Monosynaptic Tracing using Modified Rabies Virus Reveals Early and Extensive Circuit Integration of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons

Stem Cell Reports. 2015 Jun 9;4(6):975-83. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.04.011. Epub 2015 May 21.

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived dopamine neurons are currently moving toward clinical use for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the timing and extent at which stem cell-derived neurons functionally integrate into existing host neural circuitry after transplantation remain largely unknown. In this study, we use modified rabies virus to trace afferent and efferent connectivity of transplanted hESC-derived neurons in a rat model of PD and report that grafted human neurons integrate into the host neural circuitry in an unexpectedly rapid and extensive manner. The pattern of connectivity resembled that of local endogenous neurons, while ectopic connections were not detected. Revealing circuit integration of human dopamine neurons substantiates their potential use in clinical trials. Additionally, our data present rabies-based tracing as a valuable and widely applicable tool for analyzing graft connectivity that can easily be adapted to analyze connectivity of a variety of different neuronal sources and subtypes in different disease models.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Tracking / methods*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / cytology*
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / metabolism
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / transplantation
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Histones / genetics
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy
  • Rabies virus / genetics*
  • Rabies virus / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Nude
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Virus Integration / physiology

Substances

  • Histones
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins