Biology subjects

Rosh, I.

Publications and source records attributed to Rosh, I..

11 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

iPSC-derived extracellular vesicles rescue deficits in human and mouse models of Parkinsons disease

Parkinsons disease (PD) pathogenesis often involves progressive -synuclein (-Syn)-mediated neuronal dysfunction, yet the earliest cellular events that link -Syn pathology to circuit failure remain poorly defined. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons from patients carrying the familial A53T SNCA mutation to reconstruct a temporal course of dysfunction in vitro. We identified a biphasic trajectory with an early phase of hyperexcitability, characterized by elevated spontaneous firing, followed by a progressive transition into hypoexcitability as the neurons mature, accompanied by reduced network activity, synaptic dysfunction, and -Syn accumulation. Transcriptomic profiling at the critical transition point revealed a dual transcriptional signature, with upregulation of stress-inflammatory pathways (p53, JAK-STAT, apoptosis) coupled with systematic downregulation of metabolic and synaptic maintenance genes. This molecular profile preceded functional collapse, linking early hyperactivity-driven metabolic stress to subsequent neuronal exhaustion. To counteract this pathology, we used extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-bound particles carrying intercellular signals, as a cell-free treatment approach. Strikingly, treatment with EVs derived from healthy iPSCs completely rescued both electrophysiological deficits and pathological -Syn accumulation, restoring normal firing patterns, synaptic function, and network activity. Consistent with these observations, EV treatment reduced -Syn aggregation and improved motor responses in -Syn fibril-injected mice, which are characterized by pathological -Syn accumulation and motor deficits. Overall, these findings demonstrate that EVs derived from healthy iPSCs can reverse PD-related phenotypes in human and mouse models.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Divergent Excitability of GABAergic Neurons Derived from Bipolar Disorder Patients Shapes Energy Shifts of Network Dynamics, possibly mimicking mania and depression

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by fluctuating mood states, yet the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms distinguishing lithium-responsive (LR) from non-responsive (NR) patients remain elusive. We derived dentate gyrus granule neurons and GABAergic interneurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of BD patients stratified by lithium response, and from healthy controls. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we assessed intrinsic excitability. We further developed a computational model simulating large-scale neuronal networks based on patient-derived electrophysiological properties and ion channel conductance distributions. Granule neurons from both LR and NR patients exhibited hyperexcitability compared to controls. However, GABAergic neurons showed a striking divergence: LR neurons were hyperexcitable, while NR neurons were hypoexcitable. Transcriptomic profiling revealed distinct molecular signatures between NR and LR neurons, including dysregulation of GABA receptor genes (GABRR1). Computational simulations over 10,000 iterations, mimicking long-term network activity, revealed that dentate granule neuron changes alone failed to recapitulate netwrok shifts between global hyperexcitability and global hypoexcitability. Networks incorporating only granule neuron phenotypes entered persistent hyper- or hypoactive states, depending on lithium response. Remarkably, when GABAergic neuron phenotypes were added to the model, both LR and NR networks exhibited spontaneous transitions between high and low activity states, that may be associated with the mood episodes that the patients exhibit. Control networks did not show such bistability. We, therefore, conclude that GABAergic neuronal excitability is a key determinant of lithium responsiveness in BD and critically shapes the emergence of state-shift dynamics in neural networks. These findings suggest that restoring excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance via targeted modulation of interneuron function may offer novel therapeutic avenues for BD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2025

Dysregulation of Multiple Solute Carrier genes and Metabolic Deficits in SLC1A4-Mutant Human iPSC-Derived Hippocampal Neurons

Mutations in SLC1A4, which encodes the neuronal amino acid transporter ASCT1, disrupt metabolic and synaptic homeostasis, contributing to neurodevelopmental deficits commonly observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of SLC1A4-related disorders, we utilized human iPSC-derived hippocampal neurons and applied an integrated multi-omics approach, combining electrophysiology, calcium imaging, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. Our findings reveal an initial phase of early neuronal hyperexcitability, driven by increased sodium and potassium currents, followed by a progressive decline in synaptic activity at later stages. Metabolomic analysis identified elevated glycine, serine, and glutamate levels during early differentiation, contributing to excitotoxicity, whereas later glutamate depletion and extracellular matrix (ECM) disruption were associated with synaptic dysfunction. Proteomics data further showed dysregulation in metabolic pathways, amino acid biosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism pathways during early time points, and in later stage dysregulation in metabolic and ECM-receptor interactions. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis revealed dysregulation in calcium signaling, amino acid metabolism pathways such as valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, tryptophan metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Further investigation of SLC-family transporter genes uncovered disruptions in glutamate and glycine transport, establishing a direct link between amino acid transport dysfunction and neuronal deficits. Collectively, our study demonstrates that SLC1A4 mutations lead to dysregulation of multiple solute carrier protein genes causing metabolic stress, excitability defects, and synaptic abnormalities, providing a molecular framework for understanding SLC1A4-related neurodevelopmental disorders and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

WWOX deficiency impairs neurogenesis and neuronal function in human organoids

WOREE and SCAR12 syndromes are rare neurodevelopmental disorders caused by WWOX mutations, severely impairing brain development. The pleiotropic nature of WWOX complicates identifying specific mechanisms. Using neural organoids and single-cell transcriptomics, we identified radial glial cells (RGs) as preferentially affected, with disrupted cell cycle dynamics leading to an accumulation of cells in the G2/M and S phases, overexpression of the proto-oncogene MYC, and concomitant reduction in neuronal generation. Patient-derived organoids exhibited milder phenotypes compared to knockout organoids, showing functional neuronal impairments like hyperexcitability and delayed differentiation rather than RG dysfunction. Remarkably, gene therapy restored neuronal function, normalizing hyperexcitability and promoting maturation, without disturbing RG populations. We propose a model in which WWOX mutations impair neurogenesis via RG through cell-type specific dysregulation of the MYC and Wnt signaling pathways. These insights highlight potential therapeutic strategies for WWOX-related disorders and open avenues for interventions targeting these key molecular pathways. TeaserWWOX mutations disrupt radial glial function and neurogenesis via MYC dysregulation, with gene therapy offering targeted restoration.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Exosomes can modulate the early hyperexcitability in cortical neurons with ASD-associated Shank3 mutation.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid membrane-bound structures that mediate intercellular communication by transferring diverse cargoes, including RNA and proteins. Shank3, a synaptic scaffolding protein critical for synapse structure and function, is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS). Early hyperexcitability in cortical neurons is a recognized endophenotype in ASD. Here, we investigated EV-mediated effects in the context of Shank3 deficiency using human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and Shank3B-/- mice. Switching EVs between Shank3 mutant and control neurons revealed that Shank3 mutant-derived EVs transferred the hyperexcitability and accelerated maturation phenotypes to control neurons. This was driven by enriched synaptic proteins (e.g., ACTB, CFL1, AGRN, CLSTN1) in Shank3 mutant-derived EVs as confirmed by proteomic analysis. Conversely, control EVs failed to rescue mutant phenotypes consistent with their lower enrichment for synaptic proteins and related pathways. Further, EVs from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and healthy donor iPSCs, containing synaptic modulators such as complement proteins (C1R, C1S), plasticity-related proteins (MDK, IGFBP3), and homeostatic regulators (FGF2, SFRP1), rescued the hyperexcitability and normalized the maturation in Shank3 mutant neurons. Moreover, intranasal administration of iPSC-derived EVs in Shank3B-/- mice significantly ameliorated ASD-like behavioral deficits, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Together, these findings reveal a novel EV-mediated mechanism for modulating dysregulated excitability and synaptic maturation, addressing a critical unmet need in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders treatment.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Predicting Suicide Risk in Bipolar Disorder patients from Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines genetic signatures

This research investigates the genetic signatures associated with a high risk of suicide in Bipolar disorder (BD) patients through RNA sequencing analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). By identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their enrichment in pathways and disease associations, we uncover insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying suicidal behavior. LCL gene expression analysis reveals significant enrichment in pathways related to primary immunodeficiency, ion channel, and cardiovascular defects. Notably, genes such as LCK, KCNN2, and GRIA1 emerged as pivotal in these pathways, suggesting their potential roles as biomarkers. Machine learning models trained on a subset of the patients and then tested on other patients demonstrate high accuracy in distinguishing low and high-risk of suicide in BD patients. Moreover, the study explores the genetic overlap between suicide-related genes and several psychiatric disorders. This comprehensive approach enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between genetics and suicidal behavior, laying the groundwork for future prevention strategies.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Synaptic dysfunction and dysregulation of extracellular matrix-related genes in dopaminergic neurons derived from Parkinson's disease sporadic patients and with GBA1 mutations

Parkinsons disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with both genetic and sporadic origins. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological properties, synaptic activity, and gene expression differences in dopaminergic (DA) neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of healthy controls, sporadic PD (sPD) patients, and PD patients with GBA1 mutations. Our results demonstrate reduced sodium currents and synaptic activity in DA neurons derived from PD patients with GBA1 mutations, suggesting a potential contribution to PD pathophysiology. We also observed distinct electrophysiological alterations in sPD DA neurons that were dependent on the age of disease onset. RNA sequencing analysis revealed unique dysregulated pathways in early and late-onset sPD neurons, further supporting the notion that molecular mechanisms driving PD may be different between PD patients. In agreement with our previous reports, ECM and focal adhesion genes were the top dysregulated pathways in DA neurons from sPD patients and from patients with GBA1 mutations. Overall, this study gives further confirmation that the convergent functional phenotypes of DA neurons derived from PD patients are synaptic abnormalities and at the transcriptome level, ECM and focal adhesion pathways are highly involved in PD pathology across multiple PD-associated mutations as well as sPD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Upregulated extracellular matrix-related genes and impaired synaptic activity in dopaminergic and hippocampal neurons derived from Parkinson's disease patients with PINK1 and PARK2 mutations

Parkinsons disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Primary symptoms of PD arise with the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta, but it affects the hippocampus and cortex also, usually in its later stage. Approximately 15% of PD cases familial with a genetic mutation. Two of the most associated genes with autosomal recessive (AR) early-onset familial PD are PINK1 and PARK2. There is a need for in-vitro studies of these genetic mutations in order to understand the neurophysiological changes in patients neurons that may contribute to neurodegeneration. In this work, we generated and differentiated DA and hippocampal neurons from iPSCs derived from two patients with a double mutation in their PINK1 and PARK2 (one homozygous and one heterozygous) genes and assessed their neurophysiology compared to two healthy controls. We showed that the synaptic activity of PD neurons generated from patients with the PINK1 and PARK2 mutations is impaired in the hippocampus and dopaminergic neurons. Mutant dopaminergic neurons had enhanced excitatory post-synaptic activity. In addition, DA neurons with the homozygous mutation of PINK1 exhibited more pronounced electrophysiological differences compared to the control neurons. Signaling network analysis of RNA sequencing results revealed that Focal adhesion and ECM receptor pathway were the top 2 upregulated pathways in the mutant PD neurons. These phenotypes are reversed to PD phenotypes of other mutations, suggesting that the interaction of the two mutations may yield different mechanisms of PD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Early maturation and hyperexcitability is a shared phenotype of cortical neurons derived from different ASD-causing mutations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized mainly by social and sensory-motor abnormal and repetitive behavior patterns. Over hundreds of genes and thousands of genetic variants were reported to be highly penetrant and causative of ASD. Many of these mutations cause comorbidities such as epilepsy and intellectual disabilities (ID). In this study, we measured cortical neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients with four mutations in the genes GRIN2B, SHANK3, UBTF, as well as chromosomal duplication in the 7q11.23 region and compared them to neurons derived from a first-degree relative without the mutation. Using a whole-cell patch-clamp, we observed that the mutant cortical neurons demonstrated hyperexcitability and early maturation compared to control lines. These changes were characterized by increased sodium currents, increased amplitude and rate of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), and more evoked action potentials in response to current stimulation in early-stage cell development (3-5 weeks post differentiation). These changes that appeared in all the different mutant lines, together with previously reported data, indicate that an early maturation and hyperexcitability may be a convergent phenotype of ASD cortical neurons.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Generation and characterization of iPSC lines (UOHi001-A, UOHi002-A)From a patient with SHANK3 mutation and her healthy mother

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic condition that causes global developmental disability, delayed or absent speech, and autism spectrum disorder. The loss of function of one copy of SHANK3, which codes for a scaffolding protein found in the postsynaptic density of synapses, has been identified as the main cause of PMS. We report the generation and characterization of two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines derived from one patient with a SHANK3 mutation and the patients mother as a control. Both lines expressed pluripotency markers, differentiated into the three germ layers, retained the disease-causing mutation, and displayed normal karyotypes.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Reduced synaptic activity and dysregulated extracellular matrix pathways are common phenotypes in midbrain neurons derived from sporadic and mutation-associated Parkinson's disease patients

Several mutations that cause Parkinsons disease (PD) have been identified over the past decade. These account for 15-25% of PD cases; the rest of the cases are considered sporadic. Currently, it is accepted that PD is not a single monolithic disease but rather a constellation of diseases with some common phenotypes. While rodent models exist for some of the PD-causing mutations, research on the sporadic forms of PD is lagging due to a lack of cellular models. In our study, we differentiated PD patient-derived dopaminergic (DA) neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of several PD-causing mutations as well as from sporadic PD patients. Strikingly, we observed a common neurophysiological phenotype: Neurons derived from PD patients had a severe reduction in the rate of synaptic currents compared to those derived from healthy controls. While the relationship between mutations in genes such as the SNCA and LRRK2 and a reduction in synaptic transmission has been investigated before, here we show evidence that the pathogenesis of the synapses in neurons is a general phenotype in PD. Analysis of RNA sequencing results displayed changes in gene expression in different synaptic mechanisms as well as other affected pathways such as extracellular matrix-related pathways. Some of these dysregulated pathways are common to all PD patients (monogenic or idiopathic). Our data, therefore, shows changes that are central and convergent to PD and suggests a strong involvement of the tetra-partite synapse in PD pathophysiology.

neuroscience↗