Project description:We obtained skin fibroblasts from CMT1A and control patients, and generated hiPSCs which were subsequently differentiated into cd49d+ human Schwann cells. We utilized microarray technology to explore the gene expression profiles of cd49d+ Schwann cells CMT1A hiPSCs, control hiPSCs, and control human embryonic stem cells in order to identify potentially disregulated pathways contributing to CMT1A pathogenesis. Patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great promise for disease modeling of genetic disorders. Often the findings from hiPSC-based studies are validated with genetically-corrected hiPSCs generated by precise genome editing technologies, however, alternatives that have not yet been employed are validation with embryonic stem cells harboring the same disease mutation or utilizing another reprogramming approach from somatic cells of same patients. Here we report that disease-relevant phenotypes found in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A)-hiPSC-derived Schwann cells were further confirmed by two additional congruent CMT1A models as an alternative to gene correction. We have devised a defined and relatively fast protocol for the direct derivation and prospective isolation of Schwann cells from hiPSCs, leading us to uncover a phenotype of dysregulated immune signaling in CMT1A-hiPSCs-Schwann cells. Our study illustrates the promise of applying hiPSC technology to one of the most common hereditary neuropathies for gaining new insights into human disease pathogenesis and treatment, and these results demonstrate the feasibility of verifying disease phenotypes by utilizing the malleability of cellular fates.
Project description:Three CMT1A patient Schwann cell populations which were derived from hESC, hiPSC, or direct converted hiNC share the disease relevant phenotypes. From comparing deep sequencing results of these populations, potential therapeutic targets were newly identified.
Project description:Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A), a prevalent progressive demyelinating peripheral neuropathy is caused by a duplication of the peripheral myelin protein (PMP22) gene. PMP22 is crucial for formation of compact myelin, but the mechanism by which PMP22 overexpression results in CMT1A pathogenesis remains elusive. To investigate these mechanisms, we analyzed the C3 and C22 mouse models, carrying 5 and 10 additional copies of the human PMP22 gene, at five developmental stages (3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 weeks of age). We focused on alterations in lipid synthesis associated with PMP22 overexpression and disease progression, and found a clear gene-dosage effect. In addition, we examined mice on the C3 background with a Schwann cell–specific c-Jun knockout. Our findings suggest potential avenues for dietary interventions, to improve myelination in CMT1A.
Project description:Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A is a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy caused by the duplication of peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), which produces muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the hands and feet. A recent case-only genome wide association study by the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium identified a strong association between variants in signal induced proliferation associated 1 like 2 (SIPA1L2) and strength of foot dorsiflexion. To validate SIPA1L2 as a candidate modifier, and to assess its potential as a therapeutic target, we engineered mice with a deletion in SIPA1L2 and crossed them to the C3-PMP22 mouse model of CMT1A. We performed neuromuscular phenotyping and identified an interaction between Sipa1l2 deletion and muscular endurance decrements assayed by wire-hang duration in C3-PMP22 mice, as well as several interactions in femoral nerve axon morphometrics such as myelin thickness. Gene expression changes suggested an involvement of Sipa1l2 in cholesterol biosynthesis, which was also implicated in C3-PMP22 mice. Though several interactions between Sipa1l2 deletion and CMT1A-associated phenotypes were identified, validating a genetic interaction, the overall effect on neuropathy was small.
Project description:A wild-type or Piezo1-deficient colon cancer cell line CMT-93 was stimulated with single-strand RNA (ssRNA) or Yoda-1, and gene expression was compared by using microarray.