Small-molecule screen reveals pathways that regulate C4 secretion in stem cell-derived astrocytes.
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Abstract | In the brain, the complement system plays a crucial role in the immune response and in synaptic elimination during normal development and disease. Here, we sought to identify pathways that modulate the production of complement component 4 (C4), recently associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. To design a disease-relevant assay, we first developed a rapid and robust 3D protocol capable of producing large numbers of astrocytes from pluripotent cells. Transcriptional profiling of these astrocytes confirmed the homogeneity of this population of dorsal fetal-like astrocytes. Using a novel ELISA-based small-molecule screen, we identified epigenetic regulators, as well as inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways, able to modulate C4 secretion from astrocytes. We then built a connectivity map to predict and validate additional key regulatory pathways, including one involving c-Jun-kinase. This work provides a foundation for developing therapies for CNS diseases involving the complement cascade. |
Year of Publication | 2023
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Journal | Stem cell reports
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Volume | 18
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Issue | 1
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Pages | 237-253
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Date Published | 01/2023
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ISSN | 2213-6711
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DOI | 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.018
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PubMed ID | 36563689
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