[PDF][PDF] Human motor units in microfluidic devices are impaired by FUS mutations and improved by HDAC6 inhibition

KS Dittlau, EN Krasnow, L Fumagalli, T Vandoorne… - Stem Cell Reports, 2021 - cell.com
KS Dittlau, EN Krasnow, L Fumagalli, T Vandoorne, P Baatsen, A Kerstens, G Giacomazzi…
Stem Cell Reports, 2021cell.com
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) ensure communication between motor neurons (MNs) and
muscle; however, in MN disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), NMJs
degenerate resulting in muscle atrophy. The aim of this study was to establish a versatile
and reproducible in vitro model of a human motor unit to investigate the effects of ALS-
causing mutations. Therefore, we generated a co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem
cell (iPSC)-derived MNs and human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotubes in …
Summary
Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) ensure communication between motor neurons (MNs) and muscle; however, in MN disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), NMJs degenerate resulting in muscle atrophy. The aim of this study was to establish a versatile and reproducible in vitro model of a human motor unit to investigate the effects of ALS-causing mutations. Therefore, we generated a co-culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs and human primary mesoangioblast-derived myotubes in microfluidic devices. A chemotactic and volumetric gradient facilitated the growth of MN neurites through microgrooves resulting in the interaction with myotubes and the formation of NMJs. We observed that ALS-causing FUS mutations resulted in reduced neurite outgrowth as well as an impaired neurite regrowth upon axotomy. NMJ numbers were likewise reduced in the FUS-ALS model. Interestingly, the selective HDAC6 inhibitor, Tubastatin A, improved the neurite outgrowth, regrowth, and NMJ morphology, prompting HDAC6 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS.
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