1
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Bedner P, Steinhäuser C. Role of Impaired Astrocyte Gap Junction Coupling in Epileptogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1669. [PMID: 37371139 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gap-junction-coupled astroglial network plays a central role in the regulation of neuronal activity and synchronisation, but its involvement in the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases is not yet understood. Here, we present the current state of knowledge about the impact of impaired glial coupling in the development and progression of epilepsy and discuss whether astrocytes represent alternative therapeutic targets. We focus mainly on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), which is the most common form of epilepsy in adults and is characterised by high therapy resistance. Functional data from TLE patients and corresponding experimental models point to a complete loss of astrocytic coupling, but preservation of the gap junction forming proteins connexin43 and connexin30 in hippocampal sclerosis. Several studies further indicate that astrocyte uncoupling is a causal event in the initiation of TLE, as it occurs very early in epileptogenesis, clearly preceding dysfunctional changes in neurons. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of gap junction channels in epilepsy and to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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2
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Purnell BS, Alves M, Boison D. Astrocyte-neuron circuits in epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 179:106058. [PMID: 36868484 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epilepsies are a diverse spectrum of disease states characterized by spontaneous seizures and associated comorbidities. Neuron-focused perspectives have yielded an array of widely used anti-seizure medications and are able to explain some, but not all, of the imbalance of excitation and inhibition which manifests itself as spontaneous seizures. Furthermore, the rate of pharmacoresistant epilepsy remains high despite the regular approval of novel anti-seizure medications. Gaining a more complete understanding of the processes that turn a healthy brain into an epileptic brain (epileptogenesis) as well as the processes which generate individual seizures (ictogenesis) may necessitate broadening our focus to other cell types. As will be detailed in this review, astrocytes augment neuronal activity at the level of individual neurons in the form of gliotransmission and the tripartite synapse. Under normal conditions, astrocytes are essential to the maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity and remediation of inflammation and oxidative stress, but in epilepsy these functions are impaired. Epilepsy results in disruptions in the way astrocytes relate to each other by gap junctions which has important implications for ion and water homeostasis. In their activated state, astrocytes contribute to imbalances in neuronal excitability due to their decreased capacity to take up and metabolize glutamate and an increased capacity to metabolize adenosine. Furthermore, due to their increased adenosine metabolism, activated astrocytes may contribute to DNA hypermethylation and other epigenetic changes that underly epileptogenesis. Lastly, we will explore the potential explanatory power of these changes in astrocyte function in detail in the specific context of the comorbid occurrence of epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease and the disruption in sleep-wake regulation associated with both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benton S Purnell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Mariana Alves
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America; Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America.
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3
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Andrioli A, Fabene PF, Mudò G, Barresi V, Di Liberto V, Frinchi M, Bentivoglio M, Condorelli DF. Downregulation of the Astroglial Connexin Expression and Neurodegeneration after Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010023. [PMID: 36613467 PMCID: PMC9819917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytic networks and gap junctional communication mediated by connexins (Cxs) have been repeatedly implicated in seizures, epileptogenesis, and epilepsy. However, the effect of seizures on Cx expression is controversial. The present study focused on the response of Cxs to status epilepticus (SE), which is in turn an epileptogenic insult. The expression of neuronal Cx36 and astrocytic Cx30 and Cx43 mRNAs was investigated in the brain of rats in the first day after pilocarpine-induced SE. In situ hybridization revealed a progressive decrease in Cx43 and Cx30 mRNA levels, significantly marked 24 h after SE onset in neocortical areas and the hippocampus, and in most thalamic domains, whereas Cx36 mRNA did not exhibit obvious changes. Regional evaluation with quantitative real-time-RT-PCR confirmed Cx43 and Cx30 mRNA downregulation 24 h after SE, when ongoing neuronal cell death was found in the same brain regions. Immunolabeling showed at the same time point marked a decrease in Cx43, microglia activation, and interleukin-1β induction in some microglial cells. The data showed a transient downregulation of astroglial Cxs in the cortical and thalamic areas in which SE triggers neurodegenerative events in concomitance with microglia activation and cytokine expression. This could potentially represent a protective response of neuroglial networks to SE-induced acute damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Andrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Francesco Fabene
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Verona Unit, National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Mudò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenza Barresi
- Unit of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Liberto
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Frinchi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marina Bentivoglio
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Verona Unit, National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Filippo Condorelli
- Unit of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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4
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Twible C, Abdo R, Zhang Q. Astrocyte Role in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Development of Mossy Fiber Sprouting. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:725693. [PMID: 34658792 PMCID: PMC8514632 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.725693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with 60% of adult epilepsies presenting an onset of focal origin. The most common focal epilepsy is temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The role of astrocytes in the presentation and development of TLE has been increasingly studied and discussed within the literature. The most common histopathological diagnosis of TLE is hippocampal sclerosis. Hippocampal sclerosis is characterized by neuronal cell loss within the Cornu ammonis and reactive astrogliosis. In some cases, mossy fiber sprouting may be observed. Mossy fiber sprouting has been controversial in its contribution to epileptogenesis in TLE patients, and the mechanisms surrounding the phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. Several studies have reported that mossy fiber sprouting has an almost certain co-existence with reactive astrogliosis within the hippocampus under epileptic conditions. Astrocytes are known to play an important role in the survival and axonal outgrowth of central and peripheral nervous system neurons, pointing to a potential role of astrocytes in TLE and associated cellular alterations. Herein, we review the recent developments surrounding the role of astrocytes in the pathogenic process of TLE and mossy fiber sprouting, with a focus on proposed signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms, histological observations, and clinical correlations in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Twible
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rober Abdo
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, ON, Canada
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5
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Liu YD, Tang G, Qian F, Liu L, Huang JR, Tang FR. Astroglial Connexins in Neurological and Neuropsychological Disorders and Radiation Exposure. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1970-1986. [PMID: 32520676 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200610175037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a common treatment for brain and spinal cord tumors and also a risk factor for neuropathological changes in the brain leading to different neurological and neuropsychological disorders. Astroglial connexins are involved in brain inflammation, development of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), depressive, epilepsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and are affected by radiation exposure. Therefore, it is speculated that radiation-induced changes of astroglial connexins may be related to the brain neuropathology and development of neurological and neuropsychological disorders. In this paper, we review the functional expression and regulation of astroglial connexins expressed between astrocytes and different types of brain cells (including oligodendrocytes, microglia, neurons and endothelial cells). The roles of these connexins in the development of AD, depressive, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and brain inflammation have also been summarized. The radiation-induced astroglial connexins changes and development of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders are then discussed. Based on currently available data, we propose that radiation-induced astroglial connexins changes may be involved in the genesis of different neurological and neuropsychological disorders which depends on the age, brain regions, and radiation doses/dose rates. The abnormal astroglial connexins may be novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of radiation-induced cognitive impairment, neurological and neuropsychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Duo Liu
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Ge Tang
- Woodlands Health Campus, National Healthcare Group Singapore, Singapore
| | - Feng Qian
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Medical School of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | | | - Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Lineage tracing reveals the origin of Nestin-positive cells are heterogeneous and rarely from ependymal cells after spinal cord injury. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 65:757-769. [PMID: 33772745 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1901-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nestin is expressed extensively in neural stem/progenitor cells during neural development, but its expression is mainly restricted to the ependymal cells in the adult spinal cord. After spinal cord injury (SCI), Nestin expression is reactivated and Nestin-positive (Nestin+) cells aggregate at the injury site. However, the derivation of Nestin+ cells is not clearly defined. Here, we found that Nestin expression was substantially increased in the lesion edge and lesion core after SCI. Using a tamoxifen inducible CreER(T2)-loxP system, we verified that ependymal cells contribute few Nestin+ cells either to the lesion core or the lesion edge after SCI. In the lesion edge, GFAP+ astrocytes were the main cell type that expressed Nestin; they then formed an astrocyte scar. In the lesion core, Nestin+ cells expressed αSMA or Desmin, indicating that they might be derived from pericytes. Our results reveal that Nestin+ cells in the lesion core and edge came from various cell types and rarely from ependymal cells after complete transected SCI, which may provide new insights into SCI repair.
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7
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Xu J, Sun M, Li X, Huang L, Gao Z, Gao J, Xie A. MicroRNA expression profiling after recurrent febrile seizures in rat and emerging role of miR-148a-3p/SYNJ1 axis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1262. [PMID: 33441699 PMCID: PMC7806659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FSs) are common neurological disorders in both infants and children, although the precise underlying mechanism remains to be explored, especially in the expression pattern and function of microRNAs (miRNAs). In this report, we aimed to screen new potential miRNAs and examine the role of miR-148a-3p in hippocampal neurons in FS rats via Synaptojanin-1 (SYNJ1). Thirty rats were randomly divided into the normal and FS model groups, which were investigated by miRNA array. This process identified 31 differentially expressed (20 upregulated and 11 downregulated) miRNAs and potential miRNA target genes. In addition, hippocampal neurons were assigned into five groups for different transfections. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL and flow cytometry. SYNJ1 was identified as a target gene of miR-148-3p. In vitro experiments revealed that inhibition of miR-148a-3p decreased neuronal cell apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of miR-148a-3p resulted in activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. MiR-148a-3p inhibitor could reverse the above events. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the hippocampal miRNA expression profiles of a rat model of FS provide a large database of candidate miRNAs and neuron-related target genes. Furthermore, miR-148a-3p acted as a apoptosis enhcaner via the activation of the SYNJ1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, highlighting a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of infants with hyperthermia-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China ,grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Clinical Lab, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
| | - Mingqiang Sun
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Clinical Lab, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Pediatric, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
| | - Lei Huang
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Department of Cancer Blood Disease, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Zhenzhong Gao
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Pediatric, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
| | - Jian Gao
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Pediatric, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
| | - Anmu Xie
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Neurology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261011 China
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8
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Ghézali G, Vasile F, Curry N, Fantham M, Cheung G, Ezan P, Cohen-Salmon M, Kaminski C, Rouach N. Neuronal Activity Drives Astroglial Connexin 30 in Perisynaptic Processes and Shapes Its Functions. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:753-766. [PMID: 31271200 PMCID: PMC7086174 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play key roles in brain functions through dynamic interactions with neurons. One of their typical features is to express high levels of connexins (Cxs), Cx43 and Cx30, the gap junction (GJ)-forming proteins. Cx30 is involved in basic cognitive processes and shapes synaptic and network activities, as shown by recent studies in transgenic animals. Yet it remains unknown whether astroglial Cx30 expression, localization, and functions are endogenously and dynamically regulated by neuronal activity and could therefore play physiological roles in neurotransmission. We here show that neuronal activity increased hippocampal Cx30 protein levels via a posttranslational mechanism regulating lysosomal degradation. Neuronal activity also increased Cx30 protein levels at membranes and perisynaptic processes, as revealed by superresolution imaging. This translated at the functional level in the activation of Cx30 hemichannels and in Cx30-mediated remodeling of astrocyte morphology independently of GJ biochemical coupling. Altogether, these data show activity-dependent dynamics of Cx30 expression, perisynaptic localization, and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Ghézali
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- Doctoral School N° 158, Pierre and Marie Curie University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
- Doctoral School N°474, Rene Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Nathan Curry
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Marcus Fantham
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Giselle Cheung
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clemens Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
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9
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Connexins-Based Hemichannels/Channels and Their Relationship with Inflammation, Seizures and Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235976. [PMID: 31783599 PMCID: PMC6929063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are a family of 21 protein isoforms, eleven of which are expressed in the central nervous system, and they are found in neurons and glia. Cxs form hemichannels (connexons) and channels (gap junctions/electric synapses) that permit functional and metabolic coupling between neurons and astrocytes. Altered Cx expression and function is involved in inflammation and neurological diseases. Cxs-based hemichannels and channels have a relevance to seizures and epilepsy in two ways: First, this pathological condition increases the opening probability of hemichannels in glial cells to enable gliotransmitter release, sustaining the inflammatory process and exacerbating seizure generation and epileptogenesis, and second, the opening of channels favors excitability and synchronization through coupled neurons. These biological events highlight the global pathological mechanism of epilepsy, and the therapeutic potential of Cxs-based hemichannels and channels. Therefore, this review describes the role of Cxs in neuroinflammation and epilepsy and examines how the blocking of channels and hemichannels may be therapeutic targets of anti-convulsive and anti-epileptic treatments.
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10
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Pannasch U, Dossi E, Ezan P, Rouach N. Astroglial Cx30 sustains neuronal population bursts independently of gap-junction mediated biochemical coupling. Glia 2019; 67:1104-1112. [PMID: 30794327 PMCID: PMC6519011 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial networks mediated by gap junction channels contribute to neurotransmission and promote neuronal coordination. Connexin 30, one of the two main astroglial gap junction forming protein, alters at the behavioral level the reactivity of mice to novel environment and at the synaptic level excitatory transmission. However, the role and function of Cx30 at the neuronal network level remain unclear. We thus investigated whether Cx30 regulates neuronal population bursts and associated convulsive behavior. We found in vivo that Cx30 is upregulated by kainate-induced seizures and that it regulates in turn the severity of associated behavioral seizures. Using electrophysiology ex vivo, we report that Cx30 regulates aberrant network activity via control of astroglial glutamate clearance independently of gap-junction mediated biochemical coupling. Altogether, our results indicate that astroglial Cx30 is an important player in orchestrating neuronal network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Pannasch
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7241, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7241, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7241, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7241, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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11
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Charvériat M, Naus CC, Leybaert L, Sáez JC, Giaume C. Connexin-Dependent Neuroglial Networking as a New Therapeutic Target. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:174. [PMID: 28694772 PMCID: PMC5483454 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and neurons dynamically interact during physiological processes, and it is now widely accepted that they are both organized in plastic and tightly regulated networks. Astrocytes are connected through connexin-based gap junction channels, with brain region specificities, and those networks modulate neuronal activities, such as those involved in sleep-wake cycle, cognitive, or sensory functions. Additionally, astrocyte domains have been involved in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation during development; they participate in the “tripartite synapse” with both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons by tuning down or up neuronal activities through the control of neuronal synaptic strength. Connexin-based hemichannels are also involved in those regulations of neuronal activities, however, this feature will not be considered in the present review. Furthermore, neuronal processes, transmitting electrical signals to chemical synapses, stringently control astroglial connexin expression, and channel functions. Long-range energy trafficking toward neurons through connexin-coupled astrocytes and plasticity of those networks are hence largely dependent on neuronal activity. Such reciprocal interactions between neurons and astrocyte networks involve neurotransmitters, cytokines, endogenous lipids, and peptides released by neurons but also other brain cell types, including microglial and endothelial cells. Over the past 10 years, knowledge about neuroglial interactions has widened and now includes effects of CNS-targeting drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, psychostimulants, or sedatives drugs as potential modulators of connexin function and thus astrocyte networking activity. In physiological situations, neuroglial networking is consequently resulting from a two-way interaction between astrocyte gap junction-mediated networks and those made by neurons. As both cell types are modulated by CNS drugs we postulate that neuroglial networking may emerge as new therapeutic targets in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British ColumbiaVancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile.,Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Instituto MilenioValparaíso, Chile
| | - Christian Giaume
- Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de FranceParis, France
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12
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Dossi E, Vasile F, Rouach N. Human astrocytes in the diseased brain. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:139-156. [PMID: 28212850 PMCID: PMC5766741 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key active elements of the brain that contribute to information processing. They not only provide neurons with metabolic and structural support, but also regulate neurogenesis and brain wiring. Furthermore, astrocytes modulate synaptic activity and plasticity in part by controlling the extracellular space volume, as well as ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis. These findings, together with the discovery that human astrocytes display contrasting characteristics with their rodent counterparts, point to a role for astrocytes in higher cognitive functions. Dysfunction of astrocytes can thereby induce major alterations in neuronal functions, contributing to the pathogenesis of several brain disorders. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the structural and functional alterations occurring in astrocytes from the human brain in pathological conditions such as epilepsy, primary tumours, Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder and Down syndrome. Compelling evidence thus shows that dysregulations of astrocyte functions and interplay with neurons contribute to the development and progression of various neurological diseases. Targeting astrocytes is thus a promising alternative approach that could contribute to the development of novel and effective therapies to treat brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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13
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Liu L, Liu L, Shi J, Tan M, Xiong J, Li X, Hu Q, Yi Z, Mao D. MicroRNA-34b mediates hippocampal astrocyte apoptosis in a rat model of recurrent seizures. BMC Neurosci 2016; 17:56. [PMID: 27514646 PMCID: PMC4981991 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent convulsions can cause irreversible astrocyte death, impede neuron regeneration, and further aggravate brain damage. MicroRNAs have been revealed as players in the progression of numerous diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Particularly, microRNA has been found linked to seizure-induced neuronal death. In this study, a rat model of recurrent convulsions induced by flurothyl treatments was utilised to assess the alterations of microRNA expressions in hippocampus tissues. We also applied an in vitro model in which primary astrocytes were exposed to kainic acid to verify the targets of miR-34b-5p identified in the animal model. Results We discovered that miR-34b-5p, a member of the miR-34 family, increased significantly in flurothyl-treated rat hippocampus tissue. More surprisingly, this upregulation occurred concurrently with accumulating astrocyte apoptosis, indicating the involvement of miR-34b-5p in seizures caused astrocyte apoptosis. Results from the in vitro experiments further demonstrated that miR-34b-5p directly targeted Bcl-2 mRNA, translationally repressed Bcl-2 protein, and thus modulated cell apoptosis by influencing Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3. Conclusion Our findings prove microRNAs play a role in mediating recurrent convulsions-induced astrocyte death and further indicate that miR-34b-5p could acts as a regulator for astrocyte apoptosis induced by recurrent seizures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12868-016-0291-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Tan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingfang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingpeng Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuwen Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding'an Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 86 Renmin Middle Rd, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Ramani M, Mylvaganam S, Krawczyk M, Wang L, Zoidl C, Brien J, Reynolds JN, Kapur B, Poulter MO, Zoidl G, Carlen PL. Differential expression of astrocytic connexins in a mouse model of prenatal alcohol exposure. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 91:83-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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15
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Lu J, Chen M. Glial Gap Junctions Boost Modafinil Action on Arousal. Sleep 2016; 39:1175-7. [PMID: 27166230 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.5824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael Chen
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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16
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Crucial role of astrocytes in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuroscience 2016; 323:157-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Mäkelä J, Mudò G, Pham DD, Di Liberto V, Eriksson O, Louhivuori L, Bruelle C, Soliymani R, Baumann M, Korhonen L, Lalowski M, Belluardo N, Lindholm D. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α mediates neuroprotection against excitotoxic brain injury in transgenic mice: role of mitochondria and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 43:626-39. [PMID: 26741810 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator involved in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and cell defense. The functions of PGC-1α in physiology of brain mitochondria are, however, not fully understood. To address this we have studied wild-type and transgenic mice with a two-fold overexpression of PGC-1α in brain neurons. Data showed that the relative number and basal respiration of brain mitochondria were increased in PGC-1α transgenic mice compared with wild-type mitochondria. These changes occurred concomitantly with altered levels of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as studied by proteomic analyses and immunoblottings. Cultured hippocampal neurons from PGC-1α transgenic mice were more resistant to cell degeneration induced by the glutamate receptor agonist kainic acid. In vivo kainic acid induced excitotoxic cell death in the hippocampus at 48 h in wild-type mice but significantly less so in PGC-1α transgenic mice. However, at later time points cell degeneration was also evident in the transgenic mouse hippocampus, indicating that PGC-1α overexpression can induce a delay in cell death. Immunoblotting showed that X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was increased in PGC-1α transgenic hippocampus with no significant changes in Bcl-2 or Bcl-X. Collectively, these results show that PGC-1α overexpression contributes to enhanced neuronal viability by stimulating mitochondria number and respiration and increasing levels of OXPHOS proteins and the anti-apoptotic protein XIAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Mäkelä
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum-2 Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giuseppa Mudò
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Human Physiology, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, I-90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dan Duc Pham
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum-2 Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valentina Di Liberto
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Human Physiology, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, I-90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ove Eriksson
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Louhivuori
- Medicum, Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Céline Bruelle
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum-2 Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rabah Soliymani
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marc Baumann
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Korhonen
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Clinicum, Division of Child Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maciej Lalowski
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natale Belluardo
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Human Physiology, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, I-90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Dan Lindholm
- Medicum, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, POB 63, 00014, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland.,Minerva Medical Research Institute, Biomedicum-2 Helsinki, Tukholmankatu 8, FIN-00290 Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Laura MC, Xóchitl FP, Anne S, Alberto MV. Analysis of connexin expression during seizures induced by 4-aminopyridine in the rat hippocampus. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:69. [PMID: 26268619 PMCID: PMC4535691 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In epilepsy, seizures are generated by abnormal synchronous activity in neurons. In the rat hippocampus (HIP), epileptiform activity has been found to be associated with gap junctions (GJs). GJs are formed by the combination of two hemichannels, each composed of six connexins. At low doses, the convulsive drug 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) produces epileptiform activity without affecting glutamate levels; therefore, GJs could participate in its effect. Based on this argument, in this study, the expression of Cx 32, Cx 36 and Cx 43 protein and mRNA in the HIP of rats treated with 4-AP was evaluated. The evaluation of connexins was carried out by chemifluorescent immunoassay, semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence to detect the amount and distribution of connexins and of cellular markers in the HIP and dentate gyrus (DG) of animals treated with NaCl and 4-AP in the right entorhinal cortex. In these animals, convulsive behavior and EEG signals were analyzed. Results The animals treated with 4-AP showed convulsive behavior and epileptiform activity 60 min after the administration. A significant increase in the protein expression of Cx 32, Cx 36 and Cx 43 was found in the HIP contralateral and ipsilateral to the site of 4-AP administration. A trend toward an increase in the mRNA of Cx 32 and Cx 43 was also found. An increase in the cellular density of Cx 32 and Cx 43 was found in the right HIP and DG, and an increase in the cellular density of oligodendrocytes in the DG and a decrease in the number of cells marked with NeuN were observed in the left HIP. Conclusions Cx 32 and Cx 43 associated with oligodendrocytes and astrocytes had an important role in the first stages of seizures induced by 4-AP, whereas Cx36 localized to neurons could be associated with later stages. Additionally, these results contribute to our understanding of the role of connexins in acute seizures and allow us to direct our efforts to other new anticonvulsant strategies for seizure treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medina-Ceja Laura
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Flores-Ponce Xóchitl
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Santerre Anne
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomarkers and Molecular Genetic, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA, University of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Morales-Villagrán Alberto
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
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19
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Crunelli V, Carmignoto G, Steinhäuser C. Novel astrocyte targets: new avenues for the therapeutic treatment of epilepsy. Neuroscientist 2015; 21:62-83. [PMID: 24609207 PMCID: PMC4361461 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414523320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last 20 years, it has been well established that a finely tuned, continuous crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes not only critically modulates physiological brain functions but also underlies many neurological diseases. In particular, this novel way of interpreting brain activity is markedly influencing our current knowledge of epilepsy, prompting a re-evaluation of old findings and guiding novel experimentation. Here, we review recent studies that have unraveled novel and unique contributions of astrocytes to the generation and spread of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures and epileptiform activity. The emerging scenario advocates an overall framework in which a dynamic and reciprocal interplay among astrocytic and neuronal ensembles is fundamental for a fuller understanding of epilepsy. In turn, this offers novel astrocytic targets for the development of those really novel chemical entities for the control of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures that have been acknowledged as a key priority in the management of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Centro Nazionale della Ricerca, Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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20
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Clasadonte J, Haydon PG. Connexin 30 controls the extension of astrocytic processes into the synaptic cleft through an unconventional non-channel function. Neurosci Bull 2014; 30:1045-1048. [PMID: 25342075 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-014-1476-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Clasadonte
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Philip G Haydon
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
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21
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Mylvaganam S, Ramani M, Krawczyk M, Carlen PL. Roles of gap junctions, connexins, and pannexins in epilepsy. Front Physiol 2014; 5:172. [PMID: 24847276 PMCID: PMC4019879 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced gap junctional communication (GJC) between neurons is considered a major factor underlying the neuronal synchrony driving seizure activity. In addition, the hippocampal sharp wave ripple complexes, associated with learning and seizures, are diminished by GJC blocking agents. Although gap junctional blocking drugs inhibit experimental seizures, they all have other non-specific actions. Besides interneuronal GJC between dendrites, inter-axonal and inter-glial GJC is also considered important for seizure generation. Interestingly, in most studies of cerebral tissue from animal seizure models and from human patients with epilepsy, there is up-regulation of glial, but not neuronal gap junctional mRNA and protein. Significant changes in the expression and post-translational modification of the astrocytic connexin Cx43, and Panx1 were observed in an in vitro Co++ seizure model, further supporting a role for glia in seizure-genesis, although the reasons for this remain unclear. Further suggesting an involvement of astrocytic GJC in epilepsy, is the fact that the expression of astrocytic Cx mRNAs (Cxs 30 and 43) is several fold higher than that of neuronal Cx mRNAs (Cxs 36 and 45), and the number of glial cells outnumber neuronal cells in mammalian hippocampal and cortical tissue. Pannexin expression is also increased in both animal and human epileptic tissues. Specific Cx43 mimetic peptides, Gap 27 and SLS, inhibit the docking of astrocytic connexin Cx43 proteins from forming intercellular gap junctions (GJs), diminishing spontaneous seizures. Besides GJs, Cx membrane hemichannels in glia and Panx membrane channels in neurons and glia are also inhibited by traditional gap junctional pharmacological blockers. Although there is no doubt that connexin-based GJs and hemichannels, and pannexin-based membrane channels are related to epilepsy, the specific details of how they are involved and how we can modulate their function for therapeutic purposes remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthini Mylvaganam
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meera Ramani
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michal Krawczyk
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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22
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Posłuszny A. The contribution of electrical synapses to field potential oscillations in the hippocampal formation. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:32. [PMID: 24772068 PMCID: PMC3982077 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical synapses are a type of cellular membrane junction referred to as gap junctions (GJs). They provide a direct way to exchange ions between coupled cells and have been proposed as a structural basis for fast transmission of electrical potentials between neurons in the brain. For this reason GJs have been regarded as an important component within the neuronal networks that underlie synchronous neuronal activity and field potential oscillations. Initially, GJs appeared to play a particularly key role in the generation of high frequency oscillatory patterns in field potentials. In order to assess the scale of neuronal GJs contribution to field potential oscillations in the hippocampal formation, in vivo and in vitro studies are reviewed here. These investigations have shown that blocking the main neuronal GJs, those containing connexin 36 (Cx36-GJs), or knocking out the Cx36 gene affect field potential oscillatory patterns related to awake active behavior (gamma and theta rhythm) but have no effect on high frequency oscillations occurring during silent wake and sleep. Precisely how Cx36-GJs influence population activity of neurons is more complex than previously thought. Analysis of studies on the properties of transmission through GJ channels as well as Cx36-GJs functioning in pairs of coupled neurons provides some explanations of the specific influence of Cx36-GJs on field potential oscillations. It is proposed here that GJ transmission is strongly modulated by the level of neuronal network activity and changing behavioral states. Therefore, contribution of GJs to field potential oscillatory patterns depends on the behavioral state. I propose here a model, based on large body of experimental data gathered in this field by several authors, in which Cx36-GJ transmission especially contributes to oscillations related to active behavior, where it plays a role in filtering and enhancing coherent signals in the network under high-noise conditions. In contrast, oscillations related to silent wake or sleep, especially high frequency oscillations, do not require transmission by neuronal GJs. The reliability of neuronal discharges during those oscillations could be assured by conditions of higher signal-to-noise ratio and some synaptic changes taking place during active behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Posłuszny
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity, Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw, Poland
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23
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Voss LJ, Gauffin E, Ringqvist A, Sleigh JW. Investigation into the role of gap junction modulation of intracortical connectivity in mouse neocortical brain slices. Brain Res 2014; 1553:24-30. [PMID: 24480474 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
General anesthetics are hypothesized to cause unconsciousness by interrupting communication pathways within the cerebral cortex. A correlate of this has been demonstrated in mouse neocortical slices, where anesthetics disrupt the spread of population field potential activity--resulting in a "decoupling" of activity recorded across spatial locations within the slice. In this study we investigated whether this decoupling can be explained by gap junction blockade, with a particular focus on the connexin36 (Cx36) subtype. Baseline, coupled seizure-like event (SLE) activity was recorded from two extracellular electrodes in slices perfused with no-magnesium artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). The connexin36 gap junction blocker mefloquine (25 µM) failed to decouple SLE activity in wild-type mice (median(range) decoupling rate of 0.70(0.03-3.00)%, not significantly different from controls). Slices from Cx36 knock-out mice exhibited coupled SLE activity under baseline conditions and readily decoupled when exposed to the general anesthetic etomidate. The general gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX, 100 µM) strongly decoupled SLE activity compared to controls in wild-type mice (2.7(0.1-42.5) % compared to 0.03(0.0-0.5)%, p=0.0001). Taken together, the results show that Cx36 gap junction blockade does not cause decoupling of intracortical population activity, but the involvement of other gap junction subtypes cannot be ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan J Voss
- Anaesthesia Department, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Emelie Gauffin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
| | | | - James W Sleigh
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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24
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Connexin 30 sets synaptic strength by controlling astroglial synapse invasion. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:549-58. [PMID: 24584052 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes play active roles in brain physiology by dynamic interactions with neurons. Connexin 30, one of the two main astroglial gap-junction subunits, is thought to be involved in behavioral and basic cognitive processes. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are unknown. We show here in mice that connexin 30 controls hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission through modulation of astroglial glutamate transport, which directly alters synaptic glutamate levels. Unexpectedly, we found that connexin 30 regulated cell adhesion and migration and that connexin 30 modulation of glutamate transport, occurring independently of its channel function, was mediated by morphological changes controlling insertion of astroglial processes into synaptic clefts. By setting excitatory synaptic strength, connexin 30 plays an important role in long-term synaptic plasticity and in hippocampus-based contextual memory. Taken together, these results establish connexin 30 as a critical regulator of synaptic strength by controlling the synaptic location of astroglial processes.
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25
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Altered Kir and gap junction channels in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:682-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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26
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Akbarpour B, Sayyah M, Babapour V, Mahdian R, Beheshti S, Kamyab AR. Expression of connexin 30 and connexin 32 in hippocampus of rat during epileptogenesis in a kindling model of epilepsy. Neurosci Bull 2012; 28:729-36. [PMID: 23149765 PMCID: PMC5561816 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-012-1279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis yields new insights into potential therapies that may ultimately prevent epilepsy. Gap junctions (GJs) create direct intercellular conduits between adjacent cells and are formed by hexameric protein subunits called connexins (Cxs). Changes in the expression of Cxs affect GJ communication and thereby could modulate the dissemination of electrical discharges. The hippocampus is one of the main regions involved in epileptogenesis and has a wide network of GJs between different cell types where Cx30 is expressed in astrocytes and Cx32 exists in neurons and oligodendrocytes. In the present study, we evaluated the changes of Cx30 and Cx32 expression in rat hippocampus during kindling epileptogenesis. METHODS Rats were stereotaxically implanted with stimulating and recording electrodes in the basolateral amygdala, which was electrically stimulated once daily at afterdischarge threshold. Expression of Cx30 and Cx32, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was measured in the hippocampus at the beginning, in the middle (after acquisition of focal seizures), and at the end (after establishment of generalized seizures) of the kindling process, by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Cx30 mRNA expression was upregulated at the beginning of kindling and after acquisition of focal seizures. Then it was downregulated when the animals acquired generalized seizures. Overexpression of Cx30 mRNA at the start of kindling was consistent with the respective initial protein increase. Thereafter, no change was found in protein abundance during kindling. Regarding Cx32, mRNA expression decreased after acquisition of generalized seizures and no other significant change was detected in mRNA and protein abundance during kindling. CONCLUSION We speculate that Cx32 GJ communication in the hippocampus does not contribute to kindling epileptogenesis. The Cx30 astrocytic network localized to perivascular regions in the hippocampus is, however, overexpressed at the initiation of kindling to clear excitotoxic molecules from the milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Akbarpour
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 131694-3551 Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, 14778-93855 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Sayyah
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 131694-3551 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Vahab Babapour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, 141996-31111 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Siamak Beheshti
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 81746-73441 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Kamyab
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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27
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Eugenin EA, Basilio D, Sáez JC, Orellana JA, Raine CS, Bukauskas F, Bennett MVL, Berman JW. The role of gap junction channels during physiologic and pathologic conditions of the human central nervous system. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2012; 7:499-518. [PMID: 22438035 PMCID: PMC3638201 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-012-9352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are expressed in most cell types of the nervous system, including neuronal stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, cells of the blood brain barrier (endothelial cells and astrocytes) and under inflammatory conditions in microglia/macrophages. GJs connect cells by the docking of two hemichannels, one from each cell with each hemichannel being formed by 6 proteins named connexins (Cx). Unapposed hemichannels (uHC) also can be open on the surface of the cells allowing the release of different intracellular factors to the extracellular space. GJs provide a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication between adjacent cells that enables the direct exchange of intracellular messengers, such as calcium, nucleotides, IP(3), and diverse metabolites, as well as electrical signals that ultimately coordinate tissue homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, cell survival and death. Despite their essential functions in physiological conditions, relatively little is known about the role of GJs and uHC in human diseases, especially within the nervous system. The focus of this review is to summarize recent findings related to the role of GJs and uHC in physiologic and pathologic conditions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Pathology, F727, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Astrocyte dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy: K+ channels and gap junction coupling. Glia 2012; 60:1192-202. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by periodic and unpredictable seizures. Gap junctions have recently been proposed to be involved in the generation, synchronization and maintenance of seizure events. The present review mainly summarizes recent reports concerning the contribution of gap junctions to the pathophysiology of epilepsy, together with the regulation of connexin after clinical and experimental seizure activity. The anticonvulsant effects of gap junction blockers both in vitro and in vivo suggest that the gap junction is a candidate target for the development of antiepileptic drugs. It is also of interest that the roles of neuronal and astrocytic gap junctions in epilepsy have been investigated independently, based on evidence from pharmacological manipulations and connexin-knockout mice. Further studies using more specific manipulations of gap junctions in different cell types and in human epileptic tissue are needed to fully uncover the role of gap junctions in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Chen Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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30
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Connexin36 gap junction blockade is ineffective at reducing seizure-like event activity in neocortical mouse slices. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2010:310753. [PMID: 22937225 PMCID: PMC3428610 DOI: 10.1155/2010/310753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite much research, there remains controversy over the role of gap junctions in seizure processes. Many studies report anticonvulsant effects of gap junction blockade, but contradictory results have also been reported. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of connexin36 (Cx36) gap junctions in neocortical seizures. We used the mouse neocortical slice preparation to investigate the effect of pharmacological (mefloquine) and genetic (Cx36 knockout mice (Cx36KO)) manipulation of Cx36 gap junctions on two seizure models: low-magnesium artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) and aconitine perfusion in low-magnesium ACSF. Low-magnesium- (nominally zero) and aconitine- (230 nM) induced seizure-like event (SLE) population activity was recorded extracellularly. The results were consistent in showing that neither mefloquine (25 μM) nor genetic knockdown of Cx36 expression had anticonvulsant effects on SLE activity generated by either method. These findings call into question the widely held idea that open Cx36 gap junctions promote seizure activity.
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Gosejacob D, Dublin P, Bedner P, Hüttmann K, Zhang J, Tress O, Willecke K, Pfrieger F, Steinhäuser C, Theis M. Role of astroglial connexin30 in hippocampal gap junction coupling. Glia 2010; 59:511-9. [PMID: 21264956 DOI: 10.1002/glia.21120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The impact of connexin30 (Cx30) on interastrocytic gap junction coupling in the normal hippocampus is matter of debate; reporter gene analyses indicated a weak expression of Cx30 in the mouse hippocampus. In contrast, mice lacking connexin43 (Cx43) in astrocytes exhibited only 50% reduction in coupling. Complete uncoupling of hippocampal astrocytes in mice lacking both Cx30 and Cx43 suggested that Cx30 participates in interastrocytic gap junction coupling in the hippocampus. With comparative reporter gene assays, immunodetection, and cre/loxP-based reporter approaches we demonstrate that Cx30 is more abundant than previously thought. The specific role of Cx30 in interastrocytic coupling has never been investigated. Employing tracer coupling analyses in acute slices of Cx30 deficient mice here we show that Cx30 makes a substantial contribution to interastrocytic gap junctional communication in the mouse hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gosejacob
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
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32
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Mylvaganam S, Zhang L, Wu C, Zhang ZJ, Samoilova M, Eubanks J, Carlen PL, Poulter MO. Hippocampal seizures alter the expression of the pannexin and connexin transcriptome. J Neurochem 2010; 112:92-102. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Giaume C, Theis M. Pharmacological and genetic approaches to study connexin-mediated channels in glial cells of the central nervous system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 63:160-76. [PMID: 19963007 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Revised: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This review gives an overview of connexin expression in glial cells of the central nervous system, the different modes of connexin action, including gap junctional channels and hemichannels, as well as the available methodologies to measure their activity. We summarize the strengths and limitations of current pharmacological and genetic approaches to interfere with connexin channel functions. We outline new avenues not only to study specific mechanisms by which connexins exert these functions but also to selectively investigate well-defined coupling compartments among glial networks.
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Meme W, Vandecasteele M, Giaume C, Venance L. Electrical coupling between hippocampal astrocytes in rat brain slices. Neurosci Res 2009; 63:236-43. [PMID: 19167439 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2008.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 12/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions in astrocytes play a crucial role in intercellular communication by supporting both biochemical and electrical coupling between adjacent cells. Despite the critical role of electrical coupling in the network organization of these glial cells, the electrophysiological properties of gap junctions have been characterized in cultures while no direct evidence has been sought in situ. In the present study, gap-junctional currents were investigated using simultaneous dual whole-cell patch-clamp recordings between astrocytes from rat hippocampal slices. Bidirectional electrotonic coupling was observed in 82% of the cell pairs with an average coupling coefficient of 5.1%. Double patch-clamp analysis indicated that junctional currents were independent of the transjunctional voltage over a range from -100 to +110 mV. Interestingly, astrocytic electrical coupling displayed weak low-pass filtering properties compared to neuronal electrical synapses. Finally, during uncoupling processes triggered by either the gap-junction inhibitor carbenoxolone or endothelin-1, an increase in the input resistance in the injected cell paralleled the decrease in the coupling coefficient. Altogether, these results demonstrate that hippocampal astrocytes are electrically coupled through gap-junction channels characterized by properties that are distinct from those of electrical synapses between neurons. In addition, gap-junctional communication is efficiently regulated by endogenous compounds. This is taken to represent a mode of communication that may have important implications for the functional role of astrocyte networks in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Meme
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie, Université d'Orléans, BP 6759, 45067 Orléans Cedex 2, France
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35
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Koulakoff A, Ezan P, Giaume C. Neurons control the expression of connexin 30 and connexin 43 in mouse cortical astrocytes. Glia 2008; 56:1299-311. [PMID: 18512249 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A characteristic feature of astrocytes is their high level of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions. The two main connexins, Cx30 and Cx43, that form these junctions in astrocytes of adult brain display different developmental and regional expression, with a delayed onset of appearance for Cx30. In primary cultures of astrocytes from newborn cerebral cortex, while Cx43 is abundantly expressed, Cx30 is not detectable. In the present report, Western blot and confocal immunofluorescence analysis performed in astrocyte/neuron cocultures demonstrate that neurons upregulate the expression of Cx43 and induce that of Cx30 in subsets of astrocytes preferentially located in close proximity to neuronal soma. In Cx43 lacking astrocytes cocultured with neurons, the induction of Cx30 allows the restoration of dye coupling within islets of Cx30-positive astrocytes, indicating that intercellular channels formed by Cx30 are functional. The upregulating effect of neurons on the expression of connexins in cortical astrocytes is independent of their electrical activity and requires tight interactions between both cell types. This effect is reversed after neuronal death induced by neurotoxic treatments. Furthermore, excitotoxic treatments triggering neuronal death in vivo lead to a downregulation of both connexins in reactive astrocytes located within the area depleted in neurons. Altogether these observations indicate that the expression of the two main astrocyte connexins is tightly regulated by neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Koulakoff
- INSERM, U840, Collège de France, 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, Paris, France.
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36
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Köster-Patzlaff C, Hosseini SM, Reuss B. Layer specific changes of astroglial gap junctions in the rat cerebellar cortex by persistent Borna Disease Virus infection. Brain Res 2008; 1219:143-58. [PMID: 18538309 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal Borna Disease Virus (BDV) infection of the Lewis rat brain, leads to Purkinje cell degeneration, in association with astroglial activation. Since astroglial gap junctions (GJ) are known to influence neuronal degeneration, we investigated BDV dependent changes in astroglial GJ connexins (Cx) Cx43, and Cx30 in the Lewis rat cerebellum, 4, and 8 weeks after neonatal infection. On the mRNA level, RT-PCR demonstrated a BDV dependent increase in cerebellar Cx43, and a decrease in Cx30, 8, but not 4 weeks p.i. On the protein level, Western blot analysis revealed no overall upregulation of Cx43, but an increase of its phosphorylated forms, 8 weeks p.i. Cx30 protein was downregulated. Immunohistochemistry revealed a BDV dependent reduction of Cx43 in the granular layer (GL), 4 weeks p.i. 8 weeks p.i., Cx43 immunoreactivity recovered in the GL, and was induced in the molecular layer (ML). Cx30 revealed a BDV dependent decrease in the GL, both 4, and 8 weeks p.i. Changes in astroglial Cxs correlated not with expression of the astrogliotic marker GFAP, which was upregulated in radial glia. With regard to functional coupling, primary cerebellar astroglial cultures, revealed a BDV dependent increase of Cx43, and Cx30 immunoreactivity and in spreading of the GJ permeant dye Lucifer Yellow. These results demonstrate a massive, BDV dependent reorganization of astroglial Cx expression, and of functional GJ coupling in the cerebellar cortex, which might be of importance for the BDV dependent neurodegeneration in this brain region.
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37
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Talhouk RS, Zeinieh MP, Mikati MA, El-Sabban ME. Gap junctional intercellular communication in hypoxia-ischemia-induced neuronal injury. Prog Neurobiol 2007; 84:57-76. [PMID: 18006137 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Revised: 08/29/2007] [Accepted: 10/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain hypoxia-ischemia is a relatively common and serious problem in neonates and in adults. Its consequences include long-term histological and behavioral changes and reduction in seizure threshold. Gap junction intercellular communication is pivotal in the spread of hypoxia-ischemia related injury and in mediating its long-term effects. This review provides a comprehensive and critical review of hypoxia-ischemia and hypoxia in the brain and the potential role of gap junctions in the spread of the neuronal injury induced by these insults. It also presents the effects of hypoxia-ischemia and of hypoxia on the state of gap junctions in vitro and in vivo. Understanding the mechanisms involved in gap junction-mediated neuronal injury due to hypoxia will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabih S Talhouk
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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38
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Vandecasteele M, Glowinski J, Venance L. Connexin mRNA expression in single dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta. Neurosci Res 2006; 56:419-26. [PMID: 17014920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2006.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2006] [Revised: 08/20/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta play a major role in goal-directed behavior and reinforcement learning. The study of their local interactions has revealed that they are connected by electrical synapses. Connexins, the molecular substrate of electrical synapses, constitute a multigenic family of 20 proteins in rodents. The permeability and regulation properties of electrical synapses depend on their connexin composition. Therefore, the knowledge of the molecular composition of electrical synapses is fundamental to the understanding of their specific functions. We have investigated the connexin mRNA expression pattern of dopaminergic neurons by single-cell RT-PCR analysis, during two periods in which dopaminergic neurons are electrically coupled in vitro (P7-P10 and P17-P21). Our results show that dopaminergic neurons express mRNAs of various connexins (Cx26, Cx30, Cx31.1, Cx32, Cx36 and Cx43) in a developmentally regulated manner. Furthermore, we have observed that dopaminergic neurons display different connexin expression patterns, and that multiple connexins can be expressed in a single dopaminergic neuron. These observations underline the importance of electrical coupling in the development of dopaminergic neurons and raise the question of the existence of functionally distinct electrically coupled networks in the substantia nigra pars compacta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vandecasteele
- Laboratoire de Dynamique et Physiopathologie des Réseaux Neuronaux, Inserm, U667, Collège de France, Univ Pierre et Marie Curie, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, Paris, France
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39
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McCracken CB, Roberts DCS. A single evoked afterdischarge produces rapid time-dependent changes in connexin36 protein expression in adult rat dorsal hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2006; 405:84-8. [PMID: 16859830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 05/11/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions between neurons contribute to synchronous neuronal firing and may play a role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. We examined the expression of a number of gap junction subunits, including the neuronal gap junction forming protein connexin36 (Cx36), in the hippocampus at various time points following an electrically stimulated afterdischarge (AD) in freely-moving animals. Once recovered from electrode implantation, animals were tested with an escalating series of stimulations until an AD was evoked. Suprathreshold stimulation produced a brief AD with no convulsion. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 3, 12, and 24h post-stimulation, and connexin expression was assessed via semiquantitative immunoblotting. Compared to implanted non-stimulated controls, a significant decrease in Cx36 expression was observed in the stimulated dorsal hippocampus at 3h post-stimulation, which returned to control levels by 24h. No changes were seen in the ventral hippocampus. As well, no changes were seen in other selected connexin proteins including Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43, thought to be expressed primarily in glia, in either dorsal or ventral hippocampus. These data suggest that a relatively brief hypersynchronous neuronal discharge can produce rapid and specific changes in Cx36 expression, which may have implications for both normal brain function and the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton B McCracken
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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40
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Gigout S, Louvel J, Pumain R. Effects in vitro and in vivo of a gap junction blocker on epileptiform activities in a genetic model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2006; 69:15-29. [PMID: 16466906 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2005] [Revised: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of carbenoxolone (CBX), a gap junctions (GJ) blocker, on epileptiform activities in vivo and in vitro. In a first series of experiments, i.p. CBX decreased the cumulative duration of cortical spike-wave discharges (SWD) in adult Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) without reduction in the SW amplitude or frequency. Since SWD are generated in thalamocortical networks, we studied the effect of CBX on thalamic and cortical activities elicited by 4-aminopyridine (4AP) in thalamocortical slices from GAERS or non-epileptic rats (NER). Spontaneous ictal-like activities (ILA) were recorded simultaneously in thalamus and somatosensory cortex. However, experiments where these structures were surgically separated showed that ILA were generated in the cortex and recorded by volume conduction in the thalamus. GABA-dependent negative field potentials were also recorded in the cortex, either isolated or initiating ILA. After bath-applying CBX (100 microM), the frequency and cumulative duration of ILA decreased but less rapidly in GAERS than in NER slices and they disappeared at a time point when GABA-dependent negative potentials remained. These data suggest that GJ do not mediate the 4AP induced interneuronal synchronisation but may be implicated in the spreading of the synchronised activities from interneuronal networks to principal neurones. Our results show that CBX exerts an antiepileptic action in vivo, and that GJ blockers limits spread of synchronised activities in vitro. They may represent an appropriate target for development of new antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gigout
- Neurobiologie et Pharmacologie moléculaire, INSERM U 573, 75014 Paris, France
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41
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Abstract
In the nervous system, interneuronal communication can occur via indirect or direct transmission. The mode of indirect communication involves chemical synapses, in which transmitters are released into the extracellular space to subsequently bind to the postsynaptic cell membrane. Direct communication is mediated by electrical synapses, and will be the focus of this review. The most prevalent group of electrical synapses are neuronal gap junctions (both terms are used interchangeably in this article), which directly connect the intracellular space of two cells by gap junction channels. The structural components of gap junction channels in the nervous system are connexin proteins, and, as recently identified, pannexin proteins. Connexin gap junction channels enable the intercellular, bidirectional transport of ions, metabolites, second messengers and other molecules smaller than 1 kD. More than 20 connexin genes have been found in the mouse and human genome. With the cloning of connexin36 (Cx36), a connexin protein with predominantly neuronal expression, the biochemical correlate of electrotonic transmission between neurons was identified. We outline the distribution of Cx36 as well as two other neuronal connexins (Cx57 and Cx45) in the nervous system, describing their spatial and temporal expression patterns. One focus in this review was the retina, as it shows many and diverse electrical synapses whose connexin components have been identified in fish and mammals. In view of the function of neuronal gap junctions, the network of inhibitory interneurons will be reviewed in detail, focussing on the hippocampus. Although in vivo data on pannexin proteins are still restricted to information on mRNA expression, electrophysiological data and the expression pattern in the nervous system have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Meier
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
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42
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Rochefort N, Quenech'du N, Ezan P, Giaume C, Milleret C. Postnatal development of GFAP, connexin43 and connexin30 in cat visual cortex. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2005; 160:252-64. [PMID: 16297988 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2005.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2005] [Revised: 09/26/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In cat visual cortex, neurons acquire progressively mature functional properties during the first postnatal months. The aim of this study was to analyze the development of astrocytes during this period. The patterns of expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as well as of two gap junction proteins expressed in astrocytes, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin30 (Cx30), were investigated by immunohistochemistry and optical density measurements, in visual cortical areas 17 and 18 at four different ages: 2 weeks (postnatal days 12 to 15, P12-15), 1 month (P27-31), 2 months (P60-62) and beyond 1 year. Since visual experience is a key factor for neural development, the patterns of expression of these three proteins were studied both in normally-reared and monocularly deprived animals. Interestingly, the distribution of GFAP, Cx43 and Cx30 was found to change dramatically but independently of visual experience, during postnatal development, even beyond P60. During the first postnatal month, GFAP and Cx43 were mainly localized in the white matter underlying the visual cortical areas 17 and 18. Then, their distributions evolved similarly with a progressive decrease of their density in the white matter associated with an increase in the cortex. Connexin30 expression appeared only from the second postnatal month, strictly in the cortex and with a laminar distribution which was similar to that of Cx43 at the same age. In adults, a specific laminar distribution was observed, that was identical for GFAP, Cx43 and Cx30: their density was higher in layers II/III and V than in the other cortical layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rochefort
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Perception et de l'Action, UMR CNRS/Collège de France 7152, 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France.
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43
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Sokka AL, Mudo G, Aaltonen J, Belluardo N, Lindholm D, Korhonen L. Bruce/apollon promotes hippocampal neuron survival and is downregulated by kainic acid. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 338:729-35. [PMID: 16236253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.09.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2005] [Accepted: 09/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged or excess stimulation of excitatory amino acid receptors leads to seizures and the induction of excitotoxic nerve cell injury. Kainic acid acting on glutamate receptors produces degeneration of vulnerable neurons in parts of the hippocampus and amygdala, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. We have here investigated whether the anti-apoptotic protein Bruce is involved in kainic acid-induced neurodegeneration. In the rat hippocampus and cortex, Bruce was exclusively expressed by neurons. The levels of Bruce were rapidly downregulated by kainic acid in hippocampal neurons as shown both in vivo and in cell culture. Caspase-3 was activated in neurons exhibiting low levels of Bruce causing cell death. Likewise, downregulation of Bruce using antisense oligonucleotides decreased viability and enhanced the effect of kainic acid in the hippocampal neurons. The results show that Bruce is involved in neurodegeneration caused by kainic acid and the downregulation of the protein promotes neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Leena Sokka
- Medical Research Institute Minerva, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FIN-00140 Helsinki, Finland
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44
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Söhl G, Odermatt B, Maxeiner S, Degen J, Willecke K. New insights into the expression and function of neural connexins with transgenic mouse mutants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 47:245-59. [PMID: 15572175 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions represent direct intercellular conduits between contacting cells. The subunit proteins of these conduits are called connexins. To date, 20 and 21 connexin genes have been described in the mouse and human genome, respectively, many of them represent sequence-orthologous pairs. Targeted deletion of connexin genes in the mouse genome opened new insights into the biological function of these channel forming proteins, which, in some cases, could be correlated to phenotypic abnormalities in humans, suffering from inherited diseases caused by mutations in the corresponding orthologous connexin gene. Replacing the connexin coding DNA by an appropriate reporter gene has clarified in several cases its cell type specific expression in mouse brain. Various studies demonstrated that connexin36 is mainly expressed in interneurons of retina and brain. Targeted deletion of connexin36 evoked a loss of electrical signal transduction and interferes with synchrony which probably leads to defects in visual transmission and memory. Deletion of connexin43 in astrocytes of mouse brain resulted in increased spreading depression consistent with the notion of altered "spatial buffering" of K(+) ions and glutamate secreted by active neurons. General connexin30-deficiency led to hearing impairment and apoptosis of hair cells, similar to that observed in mice with cochlea specific deletion of connexin26. Reporter gene expression in connexin30-deficient mice indicated that astrocytes in certain brain regions and leptomeningeal as well as ependymal cells are labelled. Reporter gene expression in connexin45- and connexin47-deficient mice was used to reassign connexin45 expression to certain CNS neurons and connexin47 expression to oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Söhl
- Institut für Genetik, Abteilung Molekulargenetik, Universität Bonn, Römerstr. 164, 53117 Bonn, Germany
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45
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Gareri P, Condorelli D, Belluardo N, Russo E, Loiacono A, Barresi V, Trovato-Salinaro A, Trovato-Salinato A, Mirone MB, Ferreri Ibbadu G, De Sarro G. Anticonvulsant effects of carbenoxolone in genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPRs). Neuropharmacology 2004; 47:1205-16. [PMID: 15567430 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2004.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2004] [Revised: 07/14/2004] [Accepted: 08/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Carbenoxolone (CBX), the succinyl ester of glycyrrhetinic acid, is an inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication. Systemic administration of CBX was able to decrease the seizure severity score and to increase the latency time of seizure onset in genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPRs). In particular, intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of carbenoxolone (5-30 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent and significant reduction in the clonic and tonic phases of the audiogenic seizures in GEPRs. The anticonvulsant doses were not associated with an impairment of motor coordination. The bilateral microinjection of CBX (0.001-0.50 microg/0.5 microl) into the inferior colliculi, the substantia nigra (pars reticulata or compacta) and the inferior olivary complex was able to reduce the seizure severity score in a dose-dependent manner. The anticonvulsant effects were longer lasting after focal microinjection than after systemic administration. No anticonvulsant effects were observed following focal bilateral microinjections of glycyrrhizin into the same brain areas where CBX was shown to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gareri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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46
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Rouach N, Koulakoff A, Giaume C. Neurons set the tone of gap junctional communication in astrocytic networks. Neurochem Int 2004; 45:265-72. [PMID: 15145542 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2003.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2003] [Accepted: 07/31/2003] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have contributed to demonstrate that neurons and astrocytes tightly and actively interact. Indeed, the presence of astrocytes in neuronal cultures increases the number of synapses and their efficiency, and thanks to enzymatic and uptake processes, astrocytes play a role in neuroprotection. A typical feature of astrocytes is that they establish cell-cell communication in vitro, as well as in situ, through intercellular channels forming specialized membrane areas defined as gap junctions. These channels are composed of junctional proteins termed connexins (Cxs): in astrocytes connexin 43 (Cx43) and 30 (Cx30) have been shown to prevail. Several recent works indicate that gap junctional communication (GJC) and/or connexin expression in astrocytes are controlled by neurons. Altogether, these observations lead to the concept that neuronal and astrocytic networks interact through mutual setting of their respective mode of communication and that astrocyte gap junctions represent a target in neuroglial interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Rouach
- INSERM U114, Collège de France, 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France
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47
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Altevogt BM, Paul DL. Four classes of intercellular channels between glial cells in the CNS. J Neurosci 2004; 24:4313-23. [PMID: 15128845 PMCID: PMC6729442 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3303-03.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2003] [Revised: 02/03/2004] [Accepted: 03/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes form extensive gap junctions with other astrocytes and with oligodendrocytes. Junctional communication between CNS glia is likely of critical importance because loss of the gap junction channel-forming proteins, connexins Cx32 and Cx47, result in severe demyelination. However, CNS glia express at least six connexins, and the cellular origins and relationships of these proteins have not been determined. We produced a Cx29 reporter mouse in which the connexin coding sequence was replaced with a histological marker, which was used to demonstrate that Cx29, Cx32, and Cx47 are expressed specifically in oligodendrocytes. To determine the relationships between astrocyte and oligodendrocyte connexins, we used double- and triple-immunofluorescence microscopy using semithin sections (<1 microm) of adult mouse spinal cord. Astrocytes form two distinct classes of gap junctions with each other; those composed of Cx26 and those composed of Cx43 and Cx30. In addition, astrocytes establish two classes of intercellular channels with oligodendrocytes, heterotypic Cx26-Cx32 channels and heterotypic Cx30/Cx43-Cx47 channels that may also be heteromeric. In contrast, Cx29 does not colocalize with any of the other five connexins. The data provide the first in vivo demonstration of heterotypic intercellular channels and reveal an unexpected complexity in the composition of glial gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce M Altevogt
- Program in Neuroscience and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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48
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Gareri P, Condorelli D, Belluardo N, Gratteri S, Ferreri G, Donato Di Paola E, De Sarro A, De Sarro G. Influence of carbenoxolone on the anticonvulsant efficacy of conventional antiepileptic drugs against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 484:49-56. [PMID: 14729381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Carbenoxolone, the succinyl ester of glycyrrhetinic acid, is an inhibitor of 11beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and gap junctional intercellular communication. It is currently used in clinical treatment of ulcer diseases. Systemic administration of carbenoxolone (1-40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) was able to produce a dose-dependent decrease in DBA/2 audiogenic seizure severity score. Glycyrrhizin, an analogue of carbenoxolone inactive at the gap-junction level, was unable to affect audiogenic seizures at doses up to 30 mg/kg. In combination with conventional antiepileptic drugs, carbenoxolone, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., which per se did not significantly affect the occurrence of audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice, potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and valproate against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice. This effect was not observed after the combination of glycyrrhizin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) with some conventional antiepileptic drugs. The degree of potentiation induced by carbenoxolone was greater for diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, phenobarbital and valproate, less for lamotrigine, phenytoin and carbamazepine. This increase was associated with a comparable impairment in motor activity; however, the therapeutic index of combined treatment of antiepileptic drugs with carbenoxolone was more favourable than the combination with glycyrrhizin or saline. Since carbenoxolone did not significantly influence the total and free plasma levels of diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproate and carbamazepine, pharmacokinetic interactions are not likely. However, the possibility that carbenoxolone can modify the brain clearance of the anticonvulsant drugs studied may not be excluded. In addition, carbenoxolone did not significantly affect the hypothermic effects of the anticonvulsants tested. In conclusion, carbenoxolone showed an additive anticonvulsant effect when administered in combination with some classical anticonvulsants, most notably diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, phenobarbital, and valproate, implicating a possible therapeutic relevance of such drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gareri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine at Catanzaro, Policlinico Mater Domini, Via T. Campanella, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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49
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Condorelli DF, Trovato-Salinaro A, Mudò G, Mirone MB, Belluardo N. Cellular expression of connexins in the rat brain: neuronal localization, effects of kainate-induced seizures and expression in apoptotic neuronal cells. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:1807-27. [PMID: 14622215 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02910.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of connexins (Cxs) expressed in neuronal cells represents a crucial step for understanding the direct communication between neurons and between neuron and glia. In the present work, using a double-labelling method combining in situ hybridization for Cx mRNAs with immunohistochemical detection for neuronal markers, we provide evidence that, among cerebral connexins (Cx26, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47), only Cx45 and Cx36 mRNAs are localized in neuronal cells in both developing and adult rat brain. In order to establish whether connexin expression is influenced in vivo by abnormal neuronal activity, we examined the short-term effects of kainate-induced seizures. The results revealed an unexpected expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNA in neuronal cells undergoing apoptotic cell death in the CA3-CA4, in the hilus of the hippocampus and in other brain regions involved in seizure-induced lesion. However, the expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNAs was not associated with detectable expression of corresponding proteins as evaluated by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Moreover, in the same brain regions Cx32 and Cx43 were up-regulated in non-neruronal cells whereas the neuronal Cx36 was down-regulated. Taken together the present results provide novel information regarding the specific subpopulation of neurons expressing Cx45 and raise the question of the meaning of connexin mRNA expression in the neuronal apoptotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F Condorelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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50
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Korhonen L, Belluardo N, Mudo G, Lindholm D. Increase in Bcl-2 phosphorylation and reduced levels of BH3-only Bcl-2 family proteins in kainic acid-mediated neuronal death in the rat brain. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:1121-34. [PMID: 12956712 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kainic acid induces excitotoxicity and nerve cell degeneration in vulnerable regions of rat brain, most markedly in hippocampus and amygdala. Part of the cell death following kainic acid is apoptotic as shown by caspase 3 activation and chromatin condensation. Here we have studied the regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins belonging to the Bcl-2 family in rat hippocampus and amygdala by kainic acid in relationship to ensuing neuronal death. The pro-apoptotic protein Bax was up-regulated in hippocampus 6 h after kainic acid administration. The increase in Bax was followed by the appearance of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling-positive cells which were prominent at 24 h. Immunohistochemistry for active Bax revealed a punctuated labelling of neurons in the CA3 and hilar regions of hippocampus as well as in amygdala. Double staining for NeuN, a marker for nerve cells, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling showed that mainly neurons undergo degeneration after kainic acid treatment. In contrast to Bax, the pro-apoptotic BH3-only Bcl-2 proteins Bim and Harakiri/DP5 were down-regulated by kainic acid. This was also observed for the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-x and Bcl-w. Immunoreactive Bcl-2 was up-regulated in hippocampus after kainic acid together with an increase in the phosphorylation of serine-87 in Bcl-2, suggesting a post-transcriptional modification of the protein. This was confirmed using immunoprecipitation of total Bcl-2 from hippocampus and amygdala which revealed an increase in serine-87 phospho-Bcl-2 after kainic acid. Inhibition of the c-jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway reduced both serine-87 phosphorylation and cell death after kainic acid. This indicates an important role of Bcl-2 phosphorylation in controlling neuronal death after kainic acid. In contrast to the situation in trophic factor-deprived neurons, no up-regulation of Bim or Harakiri/DP5 proteins occurred after kainic acid, suggesting alternative pathways for regulation of cell death in excitotoxicity. The results indicate that not only the relative levels of Bcl-2 family proteins but also conformation changes and post-translational modifications contribute to neuronal death following kainic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Korhonen
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 587, S-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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