Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare and severe neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). While the exact disease mechanism remains unknown, previous studies suggest that mutant GFAP influences many cellular processes, including cytoskeleton stability, mechanosensing, metabolism, and proteasome function. While most studies have primarily focused on GFAP-expressing astrocytes, GFAP is also expressed by radial glia and neural progenitor cells, prompting questions about the impact of GFAP mutations on central nervous system (CNS) development. In this study, we observed impaired differentiation of astrocytes and neurons in co-cultures of astrocytes and neurons, as well as in neural organoids, both generated from AxD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with a GFAPR239C mutation. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified distinct cell populations and transcriptomic differences between the mutant GFAP cultures and a corrected isogenic control. These findings were supported by results obtained with immunocytochemistry and proteomics. In co-cultures, the GFAPR239C mutation resulted in an increased abundance of immature cells, while in unguided neural organoids and cortical organoids, we observed altered lineage commitment and reduced abundance of astrocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed increased stress susceptibility, cytoskeletal abnormalities, and altered extracellular matrix and cell-cell communication patterns in the AxD cultures, which also exhibited higher cell death after stress. Overall, our results point to altered cell differentiation in AxD patient-derived iPS-cell models, opening new avenues for AxD research.
- MeSH
- Alexanderova nemoc * genetika patologie metabolismus MeSH
- astrocyty * metabolismus patologie MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace * fyziologie MeSH
- gliový fibrilární kyselý protein * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- kokultivační techniky MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mutace MeSH
- nervové kmenové buňky metabolismus MeSH
- neurony metabolismus patologie MeSH
- organoidy metabolismus patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The combination of aminophylline and salbutamol is frequently used in clinical practice in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases. While the side effects (including arrhythmias) of the individual bronchodilator drugs were well described previously, the side effects of combined treatment are almost unknown. We aimed to study the arrhythmogenic potential of combined aminophylline and salbutamol treatment in vitro. For this purpose, we used the established atomic force microscopy (AFM) model coupled with cardiac organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs). We focused on the chronotropic, inotropic, and arrhythmogenic effects of salbutamol alone and aminophylline and salbutamol combined treatment. We used a method based on heart rate/beat rate variability (HRV/BRV) analysis to detect arrhythmic events in the hPSC-CM based AFM recordings. Salbutamol and aminophylline had a synergistic chronotropic and inotropic effect compared to the effects of monotherapy. Our main finding was that salbutamol reduced the arrhythmogenic effect of aminophylline, most likely mediated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase activated by beta-2 adrenergic receptors. These findings were replicated and confirmed using hPSC-CM derived from two cell lines (CCTL4 and CCTL12). Data suggest that salbutamol as an add-on therapy may not only deliver a bronchodilator effect but also increase the cardiovascular safety of aminophylline, as salbutamol reduces its arrhythmogenic potential.
- MeSH
- albuterol * farmakologie MeSH
- aminofylin * farmakologie MeSH
- bronchodilatancia farmakologie MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- kardiomyocyty účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikroskopie atomárních sil MeSH
- pluripotentní kmenové buňky účinky léků cytologie MeSH
- srdeční arytmie * farmakoterapie MeSH
- srdeční frekvence účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy caused by a 1.5 Mb tandem duplication of chromosome 17 harbouring the PMP22 gene. This dose-dependent overexpression of PMP22 results in disrupted Schwann cell myelination of peripheral nerves. To obtain better insights into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms in CMT1A, we investigated the role of PMP22 duplication in cellular homeostasis in CMT1A mouse models and in patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells differentiated into Schwann cell precursors (iPSC-SCPs). We performed lipidomic profiling and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on sciatic nerves of two developing CMT1A mouse models and on CMT1A patient-derived iPSC-SCPs. For the sciatic nerves of the CMT1A mice, cholesterol and lipid metabolism was downregulated in a dose-dependent manner throughout development. For the CMT1A iPSC-SCPs, transcriptional analysis unveiled a strong suppression of genes related to autophagy and lipid metabolism. Gene ontology enrichment analysis identified disturbances in pathways related to plasma membrane components and cell receptor signalling. Lipidomic analysis confirmed the severe dysregulation in plasma membrane lipids, particularly sphingolipids, in CMT1A iPSC-SCPs. Furthermore, we identified reduced lipid raft dynamics, disturbed plasma membrane fluidity and impaired cholesterol incorporation and storage, all of which could result from altered lipid storage homeostasis in the patient-derived CMT1A iPSC-SCPs. Importantly, this phenotype could be rescued by stimulating autophagy and lipolysis. We conclude that PMP22 duplication disturbs intracellular lipid storage and leads to a more disordered plasma membrane owing to an alteration in the lipid composition, which might ultimately lead to impaired axo-glial interactions. Moreover, targeting lipid handling and metabolism could hold promise for the treatment of patients with CMT1A.
- MeSH
- buněčná membrána * metabolismus MeSH
- Charcotova-Marieova-Toothova nemoc * genetika metabolismus patologie MeSH
- duplikace genu MeSH
- homeostáza * fyziologie MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolismus lipidů * fyziologie MeSH
- myelinové proteiny * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nervus ischiadicus metabolismus MeSH
- Schwannovy buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from two related patients diagnosed with either idiopathic ventricular fibrillation or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, carrying an unknown variant in the RYR2 gene, c.14201A>G (p.Y4734C) and one healthy related individual. Reprogramming was done using a commercially available Epi5 Reprogramming Kit. The pluripotency of the iPSC lines was verified by the expression of pluripotency markers and by their capacity to differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers in vitro. These iPSC lines are available for functional analysis and in vitro studies of RYR2 channelopathy.
- MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fibrilace komor * genetika MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- komorová tachykardie * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ryanodinový receptor vápníkového kanálu * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
The foundations of cell reprogramming were laid by Yamanaka and co-workers, who showed that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells (induced pluripotency). Since this discovery, the field of regenerative medicine has seen advancements. For example, because they can differentiate into multiple cell types, pluripotent stem cells are considered vital components in regenerative medicine aimed at the functional restoration of damaged tissue. Despite years of research, both replacement and restoration of failed organs/ tissues have remained elusive scientific feats. However, with the inception of cell engineering and nuclear reprogramming, useful solutions have been identified to counter the need for compatible and sustainable organs. By combining the science underlying genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming with regenerative medicine, scientists have engineered cells to make gene and stem cell therapies applicable and effective. These approaches have enabled the targeting of various pathways to reprogramme cells, i.e., make them behave in beneficial ways in a patient-specific manner. Technological advancements have clearly supported the concept and realization of regenerative medicine. Genetic engineering is used for tissue engineering and nuclear reprogramming and has led to advances in regenerative medicine. Targeted therapies and replacement of traumatized , damaged, or aged organs can be realized through genetic engineering. Furthermore, the success of these therapies has been validated through thousands of clinical trials. Scientists are currently evaluating induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTSCs), which may lead to tumour-free applications of pluripotency induction. In this review, we present state-of-the-art genetic engineering that has been used in regenerative medicine. We also focus on ways that genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming have transformed regenerative medicine and have become unique therapeutic niches.
- MeSH
- genetické inženýrství MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky metabolismus cytologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- přeprogramování buněk * MeSH
- regenerativní lékařství * MeSH
- tkáňové inženýrství MeSH
- vývojová biologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting nearly 1%-2% of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatment and regimen adjustments are aimed at controlling seizures; however, they are ineffective in one-third of the patients. Although neuronal hyperexcitability was previously thought to be mainly due to ion channel alterations, current research has revealed other contributing molecular pathways, including processes involved in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, axon guidance, inflammation, and others. Some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy are caused by genetic defects that constitute potential targets for precision therapy. Although such approaches are increasingly important, they are still in the early stages of development. This review aims to provide a summary of practical aspects of the employment of in vitro human cell culture models in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and research. First, we briefly summarize the genetic testing that may result in the detection of candidate pathogenic variants in genes involved in epilepsy pathogenesis. Consequently, we review existing in vitro cell models, including induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells, providing their specific properties, validity, and employment in research pipelines. We cover two methodological approaches. The first approach involves the utilization of somatic cells directly obtained from individual patients, while the second approach entails the utilization of characterized cell lines. The models are evaluated in terms of their research and clinical benefits, relevance to the in vivo conditions, legal and ethical aspects, time and cost demands, and available published data. Despite the methodological, temporal, and financial demands of the reviewed models they possess high potential to be used as robust systems in routine testing of pathogenicity of detected variants in the near future and provide a solid experimental background for personalized therapy of genetic epilepsies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but current treatments fail for many patients. Beyond traditional ion channel alterations, various genetic factors contribute to the disorder's complexity. This review explores how in vitro human cell models, either from patients or from cell lines, can aid in understanding epilepsy's genetic roots and developing personalized therapies. While these models require further investigation, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of genetic forms of epilepsy.
- MeSH
- buněčné kultury * MeSH
- epilepsie * genetika terapie MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- neurony metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Lithium (Li) is one of the most effective drugs for treating bipolar disorder (BD), however, there is presently no way to predict response to guide treatment. The aim of this study is to identify functional genes and pathways that distinguish BD Li responders (LR) from BD Li non-responders (NR). An initial Pharmacogenomics of Bipolar Disorder study (PGBD) GWAS of lithium response did not provide any significant results. As a result, we then employed network-based integrative analysis of transcriptomic and genomic data. In transcriptomic study of iPSC-derived neurons, 41 significantly differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified in LR vs NR regardless of lithium exposure. In the PGBD, post-GWAS gene prioritization using the GWA-boosting (GWAB) approach identified 1119 candidate genes. Following DE-derived network propagation, there was a highly significant overlap of genes between the top 500- and top 2000-proximal gene networks and the GWAB gene list (Phypergeometric = 1.28E-09 and 4.10E-18, respectively). Functional enrichment analyses of the top 500 proximal network genes identified focal adhesion and the extracellular matrix (ECM) as the most significant functions. Our findings suggest that the difference between LR and NR was a much greater effect than that of lithium. The direct impact of dysregulation of focal adhesion on axon guidance and neuronal circuits could underpin mechanisms of response to lithium, as well as underlying BD. It also highlights the power of integrative multi-omics analysis of transcriptomic and genomic profiling to gain molecular insights into lithium response in BD.
- MeSH
- antimanika farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- bipolární porucha * farmakoterapie genetika MeSH
- celogenomová asociační studie * metody MeSH
- farmakogenetika metody MeSH
- fokální adheze * účinky léků genetika MeSH
- genomika metody MeSH
- genové regulační sítě * účinky léků genetika MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lithium * farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- multiomika MeSH
- neurony metabolismus účinky léků MeSH
- sloučeniny lithia farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- stanovení celkové genové exprese metody MeSH
- transkriptom * genetika účinky léků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
Alpers' syndrome is an early-onset neurodegenerative disorder usually caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of polymerase-gamma (POLG), which is essential for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication. The disease is progressive, incurable, and inevitably it leads to death from drug-resistant status epilepticus. The neurological features of Alpers' syndrome are intractable epilepsy and developmental regression, with no effective treatment; the underlying mechanisms are still elusive, partially due to lack of good experimental models. Here, we generated the patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from one Alpers' patient carrying the compound heterozygous mutations of A467T (c.1399G>A) and P589L (c.1766C>T), and further differentiated them into cortical organoids and neural stem cells (NSCs) for mechanistic studies of neural dysfunction in Alpers' syndrome. Patient cortical organoids exhibited a phenotype that faithfully replicated the molecular changes found in patient postmortem brain tissue, as evidenced by cortical neuronal loss and depletion of mtDNA and complex I (CI). Patient NSCs showed mitochondrial dysfunction leading to ROS overproduction and downregulation of the NADH pathway. More importantly, the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) significantly ameliorated mitochondrial defects in patient brain organoids. Our findings demonstrate that the iPSC model and brain organoids are good in vitro models of Alpers' disease; this first-in-its-kind stem cell platform for Alpers' syndrome enables therapeutic exploration and has identified NR as a viable drug candidate for Alpers' disease and, potentially, other mitochondrial diseases with similar causes.
- MeSH
- DNA polymeráza gama MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mitochondriální DNA genetika MeSH
- mitochondriální nemoci * MeSH
- mutace MeSH
- NAD genetika MeSH
- niacinamid analogy a deriváty MeSH
- pyridinové sloučeniny * MeSH
- Schilderova difuzní cerebroskleróza * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from a patient diagnosed with spontaneous late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) carrying ApoE3/3 gene and one age-, sex-, and ApoE-matched healthy control. Reprogramming was done using a commercially available Epi5 Reprogramming Kit containing OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and L-MYC as reprogramming factors. The pluripotency of the iPSC lines was verified by the expression of pluripotency markers and by their capacity to differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers in vitro. These newly established iPSC lines offer a valuable platform for in vitro modeling of AD.
- MeSH
- Alzheimerova nemoc * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- apolipoprotein E3 genetika MeSH
- buněčná diferenciace MeSH
- genotyp MeSH
- indukované pluripotentní kmenové buňky * metabolismus MeSH
- Krüppel-like faktor 4 MeSH
- leukocyty mononukleární metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
During the past two decades, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been widely used to study human neural development and disease. Especially in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD), remarkable effort has been put into investigating molecular mechanisms behind this disease. Then, with the advent of 3D neuronal cultures and cerebral organoids (COs), several studies have demonstrated that this model can adequately mimic familial and sporadic AD. Therefore, we created an AD-CO model using iPSCs derived from patients with familial AD forms and explored early events and the progression of AD pathogenesis. Our study demonstrated that COs derived from three AD-iPSC lines with PSEN1(A246E) or PSEN2(N141I) mutations developed the AD-specific markers in vitro, yet they also uncover tissue patterning defects and altered development. These findings are complemented by single-cell sequencing data confirming this observation and uncovering that neurons in AD-COs likely differentiate prematurely.
