[PDF][PDF] Neuron-glia interactions increase neuronal phenotypes in tuberous sclerosis complex patient iPSC-derived models

AG Nadadhur, M Alsaqati, L Gasparotto… - Stem Cell Reports, 2019 - cell.com
AG Nadadhur, M Alsaqati, L Gasparotto, P Cornelissen-Steijger, E van Hugte, S Dooves…
Stem Cell Reports, 2019cell.com
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from
autosomal dominant mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, leading to a hyperactivated
mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and gray and white matter defects in the
brain. To study the involvement of neuron-glia interactions in TSC phenotypes, we
generated TSC patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neuronal and
oligodendrocyte (OL) cultures. TSC neuron mono-cultures showed increased network …
Summary
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from autosomal dominant mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, leading to a hyperactivated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and gray and white matter defects in the brain. To study the involvement of neuron-glia interactions in TSC phenotypes, we generated TSC patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neuronal and oligodendrocyte (OL) cultures. TSC neuron mono-cultures showed increased network activity, as measured by calcium transients and action potential firing, and increased dendritic branching. However, in co-cultures with OLs, neuronal defects became more apparent, showing cellular hypertrophy and increased axonal density. In addition, TSC neuron-OL co-cultures showed increased OL cell proliferation and decreased OL maturation. Pharmacological intervention with the mTOR regulator rapamycin suppressed these defects. Our patient iPSC-based model, therefore, shows a complex cellular TSC phenotype arising from the interaction of neuronal and glial cells and provides a platform for TSC disease modeling and drug development.
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