FUS-ALS hiPSC-derived astrocytes impair human motor units through both gain-of-toxicity and mechanisms

Background Astrocytes play a crucial, yet not fully elucidated role in the selective motor neuron pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among other responsibilities, astrocytes provide important neuronal homeostatic support, however this function is highly compromised in ALS. The establishment of fully human coculture systems can be used to further study the underlying mechanisms of the dysfunctional intercellular interplay, and has the potential to provide a platform for revealing novel therapeutic entry points. Methods In this study, we characterised human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes from FUS-ALS patients, and incorporated these cells into a human motor unit microfluidics model to investigate the astrocytic effect on hiPSC-derived motor neuron network and functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) using immunocytochemistry and live-cell recordings. FUS-ALS cocultures were systematically compared to their CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited isogenic control systems. Results We observed a dysregulation of astrocyte homeostasis, which resulted in a FUS-ALS-mediated increase in reactivity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Upon coculture with motor neurons and myotubes, we detected a cytotoxic effect on motor neuron-neurite outgrowth, NMJ formation and functionality, which was improved or fully rescued by isogenic control astrocytes. We demonstrate that ALS astrocytes have both a gain-of-toxicity and loss-of-support function involving the WNT/beta-catenin pathway, ultimately contributing to the disruption of motor neuron homeostasis, intercellular networks and NMJs. Conclusions Our findings shine light on a complex, yet highly important role of astrocytes in ALS, and provides further insight in to their pathological mechanisms.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers investigated the role of astrocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using a human motor unit microfluidics model. They found that astrocyte homeostasis was dysregulated in ALS patients, leading to increased inflammation. Additionally, co-culture with ALS astrocytes resulted in cytotoxic effects on motor neuron-neurite outgrowth and neuromuscular junction functionality, which were partially or fully rescued by control astrocytes. The study highlights the complex role of astrocytes in ALS and provides insights into the pathological mechanisms.