of common genetic variants in primary human tissues and during development is challenging. To address this, we use an efficient multiplexing strategy to differentiate 215 human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines toward a midbrain neural fate, including dopaminergic neurons, and use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile over 1 million cells across three differentiation time points. The proportion of neurons produced by each cell line is highly reproducible and is predictable by robust molecular markers expressed in pluripotent cells. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were characterized at different stages of neuronal development and in response to rotenone-induced oxidative stress. Of these, 1,284 eQTL colocalize with known neurological trait risk loci, and 46% are not found in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) catalog. Our study illustrates how coupling scRNA-seq with long-term iPSC differentiation enables mechanistic studies of human trait-associated genetic variants in otherwise inaccessible cell states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Jerber
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel D Seaton
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna S E Cuomo
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natsuhiko Kumasaka
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Haldane
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Juliette Steer
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Minal Patel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Pearce
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Malin Andersson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Jan Bonder
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ed Mountjoy
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maya Ghoussaini
- Open Targets, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - John C Marioni
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Florian T Merkle
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Daniel J Gaffney
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Oliver Stegle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Flitsch LJ, Laupman KE, Brüstle O. Transcription Factor-Based Fate Specification and Forward Programming for Neural Regeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:121. [PMID: 32508594 PMCID: PMC7251072 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, in vitro generation of donor cells for brain repair has been dominated by the application of extrinsic growth factors and morphogens. Recent advances in cell engineering strategies such as reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells and direct cell fate conversion have impressively demonstrated the feasibility to manipulate cell identities by the overexpression of cell fate-determining transcription factors. These strategies are now increasingly implemented for transcription factor-guided differentiation of neural precursors and forward programming of pluripotent stem cells toward specific neural subtypes. This review covers major achievements, pros and cons, as well as future prospects of transcription factor-based cell fate specification and the applicability of these approaches for the generation of donor cells for brain repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea J Flitsch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen E Laupman
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn Medical Faculty and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim SC, Lee EH, Yu JH, Kim SM, Nam BG, Chung HY, Kim YS, Cho SR, Park CH. Cell Surface Antigen Display for Neuronal Differentiation-Specific Tracking. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2019; 27:78-84. [PMID: 30458601 PMCID: PMC6319552 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2018.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapeutic agents for treating degenerative brain diseases using neural stem cells are actively being developed. However, few systems have been developed to monitor in real time whether the transplanted neural stem cells are actually differentiated into neurons. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology capable of specifically monitoring neuronal differentiation in vivo. In this study, we established a system that expresses cell membrane-targeting red fluorescent protein under control of the Synapsin promoter in order to specifically monitor differentiation from neural stem cells into neurons. In order to overcome the weak expression level of the tissue-specific promoter system, the partial 5′ UTR sequence of Creb was added for efficient expression of the cell surface-specific antigen. This system was able to track functional neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells transplanted in vivo, which will help improve stem cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Chul Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Lee
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hea Yu
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Kim
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Geun Nam
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.,Graduate Program of NanoScience and Technology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Yong Chung
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Soo Kim
- Department of New Drug Discovery & Development, Graduate School of New Drug Discovery & Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.,Graduate Program of NanoScience and Technology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Struzyna LA, Browne KD, Brodnik ZD, Burrell JC, Harris JP, Chen HI, Wolf JA, Panzer KV, Lim J, Duda JE, España RA, Cullen DK. Tissue engineered nigrostriatal pathway for treatment of Parkinson's disease. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 12:1702-1716. [PMID: 29766664 DOI: 10.1002/term.2698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The classic motor deficits of Parkinson's disease are caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in the loss of their long-distance axonal projections that modulate the striatum. Current treatments only minimize the symptoms of this disconnection as there is no approach capable of replacing the nigrostriatal pathway. We are applying microtissue engineering techniques to create living, implantable constructs that mimic the architecture and function of the nigrostriatal pathway. These constructs consist of dopaminergic neurons with long axonal tracts encased within hydrogel microcolumns. Microcolumns were seeded with dopaminergic neuronal aggregates, while lumen extracellular matrix, growth factors, and end targets were varied to optimize cytoarchitecture. We found a 10-fold increase in axonal outgrowth from aggregates versus dissociated neurons, resulting in remarkable axonal lengths of over 6 mm by 14 days and 9 mm by 28 days in vitro. Axonal extension was also dependent upon lumen extracellular matrix, but did not depend on growth factor enrichment or neuronal end target presence. Evoked dopamine release was measured via fast scan cyclic voltammetry and synapse formation with striatal neurons was observed in vitro. Constructs were microinjected to span the nigrostriatal pathway in rats, revealing survival of implanted neurons while maintaining their axonal projections within the microcolumn. Lastly, these constructs were generated with dopaminergic neurons differentiated from human embryonic stem cells. This strategy may improve Parkinson's disease treatment by simultaneously replacing lost dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and reconstructing their long-projecting axonal tracts to the striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Struzyna
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin D Browne
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zachary D Brodnik
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justin C Burrell
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James P Harris
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Isaac Chen
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A Wolf
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kate V Panzer
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James Lim
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John E Duda
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rodrigo A España
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Stem Cell Technology for (Epi)genetic Brain Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:443-475. [PMID: 28523560 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the enormous efforts of the scientific community over the years, effective therapeutics for many (epi)genetic brain disorders remain unidentified. The common and persistent failures to translate preclinical findings into clinical success are partially attributed to the limited efficiency of current disease models. Although animal and cellular models have substantially improved our knowledge of the pathological processes involved in these disorders, human brain research has generally been hampered by a lack of satisfactory humanized model systems. This, together with our incomplete knowledge of the multifactorial causes in the majority of these disorders, as well as a thorough understanding of associated (epi)genetic alterations, has been impeding progress in gaining more mechanistic insights from translational studies. Over the last years, however, stem cell technology has been offering an alternative approach to study and treat human brain disorders. Owing to this technology, we are now able to obtain a theoretically inexhaustible source of human neural cells and precursors in vitro that offer a platform for disease modeling and the establishment of therapeutic interventions. In addition to the potential to increase our general understanding of how (epi)genetic alterations contribute to the pathology of brain disorders, stem cells and derivatives allow for high-throughput drugs and toxicity testing, and provide a cell source for transplant therapies in regenerative medicine. In the current chapter, we will demonstrate the validity of human stem cell-based models and address the utility of other stem cell-based applications for several human brain disorders with multifactorial and (epi)genetic bases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), Angelman syndrome (AS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and Rett syndrome (RTT).
Collapse
|
6
|
Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine-Responsive Prefrontal Cortical Genetic Overlaps in "Impulsive" SHR/NCrl and Wistar Rats. Behav Genet 2017; 47:564-580. [PMID: 28744604 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-017-9861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Impulsivity, the predisposition to act prematurely without foresight, is associated with a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Identifying genetic underpinnings of impulsive behavior may help decipher the complex etiology and neurobiological factors of disorders marked by impulsivity. To identify potential genetic factors of impulsivity, we examined common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adolescent SHR/NCrl and Wistar rats, which showed marked decrease in preference for the large but delayed reward, compared with WKY/NCrl rats, in the delay discounting task. Of these DEGs, we examined drug-responsive transcripts whose mRNA levels were altered following treatment (in SHR/NCrl and Wistar rats) with drugs that alleviate impulsivity, namely, the ADHD medications methylphenidate and atomoxetine. Prefrontal cortical genetic overlaps between SHR/NCrl and Wistar rats in comparison with WKY/NCrl included genes associated with transcription (e.g., Btg2, Fos, Nr4a2), synaptic plasticity (e.g., Arc, Homer2), and neuron apoptosis (Grik2, Nmnat1). Treatment with methylphenidate and/or atomoxetine increased choice of the large, delayed reward in SHR/NCrl and Wistar rats and changed, in varying degrees, mRNA levels of Nr4a2, Btg2, and Homer2, genes with previously described roles in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by impulsivity. While further studies are required, we dissected potential genetic factors that may influence impulsivity by identifying genetic overlaps in the PFC of "impulsive" SHR/NCrl and Wistar rats. Notably, these are also drug-responsive transcripts which may be studied further as biomarkers to predict response to ADHD drugs, and as potential targets for the development of treatments to improve impulsivity.
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim SM, Lim MS, Lee EH, Jung SJ, Chung HY, Kim CH, Park CH. Efficient Generation of Dopamine Neurons by Synthetic Transcription Factor mRNAs. Mol Ther 2017; 25:2028-2037. [PMID: 28705346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of functional dopamine (DA) neurons is an essential step for the development of effective cell therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). The generation of DA neurons can be accomplished by overexpression of DA-inducible genes using virus- or DNA-based gene delivery methods. However, these gene delivery methods often cause chromosomal anomalies. In contrast, mRNA-based gene delivery avoids this problem and therefore is considered safe to use in the development of cell-based therapy. Thus, we used mRNA-based gene delivery method to generate safe DA neurons. In this study, we generated transformation-free DA neurons by transfection of mRNA encoding DA-inducible genes Nurr1 and FoxA2. The delivery of mRNA encoding dopaminergic fate inducing genes proved sufficient to induce naive rat forebrain precursor cells to differentiate into neurons exhibiting the biochemical, electrophysiological, and functional properties of DA neurons in vitro. Additionally, the generation efficiency of DA neurons was improved by the addition of small molecules, db-cAMP, and the adjustment of transfection timing. The successful generation of DA neurons using an mRNA-based method offers the possibility of developing clinical-grade cell sources for neuronal cell replacement treatment for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Mi Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Lim
- R&D Center, Jeil Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Yongin 17172, Korea; Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 06360, Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Sung Jun Jung
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Hee Yong Chung
- Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea.
| | | | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea; Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Oliveira MAP, Balling R, Smidt MP, Fleming RMT. Embryonic development of selectively vulnerable neurons in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2017; 3:21. [PMID: 28685157 PMCID: PMC5484687 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-017-0022-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A specific set of brainstem nuclei are susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. We hypothesise that neuronal vulnerability reflects shared phenotypic characteristics that confer selective vulnerability to degeneration. Neuronal phenotypic specification is mainly the cumulative result of a transcriptional regulatory program that is active during the development. By manual curation of the developmental biology literature, we comprehensively reconstructed an anatomically resolved cellular developmental lineage for the adult neurons in five brainstem regions that are selectively vulnerable to degeneration in prodromal or early Parkinson's disease. We synthesised the literature on transcription factors that are required to be active, or required to be inactive, in the development of each of these five brainstem regions, and at least two differentially vulnerable nuclei within each region. Certain transcription factors, e.g., Ascl1 and Lmx1b, seem to be required for specification of many brainstem regions that are susceptible to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease. Some transcription factors can even distinguish between differentially vulnerable nuclei within the same brain region, e.g., Pitx3 is required for specification of the substantia nigra pars compacta, but not the ventral tegmental area. We do not suggest that Parkinson's disease is a developmental disorder. In contrast, we consider identification of shared developmental trajectories as part of a broader effort to identify the molecular mechanisms that underlie the phenotypic features that are shared by selectively vulnerable neurons. Systematic in vivo assessment of fate determining transcription factors should be completed for all neuronal populations vulnerable to degeneration in early Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. P. Oliveira
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Rudi Balling
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronan M. T. Fleming
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4362 Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim JI, Jeon SG, Kim KA, Kim YJ, Song EJ, Choi J, Ahn KJ, Kim CJ, Chung HY, Moon M, Chung H. The pharmacological stimulation of Nurr1 improves cognitive functions via enhancement of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Stem Cell Res 2016; 17:534-543. [PMID: 27788475 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1) protein plays an important role in both the development of neural precursor cells (NPCs) and cognitive functions. Despite its relevance, the effects of Nurr1 on adult hippocampal neurogenesis have not been thoroughly investigated. Here we used RT-PCR, western blot, and immunocytochemistry to show that adult hippocampal NPCs abundantly express Nurr1. We then examined the effect of Nurr1 activation on adult hippocampal NPCs using amodiaquine (AQ), an anti-malarial drug that was recently discovered to be a Nurr1 agonist. Cell proliferation assay showed that AQ significantly increased cell proliferation. AQ-treated NPCs showed increased levels of phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 whereas AQ-treated Nurr1 siRNA-transfected NPCs showed no changes in those levels. Further immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the stimulating effect of Nurr1 agonist on the proliferation and differentiation of adult hippocampal NPCs both in vivo and in vitro. In addition to its effects on proliferation and differentiation of NPCs, AQ-treated mice showed a significant enhancement of both short- and long-term memory in the Y-maze and the novel object recognition test. These data suggest that activation of Nurr1 may enhance cognitive functions by increasing adult hippocampal neurogenesis and also indicate that Nurr1 may be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of memory disorders and cognitive impairment observed in neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Il Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jun Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Choi
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Jeung Ahn
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong-Jin Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yeon Chung
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunju Chung
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mendoza-Parra MA, Malysheva V, Mohamed Saleem MA, Lieb M, Godel A, Gronemeyer H. Reconstructed cell fate-regulatory programs in stem cells reveal hierarchies and key factors of neurogenesis. Genome Res 2016; 26:1505-1519. [PMID: 27650846 PMCID: PMC5088593 DOI: 10.1101/gr.208926.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cell lineages, which shape the body architecture and specify cell functions, derive from the integration of a plethora of cell intrinsic and extrinsic signals. These signals trigger a multiplicity of decisions at several levels to modulate the activity of dynamic gene regulatory networks (GRNs), which ensure both general and cell-specific functions within a given lineage, thereby establishing cell fates. Significant knowledge about these events and the involved key drivers comes from homogeneous cell differentiation models. Even a single chemical trigger, such as the morphogen all-trans retinoic acid (RA), can induce the complex network of gene-regulatory decisions that matures a stem/precursor cell to a particular step within a given lineage. Here we have dissected the GRNs involved in the RA-induced neuronal or endodermal cell fate specification by integrating dynamic RXRA binding, chromatin accessibility, epigenetic promoter epigenetic status, and the transcriptional activity inferred from RNA polymerase II mapping and transcription profiling. Our data reveal how RA induces a network of transcription factors (TFs), which direct the temporal organization of cognate GRNs, thereby driving neuronal/endodermal cell fate specification. Modeling signal transduction propagation using the reconstructed GRNs indicated critical TFs for neuronal cell fate specification, which were confirmed by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. Overall, this study demonstrates that a systems view of cell fate specification combined with computational signal transduction models provides the necessary insight in cellular plasticity for cell fate engineering. The present integrated approach can be used to monitor the in vitro capacity of (engineered) cells/tissues to establish cell lineages for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco-Antonio Mendoza-Parra
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Valeriya Malysheva
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Mohamed Ashick Mohamed Saleem
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Michele Lieb
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Aurelie Godel
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Hinrich Gronemeyer
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen Y, Huang J, Liu L, Xu X, Han C, Zhang G, Jiang H, Li J, Lin Z, Xiong N, Wang T. A Compendium of Preparation and Application of Stem Cells in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Future Prospects. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:117. [PMID: 27303288 PMCID: PMC4885841 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressively neurodegenerative disorder, implicitly characterized by a stepwise loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and explicitly marked by bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. Currently, therapeutic approaches available are mainly palliative strategies, including L-3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) replacement therapy, DA receptor agonist and deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures. As the disease proceeds, however, the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy is inevitably worn off, worse still, implicated by side effects of motor response oscillations as well as L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID). Therefore, the frustrating status above has propeled the shift to cell replacement therapy (CRT), a promising restorative therapy intending to secure a long-lasting relief of patients' symptoms. By far, stem cell lines of multifarious origins have been established, which can be further categorized into embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this review, we intend to present a compendium of preparation and application of multifarious stem cells, especially in relation to PD research and therapy. In addition, the current status, potential challenges and future prospects for practical CRT in PD patients will be elaborated as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Zhicheng Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Mailman Neuroscience Research Center, McLean Hospital Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dong J, Li S, Mo JL, Cai HB, Le WD. Nurr1-Based Therapies for Parkinson's Disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2016; 22:351-9. [PMID: 27012974 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have documented that orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 (also known as NR4A2) plays important roles in the midbrain dopamine (DA) neuron development, differentiation, and survival. Furthermore, it has been reported that the defects in Nurr1 are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, Nurr1 might be a potential therapeutic target for PD. Emerging evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has recently demonstrated that Nurr1-activating compounds and Nurr1 gene therapy are able not only to enhance DA neurotransmission but also to protect DA neurons from cell injury induced by environmental toxin or microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Moreover, modulators that interact with Nurr1 or regulate its function, such as retinoid X receptor, cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway, have the potential to enhance the effects of Nurr1-based therapies in PD. This review highlights the recent progress in preclinical studies of Nurr1-based therapies and discusses the outlook of this emerging therapy as a promising new generation of PD medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- The Center for Translational Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Song Li
- The Center for Translational Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing-Lin Mo
- The Center for Translational Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huai-Bin Cai
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wei-Dong Le
- The Center for Translational Research on Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute of Health Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rodríguez-Traver E, Solís O, Díaz-Guerra E, Ortiz Ó, Vergaño-Vera E, Méndez-Gómez HR, García-Sanz P, Moratalla R, Vicario-Abejón C. Role of Nurr1 in the Generation and Differentiation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Stem Cells. Neurotox Res 2015; 30:14-31. [PMID: 26678495 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
NURR1 is an essential transcription factor for the differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (DA neurons) as it has been demonstrated using knock-out mice. DA neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD) and mutations in the Nurr1 gene have been associated with this human disease. Thus, the study of NURR1 actions in vivo is fundamental to understand the mechanisms of neuron generation and degeneration in the dopaminergic system. Here, we present and discuss findings indicating that NURR1 is a valuable molecular tool for the in vitro generation of DA neurons which could be used for modeling and studying PD in cell culture and in transplantation approaches. Transduction of Nurr1 alone or in combination with other transcription factors such as Foxa2, Ngn2, Ascl1, and Pitx3, induces the generation of DA neurons, which upon transplantation have the capacity to survive and restore motor behavior in animal models of PD. We show that the survival of transplanted neurons is increased when the Nurr1-transduced olfactory bulb stem cells are treated with GDNF. The use of these and other factors with the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based technology or the direct reprogramming of astrocytes or fibroblasts into human DA neurons has produced encouraging results for the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD and for the search of new treatments for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rodríguez-Traver
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Solís
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Díaz-Guerra
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Ortiz
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Vergaño-Vera
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor R Méndez-Gómez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia García-Sanz
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Vicario-Abejón
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fu MH, Li CL, Lin HL, Chen PC, Calkins MJ, Chang YF, Cheng PH, Yang SH. Stem cell transplantation therapy in Parkinson's disease. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:597. [PMID: 26543732 PMCID: PMC4628010 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ineffective therapeutic treatments and inadequate repair ability in the central nervous system are disturbing problems for several neurological diseases. Fortunately, the development of clinically applicable populations of stem cells has provided an avenue to overcome the failure of endogenous repair systems and substitute new cells into the damaged brain. However, there are still several existing obstacles to translating into clinical application. Here we review the stem-cell based therapies for Parkinson’s disease and discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks. We hope this review may provide suggestions for viable strategies to overcome the current technical and biological issues associated with the application of stem cells in Parkinson’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hui Fu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301 Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Lien Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan.,Division of Breeding and Genetics, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Tainan, 71246 Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Marcus J Calkins
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fan Chang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Cheng
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hsun Yang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101 Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lim MS, Chang MY, Kim SM, Yi SH, Suh-Kim H, Jung SJ, Kim MJ, Kim JH, Lee YS, Lee SY, Kim DW, Lee SH, Park CH. Generation of Dopamine Neurons from Rodent Fibroblasts through the Expandable Neural Precursor Cell Stage. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:17401-14. [PMID: 26023233 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.629808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent groundbreaking work has demonstrated that combined expression of the transcription factors Brn2, Ascl1, and Myt1L (BAM; also known as Wernig factors) convert mouse fibroblasts into postmitotic neuronal cells. However, questions remain regarding whether trans-conversion is achieved directly or involves an intermediary precursor stage. Trans-conversion toward expandable neural precursor cells (NPCs) is more useful than direct one-step neuron formation with respect to yielding a sufficient number of cells and the feasibility of manipulating NPC differentiation toward certain neuron subtypes. Here, we show that co-expression of Wernig factors and Bcl-xL induces fibroblast conversion into NPCs (induced NPCs (iNPCs)) that are highly expandable for >100 passages. Gene expression analyses showed that the iNPCs exhibited high expression of common NPC genes but not genes specific to defined embryonic brain regions. This finding indicated that a regional identity of iNPCs was not established. Upon induction, iNPCs predominantly differentiated into astrocytes. However, the differentiation potential was not fixed and could be efficiently manipulated into general or specific subtypes of neurons by expression of additional genes. Specifically, overexpression of Nurr1 and Foxa2, transcription factors specific for midbrain dopamine neuron development, drove iNPCs to yield mature midbrain dopamine neurons equipped with presynaptic DA neuronal functions. We further assessed the therapeutic potential of iNPCs in Parkinson disease model rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lim
- From the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, the Departments of Microbiology
| | - Mi-Yoon Chang
- the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Kim
- the Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, and
| | - Sang-Hoon Yi
- the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | - Haeyoung Suh-Kim
- the Department of Anatomy and Brain Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Korea, and
| | - Sung Jun Jung
- the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Physiology, and
| | - Min Jung Kim
- the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Physiology, and
| | - Jin Hyuk Kim
- From the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Physiology, and
| | - Yong-Sung Lee
- From the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | | | - Dong-Wook Kim
- the Department of Physiology and Cell Therapy Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea,
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- From the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, the Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, the Departments of Microbiology,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Acquarone M, de Melo TM, Meireles F, Brito-Moreira J, Oliveira G, Ferreira ST, Castro NG, Tovar-Moll F, Houzel JC, Rehen SK. Mitomycin-treated undifferentiated embryonic stem cells as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:97. [PMID: 25904842 PMCID: PMC4389407 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Clinical presentation of PD stems largely from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, motivating experimental strategies of replacement based on cell therapy. Transplantation of dopaminergic neurons derived from embryonic stem cells significantly improves motor functions in rodent and non-human primate models of PD. However, protocols to generate dopaminergic neurons from embryonic stem cells generally meet with low efficacy and high risk of teratoma formation upon transplantation. To address these issues, we have pre-treated undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) with the DNA alkylating agent mitomycin C (MMC) before transplantation. MMC treatment of cultures prevented tumorigenesis in a 12 week follow-up after mESCs were injected in nude mice. In 6-OH-dopamine-lesioned mice, intrastriatal injection of MMC-treated mESCs markedly improved motor function without tumor formation for as long as 15 months. Furthermore, we show that halting mitotic activity of undifferentiated mESCs induces a four-fold increase in dopamine release following in vitro differentiation. Our findings indicate that treating mESCs with MMC prior to intrastriatal transplant is an effective to strategy that could be further investigated as a novel alternative for treatment of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Acquarone
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thiago M de Melo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Meireles
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jordano Brito-Moreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Oliveira
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Newton G Castro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tovar-Moll
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jean-Christophe Houzel
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stevens K Rehen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vergaño-Vera E, Díaz-Guerra E, Rodríguez-Traver E, Méndez-Gómez HR, Solís Ó, Pignatelli J, Pickel J, Lee SH, Moratalla R, Vicario-Abejón C. Nurr1 blocks the mitogenic effect of FGF-2 and EGF, inducing olfactory bulb neural stem cells to adopt dopaminergic and dopaminergic-GABAergic neuronal phenotypes. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 75:823-41. [PMID: 25447275 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Nurr1 is expressed in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB), although it remains unknown whether it influences the generation of dopaminergic neurons (DA) (DA neurons) in cells isolated from this brain region. We found that expressing Nurr1 in proliferating olfactory bulb stem cells (OBSCs) produces a marked inhibition of cell proliferation and the generation of immature neurons immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) concomitant with marked upregulations of Th, Dat, Gad, and Fgfr2 transcripts. In long-term cultures, these cells develop neurochemical and synaptic markers of mature-like mesencephalic DA neurons, expressing GIRK2, VMAT2, DAT, calretinin, calbindin, synapsin-I, and SV2. Concurring with the increase in both Th and Gad expression, a subpopulation of induced cells was both TH- and GAD-immunoreactive indicating that they are dopaminergic-GABAergic neurons. Indeed, these cells could mature to express VGAT, suggesting they can uptake and store GABA in vesicles. Remarkably, the dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF-38393 induced c-Fos in TH(+) cells and dopamine release was detected in these cultures under basal and KCl-evoked conditions. By contrast, cotransducing the Neurogenin2 and Nurr1 transcription factors produced a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive neurons. Our results indicate that Nurr1 overexpression in OBSCs induces the formation of two populations of mature dopaminergic neurons with features of the ventral mesencephalon or of the OB, capable of responding to functional dopaminergic stimuli and of releasing dopamine. They also suggest that the accumulation of Fgfr2 by Nurr1 in OBSCs may be involved in the generation of DA neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Vergaño-Vera
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Díaz-Guerra
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Rodríguez-Traver
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor R Méndez-Gómez
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Solís
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Pignatelli
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - James Pickel
- Transgenic Core, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang university, Seoul, Korea
| | - Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Vicario-Abejón
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Proneural genes encode evolutionarily conserved basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors. In Drosophila, proneural genes are required and sufficient to confer a neural identity onto naïve ectodermal cells, inducing delamination and subsequent neuronal differentiation. In vertebrates, proneural genes are expressed in cells that already have a neural identity, but they are still required and sufficient to initiate neurogenesis. In all organisms, proneural genes control neurogenesis by regulating Notch-mediated lateral inhibition and initiating the expression of downstream differentiation genes. The general mode of proneural gene function has thus been elucidated. However, the regulatory mechanisms that spatially and temporally control proneural gene function are only beginning to be deciphered. Understanding how proneural gene function is regulated is essential, as aberrant proneural gene expression has recently been linked to a variety of human diseases-ranging from cancer to neuropsychiatric illnesses and diabetes. Recent insights into proneural gene function in development and disease are highlighted herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Chan
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ancín I, Cabranes JA, Vázquez-Álvarez B, Santos JL, Sánchez-Morla E, Alaerts M, Del-Favero J, Barabash A. NR4A2: effects of an "orphan" receptor on sustained attention in a schizophrenic population. Schizophr Bull 2013; 39:555-63. [PMID: 22294735 PMCID: PMC3627752 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbr176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
NR4A2 (nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2) or Nurr1 is a transcription factor implied in the differentiation, maturation, and survival of dopaminergic neurons. It also has a role in the expression of several proteins that are necessary for the synthesis and regulation of dopamine (DA), such as tyrosine hidroxilase, dopamine transporter, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, and cRET. DA is an important neurotransmitter in attentional pathways. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of NR4A2 gene in the performance of schizophrenia (SZ) patients and healthy subjects on a sustained attention task. For this study, we collected 188 SZ subjects (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) and 100 control individuals. We genotyped 5 tag SNPs in NR4A2 gene: rs1150143 (C/G), rs1150144 (A/G), rs834830 (A/G), rs1466408 (T/A), and rs707132 (A/G). We also analyzed the influence of its haplotypes (frequency>5%). To examine sustained attention, all the individuals completed the Degraded Stimulus Continuous Performance Test. We evaluated "hits," "reaction time," "sensibility a," and "false alarms." In the schizophrenic group, recessive genotypes of rs1150143, rs1150144, rs834830, and rs707132 were associated with a worse performance. SZ subjects who carried GGGTG haplotype showed less hits (P<.004), lower sensibility a scores (P<.009), and a higher reaction time (P=.013). We observed a sex effect of the gene: genotype and haplotype associations were only present in the male group. We conclude that NR4A2 gene is involved in attentional deficits of SZ patients, modifying hits, sensibility a, and reaction time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inés Ancín
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroendocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Cabranes
- Deparment of Psychiatry, Clínico San Carlos Hospital, Madrid, Spain,CIBERSAM, Spanish Network for Research on Mental Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca Vázquez-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroendocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Santos
- Deparment of Psychiatry, Virgen de La Luz Hospital, Cuenca, Spain
| | | | - Maaike Alaerts
- Applied Molecular Genomics Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Del-Favero
- Applied Molecular Genomics Group, VIB Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Barabash
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroendocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain,CIBERSAM, Spanish Network for Research on Mental Health, Madrid, Spain,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Laboratory of Psychoneuroendocrinology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Martín Lagos s/n 28040, Madrid, Spain; tel: 00-34-91-330-2456, fax: 00-34-91-330-3140, e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tan X, Zhang L, Qin J, Tian M, Zhu H, Dong C, Zhao H, Jin G. Transplantation of neural stem cells co-transfected with Nurr1 and Brn4 for treatment of Parkinsonian rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2012; 31:82-7. [PMID: 23085081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) tranplantation has great potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the usage of NSCs is limited because the differentiation of NSCs into specific dopaminergic neurons has proven difficult. We have recently demonstrated that transgenic expression of Nurr1 could induce the differentiation of NSCs into tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive dopaminergic neurons, and forced co-expression of Nurr1 with Brn4 caused a dramatic increase in morphological and phenotypical maturity of these neurons. In this study, we investigated the effect of transplanted NSCs in PD model rats. The results showed that overexpression of Nurr1 promoted NSCs to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in vivo, increased the level of dopamine (DA) neurotransmitter in the striatum, resulting in behavioral improvement of PD rats. Importantly, co-expression of Nurr1 and Brn4 in NSCs significantly increased the maturity and viability of dopaminergic neurons, further raised the DA amount in the striatum and reversed the behavioral deficit of the PD rats. Our findings provide a new potential and strategy for the use of NSCs in cell replacement therapy for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Tan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cellular programming and reprogramming: sculpting cell fate for the production of dopamine neurons for cell therapy. Stem Cells Int 2012; 2012:412040. [PMID: 22988464 PMCID: PMC3441013 DOI: 10.1155/2012/412040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells are regarded as a promising cell source to obtain human dopamine neurons in sufficient amounts and purity for cell replacement therapy. Importantly, the success of clinical applications depends on our ability to steer pluripotent stem cells towards the right neuronal identity. In Parkinson disease, the loss of dopamine neurons is more pronounced in the ventrolateral population that projects to the sensorimotor striatum. Because synapses are highly specific, only neurons with this precise identity will contribute, upon transplantation, to the synaptic reconstruction of the dorsal striatum. Thus, understanding the developmental cell program of the mesostriatal dopamine neurons is critical for the identification of the extrinsic signals and cell-intrinsic factors that instruct and, ultimately, determine cell identity. Here, we review how extrinsic signals and transcription factors act together during development to shape midbrain cell fates. Further, we discuss how these same factors can be applied in vitro to induce, select, and reprogram cells to the mesostriatal dopamine fate.
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has drawn significant attention in the last two decades for its variety of biologically beneficial effects. CLA reduces body fat, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and modulates immune and inflammatory responses as well as improves bone mass. It has been suggested that the overall effects of CLA are the results of interactions between two major isomers, cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12. This review will primarily focus on current CLA publications involving humans, which are also summarized in the tables. Along with a number of beneficial effects of CLA, there are safety considerations for CLA supplementation in humans, which include effects on liver functions, milk fat depression, glucose metabolism, and oxidative stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison Dilzer
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst , MA 01003, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
The co-transduction of Nurr1 and Brn4 genes induces the differentiation of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. Cell Biol Int 2012; 35:1217-23. [PMID: 21663595 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20110028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fetal brain tissue can be used in cell replacement therapy for PD (Parkinson's disease), but there is a poor donor supply of this tissue. NSCs (neural stem cells) may overcome this problem as they can be isolated and expanded in vitro. However, the usage of NSCs is limited because the differentiation of NSCs into specific dopaminergic neurons has proven difficult. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Nurr1 (nuclear receptor related factor 1), a transcription factor specific for the development and maintenance of the midbrain dopaminergic neurons on inducing the differentiation of NSCs into TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) immunoreactive dopaminergic neurons. Nonetheless, these cells exhibited an immature neuronal morphology with small cell bodies and short neurite processes, and they seldom expressed DAT (dopamine transporter), a late marker of mature dopaminergic neurons. However, forced co-expression of Nurr1 with Brn4, a member of the POU domain family of transcription factors, caused immature Nurr1-induced dopaminergic neurons to differentiate into morphologically and phenotypically more mature neurons. Thus the enriched generation of mature dopaminergic neurons by forced expression of Nurr1 with Brn4 may be of future importance in NSC-based cell replacement therapy for PD.
Collapse
|
24
|
Park CH, Lim MS, Rhee YH, Yi SH, Kim BK, Shim JW, Kim YH, Jung SJ, Lee SH. In vitro generation of mature dopamine neurons by decreasing and delaying the expression of exogenous Nurr1. Development 2012; 139:2447-51. [PMID: 22627286 DOI: 10.1242/dev.075978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC/NPC) cultures can be a source of dopamine (DA) neurons for experimental and transplantation purposes. Nurr1, a steroid receptor transcription factor, can overcome the limitations associated with differentiation of cultured NPCs into DA neurons. However, forced Nurr1 expression in NPC cultures generates non-neuronal and/or immature DA cells. We show here that the Nurr1 level and period of expression crucially affect the differentiation and maturation of Nurr1-induced DA neurons. Mature DA neurons were generated by manipulating Nurr1 expression patterns to resemble those in the developing midbrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hwan Park
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Loewenbrück K, Storch A. Stem cell-based therapies in Parkinson's disease: future hope or current treatment option? J Neurol 2012; 258:S346-53. [PMID: 21437664 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-5974-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases and represents a major therapeutic challenge because of the so far missing therapeutic means to influence the ongoing loss of dopaminergic innervation to the striatum. Cell replacement has raised hope to offer the first restorative treatment option. Clinical trials have provided "proof of principle" that transplantation of dopamine-producing neurons into the striatum of PD patients can achieve symptomatic relief given that the striatum is sufficiently re-innervated. Various cell sources have been tested, including fetal ventral midbrain tissue, embryonic stem cells, fetal and adult neural stem cells and, after a ground-breaking discovery, induced pluripotent stem cells. Although embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells have emerged as the most promising candidates to overcome most of the obstacles to clinical successful cell replacement, each cell source has its unique drawbacks. This review does not only provide a comprehensive overview of the different cellular candidates, including their assets and drawbacks, but also of the various additional issues that need to be addressed in order to convert cellular replacement therapies from an experimental to a clinically relevant therapeutic alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Loewenbrück
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jo AY, Kim MY, Lee HS, Rhee YH, Lee JE, Baek KH, Park CH, Koh HC, Shin I, Lee YS, Lee SH. Generation of dopamine neurons with improved cell survival and phenotype maintenance using a degradation-resistant nurr1 mutant. Stem Cells 2009; 27:2238-46. [PMID: 19522012 PMCID: PMC2816355 DOI: 10.1002/stem.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Nurr1 is a transcription factor specific for the development and maintenance of the midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. Exogenous Nurr1 in neural precursor (NP) cells induces the differentiation of DA neurons in vitro that are capable of reversing motor dysfunctions in a rodent model for Parkinson disease. The promise of this therapeutic approach, however, is unclear due to poor cell survival and phenotype loss of DA cells after transplantation. We herein demonstrate that Nurr1 proteins undergo ubiquitin-proteasome-system-mediated degradation in differentiating NP cells. The degradation process is activated by a direct Akt-mediated phosphorylation of Nurr1 proteins and can be prevented by abolishing the Akt-target sequence in Nurr1 (Nurr1Akt). Overexpression of Nurr1Akt in NP cells yielded DA neurons in which Nurr1 protein levels were maintained for prolonged periods. The sustained Nurr1 expression endowed the Nurr1Akt-induced DA neurons with resistance to toxic stimuli, enhanced survival, and sustained DA phenotypes in vitro and in vivo after transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-Young Jo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ko JY, Lee HS, Park CH, Koh HC, Lee YS, Lee SH. Conditions for tumor-free and dopamine neuron-enriched grafts after transplanting human ES cell-derived neural precursor cells. Mol Ther 2009; 17:1761-70. [PMID: 19603007 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated derivation of neural precursor (NP) cells of a midbrain-type from human embryonic stem (hES) cells to yield an enriched population of dopamine (DA) neurons. These hES-derived NPs can be expanded in vitro through multiple passages without altering their DA neurogenic potential. Here, we studied two aspects of these hES-NP cells that are critical issues in cell therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease (PD): cell survival and tumorigenic potential. Neuroepithelial rosettes, a potentially tumorigenic structure, disappeared during hES-NP cell expansion in vitro. Although a minor population of cells positive for Oct3/4, a marker specific for undifferentiated hES cells, persisted in culture during hES-NP cell expansion, they could be completely eliminated by subculturing hES-NPs under differentiation-inducing conditions. Consistently, no tumors/teratomas are formed in rats grafted with multipassaged hES-NPs. However, extensively expanded hES-NP cells easily underwent cell death during differentiation in vitro and after transplantation in vivo. Transgenic expression of Bcl-XL and sonic hedgehog (SHH) completely overcame the cell survival problems without increasing tumor formation. These findings indicate that hES-NP cell expansion in conjunction with Bcl-XL+SHH transgene expression may provide a renewable and safe source of DA neurons for transplantation in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yun Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wijeyekoon R, Barker RA. Cell replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2009; 1792:688-702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 10/12/2008] [Accepted: 10/13/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
29
|
Bae EJ, Lee HS, Park CH, Lee SH. Orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 induces neuron differentiation from embryonic cortical precursor cells via an extrinsic paracrine mechanism. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:1505-10. [PMID: 19362551 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2009] [Revised: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nurr1 is an orphan nuclear receptor-type transcription factor (TF) that plays critical roles in midbrain dopamine neuron development. This study demonstrated a novel role for Nurr1 in neuronal/astrocytic differentiation of neural precursor (NP) cells isolated from rat embryonic cortices: overexpression of this TF promoted NP cell differentiation towards neurons at the expense of astrocytic differentiation. Single cell-based lineage analyses and experiments using co-cultures revealed that Nurr1 elicited its neurogenic role in an extrinsic paracrine manner. We defined diffusible factors and downstream neurogenic TFs responsible for the Nurr1-mediated neuronal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Bae
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, # 17 Haengdang-dong, Sungdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Singh AK, Gupta S, Jiang Y, Younus M, Ramzan M. In vitro Neurogenesis from Neural Progenitor Cells Isolated from the Hippocampus Region of the Brain of Adult Rats Exposed to Ethanol during Early Development through Their Alcohol-Drinking Mothers. Alcohol Alcohol 2009; 44:185-98. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agn109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
|
31
|
Weidong Le, Shen Chen, Jankovic J. Etiopathogenesis of Parkinson disease: a new beginning? Neuroscientist 2008; 15:28-35. [PMID: 19008336 DOI: 10.1177/1073858408319974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) probably represents a syndrome of different disorders and origins converging into a relatively uniform neurodegenerative process. Although clinical-pathological studies have suggested that the presymptomatic phase of PD may be relatively short, perhaps less than a decade, the authors postulate that the pathogenic mechanisms may begin much earlier, possibly even in the prenatal period. Thus, some patients with PD may be born with a fewer than normal number of dopaminergic (and nondopaminergic) neurons as a result of genetic or other abnormalities sustained during the prenatal or perinatal period; as a result of normal age-related neuronal attrition, they eventually reach the critical threshold (60% or more) of neuronal loss needed for onset of PD to become clinically manifest. The authors review the emerging evidence that genetic disruption of normal development, coupled with subsequent environmental factors (the so called multiple-hit hypothesis), plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Le
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Park CH, Kang JS, Yoon EH, Shim JW, Suh-Kim H, Lee SH. Proneural bHLH neurogenin 2 differentially regulates Nurr1-induced dopamine neuron differentiation in rat and mouse neural precursor cells in vitro. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:537-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2007] [Revised: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
33
|
Li QJ, Tang YM, Liu J, Zhou DY, Li XP, Xiao SH, Jian DX, Xing YG. Treatment of Parkinson disease with C17.2 neural stem cells overexpressing NURR1 with a recombined republic-deficit adenovirus containing the NURR1 gene. Synapse 2008; 61:971-7. [PMID: 17879263 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To study the potential benefit of the NURR1 gene in Parkinson's disease (PD), we constructed a recombinant republic-deficit adenovirus containing the NURR1 gene (Ad-NURR1) and expressed it in transplanted neural stem cells (NSC). Ad-NURR1 was constructed, and NURR1 mRNA and protein expression were identified by in situ hybridization and western blot analysis, respectively. The identified NURR1 protein could directly or indirectly induce NSC differentiation into neurons. To identify a potential therapeutic use for the transfected NSCs, cells were transplanted into 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. Histopathological and behavioral alterations were evaluated via immunohistochemistry and the ration test, respectively, in rats transplanted with NSCs with or without the Ad-NURR1 adenovirus. The Ad-NURR1 construct effectively expressed the NURR1 protein, which could directly or indirectly induce NSC differentiation into neurons. Both histopathological and behavioral alterations were seen in rats treated with NSCs with or without the Ad-NURR1 construct, although in the case of the latter, the benefits were more robust. These results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for Ad-NURR1-expressing cells in the treatment of PD. The Ad-NURR1 modification induced NSC differentiation and therefore represents a potential therapy for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Jun Li
- Department of Neurology, Dong Guan People Hospital, Dong Guan 523018, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
From bench to bed: the potential of stem cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Cell Tissue Res 2007; 331:323-36. [PMID: 18034267 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-007-0541-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/23/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder. The neuropathology is characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Transplants of fetal/embryonic midbrain tissue have exhibited some beneficial clinical effects in open-label trials. Neural grafting has, however, not become a standard treatment for several reasons. First, the supply of donor cells is limited, and therefore, surgery is accompanied by difficult logistics. Second, the extent of beneficial effects has varied in a partly unpredictable manner. Third, some patients have exhibited graft-related side effects in the form of involuntary movements. Fourth, in two major double-blind placebo-controlled trials, there was no effect of the transplants on the primary endpoints. Nevertheless, neural transplantation continues to receive a great deal of interest, and now, attention is shifting to the idea of using stem cells as starting donor material. In the context of stem cell therapy for PD, stem cells can be divided into three categories: neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and other tissue-specific types of stem cells, e.g., bone marrow stem cells. Each type of stem cell is associated with advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we review recent advances of stem cell research of direct relevance to clinical application in PD and highlight the pros and cons of the different sources of cells. We draw special attention to some key problems that face the translation of stem cell technology into the clinical arena.
Collapse
|
35
|
Park Y, Albright K, Storkson J, Liu W, Pariza M. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Prevents Body Fat Accumulation and Weight Gain in an Animal Model. J Food Sci 2007; 72:S612-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
36
|
Jo AY, Park CH, Aizawa S, Lee SH. Contrasting and brain region-specific roles of neurogenin2 and mash1 in GABAergic neuron differentiation in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2007; 313:4066-81. [PMID: 17936272 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Revised: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 08/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We have cultivated highly uniform populations of neural precursor cells, which retain their region-specific identities, from various rat embryonic brain regions. The roles of the proneural basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors neurogenin2 (Ngn2) and Mash1 in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neuron differentiation were explored in the region-specific cultures. Consistent with previous in vivo studies, forced expression of Mash1 promoted GABA neuron formation from the precursors derived from the developing forebrains, whereas Ngn2 displayed an inhibitory role in forebrain GABA neuron differentiation. Functional analyses of mutant bHLH proteins indicated that the helix-loop-helix domains of Mash1 and Ngn2, known as the structures for protein-protein interactions, impart the distinct activities. Intriguingly, the regulatory activities of Mash1 and Ngn2 in GABA neuron differentiation from the hindbrain- and spinal cord-derived precursor cells were completely opposite of those observed in the forebrain-derived cultures: increased GABA neuron yield by Ngn2 and decreased yield by Mash1 were shown in the precursors of those posterior brain regions. No clear difference that depended on dorsal-ventral brain regions was observed in the bHLH-mediated activities. Finally, we demonstrated that Otx2, the expression of which is developmentally confined to the regions anterior to the isthmus, is a factor responsible for the anterior-posterior region-dependent opposite effects of the bHLH proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-Young Jo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shim JW, Park CH, Bae YC, Bae JY, Chung S, Chang MY, Koh HC, Lee HS, Hwang SJ, Lee KH, Lee YS, Choi CY, Lee SH. Generation of functional dopamine neurons from neural precursor cells isolated from the subventricular zone and white matter of the adult rat brain using Nurr1 overexpression. Stem Cells 2007; 25:1252-62. [PMID: 17234994 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neural precursor (NP) cells from adult mammalian brains can be isolated, expanded in vitro, and potentially used as cell replacement source material for treatment of intractable brain disorders. Reduced ethical concerns, lack of teratoma formation, and possible ex vivo autologous transplantation are critical advantages to using adult NP donor cells over cells from fetal brain tissue or embryonic stem cells. However, the usage of adult NP cells is limited by the ability to induce specific neurochemical phenotypes in these cells. Here, we demonstrate induction of a dopaminergic phenotype in NP cells isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) and white matter of rodent adult brains using overexpression of the nuclear receptor Nurr1 in vitro. Forced expression of Nurr1, a transcriptional factor specific to midbrain dopamine (DA) neuron development, caused in the adult cells an acquisition of the DA neurotransmitter phenotype and sufficient differentiation toward morphologically, phenotypically, and ultrastructurally mature DA neurons. Co-expression of neurogenic factor Mash1 and treatment with neurogenic cytokines brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 greatly enhanced Nurr1-induced DA neuron yield. The Nurr1-induced DA neurons demonstrated in vitro presynaptic DA neuronal functionality, releasing DA neurotransmitter in response to depolarization stimuli and specific DA reuptake. Furthermore, Nurr1-engineered adult SVZ NP cells survived, integrated, and differentiated into DA neurons in vivo that can reverse the behavioral deficit in the host striatum of parkinsonian rats. These findings open the possibility for the use of precursor cells from adult brains as a cell source for neuronal replacement treatment of Parkinson disease. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Shim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, #17 Haengdang-dong, Sungdong-gu, Seoul 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|