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Sandoval SO, Cappuccio G, Kruth K, Osenberg S, Khalil SM, Méndez-Albelo NM, Padmanabhan K, Wang D, Niciu MJ, Bhattacharyya A, Stein JL, Sousa AMM, Waxman EA, Buttermore ED, Whye D, Sirois CL, Williams A, Maletic-Savatic M, Zhao X. Rigor and reproducibility in human brain organoid research: Where we are and where we need to go. Stem Cell Reports 2024:S2213-6711(24)00114-0. [PMID: 38759644 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Human brain organoid models have emerged as a promising tool for studying human brain development and function. These models preserve human genetics and recapitulate some aspects of human brain development, while facilitating manipulation in an in vitro setting. Despite their potential to transform biology and medicine, concerns persist about their fidelity. To fully harness their potential, it is imperative to establish reliable analytic methods, ensuring rigor and reproducibility. Here, we review current analytical platforms used to characterize human forebrain cortical organoids, highlight challenges, and propose recommendations for future studies to achieve greater precision and uniformity across laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gerarda Cappuccio
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karina Kruth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sivan Osenberg
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Saleh M Khalil
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Krishnan Padmanabhan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Visual Science, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY 14642, USA
| | - Daifeng Wang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Departments of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mark J Niciu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - André M M Sousa
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Elisa A Waxman
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Epilepsy and NeuroDevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Buttermore
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dosh Whye
- Human Neuron Core, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Department, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carissa L Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Aislinn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Mirjana Maletic-Savatic
- Department of Pediatrics-Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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2
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Sirtori R, J Gregoire M, M Potts E, Collins A, Donatelli L, Fallini C. LINC complex alterations are a key feature of sporadic and familial ALS/FTD. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:69. [PMID: 38664831 PMCID: PMC11046770 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01778-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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and loss of voluntary muscle control. While the exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, emerging research suggests that dysfunction of the nuclear envelope (NE) may contribute to disease pathogenesis and progression. The NE plays a role in ALS through several mechanisms, including nuclear pore defects, nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment, accumulation of mislocalized proteins, and nuclear morphology abnormalities. The LINC complex is the second biggest multi-protein complex in the NE and consists of the SUN1/2 proteins spanning the inner nuclear membrane and Nesprin proteins embedded in the outer membrane. The LINC complex, by interacting with both the nuclear lamina and the cytoskeleton, transmits mechanical forces to the nucleus regulating its morphology and functional homeostasis. In this study we show extensive alterations to the LINC complex in motor and cortical iPSC-derived neurons and spinal cord organoids carrying the ALS causative mutation in the C9ORF72 gene (C9). Importantly, we show that such alterations are present in vivo in a cohort of sporadic ALS and C9-ALS postmortem spinal cord and motor cortex specimens. We also found that LINC complex disruption strongly correlated with nuclear morphological alterations occurring in ALS neurons, independently of TDP43 mislocalization. Altogether, our data establish morphological and functional alterations to the LINC complex as important events in ALS pathogenic cascade, making this pathway a possible target for both biomarker and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Sirtori
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Michelle J Gregoire
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Emily M Potts
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Alicia Collins
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Liviana Donatelli
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America
| | - Claudia Fallini
- Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Rd, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America.
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, 9 Greenhouse Road, 02881, Kingston, RI, United States of America.
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, United States of America.
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3
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Heesen SH, Köhr G. GABAergic interneuron diversity and organization are crucial for the generation of human-specific functional neural networks in cerebral organoids. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1389335. [PMID: 38665372 PMCID: PMC11044699 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1389335] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This mini review investigates the importance of GABAergic interneurons for the network function of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived brain organoids. The presented evidence suggests that the abundance, diversity and three-dimensional cortical organization of GABAergic interneurons are the primary elements responsible for the creation of synchronous neuronal firing patterns. Without intricate inhibition, coupled oscillatory patterns cannot reach a sufficient complexity to transfer spatiotemporal information constituting physiological network function. Furthermore, human-specific brain network function seems to be mediated by a more complex and interconnected inhibitory structure that remains developmentally flexible for a longer period when compared to rodents. This suggests that several characteristics of human brain networks cannot be captured by rodent models, emphasizing the need for model systems like organoids that adequately mimic physiological human brain function in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H. Heesen
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Köhr
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Physiology of Neural Networks, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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4
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Scala M, Khan K, Beneteau C, Fox RG, von Hardenberg S, Khan A, Joubert M, Fievet L, Musquer M, Le Vaillant C, Holsclaw JK, Lim D, Berking AC, Accogli A, Giacomini T, Nobili L, Striano P, Zara F, Torella A, Nigro V, Cogné B, Salick MR, Kaykas A, Eggan K, Capra V, Bézieau S, Davis EE, Wells MF. Biallelic loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 cause a novel neurodevelopmental syndrome with facial dysmorphism and multisystem congenital abnormalities. Genet Med 2024; 26:101057. [PMID: 38158856 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.101057] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We established the genetic etiology of a syndromic neurodevelopmental condition characterized by variable cognitive impairment, recognizable facial dysmorphism, and a constellation of extra-neurological manifestations. METHODS We performed phenotypic characterization of 6 participants from 4 unrelated families presenting with a neurodevelopmental syndrome and used exome sequencing to investigate the underlying genetic cause. To probe relevance to the neurodevelopmental phenotype and craniofacial dysmorphism, we established two- and three-dimensional human stem cell-derived neural models and generated a stable cachd1 zebrafish mutant on a transgenic cartilage reporter line. RESULTS Affected individuals showed mild cognitive impairment, dysmorphism featuring oculo-auriculo abnormalities, and developmental defects involving genitourinary and digestive tracts. Exome sequencing revealed biallelic putative loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 segregating with disease in all pedigrees. RNA sequencing in CACHD1-depleted neural progenitors revealed abnormal expression of genes with key roles in Wnt signaling, neurodevelopment, and organ morphogenesis. CACHD1 depletion in neural progenitors resulted in reduced percentages of post-mitotic neurons and enlargement of 3D neurospheres. Homozygous cachd1 mutant larvae showed mandibular patterning defects mimicking human facial dysmorphism. CONCLUSION Our findings support the role of loss-of-function variants in CACHD1 as the cause of a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome with facial dysmorphism and multisystem abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Kamal Khan
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Claire Beneteau
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, CHU Nantes, 9 quai Moncousu, Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, UF of Fœtopathology and Genetics, Nantes, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Génétique Médicale, Bordeaux, France
| | - Rachel G Fox
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Ayaz Khan
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Madeleine Joubert
- CHU Nantes, UF of Fœtopathology and Genetics, Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Nantes, France
| | - Lorraine Fievet
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Marie Musquer
- CHU Nantes, UF of Fœtopathology and Genetics, Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Derek Lim
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrea Accogli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Thea Giacomini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy; Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Benjamin Cogné
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, CHU Nantes, 9 quai Moncousu, Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Kevin Eggan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stéphane Bézieau
- CHU Nantes, Department of Medical Genetics, CHU Nantes, 9 quai Moncousu, Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Erica E Davis
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
| | - Michael F Wells
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.
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5
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Sirtori R, Gregoire M, Potts E, Collins A, Donatelli L, Fallini C. LINC complex alterations are a hallmark of sporadic and familial ALS/FTD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584123. [PMID: 38559165 PMCID: PMC10979905 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and loss of voluntary muscle control. While the exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, emerging research suggests that dysfunction of the nuclear envelope (NE) may contribute to disease pathogenesis and progression. The NE plays a role in ALS through several mechanisms, including nuclear pore defects, nucleocytoplasmic transport impairment, accumulation of mislocalized proteins, and nuclear morphology abnormalities. The LINC complex is the second biggest multi-protein complex in the NE and consists of the SUN1/2 proteins spanning the inner nuclear membrane and Nesprin proteins embedded in the outer membrane. The LINC complex, by interacting with both the nuclear lamina and the cytoskeleton, transmits mechanical forces to the nucleus regulating its morphology and functional homeostasis. In this study we show extensive alterations to the LINC complex in motor and cortical iPSC-derived neurons and spinal cord organoids carrying the ALS causative mutation in the C9ORF72 gene (C9). Importantly, we show that such alterations are present in vivo in a cohort of sporadic ALS and C9-ALS postmortem spinal cord and motor cortex biopsies. We also found that LINC complex disruption strongly correlated with nuclear morphological alterations occurring in ALS neurons, independently of TDP43 mislocalization. Altogether, our data establish morphological and functional alterations to the LINC complex as important events in ALS pathogenic cascade, making this pathway a possible target for both biomarker and therapy development.
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6
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Scharf MM, Humphrys LJ, Berndt S, Di Pizio A, Lehmann J, Liebscher I, Nicoli A, Niv MY, Peri L, Schihada H, Schulte G. The dark sides of the GPCR tree - research progress on understudied GPCRs. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38339984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16325] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A large portion of the human GPCRome is still in the dark and understudied, consisting even of entire subfamilies of GPCRs such as odorant receptors, class A and C orphans, adhesion GPCRs, Frizzleds and taste receptors. However, it is undeniable that these GPCRs bring an untapped therapeutic potential that should be explored further. Open questions on these GPCRs span diverse topics such as deorphanisation, the development of tool compounds and tools for studying these GPCRs, as well as understanding basic signalling mechanisms. This review gives an overview of the current state of knowledge for each of the diverse subfamilies of understudied receptors regarding their physiological relevance, molecular mechanisms, endogenous ligands and pharmacological tools. Furthermore, it identifies some of the largest knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the foreseeable future and lists some general strategies that might be helpful in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M Scharf
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Berndt
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Juliane Lehmann
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Liebscher
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Masha Y Niv
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lior Peri
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Saglam-Metiner P, Yildirim E, Dincer C, Basak O, Yesil-Celiktas O. Humanized brain organoids-on-chip integrated with sensors for screening neuronal activity and neurotoxicity. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:71. [PMID: 38168828 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06165-4] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The complex structure and function of the human central nervous system that develops from the neural tube made in vitro modeling quite challenging until the discovery of brain organoids. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived brain organoids offer recapitulation of the features of early human neurodevelopment in vitro, including the generation, proliferation, and differentiation into mature neurons and micro-macroglial cells, as well as the complex interactions among these diverse cell types of the developing brain. Recent advancements in brain organoids, microfluidic systems, real-time sensing technologies, and their cutting-edge integrated use provide excellent models and tools for emulation of fundamental neurodevelopmental processes, the pathology of neurological disorders, personalized transplantation therapy, and high-throughput neurotoxicity testing by bridging the gap between two-dimensional models and the complex three-dimensional environment in vivo. In this review, we summarize how bioengineering approaches are applied to mitigate the limitations of brain organoids for biomedical and clinical research. We further provide an extensive overview and future perspectives of the humanized brain organoids-on-chip platforms with integrated sensors toward brain organoid intelligence and biocomputing studies. Such approaches might pave the way for increasing approvable clinical applications by solving their current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Saglam-Metiner
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ender Yildirim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
- ODTÜ MEMS Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Dincer
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- FIT Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Onur Basak
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ozlem Yesil-Celiktas
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
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8
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Bai L, Wu Y, Li G, Zhang W, Zhang H, Su J. AI-enabled organoids: Construction, analysis, and application. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:525-548. [PMID: 37746662 PMCID: PMC10511344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids, miniature and simplified in vitro model systems that mimic the structure and function of organs, have attracted considerable interest due to their promising applications in disease modeling, drug screening, personalized medicine, and tissue engineering. Despite the substantial success in cultivating physiologically relevant organoids, challenges remain concerning the complexities of their assembly and the difficulties associated with data analysis. The advent of AI-Enabled Organoids, which interfaces with artificial intelligence (AI), holds the potential to revolutionize the field by offering novel insights and methodologies that can expedite the development and clinical application of organoids. This review succinctly delineates the fundamental concepts and mechanisms underlying AI-Enabled Organoids, summarizing the prospective applications on rapid screening of construction strategies, cost-effective extraction of multiscale image features, streamlined analysis of multi-omics data, and precise preclinical evaluation and application. We also explore the challenges and limitations of interfacing organoids with AI, and discuss the future direction of the field. Taken together, the AI-Enabled Organoids hold significant promise for advancing our understanding of organ development and disease progression, ultimately laying the groundwork for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Guangfeng Li
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Zhongye Hospital, Shanghai, 201941, China
| | - Wencai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Organoid Research Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
- National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
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9
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Khatun M, Lundin K, Naillat F, Loog L, Saarela U, Tuuri T, Salumets A, Piltonen TT, Tapanainen JS. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Possible Approach for Exploring the Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:67-87. [PMID: 37768523 PMCID: PMC10799779 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10627-w] [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] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine condition among women with pleiotropic sequelae possessing reproductive, metabolic, and psychological characteristics. Although the exact origin of PCOS is elusive, it is known to be a complex multigenic disorder with a genetic, epigenetic, and environmental background. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS, and the role of genetic variants in increasing the risk of the condition, are still unknown due to the lack of an appropriate study model. Since the debut of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, the ability of reprogrammed somatic cells to self-renew and their potential for multidirectional differentiation have made them excellent tools to study different disease mechanisms. Recently, researchers have succeeded in establishing human in vitro PCOS disease models utilizing iPSC lines from heterogeneous PCOS patient groups (iPSCPCOS). The current review sets out to summarize, for the first time, our current knowledge of the implications and challenges of iPSC technology in comprehending PCOS pathogenesis and tissue-specific disease mechanisms. Additionally, we suggest that the analysis of polygenic risk prediction based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) could, theoretically, be utilized when creating iPSC lines as an additional research tool to identify women who are genetically susceptible to PCOS. Taken together, iPSCPCOS may provide a new paradigm for the exploration of PCOS tissue-specific disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Khatun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00029 HUS, Finland.
| | - Karolina Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00029 HUS, Finland
| | - Florence Naillat
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Liisa Loog
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, 51010, Estonia
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Ulla Saarela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00029 HUS, Finland
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50406, Estonia
- Competence Centre of Health Technologies, Tartu, 50411, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, 14186, Sweden
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00029 HUS, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR - Cantonal Hospital of Fribourg and University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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10
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Cole WR, Tegeler CL, Choi YS, Harris TE, Rachels N, Bellini PG, Haight TJ, Gerdes L, Tegeler CH, Roy MJ. Randomized, controlled clinical trial of acoustic stimulation to reduce postconcussive symptoms. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:105-120. [PMID: 37990636 PMCID: PMC10791035 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Effective interventions are needed to address postconcussive symptoms. We report the results of randomized, sham-controlled trial of Cereset Research™ Standard Operating Procedures (CR-SOP), a noninvasive, closed-loop, allostatic, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology previously shown to improve insomnia. METHODS Military service members, veterans, or their spouses with persistent symptoms (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory [NSI] Score ≥23) after mTBI 3 months to 10 years ago, were randomized to receive 10 sessions of engineered tones linked to brainwaves (LB, intervention), or random engineered tones not linked to brainwaves (NL, sham control). The primary outcome was change in NSI, with secondary outcomes of heart rate variability and self-report measures of sleep, mood, and anxiety. RESULTS Participants (n = 106, 22% female, mean age 37.1, 2.8 deployments, 3.8 TBIs) were randomized 1:1 to LB or NL, with no significant differences between groups at baseline. Among all study participants, the NSI declined from baseline 41.0 to 27.2 after (P < 0.0001), with gains largely sustained at 3 months (31.2) and 6 months (28.4). However, there were no significant differences between the LB (NSI declined from 39.9 at baseline to 28.2 post-intervention, 31.5 at 3 months, and 29.4 at 6 months) and NL (NSI declined from 41.5 at baseline to 26.2, 29.9, and 27.3, respectively. Similar patterns were observed for the PCL5 and PHQ-9 and there was no difference in HRV between groups. INTERPRETATION Ten hours of acoustic stimulation while resting in a zero-gravity chair improves postconcussive symptoms. However, linking tones to brain electrical activity did not reduce symptoms more than random tones. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT03649958.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley R. Cole
- University of North CarolinaChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Y. Sammy Choi
- Womack Army Medical CenterFort BraggNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Nora Rachels
- Womack Army Medical CenterFort BraggNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Paula G. Bellini
- Uniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson FoundationRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Thaddeus J. Haight
- Uniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Henry M. Jackson FoundationRockvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Lee Gerdes
- Brain State Technologies, LLCScottsdaleArizonaUSA
| | | | - Michael J. Roy
- Uniformed Services UniversityBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Walter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
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11
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Deininger L, Jung-Klawitter S, Mikut R, Richter P, Fischer M, Karimian-Jazi K, Breckwoldt MO, Bendszus M, Heiland S, Kleesiek J, Opladen T, Kuseyri Hübschmann O, Hübschmann D, Schwarz D. An AI-based segmentation and analysis pipeline for high-field MR monitoring of cerebral organoids. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21231. [PMID: 38040865 PMCID: PMC10692072 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48343-7] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral organoids recapitulate the structure and function of the developing human brain in vitro, offering a large potential for personalized therapeutic strategies. The enormous growth of this research area over the past decade with its capability for clinical translation makes a non-invasive, automated analysis pipeline of organoids highly desirable. This work presents a novel non-invasive approach to monitor and analyze cerebral organoids over time using high-field magnetic resonance imaging and state-of-the-art tools for automated image analysis. Three specific objectives are addressed, (I) organoid segmentation to investigate organoid development over time, (II) global cysticity classification and (III) local cyst segmentation for organoid quality assessment. We show that organoid growth can be monitored reliably over time and cystic and non-cystic organoids can be separated with high accuracy, with on par or better performance compared to state-of-the-art tools applied to brightfield imaging. Local cyst segmentation is feasible but could be further improved in the future. Overall, these results highlight the potential of the pipeline for clinical application to larger-scale comparative organoid analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Deininger
- Group for Automated Image and Data Analysis, Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sabine Jung-Klawitter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Group for Automated Image and Data Analysis, Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Petra Richter
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Fischer
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kianush Karimian-Jazi
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael O Breckwoldt
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bendszus
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Heiland
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Kleesiek
- Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (IKIM), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Cancer Research Center Cologne Essen (CCCE), Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Opladen
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oya Kuseyri Hübschmann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Department I, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Hübschmann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Computational Oncology Group, Molecular Precision Oncology Program, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
- Pattern Recognition and Digital Medicine, Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schwarz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Kagan BJ, Gyngell C, Lysaght T, Cole VM, Sawai T, Savulescu J. The technology, opportunities, and challenges of Synthetic Biological Intelligence. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 68:108233. [PMID: 37558186 PMCID: PMC7615149 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Integrating neural cultures developed through synthetic biology methods with digital computing has enabled the early development of Synthetic Biological Intelligence (SBI). Recently, key studies have emphasized the advantages of biological neural systems in some information processing tasks. However, neither the technology behind this early development, nor the potential ethical opportunities or challenges, have been explored in detail yet. Here, we review the key aspects that facilitate the development of SBI and explore potential applications. Considering these foreseeable use cases, various ethical implications are proposed. Ultimately, this work aims to provide a robust framework to structure ethical considerations to ensure that SBI technology can be both researched and applied responsibly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Gyngell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamra Lysaght
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Victor M Cole
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tsutomu Sawai
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Park SB, Koh B, Kwon HS, Kim YE, Kim SS, Cho SH, Kim TY, Bae MA, Kang D, Kim CH, Kim KY. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Neurotransmitter and Neurosteroid Production in Cerebral Organoids during Differentiation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3761-3771. [PMID: 37796021 PMCID: PMC10587864 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the human brain, neurophysiological activity is modulated by the movement of neurotransmitters and neurosteroids. To date, the similarity between cerebral organoids and actual human brains has been evaluated using comprehensive multiomics approaches. However, a systematic analysis of both neurotransmitters and neurosteroids from cerebral organoids has not yet been reported. Here, we performed quantitative and qualitative assessments of neurotransmitters and neurosteroids over the course of cerebral organoid differentiation. Our multiomics approaches revealed that the expression levels of neurotransmitter-related proteins and RNA, including neurosteroids, increase as cerebral organoids mature. We also found that the electrophysiological activity of human cerebral organoids increases in tandem with the expression levels of both neurotransmitters and neurosteroids. Our study demonstrates that the expression levels of neurotransmitters and neurosteroids can serve as key factors in evaluating the maturity and functionality of human cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Bum Park
- Therapeutics
and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Byumseok Koh
- Therapeutics
and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Kwon
- Group
for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute
of Standards and Science (KRISS), 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic
of Korea
- School
of Earth Sciences & Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Eun Kim
- Group
for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute
of Standards and Science (KRISS), 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic
of Korea
- School
of Earth Sciences & Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soon Kim
- Therapeutics
and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Cho
- Chemical
Platform Technology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Young Kim
- School
of Earth Sciences & Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 123 Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ae Bae
- Therapeutics
and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Dukjin Kang
- Group
for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute
of Standards and Science (KRISS), 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic
of Korea
| | - Chul Hoon Kim
- Department
of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Yonsei
University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic
of Korea
| | - Ki Young Kim
- Therapeutics
and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research
Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
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14
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Owen M, Huang Z, Duclos C, Lavazza A, Grasso M, Hudetz AG. Theoretical Neurobiology of Consciousness Applied to Human Cerebral Organoids. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37850471 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and specifically human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are one of the most relevant novelties in the field of biomedical research. Grown either from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, HCOs can be used as in vitro three-dimensional models, mimicking the developmental process and organization of the developing human brain. Based on that, and despite their current limitations, it cannot be assumed that they will never at any stage of development manifest some rudimentary form of consciousness. In the absence of behavioral indicators of consciousness, the theoretical neurobiology of consciousness being applied to unresponsive brain-injured patients can be considered with respect to HCOs. In clinical neurology, it is difficult to discern a capacity for consciousness in unresponsive brain-injured patients who provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. In such scenarios, a validated neurobiological theory of consciousness, which tells us what the neural mechanisms of consciousness are, could be used to identify a capacity for consciousness. Like the unresponsive patients that provide a diagnostic difficulty for neurologists, HCOs provide no behavioral indicators of consciousness. Therefore, this article discusses how three prominent neurobiological theories of consciousness apply to human cerebral organoids. From the perspective of the Temporal Circuit Hypothesis, the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, and the Integrated Information Theory, we discuss what neuronal structures and functions might indicate that cerebral organoids have a neurobiological capacity to be conscious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owen
- Philosophy Department, Yakima Valley College, Yakima, WA, USA
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zirui Huang
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Catherine Duclos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Arezzo, Italy
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Grasso
- Center for Sleep and Consciousness, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anthony G Hudetz
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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15
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Tai C, Li H, Zhang J. BCEDB: a linear B-cell epitopes database for SARS-CoV-2. Database (Oxford) 2023; 2023:baad065. [PMID: 37776561 PMCID: PMC10541793 DOI: 10.1093/database/baad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide and caused millions of deaths. The virus has gone numerous mutations to replicate faster, which can overwhelm the immune system of the host. Linear B-cell epitopes are becoming promising in prevention of various deadly infectious diseases, breaking the general idea of their low immunogenicity and partial protection. However, there is still no public repository to host the linear B-cell epitopes for facilitating the development vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we developed BCEDB, a linear B-cell epitopes database specifically designed for hosting, exploring and visualizing linear B-cell epitopes and their features. The database provides a comprehensive repository of computationally predicted linear B-cell epitopes from Spike protein; a systematic annotation of epitopes including sequence, antigenicity score, genomic locations of epitopes, mutations in different virus lineages, mutation sites on the 3D structure of Spike protein and a genome browser to visualize them in an interactive manner. It represents a valuable resource for peptide-based vaccine development. Database URL: http://www.oncoimmunobank.cn/bcedbindex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzheng Tai
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine & School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 8 Youan Gate Outer Xitou Alley, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Medicine & School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
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16
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Toh HSY, Choo XY, Sun AX. Midbrain organoids-development and applications in Parkinson's disease. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad009. [PMID: 38596240 PMCID: PMC10913847 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad009] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Human brain development is spatially and temporally complex. Insufficient access to human brain tissue and inadequacy of animal models has limited the study of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent advancements of brain organoid technology have created novel opportunities to model human-specific neurodevelopment and brain diseases. In this review, we discuss the use of brain organoids to model the midbrain and Parkinson's disease. We critically evaluate the extent of recapitulation of PD pathology by organoids and discuss areas of future development that may lead to the model to become a next-generation, personalized therapeutic strategy for PD and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary S Y Toh
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Xin Yi Choo
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
| | - Alfred Xuyang Sun
- Neuroscience & Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore
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17
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Jusop AS, Thanaskody K, Tye GJ, Dass SA, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Nordin F. Development of brain organoid technology derived from iPSC for the neurodegenerative disease modelling: a glance through. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1173433. [PMID: 37602192 PMCID: PMC10435272 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1173433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are adult-onset neurological conditions that are notoriously difficult to model for drug discovery and development because most models are unable to accurately recapitulate pathology in disease-relevant cells, making it extremely difficult to explore the potential mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, alternative models of human or animal cells have been developed to bridge the gap and allow the impact of new therapeutic strategies to be anticipated more accurately by trying to mimic neuronal and glial cell interactions and many more mechanisms. In tandem with the emergence of human-induced pluripotent stem cells which were first generated in 2007, the accessibility to human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from patients can be differentiated into disease-relevant neurons, providing an unrivaled platform for in vitro modeling, drug testing, and therapeutic strategy development. The recent development of three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids derived from iPSCs as the best alternative models for the study of the pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the overview of current iPSC-based disease modeling and recent advances in the development of iPSC models that incorporate neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a summary of the existing brain organoid-based disease modeling of Alzheimer's disease was presented. We have also discussed the current methodologies of regional specific brain organoids modeled, its potential applications, emphasizing brain organoids as a promising platform for the modeling of patient-specific diseases, the development of personalized therapies, and contributing to the design of ongoing or future clinical trials on organoid technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Syamimi Jusop
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kalaiselvaan Thanaskody
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Annabel Dass
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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18
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Haq W, Zrenner E, Ueffing M, Paquet-Durand F. Using Micro-Electrode-Array Recordings and Retinal Disease Models to Elucidate Visual Functions: Simultaneous Recording of Local Electroretinograms and Ganglion Cell Action Potentials Reveals the Origin of Retinal Oscillatory Potentials. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:725. [PMID: 37370656 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060725] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The electroretinogram (ERG) is an essential diagnostic tool for visual function, both in clinical and research settings. Here, we establish an advanced in vitro approach to assess cell-type-specific ERG signal components. METHODS Retinal explant cultures, maintained under entirely controlled conditions, were derived from wild-type mice and rd10 rod- and cpfl1 cone-degeneration mouse models. Local micro-ERG (µERG) and simultaneous ganglion cell (GC) recordings were obtained from the retinal explants using multi-electrode arrays. Band-pass filtering was employed to distinguish photoreceptor, bipolar cell, amacrine cell (AC), and GC responses. RESULTS Scotopic and photopic stimulation discriminated between rod and cone responses in wild-type and mutant retina. The 25 kHz sampling rate allowed the visualization of oscillatory potentials (OPs) in extraordinary detail, revealing temporal correlations between OPs and GC responses. Pharmacological isolation of different retinal circuits found that OPs are generated by inner retinal AC electrical synapses. Importantly, this AC activity helped synchronise GC activity. CONCLUSION Our µERG protocol simultaneously records the light-dependent activities of the first-, second-, and third-order neurons within the native neuronal circuitry, providing unprecedented insights into retinal physiology and pathophysiology. This method now also enables complete in vitro retinal function testing of therapeutic interventions, providing critical guidance for later in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadood Haq
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - François Paquet-Durand
- Centre for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 7, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Hong H, Yoon SB, Park JE, Lee JI, Kim HY, Nam HJ, Cho H. MeCP2 dysfunction prevents proper BMP signaling and neural progenitor expansion in brain organoid. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37302988 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sporadic mutations in MeCP2 are a hallmark of Rett syndrome (RTT). Many RTT brain organoid models have exhibited pathogenic phenotypes such as decreased spine density and small size of soma with altered electrophysiological signals. However, previous models are mainly focused on the phenotypes observed in the late phase and rarely provide clues for the defect of neural progenitors which generate different types of neurons and glial cells. METHODS We newly established the RTT brain organoid model derived from MeCP2-truncated iPS cells which were genetically engineered by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By immunofluorescence imaging, we studied the development of NPC pool and its fate specification into glutamatergic neurons or astrocytes in RTT organoids. By total RNA sequencing, we investigated which signaling pathways were altered during the early brain development in RTT organoids. RESULTS Dysfunction of MeCP2 caused the defect of neural rosette formation in the early phase of cortical development. In total transcriptome analysis, BMP pathway-related genes are highly associated with MeCP2 depletion. Moreover, levels of pSMAD1/5 and BMP target genes are excessively increased, and treatment of BMP inhibitors partially rescues the cell cycle progression of neural progenitors. Subsequently, MeCP2 dysfunction reduced the glutamatergic neurogenesis and induced overproduction of astrocytes. Nevertheless, early inhibition of BMP pathway rescued VGLUT1 expression and suppressed astrocyte maturation. INTERPRETATION Our results demonstrate that MeCP2 is required for the expansion of neural progenitor cells by modulating BMP pathway at early stages of development, and this influence persists during neurogenesis and gliogenesis at later stages of brain organoid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyowon Hong
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Bom Yoon
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Eun Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung In Lee
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Nam
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyeong Cho
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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20
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Raposo VL. Homo chimaera after homo sapiens?: the legal status of human–non-human chimaeras with human brain cells. BIOSOCIETIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1057/s41292-023-00302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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21
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Tynianskaia L, Eşiyok N, Huttner WB, Heide M. Targeted Microinjection and Electroporation of Primate Cerebral Organoids for Genetic Modification. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/65176. [PMID: 37036224 PMCID: PMC7615602 DOI: 10.3791/65176] [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: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is the outermost brain structure and is responsible for the processing of sensory input and motor output; it is seen as the seat of higher-order cognitive abilities in mammals, in particular, primates. Studying gene functions in primate brains is challenging due to technical and ethical reasons, but the establishment of the brain organoid technology has enabled the study of brain development in traditional primate models (e.g., rhesus macaque and common marmoset), as well as in previously experimentally inaccessible primate species (e.g., great apes), in an ethically justifiable and less technically demanding system. Moreover, human brain organoids allow the advanced investigation of neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. As brain organoids recapitulate many processes of brain development, they also represent a powerful tool to identify differences in, and to functionally compare, the genetic determinants underlying the brain development of various species in an evolutionary context. A great advantage of using organoids is the possibility to introduce genetic modifications, which permits the testing of gene functions. However, the introduction of such modifications is laborious and expensive. This paper describes a fast and cost-efficient approach to genetically modify cell populations within the ventricle-like structures of primate cerebral organoids, a subtype of brain organoids. This method combines a modified protocol for the reliable generation of cerebral organoids from human-, chimpanzee-, rhesus macaque-, and common marmoset-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with a microinjection and electroporation approach. This provides an effective tool for the study of neurodevelopmental and evolutionary processes that can also be applied for disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nesil Eşiyok
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research
| | | | - Michael Heide
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics;
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22
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Bassil K, Horstkötter D. Ethical Implications in Making Use of Human Cerebral Organoids for Investigating Stress-Related Mechanisms and Disorders. Camb Q Healthc Ethics 2023; 32:1-13. [PMID: 36799029 DOI: 10.1017/s0963180123000038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The generation of three-dimensional cerebral organoids from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) has facilitated the investigation of mechanisms underlying several neuropsychiatric disorders, including stress-related disorders, namely major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Generating hPSC-derived neurons, cerebral organoids, and even assembloids (or multi-organoid complexes) can facilitate research into biomarkers for stress susceptibility or resilience and may even bring about advances in personalized medicine and biomarker research for stress-related psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, cerebral organoid research does not come without its own set of ethical considerations. With increased complexity and resemblance to in vivo conditions, discussions of increased moral status for these models are ongoing, including questions about sentience, consciousness, moral status, donor protection, and chimeras. There are, however, unique ethical considerations that arise and are worth looking into in the context of research into stress and stress-related disorders using cerebral organoids. This paper provides stress research-specific ethical considerations in the context of cerebral organoid generation and use for research purposes. The use of stress research as a case study here can help inform other practices of in vitro studies using brain models with high ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bassil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorothee Horstkötter
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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23
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Direct Cell Reprogramming and Phenotypic Conversion: An Analysis of Experimental Attempts to Transform Astrocytes into Neurons in Adult Animals. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040618. [PMID: 36831283 PMCID: PMC9954435 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040618] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) repair after injury or disease remains an unresolved problem in neurobiology research and an unmet medical need. Directly reprogramming or converting astrocytes to neurons (AtN) in adult animals has been investigated as a potential strategy to facilitate brain and spinal cord recovery and advance fundamental biology. Conceptually, AtN strategies rely on forced expression or repression of lineage-specific transcription factors to make endogenous astrocytes become "induced neurons" (iNs), presumably without re-entering any pluripotent or multipotent states. The AtN-derived cells have been reported to manifest certain neuronal functions in vivo. However, this approach has raised many new questions and alternative explanations regarding the biological features of the end products (e.g., iNs versus neuron-like cells, neural functional changes, etc.), developmental biology underpinnings, and neurobiological essentials. For this paper per se, we proposed to draw an unconventional distinction between direct cell conversion and direct cell reprogramming, relative to somatic nuclear transfer, based on the experimental methods utilized to initiate the transformation process, aiming to promote a more in-depth mechanistic exploration. Moreover, we have summarized the current tactics employed for AtN induction, comparisons between the bench endeavors concerning outcome tangibility, and discussion of the issues of published AtN protocols. Lastly, the urgency to clearly define/devise the theoretical frameworks, cell biological bases, and bench specifics to experimentally validate primary data of AtN studies was highlighted.
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Groveman BR, Race B, Foliaki ST, Williams K, Hughson AG, Baune C, Zanusso G, Haigh CL. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease infected human cerebral organoids retain the original human brain subtype features following transmission to humanized transgenic mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:28. [PMID: 36788566 PMCID: PMC9930245 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids (COs) are three-dimensional self-organizing cultures of cerebral brain tissue differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells. We have recently shown that COs are susceptible to infection with different subtypes of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) prions, which in humans cause different manifestations of the disease. The ability to study live human brain tissue infected with different CJD subtypes opens a wide array of possibilities from differentiating mechanisms of cell death and identifying neuronal selective vulnerabilities to testing therapeutics. However, the question remained as to whether the prions generated in the CO model truly represent those in the infecting inoculum. Mouse models expressing human prion protein are commonly used to characterize human prion disease as they reproduce many of the molecular and clinical phenotypes associated with CJD subtypes. We therefore inoculated these mice with COs that had been infected with two CJD subtypes (MV1 and MV2) to see if the original subtype characteristics (referred to as strains once transmitted into a model organism) of the infecting prions were maintained in the COs when compared with the original human brain inocula. We found that disease characteristics caused by the molecular subtype of the disease associated prion protein were similar in mice inoculated with either CO derived material or human brain material, demonstrating that the disease associated prions generated in COs shared strain characteristics with those in humans. As the first and only in vitro model of human neurodegenerative disease that can faithfully reproduce different subtypes of prion disease, these findings support the use of the CO model for investigating human prion diseases and their subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley R. Groveman
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Brent Race
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Simote T. Foliaki
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Katie Williams
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Andrew G. Hughson
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Chase Baune
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
| | - Gianluigi Zanusso
- grid.5611.30000 0004 1763 1124Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cathryn L. Haigh
- grid.419681.30000 0001 2164 9667Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 USA
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25
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Sun P, Wang X, Zhong J, Yu D, Xuan H, Xu T, Song D, Yang C, Wang P, Liu Y, Meng X, Cai J. Development and validation of a pyroptosis-related genes signature for risk stratification in gliomas. Front Genet 2023; 14:1087563. [PMID: 36861130 PMCID: PMC9968976 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1087563] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Glioma is a highly heterogeneous disease, causing the prognostic prediction a challenge. Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death mediated by gasdermin (GSDM), is characterized by cell swelling and the release of inflammatory factors. Pyroptosis occurs in several types of tumor cells, including gliomas. However, the value of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in the prognosis of glioma remains to be further clarified. Methods: In this study, mRNA expression profiles and clinical data of glioma patients were acquired from TCGA and CGGA databases, and one hundred and eighteen PRGs were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database and GeneCards. Then, consensus clustering analysis was performed to cluster glioma patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was used to establish a polygenic signature. Functional verification of the pyroptosis-related gene GSDMD was achieved by gene knockdown and western blotting. Moreover, the immune infiltration status between two different risk groups were analyzed through the "gsva" R package. Results: Our results demonstrated that the majority of PRGs (82.2%) were differentially expressed between lower-grade gliomas (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM) in the TCGA cohort. In univariate Cox regression analysis, eighty-three PRGs were shown to be associated with overall survival (OS). A five-gene signature was constructed to divide patients into two risk groups. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had obviously shorter OS (p < 0.001). Also, we found that the high-risk group showed a higher infiltrating score of immune cells and immune-related functions. Risk score was an independent predictor of OS (HR > 1, p < 0.001). Furthermore, knockdown of GSDMD decreased the expression of IL-1β and cleaved caspase-1. Conclusion: Our study constructed a new PRGs signature, which can be used to predict the prognosis of glioma patients. Targeting pyroptosis might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Junzhe Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Daohan Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hanwen Xuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianye Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dan Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Changxiao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Pandeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Jinquan Cai
- *Correspondence: Jinquan Cai, ; Xiangqi Meng,
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26
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Future regenerative medicine developments and their therapeutic applications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114131. [PMID: 36538861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the currently available pharmacological assays can cure most pathological disorders, they have limited therapeutic value in relieving certain disorders like myocardial infarct, peripheral vascular disease, amputated limbs, or organ failure (e.g. renal failure). Pilot studies to overcome such problems using regenerative medicine (RM) delivered promising data. Comprehensive investigations of RM in zebrafish or reptilians are necessary for better understanding. However, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood despite the tremendous amount of data obtained using the zebrafish model investigating the exact mechanisms behind their regenerative capability. Indeed, understanding such mechanisms and their application to humans can save millions of lives from dying due to potentially life-threatening events. Recent studies have launched a revolution in replacing damaged human organs via different approaches in the last few decades. The newly established branch of medicine (known as Regenerative Medicine aims to enhance natural repair mechanisms. This can be done through the application of several advanced broad-spectrum technologies such as organ transplantation, tissue engineering, and application of Scaffolds technology (support vascularization using an extracellular matrix), stem cell therapy, miRNA treatment, development of 3D mini-organs (organoids), and the construction of artificial tissues using nanomedicine and 3D bio-printers. Moreover, in the next few decades, revolutionary approaches in regenerative medicine will be applied based on artificial intelligence and wireless data exchange, soft intelligence biomaterials, nanorobotics, and even living robotics capable of self-repair. The present work presents a comprehensive overview that summarizes the new and future advances in the field of RM.
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27
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Sutlive J, Seyyedhosseinzadeh H, Ao Z, Xiu H, Choudhury S, Gou K, Guo F, Chen Z. Mechanics of morphogenesis in neural development: In vivo, in vitro, and in silico. BRAIN MULTIPHYSICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brain.2022.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Damianidou E, Mouratidou L, Kyrousi C. Research models of neurodevelopmental disorders: The right model in the right place. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1031075. [PMID: 36340790 PMCID: PMC9630472 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1031075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of impairments that affect the development of the central nervous system leading to abnormal brain function. NDDs affect a great percentage of the population worldwide, imposing a high societal and economic burden and thus, interest in this field has widely grown in recent years. Nevertheless, the complexity of human brain development and function as well as the limitations regarding human tissue usage make their modeling challenging. Animal models play a central role in the investigation of the implicated molecular and cellular mechanisms, however many of them display key differences regarding human phenotype and in many cases, they partially or completely fail to recapitulate them. Although in vitro two-dimensional (2D) human-specific models have been highly used to address some of these limitations, they lack crucial features such as complexity and heterogeneity. In this review, we will discuss the advantages, limitations and future applications of in vivo and in vitro models that are used today to model NDDs. Additionally, we will describe the recent development of 3-dimensional brain (3D) organoids which offer a promising approach as human-specific in vitro models to decipher these complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Damianidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
| | - Lidia Mouratidou
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Kyrousi
- University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Christina Kyrousi,
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29
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Recent Developments in Autism Genetic Research: A Scientometric Review from 2018 to 2022. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091646. [PMID: 36140813 PMCID: PMC9498399 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic research in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has progressed tremendously in recent decades. Dozens of genetic loci and hundreds of alterations in the genetic sequence, expression, epigenetic transformation, and interactions with other physiological and environmental systems have been found to increase the likelihood of developing ASD. There is therefore a need to represent this wide-ranging yet voluminous body of literature in a systematic manner so that this information can be synthesised and understood at a macro level. Therefore, this study made use of scientometric methods, particularly document co-citation analysis (DCA), to systematically review literature on ASD genetic research from 2018 to 2022. A total of 14,818 articles were extracted from Scopus and analyzed with CiteSpace. An optimized DCA analysis revealed that recent literature on ASD genetic research can be broadly organised into 12 major clusters representing various sub-topics. These clusters are briefly described in the manuscript and potential applications of this study are discussed.
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology: Toward the Future of Personalized Psychiatry. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081340. [PMID: 36013289 PMCID: PMC9410334 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The polygenic and multifactorial nature of many psychiatric disorders has hampered implementation of the personalized medicine approach in clinical practice. However, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has emerged as an innovative tool for patient-specific disease modeling to expand the pathophysiology knowledge and treatment perspectives in the last decade. Current technologies enable adult human somatic cell reprogramming into iPSCs to generate neural cells and direct neural cell conversion to model organisms that exhibit phenotypes close to human diseases, thereby effectively representing relevant aspects of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this regard, iPSCs reflect patient pathophysiology and pharmacological responsiveness, particularly when cultured under conditions that emulate spatial tissue organization in brain organoids. Recently, the application of iPSCs has been frequently associated with gene editing that targets the disease-causing gene to deepen the illness pathophysiology and to conduct drug screening. Moreover, gene editing has provided a unique opportunity to repair the putative causative genetic lesions in patient-derived cells. Here, we review the use of iPSC technology to model and potentially treat neuropsychiatric disorders by illustrating the key studies on a series of mental disorders, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Future perspectives will involve the development of organ-on-a-chip platforms that control the microenvironmental conditions so as to reflect individual pathophysiological by adjusting physiochemical parameters according to personal health data. This strategy could open new ways by which to build a disease model that considers individual variability and tailors personalized treatments.
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Fosse V, Oldoni E, Gerardi C, Banzi R, Fratelli M, Bietrix F, Ussi A, Andreu AL, McCormack E. Evaluating Translational Methods for Personalized Medicine—A Scoping Review. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071177. [PMID: 35887673 PMCID: PMC9324577 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of personalized medicine, through the increasing multi-omics characterization of disease, brings new challenges to disease modeling. The scope of this review was a broad evaluation of the relevance, validity, and predictive value of the current preclinical methodologies applied in stratified medicine approaches. Two case models were chosen: oncology and brain disorders. We conducted a scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and searched PubMed, EMBASE, and relevant databases for reports describing preclinical models applied in personalized medicine approaches. A total of 1292 and 1516 records were identified from the oncology and brain disorders search, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative synthesis was performed on a final total of 63 oncology and 94 brain disorder studies. The complexity of personalized approaches highlights the need for more sophisticated biological systems to assess the integrated mechanisms of response. Despite the progress in developing innovative and complex preclinical model systems, the currently available methods need to be further developed and validated before their potential in personalized medicine endeavors can be realized. More importantly, we identified underlying gaps in preclinical research relating to the relevance of experimental models, quality assessment practices, reporting, regulation, and a gap between preclinical and clinical research. To achieve a broad implementation of predictive translational models in personalized medicine, these fundamental deficits must be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Fosse
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Correspondence:
| | - Emanuela Oldoni
- EATRIS ERIC, European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.O.); (F.B.); (A.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Chiara Gerardi
- Centre for Health Regulatory Policies, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Rita Banzi
- Centre for Health Regulatory Policies, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy; (C.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy;
| | - Florence Bietrix
- EATRIS ERIC, European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.O.); (F.B.); (A.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Anton Ussi
- EATRIS ERIC, European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.O.); (F.B.); (A.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Antonio L. Andreu
- EATRIS ERIC, European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.O.); (F.B.); (A.U.); (A.L.A.)
| | - Emmet McCormack
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, The University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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Cell models for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: At the interface of biology and drug discovery. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112924. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Gumbs SBH, Berdenis van Berlekom A, Kübler R, Schipper PJ, Gharu L, Boks MP, Ormel PR, Wensing AMJ, de Witte LD, Nijhuis M. Characterization of HIV-1 Infection in Microglia-Containing Human Cerebral Organoids. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040829. [PMID: 35458559 PMCID: PMC9032670 DOI: 10.3390/v14040829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The achievement of an HIV cure is dependent on the eradication or permanent silencing of HIV-latent viral reservoirs, including the understudied central nervous system (CNS) reservoir. This requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HIV’s entry into the CNS, latency establishment, persistence, and reversal. Therefore, representative CNS culture models that reflect the intercellular dynamics and pathophysiology of the human brain are urgently needed in order to study the CNS viral reservoir and HIV-induced neuropathogenesis. In this study, we characterized a human cerebral organoid model in which microglia grow intrinsically as a CNS culture model to study HIV infection in the CNS. We demonstrated that both cerebral organoids and isolated organoid-derived microglia (oMG), infected with replication-competent HIVbal reporter viruses, support productive HIV infection via the CCR5 co-receptor. Productive HIV infection was only observed in microglial cells. Fluorescence analysis revealed microglia as the only HIV target cell. Susceptibility to HIV infection was dependent on the co-expression of microglia-specific markers and the CD4 and CCR5 HIV receptors. Altogether, this model will be a valuable tool within the HIV research community to study HIV–CNS interactions, the underlying mechanisms of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HAND), and the efficacy of new therapeutic and curative strategies on the CNS viral reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. H. Gumbs
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
| | - Amber Berdenis van Berlekom
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrect Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.B.v.B.); (M.P.B.); (P.R.O.); (L.D.d.W.)
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raphael Kübler
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Pauline J. Schipper
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
| | - Lavina Gharu
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
| | - Marco P. Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrect Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.B.v.B.); (M.P.B.); (P.R.O.); (L.D.d.W.)
| | - Paul R. Ormel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrect Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.B.v.B.); (M.P.B.); (P.R.O.); (L.D.d.W.)
| | - Annemarie M. J. Wensing
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
| | - Lot D. de Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrect Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.B.v.B.); (M.P.B.); (P.R.O.); (L.D.d.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Translational Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (S.B.H.G.); (R.K.); (P.J.S.); (L.G.); (A.M.J.W.)
- Correspondence:
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Stankovic IN, Colak D. Prenatal Drugs and Their Effects on the Developing Brain: Insights From Three-Dimensional Human Organoids. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:848648. [PMID: 35401083 PMCID: PMC8990163 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.848648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have unequivocally demonstrated that fetal exposure to both recreational and prescription drugs in utero negatively impacts the developing brain. More recently, the application of cutting-edge techniques in neurodevelopmental research has attempted to identify how the fetal brain responds to specific environmental stimuli. Meanwhile, human fetal brain studies still encounter ethical considerations and technical limitations in tissue collection. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoid technology has emerged as a powerful alternative to examine fetal neurobiology. In fact, human 3D organoid tissues recapitulate cerebral development during the first trimester of pregnancy. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of fetal brain metabolic studies related to drug abuse in animal and human models. Additionally, we will discuss the current challenges and prospects of using brain organoids for large-scale metabolomics. Incorporating cutting-edge techniques in human brain organoids may lead to uncovering novel molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodevelopment, direct novel therapeutic approaches, and raise new exciting questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidora N. Stankovic
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Isidora N. Stankovic,
| | - Dilek Colak
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Gale & Ira Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
- Dilek Colak,
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Fan P, Wang Y, Xu M, Han X, Liu Y. The Application of Brain Organoids in Assessing Neural Toxicity. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:799397. [PMID: 35221913 PMCID: PMC8864968 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.799397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is a complicated and precisely organized organ. Exogenous chemicals, such as pollutants, drugs, and industrial chemicals, may affect the biological processes of the brain or its function and eventually lead to neurological diseases. Animal models may not fully recapitulate the human brain for testing neural toxicity. Brain organoids with self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) structures provide opportunities to generate relevant tests or predictions of human neurotoxicity. In this study, we reviewed recent advances in brain organoid techniques and their application in assessing neural toxicants. We hope this review provides new insights for further progress in brain organoid application in the screening studies of neural toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - YuanHao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Han,
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Yan Liu,
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Hogberg HT, Smirnova L. The Future of 3D Brain Cultures in Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:808620. [PMID: 35295222 PMCID: PMC8915853 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.808620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain is undoubtedly the most complex organ in the body. Thus, it is difficult to develop adequate and at the same time human relevant test systems and models to cover the aspects of brain homeostasis and even more challenging to address brain development. Animal tests for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) have been devised, but because of complex underlying mechanisms of neural development, and interspecies differences, there are many limitations of animal-based approaches. The high costs, high number of animals used per test and technical difficulties of these tests are prohibitive for routine DNT chemical screening. Therefore, many potential DNT chemicals remain unidentified. New approach methodologies (NAMs) are needed to change this. Experts in the field have recommended the use of a battery of human in vitro tests to be used for the initial prioritization of high-risk environmental chemicals for DNT testing. Microphysiological systems (MPS) of the brain mimic the in vivo counterpart in terms of cellular composition, recapitulation of regional architecture and functionality. These systems amendable to use in a DNT test battery with promising features such as (i) complexity, (ii) closer recapitulation of in vivo response and (iii) possibility to multiplex many assays in one test system, which can increase throughput and predictivity for human health. The resent progress in 3D brain MPS research, advantages, limitations and future perspectives are discussed in this review.
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Akol I, Gather F, Vogel T. Paving Therapeutic Avenues for FOXG1 Syndrome: Untangling Genotypes and Phenotypes from a Molecular Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020954. [PMID: 35055139 PMCID: PMC8780739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of the central nervous system (CNS) depends on accurate spatiotemporal control of signaling pathways and transcriptional programs. Forkhead Box G1 (FOXG1) is one of the master regulators that play fundamental roles in forebrain development; from the timing of neurogenesis, to the patterning of the cerebral cortex. Mutations in the FOXG1 gene cause a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called FOXG1 syndrome, also known as congenital form of Rett syndrome. Patients presenting with FOXG1 syndrome manifest a spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe cognitive dysfunction and microcephaly to social withdrawal and communication deficits, with varying severities. To develop and improve therapeutic interventions, there has been considerable progress towards unravelling the multi-faceted functions of FOXG1 in the neurodevelopment and pathogenesis of FOXG1 syndrome. Moreover, recent advances in genome editing and stem cell technologies, as well as the increased yield of information from high throughput omics, have opened promising and important new avenues in FOXG1 research. In this review, we provide a summary of the clinical features and emerging molecular mechanisms underlying FOXG1 syndrome, and explore disease-modelling approaches in animals and human-based systems, to highlight the prospects of research and possible clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Akol
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Gather
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (I.A.); (F.G.)
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModul Basics), Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Kumar D, Hassan MI. Neurodegenerative brain models vs. cell replacement or restoration therapy: A review on promises and pitfalls. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 585:124-131. [PMID: 34801932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Disease models have proven useful tools for gaining deeper mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, stem cell technology is effective, especially induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids and cell replacement/restoration which can be used for personalized medicine, allowing physicians to test the efficacy of drugs in vitro before delivering them to patients, enabling more precise and personalized treatment. Nonetheless, it offers the potential to minimize (or even eliminate) the use of animals, provides important clues for disease processes, and accelerates therapeutic strategies. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, organoid models of the human brain will be able to link blood-brain barrier cultures with other liver cultures, simulating blood flow across organs and as a method of testing medicines, giving crucial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data. Simultaneously, stem cell interventions for cell replacements or restoration therapy would enable us to realize efficacious and realistic therapeutic options for Neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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Sharma NS, Karan A, Lee D, Yan Z, Xie J. Advances in Modeling Alzheimer's Disease In Vitro. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Donghee Lee
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Department of Biomedical Biological and Chemical Engineering University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery-Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68198 USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering College of Engineering University of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA
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Chao CC, Shen PW, Tzeng TY, Kung HJ, Tsai TF, Wong YH. Human iPSC-Derived Neurons as A Platform for Deciphering the Mechanisms behind Brain Aging. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1635. [PMID: 34829864 PMCID: PMC8615703 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With an increased life expectancy among humans, aging has recently emerged as a major focus in biomedical research. The lack of in vitro aging models-especially for neurological disorders, where access to human brain tissues is limited-has hampered the progress in studies on human brain aging and various age-associated neurodegenerative diseases at the cellular and molecular level. In this review, we provide an overview of age-related changes in the transcriptome, in signaling pathways, and in relation to epigenetic factors that occur in senescent neurons. Moreover, we explore the current cell models used to study neuronal aging in vitro, including immortalized cell lines, primary neuronal culture, neurons directly converted from fibroblasts (Fib-iNs), and iPSC-derived neurons (iPSC-iNs); we also discuss the advantages and limitations of these models. In addition, the key phenotypes associated with cellular senescence that have been observed by these models are compared. Finally, we focus on the potential of combining human iPSC-iNs with genome editing technology in order to further our understanding of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss the future directions and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Chuan Chao
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Shen
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yu Tzeng
- Cancer Progression Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Ting-Fen Tsai
- Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.); (T.-F.T.)
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli 350, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hui Wong
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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Prasad M, Kumar R, Buragohain L, Kumari A, Ghosh M. Organoid Technology: A Reliable Developmental Biology Tool for Organ-Specific Nanotoxicity Evaluation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:696668. [PMID: 34631696 PMCID: PMC8495170 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.696668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered nanomaterials are bestowed with certain inherent physicochemical properties unlike their parent materials, rendering them suitable for the multifaceted needs of state-of-the-art biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications. The log-phase development of nano-science along with improved "bench to beside" conversion carries an enhanced probability of human exposure with numerous nanoparticles. Thus, toxicity assessment of these novel nanoscale materials holds a key to ensuring the safety aspects or else the global biome will certainly face a debacle. The toxicity may span from health hazards due to direct exposure to indirect means through food chain contamination or environmental pollution, even causing genotoxicity. Multiple ways of nanotoxicity evaluation include several in vitro and in vivo methods, with in vitro methods occupying the bulk of the "experimental space." The underlying reason may be multiple, but ethical constraints in in vivo animal experiments are a significant one. Two-dimensional (2D) monoculture is undoubtedly the most exploited in vitro method providing advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, high throughput, and reproducibility. However, it often fails to mimic a tissue or organ which possesses a defined three-dimensional structure (3D) along with intercellular communication machinery. Instead, microtissues such as spheroids or organoids having a precise 3D architecture and proximate in vivo tissue-like behavior can provide a more realistic evaluation than 2D monocultures. Recent developments in microfluidics and bioreactor-based organoid synthesis have eased the difficulties to prosper nano-toxicological analysis in organoid models surpassing the obstacle of ethical issues. The present review will enlighten applications of organoids in nanotoxicological evaluation, their advantages, and prospects toward securing commonplace nano-interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minakshi Prasad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Lukumoni Buragohain
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | | | - Mayukh Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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