Human iPSC-derived microglia assume a primary microglia-like state after transplantation into the neonatal mouse brain
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Authors: Svoboda, Devon S.; Barrasa, M. Inmaculada; Shu, Jian; Rietjens, Rosalie; Zhang, Shupei; Mitalipova, Maya; Berube, Peter; Fu, Dongdong; Shultz, Leonard D.; Bell, George W.; Jaenisch, Rudolf
Abstract
Microglia are essential for maintenance of normal brain function, with dysregulation contributing to numerous neurological diseases. Protocols have been developed to derive microglia-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, primary microglia display major differences in morphology and gene expression when grown in culture, including down-regulation of signature microglial genes. Thus, in vitro differentiated microglia may not accurately represent resting primary microglia. To address this issue, we transplanted microglial precursors derived in vitro from hiPSCs into neonatal mouse brains and found that the cells acquired characteristic microglial morphology and gene expression signatures that closely resembled primary human microglia. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of transplanted microglia showed similar cellular heterogeneity as primary human cells. Thus, hiPSCs-derived microglia transplanted into the neonatal mouse brain assume a phenotype and gene expression signature resembling that of resting microglia residing in the human brain, making chimeras a superior tool to study microglia in human disease.
CSF1-associated decrease in endometrial macrophages may contribute to Asherman's syndrome
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
Authors: Liu, Dan; Wang, Jiali; Zhao, Guangfeng; Jiang, Peipei; Song, Minmin; Ding, Hailin; Wang, Zhiyin; Lv, Haining; Hu, Yali
Abstract
Problem Asherman's syndrome (AS) is characterized by endometrial fibrosis leading to intrauterine adhesions and symptoms like hypomenorrhea, infertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Macrophages are key regulators of inflammation, tissue repair, regeneration, and fibrosis. However, the role of macrophages in AS remains unclear. Method of study Endometrial biopsies of AS patients and controls were collected during the late proliferating phase of menstrual cycle. Fibrosis and proliferation markers were detected by Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Macrophages were examined by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The expression levels of CCL2, CSF1, CSF1R, and GM-CSF were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. A well-differentiated endometrial cell line Ishikawa (IK) was used for in vitro studies. Macrophages differentiating from THP-1 monocytic cells were polarized by IL-4/IL-13. Their culture supernatants (M(IL-4/13)-S) were applied to H2O2 or bleomycin-damaged IK cells. Results In AS patients, endometrial stroma was replaced by fibrous tissue and cell proliferation was reduced. Macrophages in endometrial tissue were mainly alternative activated macrophages and their number was significantly decreased in AS patients. The CSF1 expression level was reduced in AS patients. M(IL-4/13)-S promoted the growth and migration of IK cells and inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis. M(IL-4/13)-S protected IK cells from bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Conclusion Macrophages are critical cells involved in the process of endometrial repair and fibrosis. The decreased amount of endometrial macrophages may be attributed to the reduced expression level of CSF1. Manipulation of macrophage activation/function may provide a novel therapeutic target for AS.