scholarly journals Induced Neurons for Disease Modeling and Repair: A Focus on Non-fibroblastic Cell Sources in Direct Reprogramming

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Kim ◽  
Mentor Thaqi ◽  
Daniel A. Peterson ◽  
Robert A. Marr
Keyword(s):  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Cerebral Injury ◽  
Direct Reprogramming ◽  
Fibroblastic Cell ◽  
Donor Cells ◽  
Cell Sources ◽  
Induced Neurons

Direct cellular reprogramming exhibits distinct advantages over reprogramming from an induced pluripotent stem cell intermediate. These include a reduced risk of tumorigenesis and the likely preservation of epigenetic data. In vitro direct reprogramming approaches primarily aim to model the pathophysiological development of neurological disease and identify therapeutic targets, while in vivo direct reprogramming aims to develop treatments for various neurological disorders, including cerebral injury and cancer. In both approaches, there is progress toward developing increased control of subtype-specific production of induced neurons. A majority of research primarily utilizes fibroblasts as the donor cells. However, there are a variety of other somatic cell types that have demonstrated the potential for reprogramming into induced neurons. This review highlights studies that utilize non-fibroblastic cell sources for reprogramming, such as astrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, peripheral blood cells, Müller glia, and more. We will examine benefits and obstructions for translation into therapeutics or disease modeling, as well as efficiency of the conversion. A summary of donor cells, induced neuron types, and methods of induction is also provided.

scholarly journals Advanced Technologies to Target Cardiac Cell Fate Plasticity for Heart Regeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9517
Author(s):  
Gianluca Testa ◽  
Giorgia Di Benedetto ◽  
Fabiana Passaro
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Cardiac Cell ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Cardiovascular Research ◽  
Injured Myocardium

The adult human heart can only adapt to heart diseases by starting a myocardial remodeling process to compensate for the loss of functional cardiomyocytes, which ultimately develop into heart failure. In recent decades, the evolution of new strategies to regenerate the injured myocardium based on cellular reprogramming represents a revolutionary new paradigm for cardiac repair by targeting some key signaling molecules governing cardiac cell fate plasticity. While the indirect reprogramming routes require an in vitro engineered 3D tissue to be transplanted in vivo, the direct cardiac reprogramming would allow the administration of reprogramming factors directly in situ, thus holding great potential as in vivo treatment for clinical applications. In this framework, cellular reprogramming in partnership with nanotechnologies and bioengineering will offer new perspectives in the field of cardiovascular research for disease modeling, drug screening, and tissue engineering applications. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in developing innovative therapeutic strategies based on manipulating cardiac cell fate plasticity in combination with bioengineering and nanotechnology-based approaches for targeting the failing heart.

scholarly journals Cooperative action of miR-124 and ISX9 in instructing direct reprogramming of mouse astrocytes to induced-neurons in vitro and in vivo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elsa Papadimitriou ◽  
Paraskevi N. Koutsoudaki ◽  
Timokratis Karamitros ◽  
Dimitra Karagkouni ◽  
Dafni Chroni-Tzartou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Direct Reprogramming ◽  
Cooperative Action ◽  
Functional Maturation ◽  
Neuronal Fate ◽  
Reprogramming Efficiency ◽  
Trauma Model ◽  
Induced Neurons

AbstractmiR-124 plays a major regulatory role in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation during brain development through control of its multiple non-neuronal targets and has therefore been employed in direct reprogramming protocols supplementary to neurogenic TFs, and other miRNAs to enhance neurogenic conversion. However, its capacity to instruct neurogenic conversion of astrocytes and its independent mechanism of direct reprogramming action have been poorly investigated. Aim of the study was to investigate whether miR-124 is a master-regulatory reprogramming agent, potent to drive direct reprogramming of astrocytes to induced-neurons (iNs) on its own and to elucidate its mechanism of reprogramming action. To this end we overexpressed miR-124 either alone or in combination with the small neurogenic compound ISX9 both in vitro and in in vivo in a mouse mechanical cortical trauma model and analyzed their mechanism of reprogramming action. Our data indicate that miR-124 and ISX9 exhibit both unique and convergent molecular contributions in the reprogramming process to iNs. miR-124 is a potent driver of the astrocytic reprogramming switch of astrocytes towards an immature neuronal fate by repressing genes regulating astrocytic function, among which we identified the RNA-binding protein Zfp36l1 as a novel miR-124 direct target. We also provide evidence that ISX9 greatly improves both miR-124-induced reprogramming efficiency and functional maturation of iNs. Importantly, miR-124 either alone or along with ISX9 is potent to guide direct neuronal reprogramming of reactive astrocytes to iNs of cortical identity in vivo, a novel finding confirming the robust direct reprogramming action of the two molecules in activated astrocytes in vivo.

scholarly journals De Novo Human Cardiac Myocytes for Medical Research: Promises and Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronique Hamel ◽  
Kang Cheng ◽  
Shudan Liao ◽  
Aizhu Lu ◽  
Yong Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cardiac Myocytes ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Somatic Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Great Promise

The advent of cellular reprogramming technology has revolutionized biomedical research. De novo human cardiac myocytes can now be obtained from direct reprogramming of somatic cells (such as fibroblasts), from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs, which are reprogrammed from somatic cells), and from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Such de novo human cardiac myocytes hold great promise for in vitro disease modeling and drug screening and in vivo cell therapy of heart disease. Here, we review the technique advancements for generating de novo human cardiac myocytes. We also discuss several challenges for the use of such cells in research and regenerative medicine, such as the immature phenotype and heterogeneity of de novo cardiac myocytes obtained with existing protocols. We focus on the recent advancements in addressing such challenges.

scholarly journals De novo generation of HSCs from somatic and pluripotent stem cell sources

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (17) ◽  
pp. 2641-2648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda T. Vo ◽  
George Q. Daley
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Direct Conversion ◽  
Cellular Reprogramming ◽  
Directed Differentiation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Cell Sources

Abstract Generating human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from autologous tissues, when coupled with genome editing technologies, is a promising approach for cellular transplantation therapy and for in vitro disease modeling, drug discovery, and toxicology studies. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a potentially inexhaustible supply of autologous tissue; however, to date, directed differentiation from hPSCs has yielded hematopoietic cells that lack robust and sustained multilineage potential. Cellular reprogramming technologies represent an alternative platform for the de novo generation of HSCs via direct conversion from heterologous cell types. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in HSC generation by directed differentiation from hPSCs or direct conversion from somatic cells, and highlight their applications in research and prospects for therapy.

Transplantation of Adipose-derived Cells for Periodontal Regeneration: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 504-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilcele Silva Moreira Dziedzic ◽  
Bassam Felipe Mogharbel ◽  
Priscila Elias Ferreira ◽  
Ana Carolina Irioda ◽  
Katherine Athayde Teixeira de Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Periodontal Regeneration ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Cell Sources ◽  
Study Designs

This systematic review evaluated the transplantation of cells derived from adipose tissue for applications in dentistry. SCOPUS, PUBMED and LILACS databases were searched for in vitro studies and pre-clinical animal model studies using the keywords “ADIPOSE”, “CELLS”, and “PERIODONTAL”, with the Boolean operator “AND”. A total of 160 titles and abstracts were identified, and 29 publications met the inclusion criteria, 14 in vitro and 15 in vivo studies. In vitro studies demonstrated that adipose- derived cells stimulate neovascularization, have osteogenic and odontogenic potential; besides adhesion, proliferation and differentiation on probable cell carriers. Preclinical studies described improvement of bone and periodontal healing with the association of adipose-derived cells and the carrier materials tested: Platelet Rich Plasma, Fibrin, Collagen and Synthetic polymer. There is evidence from the current in vitro and in vivo data indicating that adipose-derived cells may contribute to bone and periodontal regeneration. The small quantity of studies and the large variation on study designs, from animal models, cell sources and defect morphology, did not favor a meta-analysis. Additional studies need to be conducted to investigate the regeneration variability and the mechanisms of cell participation in the processes. An overview of animal models, cell sources, and scaffolds, as well as new perspectives are provided for future bone and periodontal regeneration study designs.

scholarly journals Role of SHH in Patterning Human Pluripotent Cells towards Ventral Forebrain Fates

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 914
Author(s):  
Melanie V. Brady ◽  
Flora M. Vaccarino
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Technical Ability ◽  
Cellular Phenotypes

The complexities of human neurodevelopment have historically been challenging to decipher but continue to be of great interest in the contexts of healthy neurobiology and disease. The classic animal models and monolayer in vitro systems have limited the types of questions scientists can strive to answer in addition to the technical ability to answer them. However, the tridimensional human stem cell-derived organoid system provides the unique opportunity to model human development and mimic the diverse cellular composition of human organs. This strategy is adaptable and malleable, and these neural organoids possess the morphogenic sensitivity to be patterned in various ways to generate the different regions of the human brain. Furthermore, recapitulating human development provides a platform for disease modeling. One master regulator of human neurodevelopment in many regions of the human brain is sonic hedgehog (SHH), whose expression gradient and pathway activation are responsible for conferring ventral identity and shaping cellular phenotypes throughout the neural axis. This review first discusses the benefits, challenges, and limitations of using organoids for studying human neurodevelopment and disease, comparing advantages and disadvantages with other in vivo and in vitro model systems. Next, we explore the range of control that SHH exhibits on human neurodevelopment, and the application of SHH to various stem cell methodologies, including organoids, to expand our understanding of human development and disease. We outline how this strategy will eventually bring us much closer to uncovering the intricacies of human neurodevelopment and biology.

Abstract 18845: Induced Cardiac Progenitor Cells Differentiate Into Cardiac Lineage Cells in vivo and Improve Survival in Mice post Myocardial Infarction

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik A Lalit ◽  
Max R Salick ◽  
Daryl O Nelson ◽  
Jayne M Squirrell ◽  
Christina M Shafer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Cardiac Progenitor Cells ◽  
Heart Tube ◽  
Whole Embryo Culture ◽  
Cardiac Actin ◽  
Cardiac Lineage

Several studies have reported reprogramming of fibroblasts (Fibs) to induced cardiomyocytes, and we have recently reprogrammed mouse Fibs to induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs), which may be more favorable for cardiac repair because of their expandability and multipotency. Adult cardiac (AC), lung and tail-tip Fibs from an Nkx2.5-EYFP reporter mouse were reprogrammed using a combination of five defined factors into iCPCs. Transcriptome and immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that iCPCs were cardiac mesoderm-restricted progenitors that expressed CPC markers including Nkx2.5, Gata4, Irx4, Tbx5, Cxcr4, Flk1 etc. iCPCs could be extensively expanded (over 30 passages) while maintaining multipotency to differentiate in vitro into cardiac lineage cells including cardiomyocytes (CMs), smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. iCPC derived CMs upon co-culture with mESC-derived CMs formed intercellular gap junctions, exhibited calcium transients, and contractions. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vivo potency of iCPCs. Given that the Nkx2.5-EYFP reporter identifies embryonic CPCs, we first tested the embryonic potency of iCPCs using an ex vivo whole embryo culture model injecting cells into the cardiac crescent (CC) of E8.5 mouse embryos and culturing for 24 to 48 hours. GFP labeled AC Fibs were first tested and live imaging revealed that after 24 hours these cells were rejected from the embryo proper and localized to the ecto-placental cone. In contrast, iCPCs reprogrammed from AC Fibs when injected into the CC localized to the developing heart tube and differentiated into MLC2v, αMHC and cardiac actin expressing CMs. Further we injected iCPCs into infarcted adult mouse hearts and determined their regenerative potential after 1-4 wks. The iCPCs significantly improved survival (p<0.01 Mantel-Cox test) in treated animals (75%) as compared to control (11%). Immunohistochemistry revealed that injected iCPCs localized to the scar area and differentiated into cardiac lineage cells including CMs (cardiac actin). These results indicate that lineage reprogramming of adult somatic cells into iCPCs provides a scalable cell source for cardiac regenerative therapy as well as drug discovery and disease modeling.

Abstract 518: In Vitro and in vivo Disease Modeling Using Patient Derived iPSCs to Characterize the Calcification Phenotype in Arterial Calcification Due to Deficiency of CD73

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia St. Hilaire ◽  
Hui Jin ◽  
Yuting Huang ◽  
Dan Yang ◽  
Alejandra Negro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Calcification ◽  
Disease Modeling ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Arterial Calcification ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
And Control

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease model to understand the process by which CD73-deficiency leads to vascular calcification in the disease, Arterial Calcification due to Deficiency of CD73 (ACDC). Approach & Results: ACDC is an autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations in the gene encoding for CD73, which converts extracellular AMP to adenosine. CD73-deficiency manifests with tortuosity and vascular calcification of the medial layer of lower-extremity arteries, a pathology associated with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We previously identified that dermal fibroblasts isolated from ACDC patients calcify in vitro, however in vivo studies of the vasculature are limited, as murine models of CD73 deficiency do not recapitulate the human disease phenotype. Thus, we created iPSCs from ACDC patients and control fibroblasts. ACDC and Control iPSCs form teratomas when injected in immune-compromised mice, however ACDC iPSC teratomas exhibit extensive calcifications. Control and ACDC iPSCs were differentiated down the mesenchymal lineage (MSC) and while there was no difference in chondrogenesis and adipogenesis, ACDC iMSCs underwent osteogenesis sooner than control iPSC, have higher activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), and lower levels of extracellular adenosine. During osteogenic simulation, TNAP activity in ACDC cells significantly increased adenosine levels, however, not to levels needed for functional compensatory stimulation of the adenosine receptors. Inhibition of TNAP with levimisole ablates this increase in adenosine. Treatment with an A2b adenosine receptor (AR) agonist drastically reduced TNAP activity in vitro, and calcification in ACDC teratomas, as did treatment with etidronate, which is currently being tested in a clinical trial on ACDC patients. Conclusions: These results illustrate a pro-osteogenic phenotype in CD73-deficient cells whereby TNAP activity attempts to compensate for CD73 deficiency, but subsequently induces calcification that can be reversed by activation of the A2bAR. The iPSC teratoma model may be used to screen other potential therapeutics for calcification disorders.

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