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Lavazza A, Chinaia AA. Human brain organoids and their ethical issues : Navigating the moral and social challenges between hype and underestimation. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:13-16. [PMID: 38177904 PMCID: PMC10897434 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00007-3] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in the field are forcing scientists and neuroethicists to balance opposite concerns. Some see no risks at all while some waive red flags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alice Andrea Chinaia
- MInD-MoMiLab, IMT School for Advanced Studies, Piazza San Francesco 19, 55100, Lucca, Italy
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2
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Zilio F, Lavazza A. Consciousness in a Rotor? Science and Ethics of Potentially Conscious Human Cerebral Organoids. AJOB Neurosci 2023; 14:178-196. [PMID: 36794285 DOI: 10.1080/21507740.2023.2173329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids are three-dimensional biological cultures grown in the laboratory to mimic as closely as possible the cellular composition, structure, and function of the corresponding organ, the brain. For now, cerebral organoids lack blood vessels and other characteristics of the human brain, but are also capable of having coordinated electrical activity. They have been usefully employed for the study of several diseases and the development of the nervous system in unprecedented ways. Research on human cerebral organoids is proceeding at a very fast pace and their complexity is bound to improve. This raises the question of whether cerebral organoids will also be able to develop the unique feature of the human brain, consciousness. If this is the case, some ethical issues would arise. In this article, we discuss the necessary neural correlates and constraints for the emergence of consciousness according to some of the most debated neuroscientific theories. Based on this, we consider what the moral status of a potentially conscious brain organoid might be, in light of ethical and ontological arguments. We conclude by proposing a precautionary principle and some leads for further investigation. In particular, we consider the outcomes of some very recent experiments as entities of a potential new kind.
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3
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Halonen SK. Use of in vitro derived human neuronal models to study host-parasite interactions of Toxoplasma gondii in neurons and neuropathogenesis of chronic toxoplasmosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1129451. [PMID: 36968101 PMCID: PMC10031036 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1129451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one-third of the world's population resulting in a chronic infection with the parasite located in cysts in neurons in the brain. In most immunocompetent hosts the chronic infection is asymptomatic, but several studies have found correlations between Toxoplasma seropositivity and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Schizophrenia, and some other neurological disorders. Host-parasite interactions of bradyzoites in cysts in neurons is not well understood due in part to the lack of suitable in vitro human neuronal models. The advent of stem cell technologies in which human neurons can be derived in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) or direct conversion of somatic cells generating induced neurons (iNs), affords the opportunity to develop in vitro human neuronal culture systems to advance the understanding of T. gondii in human neurons. Human neurons derived from hiPSCs or iNs, generate pure human neuron monolayers that express differentiated neuronal characteristics. hiPSCs also generate 3D neuronal models that better recapitulate the cytoarchitecture of the human brain. In this review, an overview of iPSC-derived neurons and iN protocols leading to 2D human neuron cultures and hiPSC-derived 3D cerebral organoids will be given. The potential applications of these 2D and 3D human neuronal models to address questions about host-parasite interactions of T. gondii in neurons and the parasite in the CNS, will be discussed. These human neuronal in vitro models hold the promise to advance the understanding of T. gondii in human neurons and to improve the understanding of neuropathogenesis of chronic toxoplasmosis.
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4
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Blood brain barrier-on-a-chip to model neurological diseases. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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5
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Langlie J, Mittal R, Finberg A, Bencie NB, Mittal J, Omidian H, Omidi Y, Eshraghi AA. Unraveling pathological mechanisms in neurological disorders: the impact of cell-based and organoid models. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2131-2140. [PMID: 35259819 PMCID: PMC9083150 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based models are a promising tool in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurological disorders as well as aiding in the discovery and development of future drug therapies. The greatest challenge is creating cell-based models that encapsulate the vast phenotypic presentations as well as the underlying genotypic etiology of these conditions. In this article, we discuss the recent advancements in cell-based models for understanding the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. We reviewed studies discussing the progression of cell-based models to the advancement of three-dimensional models and organoids that provide a more accurate model of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in vivo. The better we understand how to create more precise models of the neurological system, the sooner we will be able to create patient-specific models and large libraries of these neurological disorders. While three-dimensional models can be used to discover the linking factors to connect the varying phenotypes, such models will also help to understand the early pathophysiology of these neurological disorders and how they are affected by their environment. The three-dimensional cell models will allow us to create more specific treatments and uncover potentially preventative measures in neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Langlie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ariel Finberg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nathalie B Bencie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hossein Omidian
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables; Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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6
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de Leeuw VC, van Oostrom CTM, Wackers PFK, Pennings JLA, Hodemaekers HM, Piersma AH, Hessel EVS. Neuronal differentiation pathways and compound-induced developmental neurotoxicity in the human neural progenitor cell test (hNPT) revealed by RNA-seq. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 304:135298. [PMID: 35700809 PMCID: PMC9247748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
There is an increased awareness that the use of animals for compound-induced developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing has limitations. Animal-free innovations, especially the ones based on human stem cell-based models are pivotal in studying DNT since they can mimic processes relevant to human brain development. Here we present the human neural progenitor test (hNPT), a 10-day protocol in which neural progenitor cells differentiate into a neuron-astrocyte co-culture. The study aimed to characterise differentiation over time and to find neurodevelopmental processes sensitive to compound exposure using transcriptomics. 3992 genes regulated in unexposed control cultures (p ≤ 0.001, log2FC ≥ 1) showed Gene Ontology (GO-) term enrichment for neuronal and glial differentiation, neurite extension, synaptogenesis, and synaptic transmission. Exposure to known or suspected DNT compounds (acrylamide, chlorpyrifos, fluoxetine, methyl mercury, or valproic acid) at concentrations resulting in 95% cell viability each regulated unique combinations of GO-terms relating to neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal and glial differentiation, axon development, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and apoptosis. Investigation of the GO-terms 'neuron apoptotic process' and 'axon development' revealed common genes that were responsive across compounds, and might be used as biomarkers for DNT. The GO-term 'synaptic signalling', on the contrary, whilst also responsive to all compounds tested, showed little overlap in gene expression regulation patterns between the conditions. This GO-term may articulate compound-specific effects that may be relevant for revealing differences in mechanism of toxicity. Given its focus on neural progenitor cell to mature multilineage neuronal cell maturation and its detailed molecular readout based on gene expression analysis, hNPT might have added value as a tool for neurodevelopmental toxicity testing in vitro. Further assessment of DNT-specific biomarkers that represent these processes needs further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C de Leeuw
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Conny T M van Oostrom
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Paul F K Wackers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen L A Pennings
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie M Hodemaekers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Choi NY, Lee MY, Jeong S. Recent Advances in 3D-Cultured Brain Tissue Models Derived from Human iPSCs. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Simöes Da Gama C, Morin-Brureau M. Study of BBB Dysregulation in Neuropathogenicity Using Integrative Human Model of Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:863836. [PMID: 35755780 PMCID: PMC9226644 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.863836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a cellular and physical barrier with a crucial role in homeostasis of the brain extracellular environment. It controls the imports of nutrients to the brain and exports toxins and pathogens. Dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier increases permeability and contributes to pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and ischemia. It remains unclear how a dysregulated BBB contributes to these different syndromes. Initial studies on the role of the BBB in neurological disorders and also techniques to permit the entry of therapeutic molecules were made in animals. This review examines progress in the use of human models of the BBB, more relevant to human neurological disorders. In recent years, the functionality and complexity of in vitro BBB models have increased. Initial efforts consisted of static transwell cultures of brain endothelial cells. Human cell models based on microfluidics or organoids derived from human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have become more realistic and perform better. We consider the architecture of different model generations as well as the cell types used in their fabrication. Finally, we discuss optimal models to study neurodegenerative diseases, brain glioma, epilepsies, transmigration of peripheral immune cells, and brain entry of neurotrophic viruses and metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraly Simöes Da Gama
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Morin-Brureau
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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Effect of 3D Synthetic Microscaffold Nichoid on the Morphology of Cultured Hippocampal Neurons and Astrocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132008. [PMID: 35805092 PMCID: PMC9265925 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132008] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain is the most complex organ in biology. This complexity is due to the number and the intricate connections of brain cells and has so far limited the development of in vitro models for basic and applied brain research. We decided to create a new, reliable, and cost-effective in vitro system based on the Nichoid, a 3D microscaffold microfabricated by two-photon laser polymerization technology. We investigated whether these 3D microscaffold devices can create an environment allowing the manipulation, monitoring, and functional assessment of a mixed population of brain cells in vitro. With this aim, we set up a new model of hippocampal neurons and astrocytes co-cultured in the Nichoid microscaffold to generate brain micro-tissues of 30 μm thickness. After 21 days in culture, we morphologically characterized the 3D spatial organization of the hippocampal astrocytes and neurons within the microscaffold, and we compared our observations to those made using the classical 2D co-culture system. We found that the co-cultured cells colonized the entire volume of the 3D devices. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that within this period the different cell types had become well-differentiated. This was further elaborated with the use of drebrin, PSD-95, and synaptophysin antibodies that labeled the majority of neurons, both in the 2D as well as in the 3D co-cultures. Using scanning electron microscopy, we found that neurons in the 3D co-culture displayed a significantly larger amount of dendritic protrusions compared to neurons in the 2D co-culture. This latter observation indicates that neurons growing in a 3D environment may be more prone to form connections than those co-cultured in a 2D condition. Our results show that the Nichoid can be used as a 3D device to investigate the structure and morphology of neurons and astrocytes in vitro. In the future, this model can be used as a tool to study brain cell interactions in the discovery of important mechanisms governing neuronal plasticity and to determine the factors that form the basis of different human brain diseases. This system may potentially be further used for drug screening in the context of various brain diseases.
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Aktories P, Petry P, Kierdorf K. Microglia in a Dish—Which Techniques Are on the Menu for Functional Studies? Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:908315. [PMID: 35722614 PMCID: PMC9204042 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.908315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia build the first line of defense in the central nervous system (CNS) and play central roles during development and homeostasis. Indeed, they serve a plethora of diverse functions in the CNS of which many are not yet fully described and more are still to be discovered. Research of the last decades unraveled an implication of microglia in nearly every neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disease, making it even more challenging to elucidate molecular mechanisms behind microglial functions and to modulate aberrant microglial behavior. To understand microglial functions and the underlying signaling machinery, many attempts were made to employ functional in vitro studies of microglia. However, the range of available cell culture models is wide and they come with different advantages and disadvantages for functional assays. Here we aim to provide a condensed summary of common microglia in vitro systems and discuss their potentials and shortcomings for functional studies in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Aktories
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Petry
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Kierdorf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Katrin Kierdorf
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O’Hara-Wright M, Mobini S, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Bioelectric Potential in Next-Generation Organoids: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance 3D Structures of the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901652. [PMID: 35656553 PMCID: PMC9152151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901652] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models of the central nervous system represent one of the most exciting areas in in vitro tissue engineering. Classically, organoids of the brain, retina and spinal cord have been generated via recapitulation of in vivo developmental cues, including biochemical and biomechanical. However, a lesser studied cue, bioelectricity, has been shown to regulate central nervous system development and function. In particular, electrical stimulation of neural cells has generated some important phenotypes relating to development and differentiation. Emerging techniques in bioengineering and biomaterials utilise electrical stimulation using conductive polymers. However, state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology has not yet merged with this exciting area of bioelectricity. Here, we discuss recent findings in the field of bioelectricity relating to the central nervous system, possible mechanisms, and how electrical stimulation may be utilised as a novel technique to engineer “next-generation” organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM, CSIC (CEI UAM + CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anai Gonzalez-Cordero,
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Ng N, Newbery M, Maksour S, Dottori M, Sluyter R, Ooi L. Transgene and Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells for Rapid and Efficient Neurological Disease Cell Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:858432. [PMID: 35634469 PMCID: PMC9130549 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.858432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For neurological diseases, molecular and cellular research relies on the use of model systems to investigate disease processes and test potential therapeutics. The last decade has witnessed an increase in the number of studies using induced pluripotent stem cells to generate disease relevant cell types from patients. The reprogramming process permits the generation of a large number of cells but is potentially disadvantaged by introducing variability in clonal lines and the removal of phenotypes of aging, which are critical to understand neurodegenerative diseases. An under-utilized approach to disease modeling involves the transdifferentiation of aged cells from patients, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, into various neural cell types. In this review we discuss techniques used for rapid and efficient direct conversion to neural cell types. We examine the limitations and future perspectives of this rapidly advancing field that could improve neurological disease modeling and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville Ng
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Neville Ng,
| | - Michelle Newbery
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Maksour
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald Sluyter
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Lezanne Ooi,
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Perciballi E, Bovio F, Rosati J, Arrigoni F, D’Anzi A, Lattante S, Gelati M, De Marchi F, Lombardi I, Ruotolo G, Forcella M, Mazzini L, D’Alfonso S, Corrado L, Sabatelli M, Conte A, De Gioia L, Martino S, Vescovi AL, Fusi P, Ferrari D. Characterization of the p.L145F and p.S135N Mutations in SOD1: Impact on the Metabolism of Fibroblasts Derived from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050815. [PMID: 35624679 PMCID: PMC9137766 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of the upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). About 10% of patients have a family history (familial, fALS); however, most patients seem to develop the sporadic form of the disease (sALS). SOD1 (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1) is the first studied gene among the ones related to ALS. Mutant SOD1 can adopt multiple misfolded conformation, lose the correct coordination of metal binding, decrease structural stability, and form aggregates. For all these reasons, it is complicated to characterize the conformational alterations of the ALS-associated mutant SOD1, and how they relate to toxicity. In this work, we performed a multilayered study on fibroblasts derived from two ALS patients, namely SOD1L145F and SOD1S135N, carrying the p.L145F and the p.S135N missense variants, respectively. The patients showed diverse symptoms and disease progression in accordance with our bioinformatic analysis, which predicted the different effects of the two mutations in terms of protein structure. Interestingly, both mutations had an effect on the fibroblast energy metabolisms. However, while the SOD1L145F fibroblasts still relied more on oxidative phosphorylation, the SOD1S135N fibroblasts showed a metabolic shift toward glycolysis. Our study suggests that SOD1 mutations might lead to alterations in the energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Perciballi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Federica Bovio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Jessica Rosati
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale dei Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (J.R.); (A.D.); (G.R.)
| | - Federica Arrigoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Angela D’Anzi
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale dei Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (J.R.); (A.D.); (G.R.)
| | - Serena Lattante
- Section of Genomic Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Laboratory and Infectious Disease Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gelati
- UPTA Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale dei Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Centre Maggiore della Carità Hospital and Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Ivan Lombardi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Giorgia Ruotolo
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale dei Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (J.R.); (A.D.); (G.R.)
| | - Matilde Forcella
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre Maggiore della Carità Hospital and Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Sandra D’Alfonso
- Department of Health Sciences, Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Lucia Corrado
- Department of Health Sciences, Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.D.); (L.C.)
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Adult NEMO Clinical Center, Unit of Neurology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.C.)
- Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Angelo Luigi Vescovi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale dei Cappuccini 1, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paola Fusi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
- Correspondence: (P.F.); (D.F.); Tel.: +39-348-004-6641 (D.F.)
| | - Daniela Ferrari
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, P.zza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; (E.P.); (F.B.); (F.A.); (I.L.); (M.F.); (L.D.G.); (A.L.V.)
- Correspondence: (P.F.); (D.F.); Tel.: +39-348-004-6641 (D.F.)
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14
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Simkin D, Ambrosi C, Marshall KA, Williams LA, Eisenberg J, Gharib M, Dempsey GT, George AL, McManus OB, Kiskinis E. 'Channeling' therapeutic discovery for epileptic encephalopathy through iPSC technologies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:392-405. [PMID: 35427475 PMCID: PMC9119009 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and gene editing technologies have revolutionized the field of in vitro disease modeling, granting us access to disease-pertinent human cells of the central nervous system. These technologies are particularly well suited for the study of diseases with strong monogenic etiologies. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in children, with approximately half of all genetic cases caused by mutations in ion channel genes. These channelopathy-associated epilepsies are clinically diverse, mechanistically complex, and hard to treat. Here, we review the genetic links to epilepsy, the opportunities and challenges of iPSC-based approaches for developing in vitro models of channelopathy-associated disorders, the available tools for effective phenotyping of iPSC-derived neurons, and discuss the potential therapeutic approaches for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Simkin
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Kelly A Marshall
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jordyn Eisenberg
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mennat Gharib
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Evangelos Kiskinis
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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15
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Luo B, Tiwari AP, Chen N, Ramakrishna S, Yang IH. Development of an Axon-Guiding Aligned Nanofiber-Integrated Compartmentalized Microfluidic Neuron Culture System. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:8424-8432. [PMID: 35005947 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic-based neuron cell culture systems have recently gained a lot of attention due to their efficiency in supporting the spatial and temporal control of cellular microenvironments. However, the lack of axon guidance is the key limitation in current culture systems. To combat this, we have developed electrospun aligned nanofiber-integrated compartmentalized microfluidic neuron culture systems (NIMSs), where the nanofibers have enabled axonal guidance and stability. The resulting platform significantly improved axon alignment, length, and stability for both rat primary embryonic motor neurons (MNs) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons compared to the conventional glass-based microfluidic systems (GMSs). The results showed that axonal growth covered more than two times the area on the axonal chamber of NIMSs compared to the area covered for GMSs. Overall, this platform can be used as a valuable tool for fundamental neuroscience research, drug screening, and biomaterial testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiwen Luo
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, #05-COR, 117456 Singapore
| | - Arjun Prasad Tiwari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Nuan Chen
- N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, #05-COR, 117456 Singapore.,Center of Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575 Singapore
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Center of Nanofibers & Nanotechnology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575 Singapore
| | - In Hong Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering and Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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16
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Ciarpella F, Zamfir RG, Campanelli A, Ren E, Pedrotti G, Bottani E, Borioli A, Caron D, Di Chio M, Dolci S, Ahtiainen A, Malpeli G, Malerba G, Bardoni R, Fumagalli G, Hyttinen J, Bifari F, Palazzolo G, Panuccio G, Curia G, Decimo I. Murine cerebral organoids develop network of functional neurons and hippocampal brain region identity. iScience 2021; 24:103438. [PMID: 34901791 PMCID: PMC8640475 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain organoids are in vitro three-dimensional (3D) self-organized neural structures, which can enable disease modeling and drug screening. However, their use for standardized large-scale drug screening studies is limited by their high batch-to-batch variability, long differentiation time (10-20 weeks), and high production costs. This is particularly relevant when brain organoids are obtained from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here, we developed, for the first time, a highly standardized, reproducible, and fast (5 weeks) murine brain organoid model starting from embryonic neural stem cells. We obtained brain organoids, which progressively differentiated and self-organized into 3D networks of functional neurons with dorsal forebrain phenotype. Furthermore, by adding the morphogen WNT3a, we generated brain organoids with specific hippocampal region identity. Overall, our results showed the establishment of a fast, robust and reproducible murine 3D in vitro brain model that may represent a useful tool for high-throughput drug screening and disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciarpella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Raluca Georgiana Zamfir
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Campanelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Ren
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Pedrotti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bottani
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Borioli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Caron
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies (NBT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Marzia Di Chio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Sissi Dolci
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Annika Ahtiainen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Giorgio Malpeli
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Malerba
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Rita Bardoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Guido Fumagalli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Jari Hyttinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Francesco Bifari
- Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gemma Palazzolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies (NBT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Panuccio
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies (NBT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Curia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Decimo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, P.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
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17
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Lavazza A. 'Consciousnessoids': clues and insights from human cerebral organoids for the study of consciousness. Neurosci Conscious 2021; 7:niab029. [PMID: 34729213 PMCID: PMC8557395 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are an in vitro three-dimensional model of early neural development, aimed at modelling and understanding brain development and neurological disorders. In just a few years, there has been a rapid and considerable progress in the attempt to create a brain model capable of showcasing the structure and functions of the human brain. There are still strong limitations to address, including the absence of vascularization that makes it difficult to feed the central layers of organoids. Nevertheless, some important features of the nervous system have recently been observed: HCOs manifest electrical activity, are sensitive to light stimulation and are able to connect to a spinal cord by sending impulses that make a muscle contract. Recent data show that cortical organoid network development at 10 months resembles some preterm babies' electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. In the light of the fast pace of research in this field, one might consider the hypothesis that HCOs might become a living laboratory for studying the emergence of consciousness and investigating its mechanisms and neural correlates. HCOs could be also a benchmark for different neuroscientific theories of consciousness. In this paper, I propose some potential lines of research and offer some clues and insights so as to use HCOs in trying to unveil some puzzles concerning our conscious states. Finally, I consider some relevant ethical issues regarding this specific experimentation on HCOs and conclude that some of them could require strict regulation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Via Garbasso, 42, Arezzo 52100, Italy
- University of Pavia, Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Piazza Botta, 11, Pavia 27100, Italy
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18
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Zheng Y, Zhang F, Xu S, Wu L. Advances in neural organoid systems and their application in neurotoxicity testing of environmental chemicals. Genes Environ 2021; 43:39. [PMID: 34551827 PMCID: PMC8456188 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-021-00214-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complex structure and function of central nervous system (CNS), human CNS in vitro modeling is still a great challenge. Neurotoxicity testing of environmental chemicals mainly depends on the traditional animal models, which have various limitations such as species differences, expensive and time-consuming. Meanwhile, in vitro two-dimensional (2D) cultured cells or three-dimensional (3D) cultured neurospheres cannot fully simulate complex 3D structure of neural tissues. Recent advancements in neural organoid systems provides excellent models for the testing of environmental chemicals that affect the development of human CNS. Neural organoids derived from hPSCs not only can simulate the process of CNS development, including early stage neural tube formation, neuroepithelium differentiation and regional specification, but also its 3D structure, thus can be used to evaluate the effect of chemicals on differentiation and morphogenesis. Here, we provide a review of recent progress in the methods of culturing neural organoids and their applications in neurotoxicity testing of environmental chemicals. We conclude by highlighting challenge and future directions in neurotoxicity testing based on neural organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zheng
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Fangrong Zhang
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Shengmin Xu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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19
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Kapr J, Petersilie L, Distler T, Lauria I, Bendt F, Sauter CM, Boccaccini AR, Rose CR, Fritsche E. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Produce Distinct Neural 3D In Vitro Models Depending on Alginate/Gellan Gum/Laminin Hydrogel Blend Properties. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100131. [PMID: 34197049 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stable and predictive neural cell culture models are a necessary premise for many research fields. However, conventional 2D models lack 3D cell-material/-cell interactions and hence do not reflect the complexity of the in vivo situation properly. Here two alginate/gellan gum/laminin (ALG/GG/LAM) hydrogel blends are presented for the fabrication of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based 3D neural models. For hydrogel embedding, hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs) are used either directly or after 3D neural pre-differentiation. It is shown that stiffness and stress relaxation of the gel blends, as well as the cell differentiation strategy influence 3D model development. The embedded hiNPCs differentiate into neurons and astrocytes within the gel blends and display spontaneous intracellular calcium signals. Two fit-for-purpose models valuable for i) applications requiring a high degree of complexity, but less throughput, such as disease modeling and long-term exposure studies and ii) higher throughput applications, such as acute exposures or substance screenings are proposed. Due to their wide range of applications, adjustability, and printing capabilities, the ALG/GG/LAM based 3D neural models are of great potential for 3D neural modeling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kapr
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Thomas Distler
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nuremberg Erlangen 91054 Germany
| | - Ines Lauria
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Clemens M. Sauter
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Aldo R. Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nuremberg Erlangen 91054 Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
- Medical Faculty Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
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20
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Sukhinich KK, Shakirova KM, Dashinimaev EB, Aleksandrova MA. Development of 3D Cerebral Aggregates in the Brain Ventricles of Adult Mice. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421030061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The cerebral organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures formed from brain-specific cell types arising from embryonic or pluripotent stem cells. Organoids provide an opportunity to study the early stages of brain development and diseases of the central nervous system. However, the modeling of organoids is associated with a number of unsolved problems. Organoid production techniques involve a complex cell culture process that requires special media, growth factors, and often the use of a bioreactor. Even under standardized conditions, structures of different morphology are formed: from disorganized cell aggregates to structured minibrains, which are selected for study. For natural reasons, organoids grown in vitro do not have a blood supply, which limits their development. We tried to obtain cerebral aggregates similar to organoids in an in vivo model, where vascular growth and tissue blood supply are provided, for which we transplanted a cell suspension from the mouse embryonic neocortex into the lateral ventricles of the brain of adult mice. Therefore, the medium for cultivation was the cerebrospinal fluid, and the lateral ventricles of the brain, where it circulates, served as a bioreactor. The results showed that the neocortex from E14.5 is a suitable source of stem/progenitor cells that self-assemble into three-dimensional aggregates and vascularized in vivo. The aggregates consisted of a central layer of mature neurons, the marginal zone free of cells and a glia limitans, which resembled cerebral organoids. Thus, the lateral ventricles of the adult mouse brain can be used to obtain vascularized cell aggregates resembling cerebral organoids.
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21
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Hickmott RA, Bosakhar A, Quezada S, Barresi M, Walker DW, Ryan AL, Quigley A, Tolcos M. The One-Stop Gyrification Station - Challenges and New Technologies. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 204:102111. [PMID: 34166774 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of the folded cortical surface is an iconic feature of the human brain shared by a subset of mammals and considered pivotal for the emergence of higher-order cognitive functions. While our understanding of the neurodevelopmental processes involved in corticogenesis has greatly advanced over the past 70 years of brain research, the fundamental mechanisms that result in gyrification, along with its originating cytoarchitectural location, remain largely unknown. This review brings together numerous approaches to this basic neurodevelopmental problem, constructing a narrative of how various models, techniques and tools have been applied to the study of gyrification thus far. After a brief discussion of core concepts and challenges within the field, we provide an analysis of the significant discoveries derived from the parallel use of model organisms such as the mouse, ferret, sheep and non-human primates, particularly with regard to how they have shaped our understanding of cortical folding. We then focus on the latest developments in the field and the complementary application of newly emerging technologies, such as cerebral organoids, advanced neuroimaging techniques, and atomic force microscopy. Particular emphasis is placed upon the use of novel computational and physical models in regard to the interplay of biological and physical forces in cortical folding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Hickmott
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; BioFab3D@ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Abdulhameed Bosakhar
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sebastian Quezada
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Mikaela Barresi
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Amy L Ryan
- Hastings Centre for Pulmonary Research, Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anita Quigley
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia; BioFab3D@ACMD, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia; School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Mary Tolcos
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
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22
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Mansouri M, Leipzig ND. Advances in removing mass transport limitations for more physiologically relevant in vitro 3D cell constructs. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2021; 2:021305. [PMID: 38505119 PMCID: PMC10903443 DOI: 10.1063/5.0048837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Spheroids and organoids are promising models for biomedical applications ranging from human disease modeling to drug discovery. A main goal of these 3D cell-based platforms is to recapitulate important physiological parameters of their in vivo organ counterparts. One way to achieve improved biomimetic architectures and functions is to culture cells at higher density and larger total numbers. However, poor nutrient and waste transport lead to low stability, survival, and functionality over extended periods of time, presenting outstanding challenges in this field. Fortunately, important improvements in culture strategies have enhanced the survival and function of cells within engineered microtissues/organs. Here, we first discuss the challenges of growing large spheroids/organoids with a focus on mass transport limitations, then highlight recent tools and methodologies that are available for producing and sustaining functional 3D in vitro models. This information points toward the fact that there is a critical need for the continued development of novel cell culture strategies that address mass transport in a physiologically relevant human setting to generate long-lasting and large-sized spheroids/organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mansouri
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
| | - Nic D. Leipzig
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, USA
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23
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Coccia E, Ahfeldt T. Towards physiologically relevant human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models of Parkinson's disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:253. [PMID: 33926571 PMCID: PMC8082939 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02326-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The derivation of human embryonic stem cells followed by the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells and leaps in genome editing approaches have continuously fueled enthusiasm for the development of new models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the relative selective loss of dopaminergic neurons (DNs) in specific areas of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). While degeneration in late stages can be widespread, there is stereotypic early degeneration of these uniquely vulnerable neurons. Various causes of selective vulnerability have been investigated but much remains unclear. Most studies have sought to identify cell autonomous properties of the most vulnerable neurons. However, recent findings from genetic studies and model systems have added to our understanding of non-cell autonomous contributions including regional-specific neuro-immune interactions with astrocytes, resident or damage-activated microglia, neuro-glia cell metabolic interactions, involvement of endothelial cells, and damage to the vascular system. All of these contribute to specific vulnerability and, along with aging and environmental factors, might be integrated in a complex stressor-threshold model of neurodegeneration. In this forward-looking review, we synthesize recent advances in the field of PD modeling using human pluripotent stem cells, with an emphasis on organoid and complex co-culture models of the nigrostriatal niche, with emerging CRISPR applications to edit or perturb expression of causal PD genes and associated risk factors, such as GBA, to understand the impact of these genes on relevant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Coccia
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US
| | - Tim Ahfeldt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, US.
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24
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Liput M, Magliaro C, Kuczynska Z, Zayat V, Ahluwalia A, Buzanska L. Tools and approaches for analyzing the role of mitochondria in health, development and disease using human cerebral organoids. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:591-607. [PMID: 33725382 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles involved in generating energy to power various processes in the cell. Although the pivotal role of mitochondria in neurogenesis was demonstrated (first in animal models), very little is known about their role in human embryonic neurodevelopment and its pathology. In this respect human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived cerebral organoids provide a tractable, alternative model system of the early neural development and disease that is responsive to pharmacological and genetic manipulations, not possible to apply in humans. Although the involvement of mitochondria in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and brain dysfunction has been demonstrated, the precise role they play in cell life and death remains unknown, compromising the development of new mitochondria-targeted approaches to treat human diseases. The cerebral organoid model of neurogenesis and disease in vitro provides an unprecedented opportunity to answer some of the most fundamental questions about mitochondrial function in early human neurodevelopment and neural pathology. Largely an unexplored territory due to the lack of tools and approaches, this review focuses on recent technological advancements in fluorescent and molecular tools, imaging systems, and computational approaches for quantitative and qualitative analyses of mitochondrial structure and function in three-dimensional cellular assemblies-cerebral organoids. Future developments in this direction will further facilitate our understanding of the important role or mitochondrial dynamics and energy requirements during early embryonic development. This in turn will provide a further understanding of how dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Liput
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Zuzanna Kuczynska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Valery Zayat
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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25
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Neurospheres: a potential in vitro model for the study of central nervous system disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3649-3663. [PMID: 33765252 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis was believed to end after the period of embryonic development. However, the possibility of obtaining an expressive number of cells with functional neuronal characteristics implied a great advance in experimental research. New techniques have emerged to demonstrate that the birth of new neurons continues to occur in the adult brain. Two main rich sources of these cells are the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (SGZ) where adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) have the ability to proliferate and differentiate into mature cell lines. The cultivation of neurospheres is a method to isolate, maintain and expand neural stem cells (NSCs) and has been used extensively by several research groups to analyze the biological properties of NSCs and their potential use in injured brains from animal models. Throughout this review, we highlight the areas where this type of cell culture has been applied and the advantages and limitations of using this model in experimental studies for the neurological clinical scenario.
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Di Lascio S, Benfante R, Cardani S, Fornasari D. Research Advances on Therapeutic Approaches to Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). Front Neurosci 2021; 14:615666. [PMID: 33510615 PMCID: PMC7835644 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.615666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a genetic disorder of neurodevelopment, with an autosomal dominant transmission, caused by heterozygous mutations in the PHOX2B gene. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by hypoventilation due to the failure of autonomic control of breathing. Until now no curative treatment has been found. PHOX2B is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the development (and maintenance) of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular the neuronal structures involved in respiratory reflexes. The underlying pathogenetic mechanism is still unclear, although studies in vivo and in CCHS patients indicate that some neuronal structures may be damaged. Moreover, in vitro experimental data suggest that transcriptional dysregulation and protein misfolding may be key pathogenic mechanisms. This review summarizes latest researches that improved the comprehension of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for CCHS and discusses the search for therapeutic intervention in light of the current knowledge about PHOX2B function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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27
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Delbridge ARD, Huh D, Brickelmaier M, Burns JC, Roberts C, Challa R, Raymond N, Cullen P, Carlile TM, Ennis KA, Liu M, Sun C, Allaire NE, Foos M, Tsai HH, Franchimont N, Ransohoff RM, Butts C, Mingueneau M. Organotypic Brain Slice Culture Microglia Exhibit Molecular Similarity to Acutely-Isolated Adult Microglia and Provide a Platform to Study Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:592005. [PMID: 33473245 PMCID: PMC7812919 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) resident immune cells that have been implicated in neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of a variety of neurological conditions. Their manifold context-dependent contributions to neuroinflammation are only beginning to be elucidated, which can be attributed in part to the challenges of studying microglia in vivo and the lack of tractable in vitro systems to study microglia function. Organotypic brain slice cultures offer a tissue-relevant context that enables the study of CNS resident cells and the analysis of brain slice microglial phenotypes has provided important insights, in particular into neuroprotective functions. Here we use RNA sequencing, direct digital quantification of gene expression with nCounter® technology and targeted analysis of individual microglial signature genes, to characterize brain slice microglia relative to acutely-isolated counterparts and 2-dimensional (2D) primary microglia cultures, a widely used in vitro surrogate. Analysis using single cell and population-based methods found brain slice microglia exhibited better preservation of canonical microglia markers and overall gene expression with stronger fidelity to acutely-isolated adult microglia, relative to in vitro cells. We characterized the dynamic phenotypic changes of brain slice microglia over time, after plating in culture. Mechanical damage associated with slice preparation prompted an initial period of inflammation, which resolved over time. Based on flow cytometry and gene expression profiling we identified the 2-week timepoint as optimal for investigation of microglia responses to exogenously-applied stimuli as exemplified by treatment-induced neuroinflammatory changes observed in microglia following LPS, TNF and GM-CSF addition to the culture medium. Altogether these findings indicate that brain slice cultures provide an experimental system superior to in vitro culture of microglia as a surrogate to investigate microglia functions, and the impact of soluble factors and cellular context on their physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex R D Delbridge
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Dann Huh
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Margot Brickelmaier
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jeremy C Burns
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Chris Roberts
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ravi Challa
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Patrick Cullen
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Katelin A Ennis
- Genetic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mei Liu
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Chao Sun
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Normand E Allaire
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Marianna Foos
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Hui-Hsin Tsai
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Richard M Ransohoff
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Cherie Butts
- Digital & Quantitative Medicine, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael Mingueneau
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Nikolakopoulou P, Rauti R, Voulgaris D, Shlomy I, Maoz BM, Herland A. Recent progress in translational engineered in vitro models of the central nervous system. Brain 2020; 143:3181-3213. [PMID: 33020798 PMCID: PMC7719033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain poses a substantial challenge for the development of models of the CNS. Current animal models lack many essential human characteristics (in addition to raising operational challenges and ethical concerns), and conventional in vitro models, in turn, are limited in their capacity to provide information regarding many functional and systemic responses. Indeed, these challenges may underlie the notoriously low success rates of CNS drug development efforts. During the past 5 years, there has been a leap in the complexity and functionality of in vitro systems of the CNS, which have the potential to overcome many of the limitations of traditional model systems. The availability of human-derived induced pluripotent stem cell technology has further increased the translational potential of these systems. Yet, the adoption of state-of-the-art in vitro platforms within the CNS research community is limited. This may be attributable to the high costs or the immaturity of the systems. Nevertheless, the costs of fabrication have decreased, and there are tremendous ongoing efforts to improve the quality of cell differentiation. Herein, we aim to raise awareness of the capabilities and accessibility of advanced in vitro CNS technologies. We provide an overview of some of the main recent developments (since 2015) in in vitro CNS models. In particular, we focus on engineered in vitro models based on cell culture systems combined with microfluidic platforms (e.g. 'organ-on-a-chip' systems). We delve into the fundamental principles underlying these systems and review several applications of these platforms for the study of the CNS in health and disease. Our discussion further addresses the challenges that hinder the implementation of advanced in vitro platforms in personalized medicine or in large-scale industrial settings, and outlines the existing differentiation protocols and industrial cell sources. We conclude by providing practical guidelines for laboratories that are considering adopting organ-on-a-chip technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rossana Rauti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dimitrios Voulgaris
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iftach Shlomy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anna Herland
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are three-dimensional in vitro cell cultures that mimic the developmental process and organization of the developing human brain. In just a few years this technique has produced brain models that are already being used to study diseases of the nervous system and to test treatments and drugs. Currently, HCOs consist of tens of millions of cells and have a size of a few millimeters. The greatest limitation to further development is due to their lack of vascularization. However, recent research has shown that human cerebral organoids can manifest the same electrical activity and connections between brain neurons and EEG patterns as those recorded in preterm babies. All this suggests that, in the future, HCOs may manifest an ability to experience basic sensations such as pain, therefore manifesting sentience, or even rudimentary forms of consciousness. This calls for consideration of whether cerebral organoids should be given a moral status and what limitations should be introduced to regulate research. In this article I focus particularly on the study of the emergence and mechanisms of human consciousness, i.e. one of the most complex scientific problems there are, by means of experiments on HCOs. This type of experiment raises relevant ethical issues and, as I will argue, should probably not be considered morally acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, Via Garbasso, 42, 52100, Arezzo, Italy.
- University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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30
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Muckom RJ, Sampayo RG, Johnson HJ, Schaffer DV. Advanced Materials to Enhance Central Nervous System Tissue Modeling and Cell Therapy. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2020; 30:2002931. [PMID: 33510596 PMCID: PMC7840150 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The progressively deeper understanding of mechanisms underlying stem cell fate decisions has enabled parallel advances in basic biology-such as the generation of organoid models that can further one's basic understanding of human development and disease-and in clinical translation-including stem cell based therapies to treat human disease. Both of these applications rely on tight control of the stem cell microenvironment to properly modulate cell fate, and materials that can be engineered to interface with cells in a controlled and tunable manner have therefore emerged as valuable tools for guiding stem cell growth and differentiation. With a focus on the central nervous system (CNS), a broad range of material solutions that have been engineered to overcome various hurdles in constructing advanced organoid models and developing effective stem cell therapeutics is reviewed. Finally, regulatory aspects of combined material-cell approaches for CNS therapies are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya J Muckom
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Rocío G Sampayo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Hunter J Johnson
- Department of Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
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31
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Qiao H, Guo M, Shang J, Zhao W, Wang Z, Liu N, Li B, Zhou Y, Wu Y, Chen P. Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection leads to neurodevelopmental disorder-associated neuropathological changes. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008899. [PMID: 33091073 PMCID: PMC7580908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections contribute to various neurodevelopmental disabilities and the subsequent long-term neurological sequelae into the adulthood. However, further understanding of fetal brain development and the potential neuropathological effects of the HSV-1 infection are hampered by the limitations of existing neurodevelopmental models due to the dramatic differences between humans and other mammalians. Here we generated in vitro neurodevelopmental disorder models including human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based monolayer neuronal differentiation, three-dimensional (3D) neuroepithelial bud, and 3D cerebral organoid to study fetal brain development and the potential neuropathological effects induced by the HSV-1 infections. Our results revealed that the HSV-1-infected neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibited impaired neural differentiation. HSV-1 infection led to dysregulated neurogenesis in the fetal neurodevelopment. The HSV-1-infected brain organoids modelled the pathological features of the neurodevelopmental disorders in the human fetal brain, including the impaired neuronal differentiation, and the dysregulated cortical layer and brain regionalization. Furthermore, the 3D cerebral organoid model showed that HSV-1 infection promoted the abnormal microglial activation, accompanied by the induction of inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4. Overall, our in vitro neurodevelopmental disorder models reconstituted the neuropathological features associated with HSV-1 infection in human fetal brain development, providing the causal relationships that link HSV biology with the neurodevelopmental disorder pathogen hypothesis. HSV-1 is one of the most prevalent human pathogens that can spread into the fetal central nervous system by maternal-fetal transmission, and thus resulting in long-term neurological sequelae in adult, including cognitive dysfunction and learning disabilities. However, there is a very limited progress in understanding the role of HSV-1 on human fetal brain development due to limited access to fetal human brain tissue as well as the limitations of existing neurodevelopmental and infection models. Here, we generated the in vitro neurodevelopmental disorder models including hiPSC-based monolayer neuronal differentiation, three-dimensional (3D) neuroepithelial bud, and 3D cerebral organoid to study the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated neuropathological changes with HSV-1 infection in human fetal brain development. Our results revealed that HSV-1 infection led to impaired neural differentiation and dysregulated neurogenesis in the fetal neurodevelopment. Additionally, HSV-1 infection impaired neuronal differentiation and dysregulated brain regionalization in our cerebral organoid model. Furthermore, the cerebral organoid model showed that HSV-1 infection led to the abnormal microglial proliferation and activation, accompanied by the induction of inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4. Taken together, our study provides novel evidence that HSV-1 infection impaired human brain development and contributed to neurodevelopmental disorder pathogen hypothesis, and would have implications for raising the therapeutic opportunities for targeting of viral reservoirs relevant to neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Qiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Moujian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jia Shang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenyan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Nian Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Research Center for Medicine and Structural Biology of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail: (YW); (PC)
| | - Pu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail: (YW); (PC)
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Lavazza A. Potential ethical problems with human cerebral organoids: Consciousness and moral status of future brains in a dish. Brain Res 2020; 1750:147146. [PMID: 33068633 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human cerebral organoids (HCOs) are an in vitro model of early neural development, aimed at modelling and understanding brain development and neurological disorders. In just a few years there has been rapid and considerable progress in the attempt to create a brain model capable of showcasing the characteristics of the human brain. There are still strong limitations to address, including the absence of vascularization which makes it difficult to feed the central layers of the organoid. Nevertheless, some important features of the nervous system have recently been observed in cerebral organoids: they manifest electrical activity (i.e. communication between neurons), are sensitive to light stimulation and are able to connect to a spinal cord by sending impulses that make a muscle contract. Recent data show that cortical organoid network development at ten months resembles some preterm babies EEG patterns. Although cerebral organoids are not close to human brains so far due to their extremely simplified structure, this state of things gives rise to ethical concerns about the creation and destructive experimental use of human cerebral organoids. Particularly, one can wonder whether a human cerebral organoid could develop some degree of consciousness and whether, under certain conditions, it could acquire its own moral status with the related rights. In this article, I discuss the conditions under which HCOs could be granted their own moral status. For this purpose, I consider the hypothesis that HCOs might develop a primitive form of consciousness and investigate the ways in which it could be detected. In light of all this, I finally point out some cautionary measures that could be introduced into research on and with human cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lavazza
- Centro Universitario Internazionale, via Garbasso, 42, 5200 Arezzo, Italy; University of Pavia, Piazza Botta, 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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33
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Obal D, Wu JC. Induced pluripotent stem cells as a platform to understand patient-specific responses to opioids and anaesthetics. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4581-4594. [PMID: 32767563 PMCID: PMC7520445 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology may provide unprecedented opportunities to study patient-specific responses to anaesthetics and opioids. In this review, we will (1) examine the advantages and limitations of iPSC technology, (2) summarize studies using iPSCs that have contributed to our current understanding of anaesthetics and opioid action on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system (CNS), and (3) describe how iPSC technology can be used to further develop personalized analgesic and sedative pharmacotherapies with reduced or minimal detrimental cardiovascular effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Obal
- Stanford Cardiovascular InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Outcomes Research ConsortiumClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Joseph C. Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular InstituteStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
- Department of RadiologyStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
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34
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Singh RK, Nasonkin IO. Limitations and Promise of Retinal Tissue From Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Developing Therapies of Blindness. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:179. [PMID: 33132839 PMCID: PMC7513806 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The self-formation of retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells generated a tremendous promise for developing new therapies of retinal degenerative diseases, which previously seemed unattainable. Together with use of induced pluripotent stem cells or/and CRISPR-based recombineering the retinal organoid technology provided an avenue for developing models of human retinal degenerative diseases "in a dish" for studying the pathology, delineating the mechanisms and also establishing a platform for large-scale drug screening. At the same time, retinal organoids, highly resembling developing human fetal retinal tissue, are viewed as source of multipotential retinal progenitors, young photoreceptors and just the whole retinal tissue, which may be transplanted into the subretinal space with a goal of replacing patient's degenerated retina with a new retinal "patch." Both approaches (transplantation and modeling/drug screening) were projected when Yoshiki Sasai demonstrated the feasibility of deriving mammalian retinal tissue from pluripotent stem cells, and generated a lot of excitement. With further work and testing of both approaches in vitro and in vivo, a major implicit limitation has become apparent pretty quickly: the absence of the uniform layer of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells, which is normally present in mammalian retina, surrounds photoreceptor layer and develops and matures first. The RPE layer polarize into apical and basal sides during development and establish microvilli on the apical side, interacting with photoreceptors, nurturing photoreceptor outer segments and participating in the visual cycle by recycling 11-trans retinal (bleached pigment) back to 11-cis retinal. Retinal organoids, however, either do not have RPE layer or carry patches of RPE mostly on one side, thus directly exposing most photoreceptors in the developing organoids to neural medium. Recreation of the critical retinal niche between the apical RPE and photoreceptors, where many retinal disease mechanisms originate, is so far unattainable, imposes clear limitations on both modeling/drug screening and transplantation approaches and is a focus of investigation in many labs. Here we dissect different retinal degenerative diseases and analyze how and where retinal organoid technology can contribute the most to developing therapies even with a current limitation and absence of long and functional outer segments, supported by RPE.
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36
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Lu Q. Dynamics and coupling of fractional-order models of the motor cortex and central pattern generators. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:036021. [PMID: 32344390 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab8dd6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fractional calculus plays a key role in the analysis of neural dynamics. In particular, fractional calculus has been recently exploited for analyzing complex biological systems and capturing intrinsic phenomena. Also, artificial neural networks have been shown to have complex neuronal dynamics and characteristics that can be modeled by fractional calculus. Moreover, for a neural microcircuit placed on the spinal cord, fractional calculus can be employed to model the central pattern generator (CPG). However, the relation between the CPG and the motor cortex is still unclear. APPROACH In this paper, fractional-order models of the CPG and the motor cortex are built on the Van der Pol oscillator and the neural mass model (NMM), respectively. A self-consistent mean field approximation is used to construct the potential landscape of the Van der Pol oscillator. This landscape provides a useful tool to observe the 3D dynamics of the oscillator. To infer the relation of the motor cortex and CPG, the coupling model between the fractional-order Van der Pol oscillator and the NMM is built. As well, the influence of the coupling parameters on the CPG and the motor cortex is assessed. MAIN RESULTS Fractional-order NMM and coupling model of the motor cortex and the CPG are first established. The potential landscape is used to show 3D probabilistic evolution of the Van der Pol oscillator states. Detailed observations of the evolution of the system states can be made with fractional calculus. In particular, fractional calculus enables the observation of the creation of stable modes and switching between them. SIGNIFICANCE The results confirm that the motor cortex and CPG have associated modes or states that can be switched based on changes in the fractional order and the time delay. Fractional calculus and the potential landscape are helpful methods for better understanding of the working principles of locomotion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lu
- College of Medical Information Engineering, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, People's Republic of China
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Marthiens V, Basto R. Centrosomes: The good and the bad for brain development. Biol Cell 2020; 112:153-172. [PMID: 32170757 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201900090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Centrosomes nucleate and organise the microtubule cytoskeleton in animal cells. These membraneless organelles are key structures for tissue organisation, polarity and growth. Centrosome dysfunction, defined as deviation in centrosome numbers and/or structural integrity, has major impact on brain size and functionality, as compared with other tissues of the organism. In this review, we discuss the contribution of centrosomes to brain growth during development. We discuss in particular the impact of centrosome dysfunction in Drosophila and mammalian neural stem cell division and fitness, which ultimately underlie brain growth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Marthiens
- Biology of Centrosomes and Genetic Instability Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Renata Basto
- Biology of Centrosomes and Genetic Instability Laboratory, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Paris, 75005, France
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Csobonyeiova M, Polak S, Danisovic L. Recent Overview of the Use of iPSCs Huntington's Disease Modeling and Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062239. [PMID: 32213859 PMCID: PMC7139425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited, autosomal dominant, degenerative disease characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and behavioral impairment ending in death. HD is caused by an expansion in the number of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4. To date, no effective therapy for preventing the onset or progression of the disease has been found, and many symptoms do not respond to pharmacologic treatment. However, recent results of pre-clinical trials suggest a beneficial effect of stem-cell-based therapy. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent an unlimited cell source and are the most suitable among the various types of autologous stem cells due to their patient specificity and ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the cultivation of iPSC-derived neural cells offers the possibility of studying the etiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as HD. Moreover, differentiated neural cells can organize into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, mimicking the complex architecture of the brain. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of recent HD models, the methods for differentiating HD–iPSCs into the desired neural cell types, and the progress in gene editing techniques leading toward stem-cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Csobonyeiova
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefan Polak
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.C.); (S.P.)
| | - Lubos Danisovic
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-59357215
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Bhalerao A, Sivandzade F, Archie SR, Chowdhury EA, Noorani B, Cucullo L. In vitro modeling of the neurovascular unit: advances in the field. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:22. [PMID: 32178700 PMCID: PMC7077137 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental component of the central nervous system. Its functional and structural integrity is vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. On the other hand, the BBB is also a major hindering obstacle for the delivery of effective therapies to treat disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over time, various model systems have been established to simulate the complexities of the BBB. The development of realistic in vitro BBB models that accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the brain microcapillaries in situ is of fundamental importance not only in CNS drug discovery but also in translational research. Successful modeling of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) would provide an invaluable tool that would aid in dissecting out the pathological factors, mechanisms of action, and corresponding targets prodromal to the onset of CNS disorders. The field of BBB in vitro modeling has seen many fundamental changes in the last few years with the introduction of novel tools and methods to improve existing models and enable new ones. The development of CNS organoids, organ-on-chip, spheroids, 3D printed microfluidics, and other innovative technologies have the potential to advance the field of BBB and NVU modeling. Therefore, in this review, summarize the advances and progress in the design and application of functional in vitro BBB platforms with a focus on rapidly advancing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Sabrina Rahman Archie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA. .,Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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Vives J, Batlle-Morera L. The challenge of developing human 3D organoids into medicines. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:72. [PMID: 32127036 PMCID: PMC7055107 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of organoids to generate complex 3D structures resembling organs is revolutionizing the fields of developmental and stem cell biology. We are currently establishing the foundations for translational applications of organoids such as drug screening, personalized medicine and launching the future of cell therapy using organoids. However, clinical translation of organoids into cell replacement therapies is halted due to (A) a few preclinical studies demonstrating their efficacy and (B) the lack of robust, reproducible, and scalable methods of production in compliance with current pharmaceutical standards. In this issue of Stem Cell Research & Therapy [ref], Dossena and collaborators present a validated bioprocess design for large-scale production of human pancreatic organoids from cadaveric tissue in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. The authors also propose a set of specifications of starting materials and critical quality attributes of final products that are of interest to other developments provided that this type of medicines are different than any other medicinal product due to their complex composition and living nature of the active ingredient. Although large-scale production of functional cells secreting insulin is still a challenge, the development of methods such as the one presented by Dossena and collaborators contributes to move toward clinical use of organoids in the treatment of type 1 diabetes and opens avenues for future clinical use of organoids in degenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Vives
- Cell Therapy Service, Blood and Tissue Bank (BST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Medicine Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Laura Batlle-Morera
- Core Facilities Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Würth R, Thellung S, Corsaro A, Barbieri F, Florio T. Experimental Evidence and Clinical Implications of Pituitary Adenoma Stem Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:54. [PMID: 32153500 PMCID: PMC7044184 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas, accounting for 15% of diagnosed intracranial neoplasms, are usually benign and pharmacologically and surgically treatable; however, the critical location, mass effects and hormone hypersecretion sustain their significant morbidity. Approximately 35% of pituitary tumors show a less benign course since they are highly proliferative and invasive, poorly resectable, and likely recurring. The latest WHO classification of pituitary tumors includes pituitary transcription factor assessment to determine adenohypophysis cell lineages and accurate designation of adenomas, nevertheless little is known about molecular and cellular pathways which contribute to pituitary tumorigenesis. In malignant tumors the identification of cancer stem cells radically changed the concepts of both tumorigenesis and pharmacological approaches. Cancer stem cells are defined as a subset of undifferentiated transformed cells from which the bulk of cancer cells populating a tumor mass is generated. These cells are able to self-renew, promoting tumor progression and recurrence of malignant tumors, also conferring cytotoxic drug resistance. On the other hand, the existence of stem cells within benign tumors is still debated. The presence of adult stem cells in human and murine pituitaries where they sustain the high plasticity of hormone-producing cells, allowed the hypothesis that putative tumor stem cells might exist in pituitary adenomas, reinforcing the concept that the cancer stem cell model could also be applied to pituitary tumorigenesis. In the last few years, the isolation and phenotypic characterization of putative pituitary adenoma stem-like cells was performed using a wide and heterogeneous variety of experimental models and techniques, although the role of these cells in adenoma initiation and progression is still not completely definite. The assessment of possible pituitary adenoma-initiating cell population would be of extreme relevance to better understand pituitary tumor biology and to identify novel potential diagnostic markers and pharmacological targets. In this review, we summarize the most updated studies focused on the definition of pituitary adenoma stem cell phenotype and functional features, highlighting the biological processes and intracellular pathways potentially involved in driving tumor growth, relapse, and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Würth
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica (CEBR), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Chhibber T, Bagchi S, Lahooti B, Verma A, Al-Ahmad A, Paul MK, Pendyala G, Jayant RD. CNS organoids: an innovative tool for neurological disease modeling and drug neurotoxicity screening. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:456-465. [PMID: 31783130 PMCID: PMC7039749 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The paradigm of central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery has mostly relied on traditional approaches of rodent models or cell-based in vitro models. Owing to the issues of species differences between humans and rodents, it is difficult to correlate the robustness of data for neurodevelopmental studies. With advances in the stem-cell field, 3D CNS organoids have been developed and explored owing to their resemblance to the human brain architecture and functions. Further, CNS organoids provide a unique opportunity to mimic the human brain physiology and serve as a modeling tool to study the normal versus pathological brain or the elucidation of mechanisms of neurological disorders. Here, we discuss the recent application of a CNS organoid explored for neurodevelopment disease or a screening tool for CNS drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Chhibber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Sounak Bagchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Behnaz Lahooti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Angela Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Abraham Al-Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Manash K Paul
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Gurudutt Pendyala
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Rahul Dev Jayant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, JH School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Sapir T, Barakat TS, Paredes MF, Lerman-Sagie T, Aronica E, Klonowski W, Nguyen L, Ben Zeev B, Bahi-Buisson N, Leventer R, Rachmian N, Reiner O. Building Bridges Between the Clinic and the Laboratory: A Meeting Review - Brain Malformations: A Roadmap for Future Research. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:434. [PMID: 31611776 PMCID: PMC6776596 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the middle of March 2019, a group of scientists and clinicians (as well as those who wear both hats) gathered in the green campus of the Weizmann Institute of Science to share recent scientific findings, to establish collaborations, and to discuss future directions for better diagnosis, etiology modeling and treatment of brain malformations. One hundred fifty scientists from twenty-two countries took part in this meeting. Thirty-eight talks were presented and as many as twenty-five posters were displayed. This review is aimed at presenting some of the highlights that the audience was exposed to during the three-day meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Sapir
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tahsin Stefan Barakat
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mercedes F. Paredes
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Graduate Division, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tally Lerman-Sagie
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Fetal Neurology Clinic, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro-)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Zwolle, Netherlands
| | - Wlodzimierz Klonowski
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Laurent Nguyen
- GIGA-Stem Cells, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), C.H.U. Sart Tilman, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Sackler School of Medicine and Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lilly Safra Pediatric Hospital, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nadia Bahi-Buisson
- INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Pediatrric Neurology APHP, Paris, France
| | - Richard Leventer
- Department of Neurology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Noa Rachmian
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orly Reiner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Do J, McKinney C, Sharma P, Sidransky E. Glucocerebrosidase and its relevance to Parkinson disease. Mol Neurodegener 2019; 14:36. [PMID: 31464647 PMCID: PMC6716912 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GBA1, the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, are among the most common known genetic risk factors for the development of Parkinson disease and related synucleinopathies. A great deal is known about GBA1, as mutations in GBA1 are causal for the rare autosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the genetics and cell biology of glucocerebrosidase. A least 495 different mutations, found throughout the 11 exons of the gene are reported, including both common and rare variants. Mutations in GBA1 may lead to degradation of the protein, disruptions in lysosomal targeting and diminished performance of the enzyme in the lysosome. Gaucher disease is phenotypically diverse and has both neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic forms. Both patients with Gaucher disease and heterozygous carriers are at increased risk of developing Parkinson disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies, although our understanding of the mechanism for this association remains incomplete. There appears to be an inverse relationship between glucocerebrosidase and α-synuclein levels, and even patients with sporadic Parkinson disease have decreased glucocerebrosidase. Glucocerebrosidase may interact with α-synuclein to maintain basic cellular functions, or impaired glucocerebrosidase could contribute to Parkinson pathogenesis by disrupting lysosomal homeostasis, enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress or contributing to mitochondrial impairment. However, the majority of patients with GBA1 mutations never develop parkinsonism, so clearly other risk factors play a role. Treatments for Gaucher disease have been developed that increase visceral glucocerebrosidase levels and decrease lipid storage, although they have yet to properly address the neurological defects associated with impaired glucocerebrosidase. Mouse and induced pluripotent stem cell derived models have improved our understanding of glucocerebrosidase function and the consequences of its deficiency. These models have been used to test novel therapies including chaperone proteins, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and gene therapy approaches that enhance glucocerebrosidase levels and could prove efficacious in the treatment of forms of parkinsonism. Consequently, this rare monogenic disorder, Gaucher disease, provides unique insights directly applicable to our understanding and treatment of Parkinson disease, a common and complex neurodegenerative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Do
- Section on Molecular Neurogenetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35A, Room 1E623, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3708, USA
| | - Cindy McKinney
- Section on Molecular Neurogenetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35A, Room 1E623, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3708, USA
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Section on Molecular Neurogenetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35A, Room 1E623, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3708, USA
| | - Ellen Sidransky
- Section on Molecular Neurogenetics, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 35A, Room 1E623, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3708, Bethesda, MD, 20892-3708, USA.
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Lindoso RS, Kasai-Brunswick TH, Monnerat Cahli G, Collino F, Bastos Carvalho A, Campos de Carvalho AC, Vieyra A. Proteomics in the World of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070703. [PMID: 31336746 PMCID: PMC6678893 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Omics approaches have significantly impacted knowledge about molecular signaling pathways driving cell function. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have revolutionized the field of biological sciences and proteomics and, in particular, has been instrumental in identifying key elements operating during the maintenance of the pluripotent state and the differentiation process to the diverse cell types that form organisms. This review covers the evolution of conceptual and methodological strategies in proteomics; briefly describes the generation of iPSC from a historical perspective, the state-of-the-art of iPSC-based proteomics; and compares data on the proteome and transcriptome of iPSC to that of embryonic stem cells (ESC). Finally, proteomics of healthy and diseased cells and organoids differentiated from iPSC are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Soares Lindoso
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil
| | - Tais H Kasai-Brunswick
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Monnerat Cahli
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil
- Laboratory of Proteomics, LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Federica Collino
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Bastos Carvalho
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Campos de Carvalho
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil.
| | - Adalberto Vieyra
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging/CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-102, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Translational Biomedicine, Grande Rio University, Duque de Caxias 25071-202, Brazil.
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