Extracellular vesicles secreted by cumulus cells contain microRNAs that are potential regulatory factors of mouse oocyte developmental competence.

The role of cumulus cells (CCs) in the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence is not yet fully understood. In a previous study, we matured cumulus-denuded fully-grown mouse oocytes to metaphase II (MII) on a feeder layer of CCs (FL-CCs) isolated from developmentally competent (FL-SN-CCs) or incompetent (FL-NSN-CCs) SN (surrounded nucleolus) or NSN (not surrounding nucleolus) oocytes, respectively. We observed that oocytes cultured on the former could develop into blastocysts, while those matured on the latter arrested at the 2-cell stage. To investigate the CC factors contributing to oocyte developmental competence, here we focused on the CCs' release into the medium of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and on their miRNA content. We found that, during the 15-h transition to MII, both FL-SN-CCs and FL-NSN-CCs release EVs that can be detected, by confocal microscopy, inside the zona pellucida (ZP) or the ooplasm. The majority of EVs are <200 nm in size, which is compatible with their ability to cross the ZP. Next-generation sequencing of the miRNome of FL-SN-CC versus FL-NSN-CC EVs highlighted 74 differentially expressed miRNAs, with 43 up- and 31 down-regulated. Although most of these miRNAs do not have known roles in the ovary, in silico functional analysis showed that seven of these miRNAs regulate 71 target genes with specific roles in meiosis resumption (N = 24), follicle growth (N = 23), fertilization (N = 1), and the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence (N = 23). Overall, our results indicate CC EVs as emerging candidates of the CC-to-oocyte communication axis and uncover a group of miRNAs as potential regulatory factors.

Breast cancer patient-derived organoids for the investigation of patient-specific tumour evolution.

BACKGROUND: A reliable preclinical model of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) was developed in a case study of a 69-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) to investigate the tumour evolution before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The results were achieved due to the development of PDOs from tissues collected before (O-PRE) and after (O-POST) treatment. METHODS: PDO cultures were characterized by histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and drug screening. RESULTS: Both PDO cultures recapitulated the histological and molecular profiles of the original tissues, and they showed typical mammary gland organization, confirming their reliability as a personalized in vitro model. Compared with O-PRE, O-POST had a greater proliferation rate with a significant increase in the Ki67 proliferation index. Moreover O-POST exhibited a more stem-like and aggressive phenotype, with increases in the CD24low/CD44low and EPCAMlow/CD49fhigh cell populations characterized by increased tumour initiation potential and multipotency and metastatic potential in invasive lobular carcinoma. Analysis of ErbB receptor expression indicated a decrease in HER-2 expression coupled with an increase in EGFR expression in O-POST. In this context, deregulation of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was assessed by transcriptomic analysis, confirming the altered transcriptional profile. Finally, transcriptomic single-cell analysis identified 11 cell type clusters, highlighting the selection of the luminal component and the decrease in the number of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition cell types in O-POST. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant treatment contributed to the enrichment of cell populations with luminal phenotypes that were more resistant to chemotherapy in O-POST. PDOs represent an excellent 3D cell model for assessing disease evolution.

Functional Study of SNCA p.V15A Variant: Further Linking α-Synuclein and Glucocerebrosidase.

BACKGROUND: SNCA p.V15A was reported in five families. In vitro models showed increased aggregation and seeding activity, mitochondrial damage, and apoptosis. Mutant flies had reduced flying ability and survival. OBJECTIVES: To clinically and functionally evaluate SNCA p.V15A in a large Italian family with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Genetic diagnosis was reached through next-generation sequencing. Pathogenicity was assessed by molecular dynamics simulation and biochemical studies on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RESULTS: Five siblings carried SNCA p.V15A; three developed bradykinetic-rigid PD in their 50s with rapid motor progression and variable cognitive impairment. A fourth sibling had isolated mood disturbance, whereas the fifth was still unaffected at age 47. The mutant protein showed decreased stability and an unstable folded structure. Proband's PBMCs showed elevated total and phosphorylated α-synuclein (α-syn) levels and significantly reduced glucocerebrosidase activity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates accumulation of α-synV15A in PBMCs and strengthens the link between α-syn pathophysiology and glucocerebrosidase dysfunction. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Space research to explore novel biochemical insights on Earth.

Travel to space has overcome unprecedent technological challenges and this has resulted in transfer of these technological results on Earth to better our lives. Health technology, medical devices, and research advancements in human biology are the first beneficiaries of this transfer. The real breakthrough came with the International Space Station, which endorsed multidisciplinary international scientific collaborations and boosted the research on pathophysiological adaptation of astronauts to life on space. These studies evidenced that life in space appeared to have exposed the astronauts to an accelerated aging-related pathophysiological dysregulation across multiple systems. In this review we emphasize the interaction between several biomarkers and their alteration in concentrations/expression/function by space stress factors. These altered interactions, suggest that different biochemical and hormonal factors, and cell signals, contribute to a complex network of pathophysiological mechanisms, orchestrating the homeostatic dysregulation of various organs/metabolic pathways. The main effects of space travel on altering cell organelles biology, ultrastructure, and cross-talk, have been observed in cell aging as well as in the disruption of metabolic pathways, which are also the causal factor of rare inherited metabolic disorders, one of the major pediatric health issue. The pathophysiologic breakthrough from space research could allow the development of precision health both on Earth and Space by promoting the validation of improved biomarker-based risk scores and the exploration of new pathophysiologic hypotheses and therapeutic targets. Nonstandard abbreviations: International Space Station (ISS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), European Space Agency (ESA), National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), high sensitive troponin (hs-cTn), high sensitive troponin I (hs-cTn I), high sensitive troponin T, Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), N terminal Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-BNP), cardiovascular disease (CVD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), urinary hydroxyproline (uHP), urinary C- and N-terminal telopeptides (uCTX and uNTX), pyridinoline (PYD), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), half-time (HF), serum Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (sBSAP), serum Alkaline Phosphatase (sAP), Carboxy-terminal Propeptide of Type 1 Procollagen (P1CP), serum Osteocalcin (sOC)), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), Growth Hormone (GH), amino acid (AA), ß-hydroxy-ß methyl butyrate (HMB), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Towards genomic-Newborn Screening: Technical feasibility of Exome Sequencing starting from dried blood spots.

Each year thousands of babies are born with rare genetic disorders not identified by current NBS panels, due to programs which are not yet optimal. Next-generation sequencing technologies have the potential to overcome many NBS drawbacks and provide large amounts of molecular data, broadening the number of diseases investigated. Here, we design and set up an NGS-based approach to evaluate the feasibility of NGS from dried blood spot starting from 34 DBSs. After assessing gDNA yield and integrity, libraries were performed using three target enrichment approaches, sequenced on NS500 platform, and analyzed on commercial platform. Specifically, we focus on virtual gene panels related to highly actionable neonatal/pediatric disorders. WES show that amount and quality of DBS-extracted gDNA are suitable for high-throughput sequencing. We obtain 500-1500 ng for each specimen, 1.7-1.8 260/280 wavelength, and DIN of 7 resulting DNA integrity, on par with traditional venous blood collection. A high read depth with 94.3% coverage uniformity is achieved for all samples. Data results on mean coverage are comparable among the different workflows tested and demonstrate that DBS from newborn collected at birth is a suitable material for the developing of gNBS programs.

Activated Human Adipose Tissue Transplantation Promotes Sensorimotor Recovery after Acute Spinal Cord Contusion in Rats.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often result in sensory, motor, and vegetative function loss below the injury site. Although preclinical results have been promising, significant solutions for SCI patients have not been achieved through translating repair strategies to clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the effective potential of mechanically activated lipoaspirated adipose tissue when transplanted into the epicenter of a thoracic spinal contusion. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: SHAM (uninjured and untreated), NaCl (spinal cord contusion with NaCl application), and AF (spinal cord contusion with transplanted activated human fat). Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) were measured to assess endogenous inflammation levels 14 days after injury. Sensorimotor recovery was monitored weekly for 12 weeks, and gait and electrophysiological analyses were performed at the end of this observational period. The results indicated that AF reduced endogenous inflammation post-SCI and there was a significant improvement in sensorimotor recovery. Moreover, activated adipose tissue also reinstated the segmental sensorimotor loop and the communication between supra- and sub-lesional spinal cord regions. This investigation highlights the efficacy of activated adipose tissue grafting in acute SCI, suggesting it is a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord repair after traumatic contusion in humans.

Role of epigenetics and alterations in RNA metabolism in leukodystrophies.

Leukodystrophies are a class of rare heterogeneous disorders which affect the white matter of the brain, ultimately leading to a disruption in brain development and a damaging effect on cognitive, motor and social-communicative development. These disorders present a great clinical heterogeneity, along with a phenotypic overlap and this could be partially due to contributions from environmental stimuli. It is in this context that there is a great need to investigate what other factors may contribute to both disease insurgence and phenotypical heterogeneity, and novel evidence are raising the attention toward the study of epigenetics and transcription mechanisms that can influence the disease phenotype beyond genetics. Modulation in the epigenetics machinery including histone modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs dysregulation, could be crucial players in the development of these disorders, and moreover an aberrant RNA maturation process has been linked to leukodystrophies. Here, we provide an overview of these mechanisms hoping to supply a closer step toward the analysis of leukodystrophies not only as genetically determined but also with an added level of complexity where epigenetic dysregulation is of key relevance. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNA RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

Stroke and Stroke-Like Episodes: Recurrent Manifestations in GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Since the initial description of glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1-DS) the phenotype of the condition has expanded, even leading to the recognition of atypical manifestations. We report on eight patients with Glut1-DS who experienced at least one episode of acute focal neurological deficits. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis, collecting clinical, electrophysiological, neuroradiological, and genetic information. We focused in particular on three well-documented cases. RESULTS: Among 42 patients with Glut1-DS, eight individuals aged between six and 38 years presented with an acute onset of neurological disturbances: dysarthria/aphasia, oral dyskinesia, swallowing difficulties, paresthesia, facial palsy, hemi/monoplegia, vomiting, headache, and behavioral disturbances. When performed, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed signs of venous congestion and hypoperfusion and electroencephalography showed focal contralateral slowing. Deficits were transient in all patients but one. Four patients (50%) were on a ketogenic diet (KD), and two of these patients had lower than usual ketonemia levels during the episode. In two patients, MRI demonstrated the presence of an ischemic brain lesion. CONCLUSIONS: In Glut1-DS, stroke-like episodes are a recurrent manifestation, particularly during early adulthood, and they were reported in 19% of the patients in our cohort. Stroke mimics should be considered a key feature of Glut1-DS, as other paroxysmal disorders. It remains to be established whether a KD can prevent the recurrence of episodes and, if so, at what level of ketosis. Further observations are needed to confirm the correlation between Glut1-DS and ischemic stroke.

Production of an induced pluripotent stem cell line CSSi018-A (14192) from a patient with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 7 (HLD7) carrying biallelic variants of POLR3A (c.1802 T > A; c.4072G > A).

Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HLD) are a group of heterogeneous genetic disorders characterized by a deficit in myelin deposition during brain development. Specifically, 4H-Leukodystrophy is a recessive disease due to biallelic mutations in the POLR3A gene, which encodes one of the subunits forming the catalytic core of RNA polymerase III (PolIII). The disease also presents non-neurological signs such as hypodontia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Here, we report the generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line from fibroblasts of the first identified carrier of the biallelic POLR3A variants c.1802 T > A and c.4072G > A.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes might predict frailty in SAMP8 mice.

Frailty is a geriatric, multi-dimensional syndrome that reflects multisystem physiological change and is a transversal measure of reduced resilience to negative events. It is characterized by weakness, frequent falls, cognitive decline, increased hospitalization and dead and represents a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The fact that frailty is recognized as a reversible condition encourages the identification of earlier biomarkers to timely predict and prevent its occurrence. SAMP8 (Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone-8) mice represent the most appropriate preclinical model to this aim and were used in this study to carry transcriptional and metabolic analyses in the brain and plasma, respectively, upon a characterization at cognitive, motor, structural, and neuropathological level at 2.5, 6, and 9 months of age. At 2.5 months, SAMP8 mice started displaying memory deficits, muscle weakness, and motor impairment. Functional alterations were associated with a neurodevelopmental deficiency associated with reduced neuronal density and glial cell loss. Through transcriptomics, we identified specific genetic signatures well distinguishing SAMP8 mice at 6 months, whereas plasma metabolomics allowed to segregate SAMP8 mice from SAMR1 already at 2.5 months of age by detecting constitutively lower levels of acylcarnitines and lipids in SAMP8 at all ages investigated correlating with functional deficits and neuropathological signs. Our findings suggest that specific genetic alterations at central level, as well as metabolomic changes in plasma, might allow to early assess a frail condition leading to dementia development, which paves the foundation for future investigation in a clinical setting.

Functional analysis and transcriptome profile of meninges and skin fibroblasts from human-aged donors.

The central nervous system (CNS) is surrounded by three membranes called meninges. Specialised fibroblasts, originating from the mesoderm and neural crest, primarily populate the meninges and serve as a binding agent. Our goal was to compare fibroblasts from meninges and skin obtained from the same human-aged donors, exploring their molecular and cellular characteristics related to CNS functions. We isolated meningeal fibroblasts (MFs) from brain donors and skin fibroblasts (SFs) from the same subjects. A functional analysis was performed measuring cell appearance, metabolic activity, and cellular orientation. We examined fibronectin, serpin H1, ß-III-tubulin, and nestin through qPCR and immunofluorescence. A whole transcriptome analysis was also performed to characterise the gene expression of MFs and SFs. MFs appeared more rapidly in the post-tissue processing, while SFs showed an elevated cellular metabolism and a well-defined cellular orientation. The four markers were mostly similar between the MFs and SFs, except for nestin, more expressed in MFs. Transcriptome analysis reveals significant differences, particularly in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) metabolism and response to forskolin, both of which are upregulated in MFs. This study highlights MFs' unique characteristics, including the timing of appearance, metabolic activity, and gene expression patterns, particularly in cAMP metabolism and response to forskolin. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of non-neuronal cells' involvement in CNS activities and potentially open avenues for therapeutic exploration.

Effective lowering of α-synuclein expression by targeting G-quadruplex structures within the SNCA gene.

Alpha-synuclein, encoded by the SNCA gene, is a pivotal protein implicated in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease. Current approaches for modulating alpha-synuclein levels involve antisense nucleotides, siRNAs, and small molecules targeting SNCA's 5'-UTR mRNA. Here, we propose a groundbreaking strategy targeting G-quadruplex structures to effectively modulate SNCA gene expression and lowering alpha-synuclein amount. Novel G-quadruplex sequences, identified on the SNCA gene's transcription starting site and 5'-UTR of SNCA mRNAs, were experimentally confirmed for their stability through biophysical assays and in vitro experiments on human genomic DNA. Biological validation in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells revealed that well-known G-quadruplex ligands remarkably stabilized these structures, inducing the modulation of SNCA mRNAs expression, and the effective decrease in alpha-synuclein amount. Besides, a novel peptide nucleic acid conjugate, designed to selectively disrupt of G-quadruplex within the SNCA gene promoter, caused a promising lowering of both SNCA mRNA and alpha-synuclein protein. Altogether our findings highlight G-quadruplexes' key role as intriguing biological targets in achieving a notable and successful reduction in alpha-synuclein expression, pointing to a novel approach against synucleinopathies.

Corrigendum: Newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in Italy: diagnostic algorithm and disease monitoring.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1072256.].