A role for CXCR4 signaling in survival and migration of neural and oligodendrocyte precursors

Transcriptomic profiling across human serotonin neuron differentiation via the FEV reporter system

BACKGROUND

The detailed transcriptomic profiles during human serotonin neuron (SN) differentiation remain elusive. The establishment of a reporter system based on SN terminal selector holds promise to produce highly-purified cells with an early serotonergic fate and help elucidate the molecular events during human SN development process.

METHODS

A fifth Ewing variant (FEV)-EGFP reporter system was established by CRISPR/Cas9 technology to indicate SN since postmitotic stage. FACS was performed to purify SN from the heterogeneous cell populations. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed for cells at four key stages of differentiation (pluripotent stem cells, serotonergic neural progenitors, purified postmitotic SN and purifed mature SN) to explore the transcriptomic dynamics during SN differentiation.

RESULTS

We found that human serotonergic fate specification may commence as early as day 21 of differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the transcriptional factors ZIC1, HOXA2 and MSX2 were identified as the hub genes responsible for orchestrating serotonergic fate determination.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, we exposed the developmental transcriptomic profiles of human SN via FEV reporter system, which will further our understanding for the development process of human SN.

Upregulation of C-X-C motif chemokine 12 in the spinal cord alleviated the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats

Background

C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) is a chemokine that performs many functions. Studies have shown that CXCL12 can aggravate inflammatory symptoms in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence also indicates that CXCL12 can promote the repair of myelin sheaths in the CNS in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, we investigated the function of CXCL12 in CNS inflammation by upregulating CXCL12 in the spinal cord and subsequently inducing EAE.

Materials and methods

CXCL12 upregulation in the spinal cords of Lewis rats was induced by the injection of adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)/eGFP-P2A-CXCL12 after intrathecal catheter implantation. Twenty-one days after AAV injection, EAE was induced and clinical score was collected; Immunofluorescence staining, WB and LFB-PAS staining were used to evaluate the effect of CXCL12 upregulation. In the in vitro study, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) were harvested, cultured with CXCL12 and AMD3100, and subjected to immunofluorescence staining for functional assessment.

Results

CXCL12 was upregulated in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord by AAV injection. In each stage of EAE, upregulation of CXCL12 significantly alleviated clinical scores by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and promoting remyelination. In contrast, the addition of AMD3100, which is a CXCR4 antagonist, inhibited the effect of CXCL12. In vitro, 10 ng/ml CXCL12 promoted the differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes.

Conclusion

AAV-mediated upregulation of CXCL12 in the CNS can alleviate the clinical signs and symptoms of EAE and significantly decrease the infiltration of leukocytes in the peak stage of EAE. CXCL12 can promote the maturation and differentiation of OPCs into oligodendrocytes in vitro. These data indicate that CXCL12 effectively promotes remyelination in the spinal cord and decreases the signs and symptoms of EAE.

The Dialogue Between Neuroinflammation and Adult Neurogenesis: Mechanisms Involved and Alterations in Neurological Diseases

Adult neurogenesis occurs mainly in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. Evidence supports the critical role of adult neurogenesis in various conditions, including cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Several factors can alter adult neurogenesis, including genetic, epigenetic, age, physical activity, diet, sleep status, sex hormones, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, exerting either pro-neurogenic or anti-neurogenic effects. Compelling evidence suggests that any insult or injury to the CNS, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), infectious diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders, can provoke an inflammatory response in the CNS. This inflammation could either promote or inhibit neurogenesis, depending on various factors, such as chronicity and severity of the inflammation and underlying neurological disorders. Notably, neuroinflammation, driven by different immune components such as activated glia, cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species, can regulate every step of adult neurogenesis, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival of newborn neurons, maturation, synaptogenesis, and neuritogenesis. Therefore, this review aims to present recent findings regarding the effects of various components of the immune system on adult neurogenesis and to provide a better understanding of the role of neuroinflammation and neurogenesis in the context of neurological disorders, including AD, PD, ischemic stroke (IS), seizure/epilepsy, TBI, sleep deprivation, cognitive impairment, and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. For each disorder, some of the most recent therapeutic candidates, such as curcumin, ginseng, astragaloside, boswellic acids, andrographolide, caffeine, royal jelly, estrogen, metformin, and minocycline, have been discussed based on the available preclinical and clinical evidence.

Convergent transcriptomic and genomic evidence supporting a dysregulation of CXCL16 and CCL5 in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammatory factors, especially chemokines, have been widely reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is unclear how chemokines are altered in AD, and whether dysregulation of chemokines is the cause, or the consequence, of the disease.

METHODS

We initially screened the transcriptomic profiles of chemokines from publicly available datasets of brain tissues of AD patients and mouse models. Expression alteration of chemokines in the blood from AD patients was also measured to explore whether any chemokine might be used as a potential biomarker for AD. We further analyzed the association between the coding variants of chemokine genes and genetic susceptibility of AD by targeted sequencing of a Han Chinese case-control cohort. Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to infer the causal association of chemokine dysregulation with AD development.

RESULTS

Three chemokine genes (CCL5, CXCL1, and CXCL16) were consistently upregulated in brain tissues from AD patients and the mouse models and were positively correlated with Aβ and tau pathology in AD mice. Peripheral blood mRNA expression of CXCL16 was upregulated in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients, indicating the potential of CXCL16 as a biomarker for AD development. None of the coding variants within any chemokine gene conferred a genetic risk to AD. MR analysis confirmed a causal role of CCL5 dysregulation in AD mediated by trans-regulatory variants.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we have provided transcriptomic and genomic evidence supporting an active role of dysregulated CXCL16 and CCL5 during AD development.

CXCR4 signaling regulates repair Schwann cell infiltration into the spinal cord after spinal cord injury in mice

Schwann cells are glial cells that myelinate neuronal axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). When the PNS is damaged, Schwann cells de-differentiate into p75-positive "repair Schwann cells," which contribute to neural circuit regeneration. Interestingly, Schwann cells in the dorsal roots are known to be reprogrammed to repair Schwann cells even after spinal cord injury (SCI) and then migrate into the injured spinal cord. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the migration of repair Schwann cells remains unknown. Since a recent in vitro study revealed the importance of CXCR4 signaling in Schwann cell migration, we investigated whether CXCR4 signaling is involved in the PNS-to-central nervous system (CNS) migration of repair Schwann cells after SCI. We revealed that repair Schwann cells express CXCR4, and its ligand CXCL12 is upregulated in the injured spinal cord. We also found that the pharmacological inhibition of CXCR4 signaling decreased the infiltration of repair Schwann cells. Moreover, CXCR4 agonist administration effectively increased the infiltration of repair Schwann cells along with improved motor function. These findings strongly suggest the involvement of CXCR4 signaling in the PNS-to-CNS migration of repair Schwann cells after SCI.

Development of myelinating glia: An overview

Myelin is essential to nervous system function, playing roles in saltatory conduction and trophic support. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) and Schwann cells (SCs) form myelin in the central and peripheral nervous systems respectively and follow different developmental paths. OLs are neural stem-cell derived and follow an intrinsic developmental program resulting in a largely irreversible differentiation state. During embryonic development, OL precursor cells (OPCs) are produced in distinct waves originating from different locations in the central nervous system, with a subset developing into myelinating OLs. OPCs remain evenly distributed throughout life, providing a population of responsive, multifunctional cells with the capacity to remyelinate after injury. SCs derive from the neural crest, are highly dependent on extrinsic signals, and have plastic differentiation states. SC precursors (SCPs) are produced in early embryonic nerve structures and differentiate into multipotent immature SCs (iSCs), which initiate radial sorting and differentiate into myelinating and non-myelinating SCs. Differentiated SCs retain the capacity to radically change phenotypes in response to external signals, including becoming repair SCs, which drive peripheral regeneration. While several transcription factors and myelin components are common between OLs and SCs, their differentiation mechanisms are highly distinct, owing to their unique lineages and their respective environments. In addition, both OLs and SCs respond to neuronal activity and regulate nervous system output in reciprocal manners, possibly through different pathways. Here, we outline their basic developmental programs, mechanisms regulating their differentiation, and recent advances in the field.

Developmental Cues and Molecular Drivers in Myelinogenesis: Revisiting Early Life to Re-Evaluate the Integrity of CNS Myelin

The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) coordinates its communication through saltatory conduction, facilitated by myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs). Despite the fact that neurogenesis from stem cell niches has caught the majority of attention in recent years, oligodendrogenesis and, more specifically, the molecular underpinnings behind OL-dependent myelinogenesis, remain largely unknown. In this comprehensive review, we determine the developmental cues and molecular drivers which regulate normal myelination both at the prenatal and postnatal periods. We have indexed the individual stages of myelinogenesis sequentially; from the initiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, including migration and proliferation, to first contact with the axon that enlists positive and negative regulators for myelination, until the ultimate maintenance of the axon ensheathment and myelin growth. Here, we highlight multiple developmental pathways that are key to successful myelin formation and define the molecular pathways that can potentially be targets for pharmacological interventions in a variety of neurological disorders that exhibit demyelination.

Chemokine-Driven Migration of Pro-Inflammatory CD4+ T Cells in CNS Autoimmune Disease

Pro-inflammatory CD4⁺ T helper (Th) cells drive the pathogenesis of many autoimmune conditions. Recent advances have modified views of the phenotype of pro-inflammatory Th cells in autoimmunity, extending the breadth of known Th cell subsets that operate as drivers of these responses. Heterogeneity and plasticity within Th1 and Th17 cells, and the discovery of subsets of Th cells dedicated to production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as GM-CSF have led to these advances. Here, we review recent progress in this area and focus specifically upon evidence for chemokine receptors that drive recruitment of these various pro-inflammatory Th cell subsets to sites of autoimmune inflammation in the CNS. We discuss expression of specific chemokine receptors by subsets of pro-inflammatory Th cells and highlight which receptors may be tractable targets of therapeutic interventions to limit pathogenic Th cell recruitment in autoimmunity.

Robust Quantification of Regional Patterns of Migration in Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models

Purpose

Wound healing assays is a common two-dimensional migration model, with the spheroid assay three-dimensional migration model recently emerging as being more representative of in vivo migration behaviours. These models provide insight into the overall migration of cells in response to various factors such as biological, chemotactic and molecular agents. However, currently available analysis techniques for these assays fall short on providing quantifiable means to measure regional migration patterns, which is essential to allow a more robust assessment of drug treatments on cell migration in a chemotactic fashion. Therefore, this study aims to develop a finite element (FE) based pipeline that can objectively quantify regional migration patterns of cells.

Methods

We have developed a novel FE based approach that is able to accurately measure changes in overall migration areas of 3D Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) spheroids that we generated using the primary cell lines from patients undergoing tumour resection surgery. We live-imaged the migration patterns of GBM spheroids and analysed them, first with the standard ImageJ method. We then performed the same analysis with the proposed FE method.

Results

When compared to the standard ImageJ method, our proposed method was able to measure the changes in a more quantitative and accurate manner. Furthermore, our regional migration analysis provided means to analyse the migration pattern seen in the phantom data and our experimental results.

Conclusion

Our FE based method will be a a robust tool for analysing cell migration patterns of GBM and other migrating cells in various diseases and degenerations.

Intrauterine Viral Infections: Impact of Inflammation on Fetal Neurodevelopment

Intrauterine viral infections during pregnancy by pathogens such as Zika virus, Cytomegalovirus, Rubella and Herpes Simplex virus can lead to prenatal as well as postnatal neurodevelopmental disorders. Although maternal viral infections are common during pregnancy, viruses rarely penetrate the trophoblast. When they do cross, viruses can cause adverse congenital health conditions for the fetus. In this context, maternal inflammatory responses to these neurotropic pathogens play a significant role in negatively affecting neurodevelopment. For instance, intrauterine inflammation poses an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as microcephaly, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Severe inflammatory responses have been linked to stillbirths, preterm births, abortions and microcephaly. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic basis of how immune system shapes the landscape of the brain and how different neurotropic viral pathogens evoke inflammatory responses. Finally, we list the consequences of neuroinflammation on fetal brain development and discuss directions for future research and intervention strategies.

Mechanisms of oligodendrocyte progenitor developmental migration

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), develop from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) that must first migrate extensively throughout the developing brain and spinal cord. Specified at particular times from discrete regions in the developing CNS, OPCs are one of the most migratory of cell types and disperse rapidly. A variety of factors act on OPCs to trigger intracellular changes that regulate their migration. We will discuss factors that act as long-range guidance cues, those that act to regulate cellular motility, and those that are critical in determining the final positioning of OPCs. In addition, recent evidence has identified the vasculature as the physical substrate used by OPCs for their migration. Several new findings relating to this oligodendroglial-vascular signaling axis reveal new insight on the relationship between OPCs and blood vessels in the developing and adult brain.

Oligodendrocytes and Microglia: Key Players in Myelin Development, Damage and Repair

Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-making cells of the CNS, regulate the complex process of myelination under physiological and pathological conditions, significantly aided by other glial cell types such as microglia, the brain-resident, macrophage-like innate immune cells. In this review, we summarize how oligodendrocytes orchestrate myelination, and especially myelin repair after damage, and present novel aspects of oligodendroglial functions. We emphasize the contribution of microglia in the generation and regeneration of myelin by discussing their beneficial and detrimental roles, especially in remyelination, underlining the cellular and molecular components involved. Finally, we present recent findings towards human stem cell-derived preclinical models for the study of microglia in human pathologies and on the role of microbiome on glial cell functions.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increases neurological function and endogenous neural stem cell migration via the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis after cerebral infarction in rats

Neural stem cell (NSC) migration is closely associated with brain development and is reportedly involved during recovery from ischaemic stroke. Chemokine signalling mediated by stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been previously documented to guide the migration of NSCs. Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can increase neurological function in a rat stroke model, its effects on the migration of NSCs and associated underlying mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of rTMS on ischaemic stroke following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). All rats underwent rTMS treatment 24 h after MCAO. Neurological function, using modified Neurological Severity Scores and grip strength test and NSC migration, which were measured using immunofluorescence staining, were analysed at 7 and 14 days after MCAO, before the protein expression levels of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis was evaluated using western blot analysis. AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor, was used to assess the effects of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling. In addition, neuronal survival was investigated using Nissl staining at 14 days after MCAO. It was revealed that rTMS increased the neurological recovery of rats with MCAO, facilitated the migration of NSC, augmented the expression levels of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis and decreased neuronal loss. Furthermore, the rTMS-induced positive responses were significantly abolished by AMD3100. Overall, these results indicated that rTMS conferred therapeutic neuroprotective properties, which can restore neurological function after ischaemic stroke, in a manner that may be associated with the activation of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis.

Efficacy of dental pulp-derived stem cells conditioned medium loaded in collagen hydrogel in spinal cord injury in rats: Stereological evidence

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes histological alterations which in turn affects functional activity. Studies have demonstrated that dental pulp-derived stem cells conditioned medium has beneficial effects on the nervous system. Besides, collagen hydrogel acts as a drug releasing system in SCI investigations. This research aimed to evaluate effects of dental pulp-derived stem cells conditioned medium loaded in collagen hydrogel in SCI. After culturing of Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), SHED-conditioned medium (SHED-CM) was harvested and concentrated. Collagen hydrogel containing SHED-CM was prepared. The rats were divided into five groups receiving laminectomy, compressive SCI with or without intraspinal injection of biomaterials (SHED-CM and collagen hydrogel with or without SHED-CM). After 6 weeks, histological parameters were estimated using stereological methods. The total volume of preserved white matter and gray matter (p < 0.05) as well as the total number of neurons and oligodendrocytes in the rats received SHED-CM loaded in collagen hydrogel were significantly higher, and also lesion volume and lesion length were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to those of the other injured groups. In conclusion, intraspinal administration of SHED-CM loaded in collagen hydrogel leads to neuroprotection, proposing a cell-free therapeutic approach in SCI.

Interaction between Neurons and the Oligodendroglial Lineage in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Preclinical Models

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex central nervous system inflammatory disease leading to demyelination and associated functional deficits. Though endogenous remyelination exists, it is only partial and, with time, patients can enter a progressive phase of the disease, with neurodegeneration as a hallmark. Though major therapeutic advances have been made, with immunotherapies reducing relapse rate during the inflammatory phase of MS, there is presently no therapy available which significantly impacts disease progression. Remyelination has been shown to favor neuroprotection, and it is thus of major importance to better understand remyelination mechanisms in order to promote them and hence preserve neurons. A crucial point is how this process is regulated through the neuronal crosstalk with the oligodendroglial lineage. In this review, we present the current knowledge on neuron interaction with the oligodendroglial lineage, in physiological context as well as in MS and its experimental models. We further discuss the therapeutic possibilities resulting from this research field, which might allow to support remyelination and neuroprotection and thus limit MS progression.

Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1a Autocrine/Paracrine Signaling Contributes to Spatiotemporal Gradients in the Brain

INTRODUCTION

Stromal cell derived factor-1a (SDF-1a) and its receptor CXCR4 modulate stem cell recruitment to neural injury sites. SDF-1a gradients originating from injury sites contribute to chemotactic cellular recruitment. To capitalize on this injury-induced cell recruitment, further investigation of SDF-1a/CXCR4 signaling dynamics are warranted. Here, we studied how exogenous SDF-1a delivery strategies impact spatiotemporal SDF-1a levels and the role autocrine/paracrine signaling plays.

METHODS

We first assessed total SDF-1a and CXCR4 levels over the course of 7 days following intracortical injection of either bolus SDF-1a or SDF-1a loaded nanoparticles in CXCR4-EGFP mice. We then investigated cellular contributors to SDF-1a autocrine/paracrine signaling via time course in vitro measurements of SDF-1a and CXCR4 gene expression following exogenous SDF-1a application. Lastly, we created mathematical models that could recapitulate our in vivo observations.

RESULTS

In vivo, we found sustained total SDF-1a levels beyond 3 days post injection, indicating endogenous SDF-1a production. We confirmed in vitro that microglia, astrocytes, and brain endothelial cells significantly change SDF-1a and CXCR4 expression after exposure. We found that diffusion-only based mathematical models were unable to capture in vivo SDF-1a spatial distribution. Adding autocrine/paracrine mechanisms to the model allowed for SDF-1a temporal trends to be modeled accurately, indicating it plays an essential role in SDF-1a sustainment.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that autocrine/paracrine dynamics play a role in endogenous SDF-1a levels in the brain following exogenous delivery. Implementation of these dynamics are necessary to improving SDF-1a delivery strategies. Further, mathematical models introduced here may be utilized in predicting future outcomes based upon new biomaterial designs.

Chemokine signaling is required for homeostatic and injury-induced neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium

The olfactory epithelium (OE) possesses unique lifelong neuroregenerative capacities and undergoes constitutive neurogenesis throughout mammalian lifespan. Two populations of stem cells, frequently dividing globose basal cells (GBCs) and quiescent horizontal basal cells (HBCs), readily replace olfactory neurons throughout lifetime. Although lineage commitment and neuronal differentiation of stem cells has already been described in terms of transcription factor expression, little is known about external factors balancing between differentiation and self-renewal. We show here that expression of the CXC-motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) distinguishes both types of stem cells. Extensive colocalization analysis revealed exclusive expression of CXCR4 in proliferating GBCs and their neuronal progenies. Moreover, only neuronal lineage cells were derived from CXCR4-CreER-tdTomato reporter mice in the OE. Furthermore, Cre-tdTomato mice specific for HBCs (Nestin+ and Cytokeratin14+) did not reduce CXCR4 expression when bred to mice bearing floxed CXCR4 alleles, and did not show labeling of the neuronal cells. CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 were markedly upregulated upon induction of GBC proliferation during injury-induced regeneration. in vivo overexpression of CXCL12 did downregulate CXCR4 levels, which results in reduced GBC maintenance and neuronal differentiation. We proved that these effects were caused by CXCR4 downregulation rather than over-activation by showing that the phenotypes of CXCL12-overexpressing mice were highly similar to the phenotypes of CXCR4 knockout mice. Our results demonstrate functional CXCR4 signaling in GBCs regulates cell cycle exit and neural differentiation. We propose that CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling is an essential regulator of olfactory neurogenesis and provide new insights into the dynamics of neurogenesis in the OE.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural progenitors in progressive MS: Two-year follow-up of a phase I study

Objective

To determine the long-term safety and efficacy of repeated intrathecal (IT) administration of autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural progenitors (MSC-NPs) in patients with progressive MS by evaluating subjects 2 years after treatment.

Methods

Twenty subjects were enrolled as part of a phase I, open-label single-arm study of 3 IT injections of MSC-NPs spaced 3 months apart. Subjects were evaluated for adverse events and disability outcomes including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW). Long-term evaluation was conducted 2 years after the third treatment. CSF was collected before and 3 months after treatment.

Results

Eighteen of the 20 study participants completed the full 2-year follow-up protocol. There were no long-term adverse events associated with repeated IT-MSC-NP treatment. Seven subjects showed sustained improvement in EDSS after 2 years, although the degree of improvement was not maintained in 5 of the subjects. Three of the 10 ambulatory subjects showed sustained improvement in the T25FW after 2 years. CSF biomarker analysis revealed a decrease in C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and an increase in interleukin 8, hepatocyte growth factor, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) after treatment.

Conclusions

Safety and efficacy of repeated IT-MSC-NP treatment was sustained for 2 years; however, the degree of disability reversal was not sustained in a subset of patients. CSF biomarkers altered in response to IT-MSC-NP treatment may reflect specific immunoregulatory and trophic mechanisms of therapeutic response in MS.

Classification of evidence

This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with progressive MS, IT administration of MSC-NPs is safe and effective. The study is rated Class IV because of the absence of a non–IT-MSC-NP-treated control group.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT01933802.

The impact of trophic and immunomodulatory factors on oligodendrocyte maturation: Potential treatments for encephalopathy of prematurity

Encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) is a major cause of morbidity in preterm neonates, causing neurodevelopmental adversities that can lead to lifelong impairments. Preterm birth-related insults, such as cerebral oxygen fluctuations and perinatal inflammation, are believed to negatively impact brain development, leading to a range of brain abnormalities. Diffuse white matter injury is a major hallmark of EoP and characterized by widespread hypomyelination, the result of disturbances in oligodendrocyte lineage development. At present, there are no treatment options available, despite the enormous burden of EoP on patients, their families, and society. Over the years, research in the field of neonatal brain injury and other white matter pathologies has led to the identification of several promising trophic factors and cytokines that contribute to the survival and maturation of oligodendrocytes, and/or dampening neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss the current literature on selected factors and their therapeutic potential to combat EoP, covering a wide range of in vitro, preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, we offer a future perspective on the translatability of these factors into clinical practice.

CXCR7, CXCR4, and Their Ligand Expression Profile in Traumatic Brain Injury

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a health problem worldwide, and therapeutic strategies to enhance brain tissue repair to lessen neurologic sequels are imperative. We aimed to analyze the impact of the inflammatory process in TBI through CXCR4 and CXCR7 chemokine receptors and their ligands' CXCL11 and CXCL12 expression profile in search for potential new druggable targets.

METHODS

Twelve pericontusional tissues from severe TBI patients submitted to surgical treatment, and 20 control brain tissues from normal autopsy were analyzed for expression profile by real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. CXCR7 and CXCR4 protein expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The findings were correlated with the clinical evolution.

RESULTS

Increased gene expression of both receptors and their ligands was observed in TBI compared with controls, presenting high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate TBI from normal control (area under the curve ranging from 0.85 to 0.98, P < 0.001). In particular, CXCR7 expression highly correlated with CXCR4 and both ligands' expressions in TBI. Higher immunoreactions for CXCR7 and CXCR4 were identified in neurons and endothelial cells of TBI samples compared with controls. The patients presenting upregulated chemokine expression levels showed a trend toward favorable clinical evolution at up to 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The neuroprotective trend of CXCR4, CXCR7, CXCL11, and CXCL12 in TBI observed in this initial analysis warrants further studies with more patients, analyzing the involved signaling pathways for the development of new therapeutic strategies for TBI.

Relevance of the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis and its effect in pathophysiological conditions

The impact of the C-X-C receptor (CXCR) 7 and its close co-player CXCR4 in different physiological and pathophysiological processes has been extensively investigated within the last decades. Following activation by their shared ligand C-X-C ligand (CXCL) 12, both chemokine receptors can induce various routes of cell signaling and/or scavenge CXCL12 from the extracellular environment. This contributes to organ development and maintenance of homeostasis. Alterations of the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis have been detected in diseases such as cancer, central nervous system and cardiac disorders, and autoimmune diseases. These alterations include changes of the expression pattern, distribution, or downstream effects. The progression of the diseases can be regulated in preclinical models by the use of various modulators suggesting that this axis serves as a promising therapeutic target. It is therefore of great interest to investigate CXCR4/CXCR7/CXCL12 modulators in clinical development, with several CXCR4 and CXCL12 modulators such as plerixafor, ulocuplumab, balixafortide, and olaptesed pegol having already reached this stage. An overview is presented of the most important diseases whose outcomes can be positively or negatively regulated by the CXCR4/CXCR7-CXCL12 axis and summarizes preclinical and clinical data of modulators of that axis. Contrary to CXCR4 and CXCL12 modulators, CXCR7 modulators have, thus far, not been extensively studied. Therefore, more (pre)clinical investigations are needed.

The Role of Immune Factors in Shaping Fetal Neurodevelopment

Fetal neurodevelopment in utero is profoundly shaped by both systemic maternal immunity and local processes at the maternal-fetal interface. Immune pathways are a critical participant in the normal physiology of pregnancy and perturbations of maternal immunity due to infections during this period have been increasingly linked to a diverse array of poor neurological outcomes, including diseases that manifest much later in postnatal life. While experimental models of maternal immune activation (MIA) have provided groundbreaking characterizations of the maternal pathways underlying pathogenesis, less commonly examined are the immune factors that serve pathogen-independent developmental functions in the embryo and fetus. In this review, we explore what is known about the in vivo role of immune factors in fetal neurodevelopment during normal pregnancy and provide an overview of how MIA perturbs the proper orchestration of this sequence of events. Finally, we discuss how the dysregulation of immune factors may contribute to the manifestation of a variety of neurological disorders.

The pro-remyelination properties of microglia in the central nervous system

Microglia are resident macrophages of the CNS that are involved in its development, homeostasis and response to infection and damage. Microglial activation is a common feature of neurological disorders, and although in some instances this activation can be damaging, protective and regenerative functions of microglia have been revealed. The most prominent example of the regenerative functions is a role for microglia in supporting regeneration of myelin after injury, a process that is critical for axonal health and relevant to numerous disorders in which loss of myelin integrity is a prevalent feature, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease and motor neuron disease. Although drugs that are intended to promote remyelination are entering clinical trials, the mechanisms by which remyelination is controlled and how microglia are involved are not completely understood. In this Review, we discuss work that has identified novel regulators of microglial activation - including molecular drivers, population heterogeneity and turnover - that might influence their pro-remyelination capacity. We also discuss therapeutic targeting of microglia as a potential approach to promoting remyelination.

Effect of stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis in neural stem cell transplantation for Parkinson's disease

Previous studies have shown that neural stem cell transplantation has the potential to treat Parkinson's disease, but its specific mechanism of action is still unclear. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 and its receptor, chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), are important regulators of cell migration. We speculated that the CXCR4/stromal cell-derived factor 1 axis may be involved in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. A Parkinson's disease rat model was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine via the right ascending nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, and then treated with 5 μL of neural stem cell suspension (1.5 × 10⁴/L) in the right substantia nigra. Rats were intraperitoneally injected once daily for 3 days with 1.25 mL/kg of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 to observe changes after neural stem cell transplantation. Parkinson-like behavior in rats was detected using apomorphine-induced rotation. Immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase, CXCR4, and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, the mRNA expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra were measured. In addition, western blot assays were performed to analyze the protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4. Our results demonstrated that neural stem cell transplantation noticeably reduced apomorphine-induced rotation, increased the mRNA and protein expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 in the right substantia nigra, and enhanced the immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase, CXCR4, and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the brain. Injection of AMD3100 inhibited the aforementioned effects. These findings suggest that the stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis may play a significant role in the therapeutic effect of neural stem cell transplantation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Kunming Medical University, China (approval No. SYXKK2015-0002) on April 1, 2014.

Effects of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Secreted in Degenerative Intervertebral Disc on Activation and Recruitment of Nucleus Pulposus-Derived Stem Cells

Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) plays a significant role in mobilizing and recruiting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the sites of injury. This study investigated the potential of SDF-1α released in the degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) to activate and recruit endogenous nucleus pulposus-derived stem cells (NPSCs) for regeneration in situ. We found SDF-1α was highly expressed and secreted by the native disc cells when cultured in the proinflammatory mediators in vitro mimicking the degenerative settings. Immunohistochemical staining also showed that the expression level of SDF-1α was significantly higher in the degenerative group compared to that in the normal group. In addition to enhancement of viability, SDF-1α significantly increased the number of NPSCs migrating into the center of the nucleotomized bovine IVD ex vivo. After the systemic delivery of exogenous PKH26-labelled NPSCs into the rats in vivo, there was a significant difference in the distribution of the migrated cells between the normal and the degenerative IVDs, which might be caused by the different expression levels of SDF-1α. However, blocking CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) with AMD3100 effectively abrogated SDF-1α-stimulated proliferation and migration. Taken together, SDF-1α may be a key chemoattractant that is highly produced in response to the degenerative changes, which can be used to enhance the proliferation and recruitment of endogenous stem cells into the IVDs. These findings may be of importance for understanding IVD regenerative mechanisms and development of regenerative strategies in situ for IVD degeneration.

The oligodendrocyte growth cone and its actin cytoskeleton: A fundamental element for progenitor cell migration and CNS myelination

Cells of the oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage engage in highly motile behaviors that are crucial for effective central nervous system (CNS) myelination. These behaviors include the guided migration of OLG progenitor cells (OPCs), the surveying of local environments by cellular processes extending from differentiating and pre-myelinating OLGs, and during the process of active myelin wrapping, the forward movement of the leading edge of the myelin sheath's inner tongue along the axon. Almost all of these motile behaviors are driven by actin cytoskeletal dynamics initiated within a lamellipodial structure that is located at the tip of cellular OLG/OPC processes and is structurally as well as functionally similar to the neuronal growth cone. Accordingly, coordinated stoichiometries of actin filament (F-actin) assembly and disassembly at these OLG/OPC growth cones have been implicated in directing process outgrowth and guidance, and the initiation of myelination. Nonetheless, the functional importance of the OLG/OPC growth cone still remains to be fully understood, and, as a unique aspect of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, F-actin depolymerization and disassembly start to predominate at the transition from myelination initiation to myelin wrapping. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about OLG/OPC growth cones, and it proposes a model in which actin cytoskeletal dynamics in OLG/OPC growth cones are a main driver for morphological transformations and motile behaviors. Remarkably, these activities, at least at the later stages of OLG maturation, may be regulated independently from the transcriptional gene expression changes typically associated with CNS myelination.

Chemokines: Key Molecules that Orchestrate Communication among Neurons, Microglia and Astrocytes to Preserve Brain Function

In the CNS, chemokines and chemokine receptors are involved in pleiotropic physiological and pathological activities. Several evidences demonstrated that chemokine signaling in the CNS plays key homeostatic roles and, being expressed on neurons, glia and endothelial cells, chemokines mediate the bidirectional cross-talk among parenchymal cells. An efficient communication between neurons and glia is crucial to establish and maintain a healthy brain environment which ensures normal functionality. Glial cells behave as active sensors of environmental changes induced by neuronal activity or detrimental insults, supporting and exerting neuroprotective activities. In this review we summarize the evidence that chemokines (CXCL12, CX3CL1, CXCL16 and CCL2) modulate neuroprotective processes upon different noxious stimuli and participate to orchestrate neurons-microglia-astrocytes action to preserve and limit brain damage. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries.

Engineering biomaterial microenvironments to promote myelination in the central nervous system

Promoting remyelination and/or minimizing demyelination are key therapeutic strategies under investigation for diseases and injuries like multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, stroke, and virus-induced encephalopathy. Myelination is essential for efficacious neuronal signaling. This myelination process is originated by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the central nervous system (CNS). Resident OPCs are capable of both proliferation and differentiation, and also migration to demyelinated injury sites. OPCs can then engage with these unmyelinated or demyelinated axons and differentiate into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs). However this process is frequently incomplete and often does not occur at all. Biomaterial strategies can now be used to guide OPC and OL development with the goal of regenerating healthy myelin sheaths in formerly damaged CNS tissue. Growth and neurotrophic factors delivered from such materials can promote proliferation of OPCs or differentiation into OLs. While cell transplantation techniques have been used to replace damaged cells in wound sites, they have also resulted in poor transplant cell viability, uncontrollable differentiation, and poor integration into the host. Biomaterial scaffolds made from extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics that are naturally or synthetically derived can improve transplanted cell survival, support both transplanted and endogenous cell populations, and direct their fate. In particular, stiffness and degradability of these scaffolds are two parameters that can influence the fate of OPCs and OLs. The future outlook for biomaterials research includes 3D in vitro models of myelination / remyelination / demyelination to better mimic and study these processes. These models should provide simple relationships of myelination to microenvironmental biophysical and biochemical properties to inform improved therapeutic approaches.

Function of Lymphocytes in Oligodendrocyte Development

Oligodendrocytes generate myelin sheaths to promote rapid neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). During brain development, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are generated in the medial ganglionic eminence, lateral ganglionic eminence, and dorsal pallium. OPCs proliferate and migrate throughout the CNS at the embryonic stage. After birth, OPCs differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, which then insulate axons. Oligodendrocyte development is regulated by the extrinsic environment including neurons, astrocytes, and immune cells. During brain development, B lymphocytes are present in the meningeal space, and are involved in oligodendrocyte development by promoting OPC proliferation. T lymphocytes mediate oligodendrocyte development during the remyelination process. Moreover, a subset of microglia contributes to oligodendrocyte development during the neonatal periods. Therefore, the immune system, especially lymphocytes and microglia, contribute to oligodendrocyte development during brain development and remyelination.

Antibiotics protect against EAE by increasing regulatory and anti-inflammatory cells

A seven day pretreatment course of an oral antibiotic cocktail (Ampicillin, Metronidazole, Neomycin Sulfate, and Vancomycin) was shown to induce changes in peripheral immune regulation and protect mice from signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). To determine if a shorter course of antibiotic pretreatment could also protect the mice from EAE and induce regulatory immune cells, studies were conducted using the same oral antibiotic cocktail for three days. In addition, the CNS was examined to determine the effects of antibiotic pretreatment on EAE disease course and immune modulation within the affected tissue. The shorter three day pretreatment course was also significantly protective against severe EAE in C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, our study found increased frequencies of regulatory cells and a decrease in the frequency of anti-inflammatory macrophages in the spleen of EAE protected mice. Additionally, a chemokine and chemokine receptor array run on mRNA from spinal cords revealed that genes associated with regulatory T cells and macrophage recruitment were strongly upregulated in the antibiotic pretreated mice. Additional RT-PCR data showed genes associated with anti-inflammatory microglia/macrophages were upregulated and pro-inflammatory genes were downregulated. This suggests the macrophages recruited to the spinal cord by chemokines are subsequently polarized toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. These results lend strong support to the conclusion that a three day course of antibiotic treatment given prior to the induction of severe EAE profoundly protected the mice by inducing regulatory lymphocytes in the periphery and an anti-inflammatory milieu in the affected spinal cord tissue.

CXCL12 induces migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells through the CXCR4‑activated MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways

Demyelination is a nervous system disease in which the myelin sheaths of neurons are damaged due to inflammatory reactions, inherited abnormalities or trauma. This damage impairs the conduction of signals in the affected nerves, which in turn causes deficiencies in sensation, movement and cognition. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are able to induce remyelination. However, the remyelination is suboptimal due to the limited migration of OPCs. In the present study, neonatal OPCs were isolated from rats for the investigation of the role of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), an important chemokine, in mediating the migration ability of OPCs. The present results demonstrated that CXCL12 stimulation markedly promoted the migration of OPCs and activated the dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) pathways. Knockdown of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4; a receptor of CXCL12) reversed the CXCL12-induced migration of OPCs and blocked the MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. In addition, specific inhibitors of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways significantly reduced the migration of OPCs. Based on these findings, it was concluded that CXCL12 may induce the migration of OPCs through the CXCR4-activated MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. The results of the present study support the manipulation of CXCL12-mediated OPC migration to improve remyelination.

To Be or Not to Be: Environmental Factors that Drive Myelin Formation during Development and after CNS Trauma

Oligodendrocytes are specialized glial cells that myelinate central nervous system (CNS) axons. Historically, it was believed that the primary role of myelin was to compactly ensheath axons, providing the insulation necessary for rapid signal conduction. However, mounting evidence demonstrates the dynamic importance of myelin and oligodendrocytes, including providing metabolic support to neurons and regulating axon protein distribution. As such, the development and maintenance of oligodendrocytes and myelin are integral to preserving CNS homeostasis and supporting proper functioning of widespread neural networks. Environmental signals are critical for proper oligodendrocyte lineage cell progression and their capacity to form functional compact myelin; these signals are markedly disturbed by injury to the CNS, which may compromise endogenous myelin repair capabilities. This review outlines some key environmental factors that drive myelin formation during development and compares that to the primary factors that define a CNS injury milieu. We aim to identify developmental factors disrupted after CNS trauma as well as pathogenic factors that negatively impact oligodendrocyte lineage cells, as these are potential therapeutic targets to promote myelin repair after injury or disease.

Decoding cell signalling and regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation

Oligodendrocytes are fundamental for the functioning of the nervous system; they participate in several cellular processes, including axonal myelination and metabolic maintenance for astrocytes and neurons. In the mammalian nervous system, they are produced through waves of proliferation and differentiation, which occur during embryogenesis. However, oligodendrocytes and their precursors continue to be generated during adulthood from specific niches of stem cells that were not recruited during development. Deficiencies in the formation and maturation of these cells can generate pathologies mainly related to myelination. Understanding the mechanisms involved in oligodendrocyte development, from the precursor to mature cell level, will allow inferring therapies and treatments for associated pathologies and disorders. Such mechanisms include cell signalling pathways that involve many growth factors, small metabolic molecules, non-coding RNAs, and transcription factors, as well as specific elements of the extracellular matrix, which act in a coordinated temporal and spatial manner according to a given stimulus. Deciphering those aspects will allow researchers to replicate them in vitro in a controlled environment and thus mimic oligodendrocyte maturation to understand the role of oligodendrocytes in myelination in pathologies and normal conditions. In this study, we review these aspects, based on the most recent in vivo and in vitro data on oligodendrocyte generation and differentiation.

cxcl12-engineered endothelial progenitor cells enhance neurogenesis and angiogenesis after ischemic brain injury in mice

Background

Ischemic stroke causes a multitude of brain damage. Neurovascular injury and myelin sheath degradation are two manifestations of ischemic brain damage. Therapeutic strategies aiming only at repairing the neural components or the vessels cannot efficiently restore neurological function. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the advantages of both promoting angiogenesis and secreting trophic factors that would promote neurogenesis. Chemokine cxcl12 gene therapy has also been shown to promote angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and remyelination, attracting EPCs, neural progenitor cells, and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to the injured sites of the brain. In this work, we tested whether these two therapeutics can be combined by genetically engineering the EPCs with cxcl12 to harness the synergistic effects of these two interventions.

Methods

We used lentivirus (LV) to deliver cxcl12 gene into human umbilical cord blood EPCs to generate the engineered CXCL12-EPCs, which were then delivered into the perifocal region at 1 week after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion to investigate the effects of CXCL12-EPCs on the functional recovery and angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and remyelination in ischemic stroke mice. Green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene-modified EPCs and LV-CXCL12 gene therapy were used as controls.

Results

CXCL12-EPC treatment significantly reduced brain atrophy and improved neurobehavioral function at 5 weeks after brain ischemia. The treatment resulted in increased blood vessel density and myelin sheath integrity, and promoted neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and the proliferation and migration of OPCs. In-vitro data showed that CXCL12-EPCs performed better in proliferation and tube formation assays and expressed a higher level of vascular endothelial growth factor compared to GFP-EPCs.

Conclusions

The synergistic treatment of CXCL12-EPCs outperformed the single therapies of GFP-EPCs or LV-CXCL12 gene therapy in various aspects related to post-ischemic brain repair. cxcl12-engineered EPCs hold great potential in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

In vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of NG2 glia activity caused by neural electrode implantation

Neural interface technology provides direct sampling and analysis of electrical and chemical events in the brain in order to better understand neuronal function and treat neurodegenerative disease. However, intracortical electrodes experience inflammatory reactions that reduce long-term stability and functionality and are understood to be facilitated by activated microglia and astrocytes. Emerging studies have identified another cell type that participates in the formation of a high-impedance glial scar following brain injury; the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC). These cells maintain functional synapses with neurons and are a crucial source of neurotrophic support. Following injury, OPCs migrate toward areas of tissue injury over the course of days, similar to activated microglia. The delayed time course implicates these OPCs as key components in the formation of the outer layers of the glial scar around the implant. In vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) was employed to observe fluorescently-labeled OPC and microglia reactivity up to 72 h following probe insertion. OPCs initiated extension of cellular processes (2.5 ± 0.4 μm h-1) and cell body migration (1.6 ± 0.3 μm h-1) toward the probe beginning 12 h after insertion. By 72 h, OPCs became activated at a radius of about 190.3 μm away from the probe surface. This study characterized the early spatiotemporal dynamics of OPCs involved in the inflammatory response induced by microelectrode insertion. OPCs are key mediators of tissue health and are understood to have multiple fate potentials. Detailed spatiotemporal characterization of glial behavior under pathological conditions may allow identification of alternative intervention targets for mitigating the formation of a glial scar and subsequent neurodegeneration that debilitates chronic neural interfaces.

SDF-1 overexpression by mesenchymal stem cells enhances GAP-43-positive axonal growth following spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

Utilizing genetic overexpression of trophic molecules in cell populations has been a promising strategy to develop cell replacement therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI). Over-expressing the chemokine, stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1α), which has chemotactic effects on many cells of the nervous system, offers a promising strategy to promote axonal regrowth following SCI. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of human SDF-1α, when overexpressed by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), on axonal growth and motor behavior in a contusive rat model of SCI.

METHODS

Using a transwell migration assay, the paracrine effects of MSCs, which were engineered to secrete human SDF-1α (SDF-1-MSCs), were assessed on cultured neural stem cells (NSCs). For in vivo analyses, the SDF-1-MSCs, unaltered MSCs, or Hanks Buffered Saline Solution (vehicle) were injected into the lesion epicenter of rats at 9-days post-SCI. Behavior was analyzed for 7-weeks post-injury, using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale of locomotor functions. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate major histopathological outcomes, including gliosis, inflammation, white matter sparing, and cavitation. New axonal outgrowth was characterized using immunohistochemistry against the neuron specific growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43).

RESULTS

The results of these experiments demonstrate that the overexpression of SDF-1α by MSCs can enhance the migration of NSCs in vitro. Although only modest functional improvements were observed following transplantation of SDF-1-MSCs, a significant reduction in cavitation surrounding the lesion, and an increased density of GAP-43-positive axons inside the SCI lesion/graft site were found.

CONCLUSION

The results from these experiments support the potential role for utilizing SDF-1α as a treatment for enhancing growth and regeneration of axons after traumatic SCI.

SDF-1/CXCR7 Chemokine Signaling is Induced in the Peri-Infarct Regions in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, also known as CXCL12) and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 play important roles in brain repair after ischemic stroke, as SDF-1/ CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine signaling is critical for recruiting stem cells to sites of ischemic injury. Upregulation of SDF-1/CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine signaling in the ischemic regions has been well-documented in the animal models of ischemic stroke, but not in human ischemic brain. Here, we found that protein expression of SDF-1 and CXCR7, but not CXCR4, were significantly increased in the cortical peri-infarct regions (penumbra) after ischemic stroke in human, compared with adjacent normal tissues and control subjects. Double-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry shows that SDF-1 and CXCR4 proteins were expressed in neuronal cells and astrocytes in the normal brain tissue and peri-infarct regions. CXCR7 protein was also observed in neuronal cells and astrocytes in the normal cortical regions, but predominantly in astrocytes in the penumbra of ischemic brain. Our data suggest that ischemic stroke in human leads to an increase in the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR7, but not CXCR4, in the peri-infarct cerebral cortex. Our findings suggest that chemokine SFD-1 is expressed not only in animal models of stroke, but also in the human brain after an ischemic injury. In addition, unlike animals, CXCR7 may be the primary receptor of SDF-1 in human stroke brain.

cxcl12 gene engineered endothelial progenitor cells further improve the functions of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are needed for white matter repair after various brain injury. Means that promote OPC functions could benefit white matter recovery after injury. Chemokine CXCL12 and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) both have been shown to promote remyelination. We hypothesize that the beneficial effects of EPCs and CXCL12 can be harnessed by genetically modifying EPCs with cxcl12 to synergistically improve the functions of OPCs. In this work, CXCL12-EPC was generated using virus-mediated gene transfer. OPCs were cultured with CXCL12-EPC conditioned media (CM) to analyze its impact on the proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival properties of OPCs. We blocked or knocked-down the receptors of CXCL12, namely CXCR4 and CXCR7, respectively to investigate their functions in regulating OPCs properties. Results revealed that CXCL12-EPC CM further promoted OPCs behavioral properties and upregulated the expression of PDGFR-α, bFGF, CXCR4 and CXCR7 in OPCs, albeit following different time course. Blocking CXCR4 diminished the beneficial effects of CXCL12 on OPCs proliferation and migration, while knocking down CXCR7 inhibited OPCs differentiation. Our results supported that cxcl12 gene modification of EPCs further promoted EPCs' ability in augmenting the remyelination properties of OPCs, suggesting that CXCL12-EPC hold great potential in white matter repair.

Molecular pathology of Multiple Sclerosis lesions reveals a heterogeneous expression pattern of genes involved in oligodendrogliogenesis

Little is known about the decisive molecular factors that regulate lesion remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis. To identify such factors, we performed a differential gene expression analysis of normal appearing white matter (NAWM), active, remyelinating, and inactive demyelinated lesions. As expected, many genes involved in inflammatory processes were detected to be differentially regulated between these tissue types. Among them, we found an increased expression of members of the STAT6 pathway such as STAT6, IL4 and IL4R in active, remyelinated and inactive demyelinated lesions. This suggests that a protective, anti-inflammatory reaction, as already reported to be present in MS NAWM, is further enhanced in lesion tissues. Focusing on genes influencing oligodendrogliogenesis, we found a decreased expression of NKX2-2 in active, remyelinated and inactive demyelinated lesions, whereas SOX10 was downregulated in inactive demyelinated lesions, when compared to NAWM. Simultaneously, CXCL12 (SDF1) expression was strongly increased in active, remyelinated and inactive demyelinated lesions, but increased expression of the IGF1 and IGF2 genes was found in inactive demyelinated lesions. This demonstrates that, in principle, expression of genes promoting oligodendrogliogenesis occurs in MS lesion tissue - even in inactive demyelinated lesions. In contrast, oligodendrogenesis inhibiting genes such as JAG1 were also expressed at higher levels in inactive demyelinated lesions. Both, oligodendrogliogenesis promoting as well as inhibiting genes are expressed in all lesion tissues. However, no clear promoting or inhibiting expression pattern could be detected in any of the different types of lesioned tissues. This might reflect the heterogeneity of lesion development in MS patients, both in terms of mechanisms and temporal differences.

The Role of SDF-1/CXCR4/CXCR7 in Neuronal Regeneration after Cerebral Ischemia

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 is a chemoattractant produced by bone marrow stromal cell lines. It is recognized as a critical factor in the immune and central nervous systems (CNSs) as well as exerting a role in cancer. SDF-1 activates two G protein-coupled receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7; these are expressed in both developing and mature CNSs and participate in multiple physiological and pathological events, e.g., inflammatory response, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, cancer metastasis, and HIV infection. After an ischemic stroke, SDF-1 levels robustly increase in the penumbra regions and participate in adult neural functional repair. Here we will review recent findings about SDF-1 and its receptor, analyse their functions in neurogeneration after brain ischemic injury: i.e., how the system promotes the proliferation, differentiation and migration of neural precursor cells and mediates axonal elongation and branching.

CXCR7 Participates in CXCL12-mediated Cell Cycle and Proliferation Regulation in Mouse Neural Progenitor Cells

Background:

Cell cycle regulation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is an essential process for neurogenesis, neural development, and repair after brain trauma. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, CXCL12) and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 are well known in regulating the migration and survival of NPCs. The effects of CXCL12 on NPCs proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and their associated signaling pathways remain unclear. Cyclin D1 is a protein required for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle and a known downstream target of β-catenin. Therefore, cyclin D1 plays critical roles of cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and survival in NPCs.

Methods:

Primary mouse NPCs (mNPCs) were derived from brain tissues of wild-type, Cxcr4 knockout, or Cxcr7 knockout mice at mouse embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5). Flow cytometry was used to perform cell cycle analysis by quantitation of DNA content. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Ki67 immunostaining and TUNEL assay were used to assess the proliferation and survival of mNPCs, respectively.

Results:

CXCL12 pretreatment led to the shortening of G0/G1 phase and lengthening of S phase, suggesting that CXCL12 regulates cell cycle progression in mNPCs. Consistently, CXCL12 treatment increased the expression of CyclinD1 and β-catenin, and promoted proliferation and survival of mNPCs. Cxcr7 knockout of mNPCs blocked CXCL12-mediated mNPCs proliferation, whereas Cxcr4 knockout mNPC did not significantly effect CXCL12- mediated mNPCs proliferation.

Conclusion:

CXCR7 plays an important role in CXCL12-mediated mNPC cell cycle regulation and proliferation.

SDF-1/CXCR4 Signaling Maintains Stemness Signature in Mouse Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

SDF-1 and its primary receptor, CXCR4, are highly expressed in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) and play a crucial role in brain architecture. Loss of SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling causes abnormal development of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. However, the mechanism of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in NSCs/NPCs regulation remains unknown. In this study, we found that elimination of SDF-1/CXCR4 transduction caused NSCs/NPCs to lose their stemness characteristics and to encounter neurogenic differentiation. Moreover, Notch and RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) both play an essential role in NSCs/NPCs maintenance and neuronal differentiation and were dramatically downregulated following SDF-1/CXCR4 cascade inhibition. Finally, we demonstrated that the expression of achaete-scute homolog 1 (Ascl1), a proneural gene, and p27, an antiproliferative gene, were significantly increased after genetic elimination of SDF-1 alleles. Our results support that the loss of functional SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway in NSCs/NPCs induces exit of cell cycle and promotes premature neural differentiation.

Modulation of Neuroinflammation in the Central Nervous System: Role of Chemokines and Sphingolipids

Neuroinflammation is a process involved in the pathogenesis of different disorders, both autoimmune, such as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, and degenerative, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In the central nervous system, the local milieu is tightly regulated by different mediators, among which are chemoattractant cytokines, also known as chemokines. These small molecules are able to modulate trafficking of immune cells in the course of nervous system development or in response to tissue damage, and different patterns of chemokine molecule and receptor expression have been described in several neuroinflammatory disorders. In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted a pivotal role of sphingolipids in regulating neuroinflammation. Sphingolipids have different functions, among which are the control of leukocyte egress from lymphonodes into inflamed tissues, the expression of various mediators of inflammation and a direct effect on the cells of the central nervous system as regulators of neuroinflammation. In the future, a better knowledge of these two groups of mediators could provide insight into the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory disorders and could help develop novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 Chemokine Axis in the Central Nervous System: Therapeutic Targets for Remyelination in Demyelinating Diseases

The chemokine CXCL12 plays a vital role in regulating the development of the central nervous system (CNS) by binding to its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Recent studies reported that the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis regulates both embryonic and adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in their proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The changes in the expression and distribution of CXCL12 and its receptors are tightly associated with the pathological process of demyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting that modulating the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis may benefit myelin repair by enhancing OPC recruitment and differentiation. This review aims to integrate the current findings of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling pathway in the CNS and to highlight its role in oligodendrocyte development and demyelinating diseases. Furthermore, this review provides potential therapeutic strategies for myelin repair by analyzing the relevance between the pathological changes and the regulatory roles of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 during MS.

Early pancreatic cancer lesions suppress pain through CXCL12-mediated chemoattraction of Schwann cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells (PCC) have an exceptional propensity to metastasize early into intratumoral, chemokine-secreting nerves. However, we hypothesized the opposite process, that precancerous pancreatic cells secrete chemokines that chemoattract Schwann cells (SC) of nerves and thus induce ready-to-use routes of dissemination in early carcinogenesis. Here we show a peculiar role for the chemokine CXCL12 secreted in early PDAC and for its receptors CXCR4/CXCR7 on SC in the initiation of neural invasion in the cancer precursor stage and the resulting delay in the onset of PDAC-associated pain. SC exhibited cancer- or hypoxia-induced CXCR4/CXCR7 expression in vivo and in vitro and migrated toward CXCL12-expressing PCC. Glia-specific depletion of CXCR4/CXCR7 in mice abrogated the chemoattraction of SC to PCC. PDAC mice with pancreas-specific CXCL12 depletion exhibited diminished SC chemoattraction to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and increased abdominal hypersensitivity caused by augmented spinal astroglial and microglial activity. In PDAC patients, reduced CXCR4/CXCR7 expression in nerves correlated with increased pain. Mechanistically, upon CXCL12 exposure, SC down-regulated the expression of several pain-associated targets. Therefore, PDAC-derived CXCL12 seems to induce tumor infiltration by SC during early carcinogenesis and to attenuate pain, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis in PDAC.

Stichopus japonicus Polysaccharide, Fucoidan, or Heparin Enhanced the SDF-1α/CXCR4 Axis and Promoted NSC Migration via Activation of the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a Signaling Pathway

Stichopus japonicus Polysaccharide (SJP) is a sulfated polysaccharide from the body wall of the sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus. Fucoidan is a heparinoid compound that belongs to a family of sulfated polyfucose polysaccharides. Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan. SJP, fucoidan, and heparin profoundly promoted stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α)-induced neural stem cell (NSC) migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the basal migration capacity of cells was significantly promoted after incubation with SJP, fucoidan, or heparin. Interaction of SJP, fucoidan, or heparin with SDF-1α efficiently showed additive effects on the promotion of cell migration from the neurosphere. SJP, fucoidan, or heparin interaction with SDF-1α treatment could increase Nestin expression. SDF-1α modulated by SJP, fucoidan, or heparin activated the CXCR4 receptor and directed cellular migration via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway. Moreover, interaction of SJP, fucoidan, or heparin with SDF-1α effectively promoted NSC migration and induced SDF-1α and CXCR4 expressions. Results suggested that SJP, fucoidan, and heparin might be good candidates for alleviating injury-initiated signals to which NSCs respond.