技术资料

Schizophrenia has been defined as a neurodevelopmental disease that causes changes in the process of thoughts,perceptions,and emotions,usually leading to a mental deterioration and affective blunting. Studies have shown altered cell respiration and oxidative stress response in schizophrenia; however,most of the knowledge has been acquired from postmortem brain analyses or from nonneural cells. Here we describe that neural cells,derived from induced pluripotent stem cells generated from skin fibroblasts of a schizophrenic patient,presented a twofold increase in extramitochondrial oxygen consumption as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS),when compared to controls. This difference in ROS levels was reverted by the mood stabilizer valproic acid. Our model shows evidence that metabolic changes occurring during neurogenesis are associated with schizophrenia,contributing to a better understanding of the development of the disease and highlighting potential targets for treatment and drug screening. View Publication

Lipid droplets,also called lipid bodies (LB) in inflammatory cells,are important cytoplasmic organelles. However,little is known about the molecular characteristics and functions of LBs in human mast cells (MC). Here,we have analyzed the genesis and components of LBs during differentiation of human peripheral blood-derived CD34(+) progenitors into connective tissue-type MCs. In our serum-free culture system,the maturing MCs,derived from 18 different donors,invariably developed triacylglycerol (TG)-rich LBs. Not known heretofore,the MCs transcribe the genes for perilipins (PLIN)1-4,but not PLIN5,and PLIN2 and PLIN3 display different degrees of LB association. Upon MC activation and ensuing degranulation,the LBs were not cosecreted with the cytoplasmic secretory granules. Exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) enhanced LB genesis in Triacsin C-sensitive fashion,and it was found to be preferentially incorporated into the TGs of LBs. The large TG-associated pool of AA in LBs likely is a major precursor for eicosanoid production by MCs. In summary,we demonstrate that cultured human MCs derived from CD34(+) progenitors in peripheral blood provide a new tool to study regulatory mechanisms involving LB functions,with particular emphasis on AA metabolism,eicosanoid biosynthesis,and subsequent release of proinflammatory lipid mediators from these cells. View Publication

Avian species are important model animals for developmental biology and disease research. However,unlike in mice,where clonal lines of pluripotent stem cells have enabled researchers to study mammalian gene function,clonal and highly proliferative pluripotent avian cell lines have been an elusive goal. Here we demonstrate the generation of avian induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs),the first nonmammalian iPSCs,which were clonally isolated and propagated,important attributes not attained in embryo-sourced avian cells. This was accomplished using human pluripotency genes rather than avian genes,indicating that the process in which mammalian and nonmammalian cells are reprogrammed is a conserved process. Quail iPSCs (qiPSCs) were capable of forming all 3 germ layers in vitro and were directly differentiated in culture into astrocytes,oligodendrocytes,and neurons. Ultimately,qiPSCs were capable of generating live chimeric birds and incorporated into tissues from all 3 germ layers,extraembryonic tissues,and potentially the germline. These chimera competent qiPSCs and in vitro differentiated cells offer insight into the conserved nature of reprogramming and genetic tools that were only previously available in mammals. View Publication

Recurrent chromosomal translocations involving the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL) gene initiate aggressive forms of leukaemia,which are often refractory to conventional therapies. Many MLL-fusion partners are members of the super elongation complex (SEC),a critical regulator of transcriptional elongation,suggesting that aberrant control of this process has an important role in leukaemia induction. Here we use a global proteomic strategy to demonstrate that MLL fusions,as part of SEC and the polymerase-associated factor complex (PAFc),are associated with the BET family of acetyl-lysine recognizing,chromatin 'adaptor' proteins. These data provided the basis for therapeutic intervention in MLL-fusion leukaemia,via the displacement of the BET family of proteins from chromatin. We show that a novel small molecule inhibitor of the BET family,GSK1210151A (I-BET151),has profound efficacy against human and murine MLL-fusion leukaemic cell lines,through the induction of early cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. I-BET151 treatment in two human leukaemia cell lines with different MLL fusions alters the expression of a common set of genes whose function may account for these phenotypic changes. The mode of action of I-BET151 is,at least in part,due to the inhibition of transcription at key genes (BCL2,C-MYC and CDK6) through the displacement of BRD3/4,PAFc and SEC components from chromatin. In vivo studies indicate that I-BET151 has significant therapeutic value,providing survival benefit in two distinct mouse models of murine MLL-AF9 and human MLL-AF4 leukaemia. Finally,the efficacy of I-BET151 against human leukaemia stem cells is demonstrated,providing further evidence of its potent therapeutic potential. These findings establish the displacement of BET proteins from chromatin as a promising epigenetic therapy for these aggressive leukaemias. View Publication

Chylomicron remnants (CMRs) contribute directly to human monocyte activation in vitro,by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell migration. In this study,the effects of the oxidative state of CMR on the degree of monocyte activation was investigated. CMR-like particles (CRLPs) were prepared in three different oxidative states,normal (CRLPs),protected from oxidation by incorporation of the antioxidant,probucol (pCRLPs),or oxidised with CuSO(4) (oxCRLPs). Lipid accumulation and ROS production were significantly increased in primary human monocytes incubated with CRLPs,whilst secretion on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was reduced,but oxCRLPs had no additional effect. In contrast,pCRLPs were taken up by monocytes to a lesser extent and had no significant effect on ROS or MCP-1 secretion. These studies suggest that the oxidative state of CMRs modulates their stimulation of the activation of peripheral blood human monocytes and that dietary antioxidants may provide some protection against these atherogenic effects. View Publication

Monocytes have long been considered a heterogeneous group of cells both in terms of morphology and function. In humans,three distinct subsets have been described based on their differential expression of the cell surface markers CD14 and CD16. However,the relationship between these subsets and the production of cytokines has for the most part been based on ELISA measurements,making it difficult to draw conclusions as to their functional profile on the cellular level. In the present study,we have investigated lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cytokine secretion by monocytes using the FluoroSpot technique. This method measures the number of cytokine secreting cells on the single cell level and uses fluorescent detection,allowing for the simultaneous analysis of two cytokines from the same population of isolated cells. By this approach,human monocytes from healthy volunteers could be divided into several subgroups as IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and MIP-1β were secreted by larger populations of responding cells (25.9-39.2%) compared to the smaller populations of GM-CSF (9.1%),IL-10 (1.3%) and IL-12p40 (1.2%). Furthermore,when studying co-secretion in FluoroSpot,an intricate relationship between the monocytes secreting IL-1β and/or IL-6 and those secreting TNF-α,MIP-1β,GM-CSF,IL-10 and IL-12p40 was revealed. In this way,dissecting the secretion pattern of the monocytes in response to TLR-2 or TLR-4 stimulation,several subpopulations with distinct cytokine secreting profiles could be identified. View Publication

Many human diseases share a developmental origin that manifests during childhood or maturity. Aneuploid syndromes are caused by supernumerary or reduced number of chromosomes and represent an extreme example of developmental disease,as they have devastating consequences before and after birth. Investigating how alterations in gene dosage drive these conditions is relevant because it might help treat some clinical aspects. It may also provide explanations as to how quantitative differences in gene expression determine phenotypic diversity and disease susceptibility among natural populations. Here,we aimed to produce induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines that can be used to improve our understanding of aneuploid syndromes. We have generated iPSCs from monosomy X [Turner syndrome (TS)],trisomy 8 (Warkany syndrome 2),trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and partial trisomy 11;22 (Emanuel syndrome),using either skin fibroblasts from affected individuals or amniocytes from antenatal diagnostic tests. These cell lines stably maintain the karyotype of the donors and behave like embryonic stem cells in all tested assays. TS iPSCs were used for further studies including global gene expression analysis and tissue-specific directed differentiation. Multiple clones displayed lower levels of the pseudoautosomal genes ASMTL and PPP2R3B than the controls. Moreover,they could be transformed into neural-like,hepatocyte-like and heart-like cells,but displayed insufficient up-regulation of the pseudoautosomal placental gene CSF2RA during embryoid body formation. These data support that abnormal organogenesis and early lethality in TS are not caused by a tissue-specific differentiation blockade,but rather involves other abnormalities including impaired placentation. View Publication

The ability to stimulate mammalian cells with light has significantly changed our understanding of electrically excitable tissues in health and disease,paving the way toward various novel therapeutic applications. Here,we demonstrate the potential of optogenetic control in cardiac cells using a hybrid experimental/computational technique. Experimentally,we introduced channelrhodopsin-2 into undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells via a lentiviral vector,and sorted and expanded the genetically engineered cells. Via directed differentiation,we created channelrhodopsin-expressing cardiomyocytes,which we subjected to optical stimulation. To quantify the impact of photostimulation,we assessed electrical,biochemical,and mechanical signals using patch-clamping,multielectrode array recordings,and video microscopy. Computationally,we introduced channelrhodopsin-2 into a classic autorhythmic cardiac cell model via an additional photocurrent governed by a light-sensitive gating variable. Upon optical stimulation,the channel opens and allows sodium ions to enter the cell,inducing a fast upstroke of the transmembrane potential. We calibrated the channelrhodopsin-expressing cell model using single action potential readings for different photostimulation amplitudes,pulse widths,and frequencies. To illustrate the potential of the proposed approach,we virtually injected channelrhodopsin-expressing cells into different locations of a human heart,and explored its activation sequences upon optical stimulation. Our experimentally calibrated computational toolbox allows us to virtually probe landscapes of process parameters,and identify optimal photostimulation sequences toward pacing hearts with light. ?? 2011 Biophysical Society. View Publication

BACKGROUND: Activity through NMDA type glutamate receptors sculpts connectivity in the developing nervous system. This topic is typically studied in the visual system in vivo,where activity of inputs can be differentially regulated,but in which individual synapses are difficult to visualize and mechanisms governing synaptic competition can be difficult to ascertain. Here,we develop a model of NMDA-receptor dependent synaptic competition in dissociated cultured hippocampal neurons. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: GluN1 -/- (KO) mouse hippocampal neurons lacking the essential NMDA receptor subunit were cultured alone or cultured in defined ratios with wild type (WT) neurons. The absence of functional NMDA receptors did not alter neuron survival. Synapse development was assessed by immunofluorescence for postsynaptic PSD-95 family scaffold and apposed presynaptic vesicular glutamate transporter VGlut1. Synapse density was specifically enhanced onto minority wild type neurons co-cultured with a majority of GluN1 -/- neighbour neurons,both relative to the GluN1 -/- neighbours and relative to sister pure wild type cultures. This form of synaptic competition was dependent on NMDA receptor activity and not conferred by the mere physical presence of GluN1. In contrast to these results in 10% WT and 90% KO co-cultures,synapse density did not differ by genotype in 50% WT and 50% KO co-cultures or in 90% WT and 10% KO co-cultures. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The enhanced synaptic density onto NMDA receptor-competent neurons in minority coculture with GluN1 -/- neurons represents a cell culture paradigm for studying synaptic competition. Mechanisms involved may include a retrograde 'reward' signal generated by WT neurons,although in this paradigm there was no 'punishment' signal against GluN1 -/- neurons. Cell culture assays involving such defined circuits may help uncover the rules and mechanisms of activity-dependent synaptic competition in the developing nervous system. View Publication

Pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes are currently being investigated for in vitro human heart models and as potential therapeutics for heart failure. In this study,we have developed a differentiation protocol that minimizes the need for specific human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line optimization. We first reduced the heterogeneity that exists within the starting population of bulk cultured hESCs by using cells adapted to single-cell passaging in a 2-dimensional (2D) culture format. Compared with bulk cultures,single-cell cultures comprised larger fractions of TG30(hi)/OCT4(hi) cells,corresponding to an increased expression of pluripotency markers OCT4 and NANOG,and reduced expression of early lineage-specific markers. A 2D temporal differentiation protocol was then developed,aimed at reducing the inherent heterogeneity and variability of embryoid body-based protocols,with induction of primitive streak cells using bone morphogenetic protein 4 and activin A,followed by cardiogenesis via inhibition of Wnt signaling using the small molecules IWP-4 or IWR-1. IWP-4 treatment resulted in a large percentage of cells expressing low amounts of cardiac myosin heavy chain and expression of early cardiac progenitor markers ISL1 and NKX2-5,thus indicating the production of large numbers of immature cardiomyocytes (˜65,000/cm(2) or ˜1.5 per input hESC). This protocol was shown to be effective in HES3,H9,and,to a lesser,extent,MEL1 hESC lines. In addition,we observed that IWR-1 induced predominantly atrial myosin light chain (MLC2a) expression,whereas IWP-4 induced expression of both atrial (MLC2a) and ventricular (MLC2v) forms. The intrinsic flexibility and scalability of this 2D protocol mean that the output population of primitive cardiomyocytes will be particularly accessible and useful for the investigation of molecular mechanisms driving terminal cardiomyocyte differentiation,and potentially for the future treatment of heart failure. View Publication

Notch signaling has been demonstrated to have a central role in glioblastoma (GBM) cancer stem cells (CSCs) and we have demonstrated recently that Notch pathway blockade by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) depletes GBM CSCs and prevents tumor propagation both in vitro and in vivo. In order to understand the proteome alterations involved in this transformation,a dose-dependent quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic study has been performed based on the global proteome profiling and a target verification phase where both Immunoassay and a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay are employed. The selection of putative protein candidates for confirmation poses a challenge due to the large number of identifications from the discovery phase. A multilevel filtering strategy together with literature mining is adopted to transmit the most confident candidates along the pipeline. Our results indicate that treating GBM CSCs with GSI induces a phenotype transformation towards non-tumorigenic cells with decreased proliferation and increased differentiation,as well as elevated apoptosis. Suppressed glucose metabolism and attenuated NFR2-mediated oxidative stress response are also suggested from our data,possibly due to their crosstalk with Notch Signaling. Overall,this quantitative proteomic-based dose-dependent work complements our current understanding of the altered signaling events occurring upon the treatment of GSI in GBM CSCs. View Publication

Activation of P2X(7) receptor (P2X(7)R) and pannexin have been implicated in membrane permeabilization associated with ischemic cell death and many other inflammatory processes. P2X(7)R has a unique property of forming large pore upon repeated or prolonged application of agonist like ATP or 2',3'-(4-benzoyl) benzoyl ATP. It has been proposed that pannexin 1 (panx1) hemichannel associates with P2X(7)R to form large pore,though the actual mechanism is not yet understood. Calcium concentration in extracellular milieu drops in many patho-physiological conditions,e.g. ischemia,when P2X(7)R/pannexin is also known to be activated. Therefore,we hypothesize that extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](o)) plays an important role in the coupling of P2X(7)R-panx1 and subsequent membrane permeabilization. In this study we show that membrane permeability of the P2X(7)R and panx1 expressing N2A cell increases in ([Ca(2+)](o))-free solution. In [Ca(2+)](o)-free solution,fluorescent dye calcein trapped cells exhibited time-dependent dye leakage resulting in about 50% decrease of fluorescence intensity in 30 min. Control cells in 2 mM [Ca(2+)](o) did not show such leakage. Like N2A cells,mixed culture of neuron and glia,derived from hippocampal progenitor cells showed similar dye leakage. Dye leakage was blocked either by pannexin-specific blocker,carbenoxolone or P2X(7)R antagonists,Brilliant Blue G,and oxidized ATP. Furthermore P2X(7)R and panx1 were co-immunoprecipitated. The amount of P2X(7)R protein pulled-down with panx1,increased by twofold when cells were incubated 30 min in [Ca(2+)](o)-free buffer. Taken together,the results of this study demonstrate the activation and association of P2X(7)R-panx1,triggered by the removal of [Ca(2+)](o). View Publication