Altered metabolic function induced by Aβ-oligomers and PSEN1 mutations in iPSC-derived astrocytes.

Altered energy metabolism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major pathological hallmark implicated in the early stages of the disease process. Astrocytes play a central role in brain homeostasis and are implicated in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Although numerous studies have investigated global changes in brain metabolism, redox status, gene expression and epigenetic markers in AD, the intricate interplay between different metabolic processes, particularly in astrocytes, remains poorly understood.

Towards a new understanding of NCL pathogenesis.

The Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs, Batten disease) are a group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders that have been traditionally grouped together on the basis of certain shared clinical and pathological features. However, as the number of genes that appear to cause new forms of NCL continues to grow, it is timely to reassess our understanding of the pathogenesis of these disorders and what groups them together. The various NCL subtypes do indeed share features of a build-up of autofluorescent storage material, progressive neuron loss and activation of the innate immune system.

Amyloid β 1-42 induces hypometabolism in human stem cell-derived neuron and astrocyte networks.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. Brain hypometabolism is a major feature of AD, appearing decades before cognitive decline and pathologic lesions. To date, the majority of studies on hypometabolism in AD have used transgenic animal models or imaging studies of the human brain.

Competence of in vitro cultured mouse embryonic stem cells for myogenic differentiation and fusion with myoblasts.

Pluripotent stem cells are a potential source of various cell types for use in regenerative medicine. Despite accumulating knowledge, there is currently no efficient and reproducible protocol that does not require genetic manipulation for generation of myogenic cells from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we examined whether mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are able to undergo myogenic differentiation and fusion in response to signals released by differentiating myoblasts.

Functional astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle in a human stem cell-derived neuronal network.

The NT2.D1 cell line is one of the most well-documented embryocarcinoma cell lines, and can be differentiated into neurons and astrocytes. Great focus has also been placed on defining the electrophysiological properties of the neuronal cells, and more recently we have investigated the functional properties of their associated astrocytes.

NT2 derived neuronal and astrocytic network signalling.

A major focus of stem cell research is the generation of neurons that may then be implanted to treat neurodegenerative diseases. However, a picture is emerging where astrocytes are partners to neurons in sustaining and modulating brain function. We therefore investigated the functional properties of NT2 derived astrocytes and neurons using electrophysiological and calcium imaging approaches.