Project description:Human forebrain organoids (day 42) derived from U1M and U2F iPS cell lines were exposed with or without 1 mM valproic acid (VPA) for 72h. Organoids were then randomly selected for RNA sequencing, we found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by VPA exposure that shared in both U1M and U2F were enriched with neural development, synaptic transmission, calcium and potassium signaling pathways. The DEGs were also significantly enriched with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-associated genes, including genes dysregulated in brains or organoids derived from ASD patients, and known ASD risk genes, as well as genes in ASD risk-associated gene coexpression modules.
Project description:Human forebrain organoids (day 50) derived from U1M and U2F iPS cell lines were exposed with or without 1 mM valproic acid (VPA) for 72h. Organoids were then used for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Through data processing, ten major cell types including astrocyte, choroid plexus, endothelia, intermediate progenitor cells, medial ganglionic eminence, radial glia, immature neuron, excitatory and inhibitory neuron, and microglia-like cells were identified. We found that VPA affected gene expression in choroid plexus, excitatory neuron, immature neuron, and medial ganglionic eminence cells. The cell type-specific DEGs were enriched with mitotic nuclear division, multiple neuronal functions, and response to type I interferon and virus.
Project description:Valproic acid (VPA) exposure as an environmental factor that confers risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its functional mechanisms in the human brain remain unclear since relevant studies are currently restricted to two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models. To identify mechanisms by which VPA contribute to ASD risk in human, here we used human forebrain organoids (hFOs), in vitro derived three-dimensional cell cultures that recapitulate key human brain developmental features. We identified that VPA exposure in hFOs affected the expression of genes enriched in neural development, synaptic transmission, oxytocin signaling, calcium, and potassium signaling pathways, which have been implicated in ASD. Genes (e.g., CAMK4, CLCN4, DPP10, GABRB3, KCNB1, PRKCB, SCN1A, and SLC24A2) that affected by VPA were significantly overlapped with those dysregulated in brains or organoids derived from ASD patients, and known ASD risk genes, as well as genes in ASD risk-associated gene coexpression modules. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that VPA exposure affected the expression of genes in choroid plexus, excitatory neuron, immature neuron, and medial ganglionic eminence cells annotated in hFOs. Microelectrode array further identified that VPA exposure in hFOs disrupted synaptic transmission. Taken together, this study connects VPA exposure to ASD pathogenesis using hFOs, which is valuable for illuminating the etiology of ASD and screening for potential therapeutic targets.
Project description:Description: RNA-seq of total RNA isolated from dorsal forebrain organoids at days 50 and 55 of differentiation. The study aimed at investigating the effects of 5 or 10 days of Hyper-IL-6 exposure on transcriptional profiles of dorsal forebrain organoids.
Project description:We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of dorsal forebrain organoids at day 53 of differentiation upon treatment with Hyper-IL-6. The study aimed at investigation of the effects of Hyper-IL-6 on transcriptional profiles of dorsal forebrain organoids at single-cell level.
Project description:We established PCCB knockdown human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). The established PCCB knockdown and control hiPSCs were then used to generate human forebrain organoids (hFOs). On day 60 of organoid culture, PCCB knockdown and control hFOs were randomly selected for RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). We found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) affected by PCCB knockdown were enriched with GABAergic synapse, synaptic vesicle cycle, neurotransmitter transport, forebrain development, axon development, synaptic organization, and calcium signaling pathways. The DEGs were also significantly overlapped with schizophrenia (SCZ)-associated genes, including genes dysregulated in brains or organoids derived from SCZ patients, and genes reported in SCZ GWAS.
Project description:Congenital malformations are a prevalent cause of infant mortality in the United States and their induction has been linked to a variety of factors, including exposure to teratogens. However, the molecular mechanisms of teratogenicity are not fully understood. MicroRNAs are an important group of small, non-coding RNAs that regulate mRNA expression. MicroRNA roles in early embryonic development are well established, and their disruption during development can cause abnormalities. We hypothesized that developmental exposure to teratogens such as valproic acid alters microRNA expression profiles in developing embryos. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines. To examine the effects of valproic acid on microRNA expression during development, we used zebrafish embryos as a model vertebrate developmental system. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to valproic acid (1 mM) or vehicle control (ethanol) starting from 4 hours post-fertilization (hpf) and sampled at 48 and 96 hpf to determine the miRNA expression profiles prior to and after the onset of developmental defects. At 96 hpf, 95% of the larvae showed skeletal deformities, abnormal swimming behavior, and pericardial effusion. Microarray expression profiling was done using Agilent zebrafish miRNA microarrays. Microarray results revealed changes in miRNA expression at both the time points. Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed at 48 hpf and 22 miRNAs were altered at 96 hpf. Among them, six miRNAs (miR-16a, 18c, 122, 132, 457b, and 724) were common to both time points. Bioinformatic target prediction and examination of published literature revealed that these miRNAs target several genes involved in the normal functioning of the central nervous system. These results suggest that the teratogenic effects of valproic acid could involve altered miRNA expression.
Project description:Congenital malformations are a prevalent cause of infant mortality in the United States and their induction has been linked to a variety of factors, including exposure to teratogens. However, the molecular mechanisms of teratogenicity are not fully understood. MicroRNAs are an important group of small, non-coding RNAs that regulate mRNA expression. MicroRNA roles in early embryonic development are well established, and their disruption during development can cause abnormalities. We hypothesized that developmental exposure to teratogens such as valproic acid alters microRNA expression profiles in developing embryos. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and migraines. To examine the effects of valproic acid on microRNA expression during development, we used zebrafish embryos as a model vertebrate developmental system. Zebrafish embryos were continuously exposed to valproic acid (1 mM) or vehicle control (ethanol) starting from 4 hours post-fertilization (hpf) and sampled at 48 and 96 hpf to determine the miRNA expression profiles prior to and after the onset of developmental defects. At 96 hpf, 95% of the larvae showed skeletal deformities, abnormal swimming behavior, and pericardial effusion. Microarray expression profiling was done using Agilent zebrafish miRNA microarrays. Microarray results revealed changes in miRNA expression at both the time points. Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed at 48 hpf and 22 miRNAs were altered at 96 hpf. Among them, six miRNAs (miR-16a, 18c, 122, 132, 457b, and 724) were common to both time points. Bioinformatic target prediction and examination of published literature revealed that these miRNAs target several genes involved in the normal functioning of the central nervous system. These results suggest that the teratogenic effects of valproic acid could involve altered miRNA expression. Small RNA profiles were deteremined in valproic acid exposed zebrafish embryos using Agilent miRNA microarrays