Biology subjects

Hashizume, K.

Publications and source records attributed to Hashizume, K..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Single-cell-resolved spatial multi-omics identifies mTOR-driven neuronal and astroglial pathogenicity underlying epileptogenic focal cortical dysplasia

Focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) is a malformation of cortical development caused by somatic mutations in the mTOR signaling pathway. Two hallmark pathological cell types in FCDII, dysmorphic neurons (DNs) and balloon cells (BCs), arise as a result of somatic mutations in the mTOR signaling pathway and are implicated in the pathophysiology of drug-resistant epilepsy. However, how these somatic mutations reshape cell states within the human cortex remains poorly understood. Here, we integrate imaging-based spatial transcriptomics (iST), single-nucleus RNA sequencing, and proteomics of surgically resected FCDIIb tissue to define the transcriptional and proteomic profiles of DNs and BCs. Spatial mapping of iST data resolved transcriptional signatures in histologically validated DNs and BCs within FCDIIb sections. Integrative omics analysis further revealed that DNs show upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR and p53-CROT metabolic programs accompanied by suppression of synaptic signaling, whereas BCs exhibit transcriptional signatures of reactive astrocytes with increased phagocytic and immune-like activity. These data delineate cell-type-specific consequences of somatic mTOR pathway mutations at single-cell resolution and reveal previously unrecognized metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms contributing to epileptogenesis in drug-resistant epilepsy. Our study establishes a spatial multi-omics framework for dissecting human cortical malformations and highlights potential therapeutic targets for drug-resistant epilepsy.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2026

MEIS1 is Required for Establishing Bergmann Glia-Specific Properties in the Developing Cerebellum

Compared to normal multipolar astrocytes, Bergmann glial cells (BGs), specifically differentiated astrocytes in the cerebellum, possess unique unipolar morphology and additional cellular functions. However, the molecular mechanisms that confer BG-specific properties onto normal multipolar astrocytes remain unknown. Here, we show that the transcription factor, MEIS1, is involved in BGs acquiring their unique characteristics. Targeted disruption of Meis1 in the whole cerebellum or astroglial lineage cells resulted in a marked reduction of BGs accompanied by an increase in multipolar astrocytes in mice. Postnatal deletion of Meis1 in Bergmann glia-like progenitors (BGLPs), which produce both BGs and multipolar astrocytes, suppressed their differentiation into BGs while promoting into multipolar astrocytes. Single-cell RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and ChIP-Atlas analyses indicated that MEIS1 directly upregulates expression of BG-specific genes, including Vimentin and Zeb2, which are known to contribute to the correct localization and the unipolar process formation of BGs. These findings suggest that MEIS1 promotes the endowment of BG-specific properties to astrocytes by controlling the expression of BG-specific genes, thereby ensuring proper differentiation of BGLPs into BGs.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Can SARS-CoV-2 transmit from a dead body?

Although it has been 2.5 years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a dead infected body remains unclear, and often, in Japan bereaved family members are not allowed to view in-person a loved one who has died from COVID-19. In this study, we analyzed the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from a dead body by using the hamster model. We also analyzed the effect of Angel-care--in which the pharynx, nostril, and rectum are plugged--and embalming on reducing transmissibility from dead bodies. We found that SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted from the body of animals that died within a few days of infection; however, Angel-care and embalming were effective in preventing transmission from the dead body. These results suggest that protection from infection is essential when in contact with a SARS-CoV-2-infected dead body, and that sealing the cavities of a dead body is an important infection control step if embalming is not done. ImportanceWe found that SARS-CoV-2 could be transmitted from a dead body presumably via postmortem gases. However, we also found that postmortem care, such as plugging the pharynx, nostrils, and rectum, or embalming could prevent transmission from the dead body. These results indicate that protection from infection is essential when handling infected corpses, and that appropriate care of SARS-CoV-2-infected corpses is important.

microbiology↗