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España JC, Yasoda-Mohan A, Vanneste S. The Locus Coeruleus in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8636. [PMID: 39201323 PMCID: PMC11354431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain perception is the consequence of a complex interplay between activation and inhibition. Noradrenergic pain modulation inhibits nociceptive transmission and pain perception. The main source of norepinephrine (NE) in the central nervous system is the Locus Coeruleus (LC), a small but complex cluster of cells in the pons. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the LC-NE inhibitory system, its influence on chronic pain pathways and its frequent comorbidities. The literature research showed that pain perception is the consequence of nociceptive and environmental processing and is modulated by the LC-NE system. If perpetuated in time, nociceptive inputs can generate neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system that reduce the inhibitory effects of the LC-NE complex and facilitate the development of chronic pain and frequent comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression or sleeping disturbances. The exact mechanisms involved in the LC functional shift remain unknown, but there is some evidence that they occur through plastic changes in the medial and lateral pathways and their brain projections. Additionally, there are other influencing factors, like developmental issues, neuroinflammatory glial changes, NE receptor affinity and changes in LC neuronal firing rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Castejón España
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.E.); (A.Y.-M.)
- Compass Physio, A83 YW96 Enfield, Ireland
| | - Anusha Yasoda-Mohan
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.E.); (A.Y.-M.)
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (J.C.E.); (A.Y.-M.)
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Brain Research Centre for Advanced, International, Innovative and Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Beckers E, Van Egroo M, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Vandewalle G, Zetterberg H, Poser BA, Jacobs HIL. Microstructural associations between locus coeruleus, cortical, and subcortical regions are modulated by astrocyte reactivity: a 7T MRI adult lifespan study. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae261. [PMID: 38904081 PMCID: PMC11190376 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system plays a key role in supporting brain health along the lifespan, notably through its modulatory effects on neuroinflammation. Using ultra-high field diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, we examined whether microstructural properties (neurite density index and orientation dispersion index) in the locus coeruleus were related to those in cortical and subcortical regions, and whether this was modulated by plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein levels, as a proxy of astrocyte reactivity. In our cohort of 60 healthy individuals (30 to 85 yr, 50% female), higher glial fibrillary acidic protein correlated with lower neurite density index in frontal cortical regions, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. Furthermore, under higher levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (above ~ 150 pg/mL for cortical and ~ 145 pg/mL for subcortical regions), lower locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index was associated with lower orientation dispersion index in frontotemporal cortical regions and in subcortical regions. Interestingly, individuals with higher locus coeruleus orientation dispersion index exhibited higher orientation dispersion index in these (sub)cortical regions, despite having higher glial fibrillary acidic protein levels. Together, these results suggest that the interaction between locus coeruleus-norepinephrine cells and astrocytes can signal a detrimental or neuroprotective pathway for brain integrity and support the importance of maintaining locus coeruleus neuronal health in aging and in the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Beckers
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GIGA-CRC Human Imaging, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Maxime Van Egroo
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Institute Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London SE5 9RT, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei 230036, China
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg, 431 41 Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80 Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London W1T 7NF, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Benedikt A Poser
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht University, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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3
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Chen AB, Duque M, Wang VM, Dhanasekar M, Mi X, Rymbek A, Tocquer L, Narayan S, Prober D, Yu G, Wyart C, Engert F, Ahrens MB. Norepinephrine changes behavioral state via astroglial purinergic signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595576. [PMID: 38826423 PMCID: PMC11142163 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Both neurons and glia communicate via diffusible neuromodulatory substances, but the substrates of computation in such neuromodulatory networks are unclear. During behavioral transitions in the larval zebrafish, the neuromodulator norepinephrine drives fast excitation and delayed inhibition of behavior and circuit activity. We find that the inhibitory arm of this feedforward motif is implemented by astroglial purinergic signaling. Neuromodulator imaging, behavioral pharmacology, and perturbations of neurons and astroglia reveal that norepinephrine triggers astroglial release of adenosine triphosphate, extracellular conversion into adenosine, and behavioral suppression through activation of hindbrain neuronal adenosine receptors. This work, along with a companion piece by Lefton and colleagues demonstrating an analogous pathway mediating the effect of norepinephrine on synaptic connectivity in mice, identifies a computational and behavioral role for an evolutionarily conserved astroglial purinergic signaling axis in norepinephrine-mediated behavioral and brain state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex B. Chen
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marc Duque
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vickie M. Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mahalakshmi Dhanasekar
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Xuelong Mi
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Arlington, VA 22203, USA
| | - Altyn Rymbek
- Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Loeva Tocquer
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sujatha Narayan
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
- Present address: Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics; Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David Prober
- Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Guoqiang Yu
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University; Beijing 100084, P.R. China
| | - Claire Wyart
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute (Institut du Cerveau, ICM), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Campus Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University; Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Misha B. Ahrens
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
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Lefton KB, Wu Y, Yen A, Okuda T, Zhang Y, Dai Y, Walsh S, Manno R, Dougherty JD, Samineni VK, Simpson PC, Papouin T. Norepinephrine Signals Through Astrocytes To Modulate Synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595135. [PMID: 38826209 PMCID: PMC11142048 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC)-derived norepinephrine (NE) drives network and behavioral adaptations to environmental saliencies by reconfiguring circuit connectivity, but the underlying synapse-level mechanisms are elusive. Here, we show that NE remodeling of synaptic function is independent from its binding on neuronal receptors. Instead, astrocytic adrenergic receptors and Ca2+ dynamics fully gate the effect of NE on synapses as the astrocyte-specific deletion of adrenergic receptors and three independent astrocyte-silencing approaches all render synapses insensitive to NE. Additionally, we find that NE suppression of synaptic strength results from an ATP-derived and adenosine A1 receptor-mediated control of presynaptic efficacy. An accompanying study from Chen et al. reveals the existence of an analogous pathway in the larval zebrafish and highlights its importance to behavioral state transitions. Together, these findings fuel a new model wherein astrocytes are a core component of neuromodulatory systems and the circuit effector through which norepinephrine produces network and behavioral adaptations, challenging an 80-year-old status quo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katheryn B Lefton
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Allen Yen
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Takao Okuda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Yufen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Yanchao Dai
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Sarah Walsh
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Rachel Manno
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Vijay K Samineni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Paul C Simpson
- Deparment of Medicine and Research Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Papouin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
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5
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Oliveira A, Azevedo M, Seixas R, Martinho R, Serrão P, Moreira-Rodrigues M. Glucose may Contribute to Retrieval and Reconsolidation of Contextual Fear Memory Through Hippocampal Nr4a3 and Bdnf mRNA Expression and May Act Synergically with Adrenaline. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2784-2797. [PMID: 37938511 PMCID: PMC11043124 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03745-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Adrenaline (Ad) and glucose released into the bloodstream during stress may strengthen contextual fear memory. However, no previous studies have detached the effects of glucose from Ad in this paradigm. Using Ad-deficient mice, we aimed to evaluate the effect of glucose on contextual fear memory when endogenous Ad is absent. Fear conditioning was performed in wild-type (WT) and Ad-deficient mice (129 × 1/SvJ) administered with glucose (30 or 10 mg/kg; i.p.) or/and Ad (0.01 mg/kg; i.p.) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl; i.p.). Catecholamines were quantified using HPLC-ED. Real-time qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression of hippocampal genes. WT and Ad-deficient mice display increased contextual fear memory when administered with glucose both in acquisition and context days when compared to vehicle. Also, Nr4a3 and Bdnf mRNA expression increased in glucose-administered Ad-deficient mice. Sub-effective doses of glucose plus Ad administered simultaneously to Ad-deficient mice increased contextual fear memory, contrary to independent sub-effective doses. Concluding, glucose may be an important part of the peripheral to central pathway involved in the retrieval and reconsolidation of fear contextual memories independently of Ad, possibly due to increased hippocampal Nr4a3 and Bdnf gene expression. Furthermore, Ad and glucose may act synergically to strengthen contextual fear memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Oliveira
- Department of Immuno-physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of General Physiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Building 2, Floor 4, Cabinet 22, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Azevedo
- Department of Immuno-physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of General Physiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Building 2, Floor 4, Cabinet 22, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rafaela Seixas
- Department of Immuno-physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of General Physiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Building 2, Floor 4, Cabinet 22, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Martinho
- Department of Immuno-physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of General Physiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Building 2, Floor 4, Cabinet 22, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Serrão
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Moreira-Rodrigues
- Department of Immuno-physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of General Physiology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, Building 2, Floor 4, Cabinet 22, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal.
- Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal.
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6
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Renden RB, Institoris A, Sharma K, Tran CHT. Modulatory effects of noradrenergic and serotonergic signaling pathway on neurovascular coupling. Commun Biol 2024; 7:287. [PMID: 38459113 PMCID: PMC10923894 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic changes in astrocyte Ca2+ are recognized as contributors to functional hyperemia, a critical response to increased neuronal activity mediated by a process known as neurovascular coupling (NVC). Although the critical role of glutamatergic signaling in this process has been extensively investigated, the impact of behavioral state, and the release of behavior-associated neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, on astrocyte Ca2+ dynamics and functional hyperemia have received less attention. We used two-photon imaging of the barrel cortex in awake mice to examine the role of noradrenergic and serotonergic projections in NVC. We found that both neurotransmitters facilitated sensory stimulation-induced increases in astrocyte Ca2+. Interestingly, while ablation of serotonergic neurons reduced sensory stimulation-induced functional hyperemia, ablation of noradrenergic neurons caused both attenuation and potentiation of functional hyperemia. Our study demonstrates that norepinephrine and serotonin are involved in modulating sensory stimulation-induced astrocyte Ca2+ elevations and identifies their differential effects in regulating functional hyperemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Renden
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Adam Institoris
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kushal Sharma
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Cam Ha T Tran
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, USA.
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7
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Montalant A, Kiehn O, Perrier JF. Dopamine and noradrenaline activate spinal astrocyte endfeet via D1-like receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1278-1295. [PMID: 38052454 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system, respond to a wide variety of neurotransmitters binding to metabotropic receptors. Here, we investigated the intracellular calcium responses of spinal cord astrocytes to dopamine and noradrenaline, two catecholamines released by specific descending pathways. In a slice preparation from the spinal cord of neonatal mice, puff application of dopamine resulted in intracellular calcium responses that remained in the endfeet. Noradrenaline induced stronger responses that also started in the endfeet but spread to neighbouring compartments. The intracellular calcium responses were unaffected by blocking neuronal activity or inhibiting various neurotransmitter receptors, suggesting a direct effect of dopamine and noradrenaline on astrocytes. The intracellular calcium responses induced by noradrenaline and dopamine were inhibited by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. We assessed the functional consequences of these astrocytic responses by examining changes in arteriole diameter. Puff application of dopamine or noradrenaline resulted in vasoconstriction of spinal arterioles. However, blocking D1 receptors or manipulating astrocytic intracellular calcium levels did not abolish the vasoconstrictions, indicating that the observed intracellular calcium responses in astrocyte endfeet were not responsible for the vascular changes. Our findings demonstrate a compartmentalized response of spinal cord astrocytes to catecholamines and expand our understanding of astrocyte-neurotransmitter interactions and their potential roles in the physiology of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Montalant
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Kiehn
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean-François Perrier
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Del Franco AP, Newman EA. Astrocyte β-Adrenergic Receptor Activity Regulates NMDA Receptor Signaling of Medial Prefrontal Cortex Pyramidal Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0990232023. [PMID: 37989594 PMCID: PMC10860478 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0990-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate spillover from the synapse is tightly regulated by astrocytes, limiting the activation of extrasynaptically located NMDA receptors (NMDAR). The processes of astrocytes are dynamic and can modulate synaptic physiology. Though norepinephrine (NE) and β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activity can modify astrocyte volume, this has yet to be confirmed outside of sensory cortical areas, nor has the effect of noradrenergic signaling on glutamate spillover and neuronal NMDAR activity been explored. We monitored changes to astrocyte process volume in response to noradrenergic agonists in the medial prefrontal cortex of male and female mice. Both NE and the β-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) increased process volume by ∼20%, significantly higher than changes seen when astrocytes had G-protein signaling blocked by GDPβS. We measured the effect of β-AR signaling on evoked NMDAR currents. While ISO did not affect single stimulus excitatory currents of Layer 5 pyramidal neurons, ISO reduced NMDAR currents evoked by 10 stimuli at 50 Hz, which elicits glutamate spillover, by 18%. After isolating extrasynaptic NMDARs by blocking synaptic NMDARs with the activity-dependent NMDAR blocker MK-801, ISO similarly reduced extrasynaptic NMDAR currents in response to 10 stimuli by 18%. Finally, blocking β-AR signaling in the astrocyte network by loading them with GDPβS reversed the ISO effect on 10 stimuli-evoked NMDAR currents. These results demonstrate that astrocyte β-AR activity reduces extrasynaptic NMDAR recruitment, suggesting that glutamate spillover is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armani P Del Franco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota
| | - Eric A Newman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, Minnesota
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9
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Rivera-Villaseñor A, Higinio-Rodríguez F, López-Hidalgo M. Astrocytes in Pain Perception: A Systems Neuroscience Approach. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:193-212. [PMID: 39190076 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes play an active role in the function of the brain integrating neuronal activity and regulating back neuronal dynamic. They have recently emerged as active contributors of brain's emergent properties such as perceptions. Here, we analyzed the role of astrocytes in pain perception from the lens of systems neuroscience, and we do this by analyzing how astrocytes encode nociceptive information within brain processing areas and how they are key regulators of the internal state that determines pain perception. Specifically, we discuss the dynamic interactions between astrocytes and neuromodulators, such as noradrenaline, highlighting their role in shaping the level of activation of the neuronal ensemble, thereby influencing the experience of pain. Also, we will discuss the possible implications of an "Astro-NeuroMatrix" in the integration of pain across sensory, affective, and cognitive dimensions of pain perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Rivera-Villaseñor
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
| | - Frida Higinio-Rodríguez
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
| | - Mónica López-Hidalgo
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Queretaro, Qro., Mexico.
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10
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Uribe-Arias A, Rozenblat R, Vinepinsky E, Marachlian E, Kulkarni A, Zada D, Privat M, Topsakalian D, Charpy S, Candat V, Nourin S, Appelbaum L, Sumbre G. Radial astrocyte synchronization modulates the visual system during behavioral-state transitions. Neuron 2023; 111:4040-4057.e6. [PMID: 37863038 PMCID: PMC10783638 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Glial cells support the function of neurons. Recent evidence shows that astrocytes are also involved in brain computations. To explore whether and how their excitable nature affects brain computations and motor behaviors, we used two-photon Ca2+ imaging of zebrafish larvae expressing GCaMP in both neurons and radial astrocytes (RAs). We found that in the optic tectum, RAs synchronize their Ca2+ transients immediately after the end of an escape behavior. Using optogenetics, ablations, and a genetically encoded norepinephrine sensor, we observed that RA synchronous Ca2+ events are mediated by the locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine circuit. RA synchronization did not induce direct excitation or inhibition of tectal neurons. Nevertheless, it modulated the direction selectivity and the long-distance functional correlations among neurons. This mechanism supports freezing behavior following a switch to an alerted state. These results show that LC-mediated neuro-glial interactions modulate the visual system during transitions between behavioral states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Uribe-Arias
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rotem Rozenblat
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and The Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Ehud Vinepinsky
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Emiliano Marachlian
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anirudh Kulkarni
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Zada
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and The Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Martin Privat
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Diego Topsakalian
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Charpy
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Candat
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Nourin
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lior Appelbaum
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and The Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Germán Sumbre
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Département de biologie, École normale supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, 75005 Paris, France.
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11
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Chen AB, Duque M, Engert F. Seeing stars: Astroglia modulate visual circuits during behavioral-state transitions. Neuron 2023; 111:3903-3905. [PMID: 38128478 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, Uribe-Arias et al.1 show that, in larval zebrafish, astrocyte-like cells exhibit calcium responses to norepinephrine during behavioral-state transitions and alter neuronal response properties. Thus, astroglia can sculpt neuronal dynamics in behaviorally meaningful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex B Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA.
| | - Marc Duque
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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12
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Smith NA. Examining the role of the locus coeruleus in activating cortical astrocytes. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:732. [PMID: 37803136 PMCID: PMC10893586 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Anthony Smith
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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13
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Cahill MK, Perez YR, Larpthaveesarp A, Etchenique R, Poskanzer KE. A Photoactivatable Norepinephrine for Probing Adrenergic Neural Circuits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.13.566764. [PMID: 38014204 PMCID: PMC10680792 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Norepinephrine (NE) is a critical neuromodulator that mediates a wide range of behavior and neurophysiology, including attention, arousal, plasticity, and memory consolidation. A major source of NE is the brainstem nucleus the locus coeruleus (LC), which sends widespread projections throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Efforts to dissect this complex noradrenergic circuitry have driven the development of many tools that detect endogenous NE or modulate widespread NE release via LC activation and inhibition. While these tools have enabled research that elucidates physiological roles of NE, additional tools to probe these circuits with a higher degree of spatial precision could enable a finer delineation of function. Here, we describe the synthesis and chemical properties of a photo-activatable NE, [Ru(bpy) 2 (PMe 3 )(NE)]PF 6 (RuBi-NE). We validate the one-photon (1P) release of NE using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology in acute mouse brain slices containing the LC. We show that a 10 ms pulse of blue light, in the presence of RuBi-NE, briefly modulates the firing rate of LC neurons via α-2 adrenergic receptors. The development of a photo-activatable NE that can be released with light in the visible spectrum provides a new tool for fine-grained mapping of complex noradrenergic circuits, as well as the ability to probe how NE acts on non-neuronal cells in the CNS.
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14
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Luyo ZNM, Lawrence AB, Stathopoulos TG, Mitrano DA. Localization and neurochemical identity of alpha1-adrenergic receptor-containing elements in the mouse locus coeruleus. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 133:102343. [PMID: 37777094 PMCID: PMC10842017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major source for norepinephrine (NE) in the brain and projects to areas involved in learning and memory, reward, arousal, attention, and autonomic functions related to stress. There are three types of adrenergic receptors that respond to NE: alpha1-, alpha2-, and beta-adrenergic receptors. Previous behavioral studies have shown the alpha1-adrenergic receptor (α1AR) to be present in the LC, however, with conflicting results. For example, it was shown that α1ARs in the LC are involved in some of the motivational effects of stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle, which was reduced by α1AR antagonist terazosin. Another study showed that during novelty-induced behavioral activation, the α1AR antagonist prazosin reduced c-fos expression in brain regions known to contain motoric α1ARs, except for the LC, where c-fos expression was enhanced. Despite new research delineating more specific connectivity of the neurons in the LC, and some roles of the adrenergic receptors, the α1ARs have not been localized at the subcellular level. Therefore, in order to gain a greater understanding of the aforementioned studies, we used immunohistochemistry at the electron microscopic (EM) level to determine which neuronal or glial elements in the LC express the α1AR. We hypothesized, based on previous work in the ventral periaqueductal gray area, that the α1AR would be found mainly presynaptically in axon terminals, and possibly in glial elements. Single labeling immunohistochemistry at the EM revealed that about 40% of labeled elements that contained the α1AR were glial elements, while approximately 50% of the labeled neuronal elements were axon terminals or small unmyelinated axons in the LC. Double labeling immunohistochemistry found the α1AR expressed in GFAP-labeled astrocytes, in both GABAergic and glutamatergic axon terminals, and in a portion of the α1AR dendrites, colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, a marker for noradrenergic neurons). This study sheds light on the neuroanatomical framework underlying the effects of NE and pharmaceuticals acting directly or indirectly on α1ARs in the LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary N M Luyo
- Program in Neuroscience, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Abigail B Lawrence
- Program in Neuroscience, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Theodore G Stathopoulos
- Department of Molecular Biology & Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - Darlene A Mitrano
- Program in Neuroscience, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA; Department of Molecular Biology & Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA.
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15
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Lam CHI, Zou B, Chan HHL, Tse DYY. Functional and structural changes in the neuroretina are accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction in a type 2 diabetic mouse model. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 10:37. [PMID: 37653465 PMCID: PMC10472703 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the leading causes of blindness and vision impairment, is suggested to exhibit functional and structural changes in retinal neurons as the earliest manifestation, which could be used to predict the progression of related angiopathy. While neural function and survival rely on proper mitochondrial function, and a growing body of literature has supported the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of DR, how diabetes affects mitochondrial function in retinal tissue remains elusive. This study primarily aimed to investigate mitochondrial functional changes in a diabetic rodent model. We also characterized the early DR phenotype, in particular, neurodegeneration. METHODS C57BLKsJ-db/db (db/db) mice (a type 2 diabetic mouse model) were used with their normoglycemic heterozygous littermates (db/+) serving as controls. Longitudinal changes in retinal function and morphology were assessed with electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively, at 9, 13, 17, and 25 weeks of age. At 25 weeks, the retinas were harvested for immunohistochemistry and ex vivo mitochondrial bioenergetics. RESULTS Decreased ERG responses were observed in db/db mice as early as 13 weeks of age. OCT revealed that db/db mice had significantly thinner retinas than the controls. Immunohistochemistry showed that the retinas of the db/db mice at 25 weeks were thinner at the outer and inner nuclear layers, with lower photoreceptor and cone cell densities compared with the db/+ mice. The number of rod-bipolar cell dendritic boutons and axon terminals was significantly reduced in db/db mice relative to the db/+ mice, suggesting that diabetes may lead to compromised synaptic connectivity. More importantly, the retinas of db/db mice had weaker mitochondrial functions than the controls. CONCLUSIONS Our longitudinal data suggest that diabetes-induced functional deterioration and morphological changes were accompanied by reduced mitochondrial function in the retina of db/db mice. These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a contributing factor triggering the development of DR. While the underlying mechanistic cause remains elusive, the db/db mice could be a useful animal model for testing potential treatment regimens targeting neurodegeneration in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie Hang-I Lam
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Bing Zou
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Henry Ho-Lung Chan
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Dennis Yan-Yin Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Centre for Eye and Vision Research Limited (CEVR), Hong Kong, SAR, China.
- Research Centre for SHARP Vision (RCSV), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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16
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Rasmussen RN, Asiminas A, Carlsen EMM, Kjaerby C, Smith NA. Astrocytes: integrators of arousal state and sensory context. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:418-425. [PMID: 37003933 PMCID: PMC10192111 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The integration of external information with the internal state of the body is central to the survival of virtually every multicellular organism. However, a complete picture of the mechanisms that govern this process is lacking. In this opinion article, we synthesize evidence demonstrating that astrocytes sense the momentary arousal state - through neuromodulator release - as well as the sensory inputs - through local synaptic activity - and respond to them with changes in calcium (Ca2+) signaling. We hypothesize that astrocytes integrate sensory signals with the internal state and that this process is necessary to secure optimal behavior. Finally, we argue that dysfunctional astrocytic Ca2+ signaling could be an underlying factor in disorders characterized by disrupted sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Nguyen Rasmussen
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Antonis Asiminas
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Celia Kjaerby
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nathan Anthony Smith
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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17
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Ingiosi AM, Frank MG. Goodnight, astrocyte: waking up to astroglial mechanisms in sleep. FEBS J 2023; 290:2553-2564. [PMID: 35271767 PMCID: PMC9463397 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes mediate many important aspects of neural homeostasis, but until recently, their role in sleep was largely unknown. The situation has dramatically changed in the last decade. The use of transgenic animals, optogenetics, chemogenetics, brain imaging and sophisticated molecular assays has led to exciting discoveries. Astrocytes dynamically change their activity across the sleep-wake cycle and may encode sleep need via changes in intracellular signalling pathways. Astrocytes also exocytose/secrete sleep-inducing molecules which modulate brain activity, sleep architecture and sleep regulation. Many of these observations have been made in mice and Drosophila melanogaster, indicating that astroglial sleep mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved. We review recent findings and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Ingiosi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Marcos G Frank
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
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18
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Delgado L, Navarrete M. Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles. Cells 2023; 12:1253. [PMID: 37174653 PMCID: PMC10177371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Navarrete
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Zorec R, Vardjan N. Adrenergic regulation of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid metabolism: Towards a noradrenergic hypothesis of neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106132. [PMID: 37094775 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106132] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a key factor in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, an increasing and challenging problem of the modern world. The most commonly diagnosed cognitive decline is related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. The cholinergic hypothesis is the oldest, however, recently the noradrenergic system has been considered to have a role as well. The aim of this review is to provide evidence that supports the view that an impaired noradrenergic system is causally linked to AD. Although dementia is associated with neurodegeneration and loss of neurons, this likely develops due to a primary failure of homeostatic cells, astrocytes, abundant and heterogeneous neuroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The many functions that astrocytes provide to maintain the viability of neural networks include the control of ionic balance, neurotransmitter turnover, synaptic connectivity and energy balance. This latter function is regulated by noradrenaline, released from the axon varicosities of neurons arising from the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary site of noradrenaline release in the CNS. The demise of the LC is linked to AD, whereby a hypometabolic CNS state is observed clinically. This is likely due to impaired release of noradrenaline in the AD brain during states of arousal, attention and awareness. These functions controlled by the LC are needed for learning and memory formation and require activation of the energy metabolism. In this review, we address first the process of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, highlighting the function of astrocytes. Cholinergic and/or noradrenergic deficits lead to impaired astroglial function. Then, we focus on adrenergic control of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid droplet metabolism, which play a protective role but also promote neurodegeneration under some circumstances, supporting the noradrenergic hypothesis of cognitive decline. We conclude that targeting astroglial metabolism, glycolysis and/or mitochondrial processes may lead to important new developments in the future when searching for medicines to prevent or even halt cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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20
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Lia A, Sansevero G, Chiavegato A, Sbrissa M, Pendin D, Mariotti L, Pozzan T, Berardi N, Carmignoto G, Fasolato C, Zonta M. Rescue of astrocyte activity by the calcium sensor STIM1 restores long-term synaptic plasticity in female mice modelling Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1590. [PMID: 36949142 PMCID: PMC10033875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37240-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium dynamics in astrocytes represent a fundamental signal that through gliotransmitter release regulates synaptic plasticity and behaviour. Here we present a longitudinal study in the PS2APP mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) linking astrocyte Ca2+ hypoactivity to memory loss. At the onset of plaque deposition, somatosensory cortical astrocytes of AD female mice exhibit a drastic reduction of Ca2+ signaling, closely associated with decreased endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ concentration and reduced expression of the Ca2+ sensor STIM1. In parallel, astrocyte-dependent long-term synaptic plasticity declines in the somatosensory circuitry, anticipating specific tactile memory loss. Notably, we show that both astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and long-term synaptic plasticity are fully recovered by selective STIM1 overexpression in astrocytes. Our data unveil astrocyte Ca2+ hypoactivity in neocortical astrocytes as a functional hallmark of early AD stages and indicate astrocytic STIM1 as a target to rescue memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sansevero
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Chiavegato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Miriana Sbrissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diana Pendin
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Letizia Mariotti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tullio Pozzan
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Berardi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Cristina Fasolato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Micaela Zonta
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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21
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Astrocytes in the pathophysiology of neuroinfection. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:131-145. [PMID: 36562155 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Key homeostasis providing cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are astrocytes, which belong to the class of cells known as atroglia, a highly heterogeneous type of neuroglia and a prominent element of the brain defence. Diseases evolve due to altered homeostatic state, associated with pathology-induced astroglia remodelling represented by reactive astrocytes, astroglial atrophy and astrodegeneration. These features are hallmarks of most infectious insults, mediated by bacteria, protozoa and viruses; they are also prominent in the systemic infection. The COVID-19 pandemic revived the focus into neurotropic viruses such as SARS-CoV2 (Coronaviridae) but also the Flaviviridae viruses including tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) causing the epidemic in South America prior to COVID-19. Astrocytes provide a key response to neurotropic infections in the CNS. Astrocytes form a parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier, the site of virus entry into the CNS. Astrocytes exhibit aerobic glycolysis, a form of metabolism characteristic of highly morphologically plastic cells, like cancer cells, hence a suitable milieu for multiplication of infectious agent, including viral particles. However, why the protection afforded by astrocytes fails in some circumstances is an open question to be studied in the future.
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22
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Peng W, Liu X, Ma G, Wu Z, Wang Z, Fei X, Qin M, Wang L, Li Y, Zhang S, Xu M. Adenosine-independent regulation of the sleep-wake cycle by astrocyte activity. Cell Discov 2023; 9:16. [PMID: 36746933 PMCID: PMC9902472 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake behavior, and adenosine signaling is generally thought to be involved. Here we show multiple lines of evidence supporting that modulation of the sleep-wake behavior by astrocyte Ca2+ activity could occur without adenosine signaling. In the basal forebrain and the brainstem, two brain regions that are known to be essential for sleep-wake regulation, chemogenetically-induced astrocyte Ca2+ elevation significantly modulated the sleep-wake cycle. Although astrocyte Ca2+ level positively correlated with the amount of extracellular adenosine, as revealed by a genetically encoded adenosine sensor, we found no detectable change in adenosine level after suppressing astrocyte Ca2+ elevation, and transgenic mice lacking one of the major extracellular ATP-adenosine conversion enzymes showed similar extracellular adenosine level and astrocyte Ca2+-induced sleep modulation. Furthermore, astrocyte Ca2+ is dependent primarily on local neuronal activity, causing brain region-specific regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Thus, neural activity-dependent astrocyte activity could regulate the sleep-wake behavior independent of adenosine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanling Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaotong Liu
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guofen Ma
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaofa Wu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyue Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Fei
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meiling Qin
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lizhao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulong Li
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Center for Brain Science of Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Songjiang Institute and Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Min Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shangha, China.
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23
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Pittolo S, Yokoyama S, Willoughby DD, Taylor CR, Reitman ME, Tse V, Wu Z, Etchenique R, Li Y, Poskanzer KE. Dopamine activates astrocytes in prefrontal cortex via α1-adrenergic receptors. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111426. [PMID: 36170823 PMCID: PMC9555850 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a hub for cognitive control, and dopamine profoundly influences its functions. In other brain regions, astrocytes sense diverse neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and, in turn, orchestrate regulation of neuroactive substances. However, basic physiology of PFC astrocytes, including which neuromodulatory signals they respond to and how they contribute to PFC function, is unclear. Here, we characterize divergent signaling signatures in mouse astrocytes of the PFC and primary sensory cortex, which show differential responsiveness to locomotion. We find that PFC astrocytes express receptors for dopamine but are unresponsive through the Gs/Gi-cAMP pathway. Instead, fast calcium signals in PFC astrocytes are time locked to dopamine release and are mediated by α1-adrenergic receptors both ex vivo and in vivo. Further, we describe dopamine-triggered regulation of extracellular ATP at PFC astrocyte territories. Thus, we identify astrocytes as active players in dopaminergic signaling in the PFC, contributing to PFC function though neuromodulator receptor crosstalk. Pittolo et al. demonstrate that the neuromodulator dopamine targets astrocytes, a type of brain cell, via receptors specific to another neuromodulator—norepinephrine. This study provides groundwork on how dopamine affects non-neuronal brain cells and suggests that crosstalk between neuromodulatory pathways occurs in vivo, with possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pittolo
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sae Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Drew D Willoughby
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charlotte R Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Reitman
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Tse
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zhaofa Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Roberto Etchenique
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Analítica y Química Física, INQUIMAE, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kira E Poskanzer
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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24
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Emerging Role of Neuron-Glia in Neurological Disorders: At a Glance. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3201644. [PMID: 36046684 PMCID: PMC9423989 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3201644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on the diverse physiological influence, the impact of glial cells has become much more evident on neurological illnesses, resulting in the origins of many diseases appearing to be more convoluted than previously happened. Since neurological disorders are often random and unknown, hence the construction of animal models is difficult to build, representing a small fraction of people with a gene mutation. As a result, an immediate necessity is grown to work within in vitro techniques for examining these illnesses. As the scientific community recognizes cell-autonomous contributions to a variety of central nervous system illnesses, therapeutic techniques involving stem cells for treating neurological diseases are gaining traction. The use of stem cells derived from a variety of sources is increasingly being used to replace both neuronal and glial tissue. The brain's energy demands necessitate the reliance of neurons on glial cells in order for it to function properly. Furthermore, glial cells have diverse functions in terms of regulating their own metabolic activities, as well as collaborating with neurons via secreted signaling or guidance molecules, forming a complex network of neuron-glial connections in health and sickness. Emerging data reveals that metabolic changes in glial cells can cause morphological and functional changes in conjunction with neuronal dysfunction under disease situations, highlighting the importance of neuron-glia interactions in the pathophysiology of neurological illnesses. In this context, it is required to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and create potential novel therapeutics. According to research, synaptic malfunction is one of the features of various mental diseases, and glial cells are acting as key ingredients not only in synapse formation, growth, and plasticity but also in neuroinflammation and synaptic homeostasis which creates critical physiological capacity in the focused sensory system. The goal of this review article is to elaborate state-of-the-art information on a few glial cell types situated in the central nervous system (CNS) and highlight their role in the onset and progression of neurological disorders.
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25
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Åbjørsbråten KS, Skaaraas GHES, Cunen C, Bjørnstad DM, Binder KMG, Bojarskaite L, Jensen V, Nilsson LNG, Rao SB, Tang W, Hermansen GH, Nagelhus EA, Ottersen OP, Torp R, Enger R. Impaired astrocytic Ca 2+ signaling in awake-behaving Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. eLife 2022; 11:e75055. [PMID: 35833623 PMCID: PMC9352348 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased astrocytic Ca2+ signaling has been shown in Alzheimer's disease mouse models, but to date no reports have characterized behaviorally induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in such mice. Here, we employ an event-based algorithm to assess astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the neocortex of awake-behaving tg-ArcSwe mice and non-transgenic wildtype littermates while monitoring pupil responses and behavior. We demonstrate an attenuated astrocytic Ca2+ response to locomotion and an uncoupling of pupil responses and astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in 15-month-old plaque-bearing mice. Using the genetically encoded fluorescent norepinephrine sensor GRABNE, we demonstrate a reduced norepinephrine signaling during spontaneous running and startle responses in the transgenic mice, providing a possible mechanistic underpinning of the observed reduced astrocytic Ca2+ responses. Our data points to a dysfunction in the norepinephrine-astrocyte Ca2+ activity axis, which may account for some of the cognitive deficits observed in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Sindre Åbjørsbråten
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Gry HE Syverstad Skaaraas
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Céline Cunen
- Statistics and Data Science group, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
- Norwegian Computing CenterOsloNorway
| | - Daniel M Bjørnstad
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Kristin M Gullestad Binder
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Laura Bojarskaite
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Vidar Jensen
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Lars NG Nilsson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo and Oslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Shreyas B Rao
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Wannan Tang
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and TechnologyTrondheimNorway
| | - Gudmund Horn Hermansen
- Statistics and Data Science group, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Erlend A Nagelhus
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | | | - Reidun Torp
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Rune Enger
- GliaLab at the Letten Centre, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of OsloOsloNorway
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26
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Ingiosi AM, Frank MG. Noradrenergic Signaling in Astrocytes Influences Mammalian Sleep Homeostasis. Clocks Sleep 2022; 4:332-345. [PMID: 35892990 PMCID: PMC9326550 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep4030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes influence sleep expression and regulation, but the cellular signaling pathways involved in these processes are poorly defined. We proposed that astrocytes detect and integrate a neuronal signal that accumulates during wakefulness, thereby leading to increased sleep drive. Noradrenaline (NA) satisfies several criteria for a waking signal integrated by astrocytes. We therefore investigated the role of NA signaling in astrocytes in mammalian sleep. We conditionally knocked out (cKO) β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) selectively in astrocytes in mice and recorded electroencephalographic and electromyographic activity under baseline conditions and in response to sleep deprivation (SDep). cKO of astroglial β2-ARs increased active phase siesta duration under baseline conditions and reduced homeostatic compensatory changes in sleep consolidation and non-rapid eye movement slow-wave activity (SWA) after SDep. Overall, astroglial NA β2-ARs influence mammalian sleep homeostasis in a manner consistent with our proposed model of neuronal-astroglial interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Ingiosi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA;
| | - Marcos G. Frank
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA;
- Gleason Institute for Neuroscience, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99202, USA
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27
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Slater C, Liu Y, Weiss E, Yu K, Wang Q. The Neuromodulatory Role of the Noradrenergic and Cholinergic Systems and Their Interplay in Cognitive Functions: A Focused Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:890. [PMID: 35884697 PMCID: PMC9320657 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The noradrenergic and cholinergic modulation of functionally distinct regions of the brain has become one of the primary organizational principles behind understanding the contribution of each system to the diversity of neural computation in the central nervous system. Decades of work has shown that a diverse family of receptors, stratified across different brain regions, and circuit-specific afferent and efferent projections play a critical role in helping such widespread neuromodulatory systems obtain substantial heterogeneity in neural information processing. This review briefly discusses the anatomical layout of both the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems, as well as the types and distributions of relevant receptors for each system. Previous work characterizing the direct and indirect interaction between these two systems is discussed, especially in the context of higher order cognitive functions such as attention, learning, and the decision-making process. Though a substantial amount of work has been done to characterize the role of each neuromodulator, a cohesive understanding of the region-specific cooperation of these two systems is not yet fully realized. For the field to progress, new experiments will need to be conducted that capitalize on the modular subdivisions of the brain and systematically explore the role of norepinephrine and acetylcholine in each of these subunits and across the full range of receptors expressed in different cell types in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Slater
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, ET 351, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; (C.S.); (Y.L.); (E.W.); (K.Y.)
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, ET 351, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; (C.S.); (Y.L.); (E.W.); (K.Y.)
| | - Evan Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, ET 351, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; (C.S.); (Y.L.); (E.W.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kunpeng Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, ET 351, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; (C.S.); (Y.L.); (E.W.); (K.Y.)
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, ET 351, 500 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA; (C.S.); (Y.L.); (E.W.); (K.Y.)
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28
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Burlingham CS, Ryoo M, Roth ZN, Mirbagheri S, Heeger DJ, Merriam E. Task-related hemodynamic responses in human early visual cortex are modulated by task difficulty and behavioral performance. eLife 2022; 11:73018. [PMID: 35389340 PMCID: PMC9049970 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early visual cortex exhibits widespread hemodynamic responses in the absence of visual stimulation, which are entrained to the timing of a task and not predicted by local spiking or local field potential (LFP). Such task-related responses ('TRRs') covary with reward magnitude and physiological signatures of arousal. It is unknown, however, if TRRs change on a trial-to-trial basis according to behavioral performance and task difficulty. If so, this would suggest that TRRs reflect arousal on a trial-to-trial timescale and covary with critical task and behavioral variables. We measured fMRI-BOLD responses in the early visual cortex of human observers performing an orientation discrimination task consisting of separate easy and hard runs of trials. Stimuli were presented in a small portion of one hemifield, but the fMRI response was measured in the ipsilateral hemisphere, far from the stimulus representation and focus of spatial attention. TRRs scaled in amplitude with task difficulty, behavioral accuracy, reaction time, and lapses across trials. These modulations were not explained by the influence of respiration, cardiac activity, or head movement on the fMRI signal. Similar modulations with task difficulty and behavior were observed in pupil size. These results suggest that TRRs reflect arousal and behavior on the timescale of individual trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minyoung Ryoo
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Zvi N Roth
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, United States
| | | | - David J Heeger
- Department of Psychology, New York University, New York, United States
| | - Elisha Merriam
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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29
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Yu G, Zhang Y, Ning B. Reactive Astrocytes in Central Nervous System Injury: Subgroup and Potential Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:792764. [PMID: 35002629 PMCID: PMC8733560 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.792764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injury, which includes both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), is associated with irreversible loss of neurological function and high medical care costs. Currently, no effective treatment exists to improve the prognosis of patients. Astrocytes comprise the largest population of glial cells in the CNS and, with the advancements in the field of neurology, are increasingly recognized as having key functions in both the brain and the spinal cord. When stimulated by disease or injury, astrocytes become activated and undergo a series of changes, including alterations in gene expression, hypertrophy, the loss of inherent functions, and the acquisition of new ones. Studies have shown that astrocytes are highly heterogeneous with respect to their gene expression profiles, and this heterogeneity accounts for their observed context-dependent phenotypic diversity. In the inured CNS, activated astrocytes play a dual role both as regulators of neuroinflammation and in scar formation. Identifying the subpopulations of reactive astrocytes that exert beneficial or harmful effects will aid in deciphering the pathological mechanisms underlying CNS injuries and ultimately provide a theoretical basis for the development of effective strategies for the treatment of associated conditions. Following CNS injury, as the disease progresses, astrocyte phenotypes undergo continuous changes. Although current research methods do not allow a comprehensive and accurate classification of astrocyte subpopulations in complex pathological contexts, they can nonetheless aid in understanding the roles of astrocytes in disease. In this review, after a brief introduction to the pathology of CNS injury, we summarize current knowledge regarding astrocyte activation following CNS injury, including: (a) the regulatory factors involved in this process; (b) the functions of different astrocyte subgroups based on the existing classification of astrocytes; and (c) attempts at astrocyte-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuiLian Yu
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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30
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Maly IV, Morales MJ, Pletnikov MV. Astrocyte Bioenergetics and Major Psychiatric Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:173-227. [PMID: 34888836 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing research continues to add new elements to the emerging picture of involvement of astrocyte energy metabolism in the pathophysiology of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and addictions. This review outlines what is known about the energy metabolism in astrocytes, the most numerous cell type in the brain, and summarizes the recent work on how specific perturbations of astrocyte bioenergetics may contribute to the neuropsychiatric conditions. The role of astrocyte energy metabolism in mental health and disease is reviewed on the organism, organ, and cell level. Data arising from genomic, metabolomic, in vitro, and neurobehavioral studies is critically analyzed to suggest future directions in research and possible metabolism-focused therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Maly
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michael J Morales
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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31
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Fear learning induces α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated astrocytic responsiveness that is required for memory persistence. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1686-1698. [PMID: 34782794 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Memory persistence is a fundamental cognitive process for guiding behaviors and is considered to rely mostly on neuronal and synaptic plasticity. Whether and how astrocytes contribute to memory persistence is largely unknown. Here, by using two-photon Ca2+ imaging in head-fixed mice and fiber photometry in freely moving mice, we show that aversive sensory stimulation activates α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in a subpopulation of astrocytes in the auditory cortex. We demonstrate that fear learning causes the de novo induction of sound-evoked Ca2+ transients in these astrocytes. The astrocytic responsiveness persisted over days along with fear memory and disappeared in animals that underwent extinction of learned freezing behavior. Conditional genetic deletion of α7-nAChRs in astrocytes significantly impaired fear memory persistence. We conclude that learning-acquired, α7-nAChR-dependent astrocytic responsiveness is an integral part of the cellular substrate underlying memory persistence.
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32
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Orts-Del'Immagine A, Dhanasekar M, Lejeune FX, Roussel J, Wyart C. A norepinephrine-dependent glial calcium wave travels in the spinal cord upon acoustovestibular stimuli. Glia 2021; 70:491-507. [PMID: 34773299 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although calcium waves have been widely observed in glial cells, their occurrence in vivo during behavior remains less understood. Here, we investigated the recruitment of glial cells in the hindbrain and spinal cord after acousto-vestibular (AV) stimuli triggering escape responses using in vivo population calcium imaging in larval zebrafish. We observed that gap-junction-coupled spinal glial network exhibits large and homogenous calcium increases that rose in the rostral spinal cord and propagated bi-directionally toward the spinal cord and toward the hindbrain. Spinal glial calcium waves were driven by the recruitment of neurons and in particular, of noradrenergic signaling acting through α-adrenergic receptors. Noradrenergic neurons of the medulla-oblongata (NE-MO) were revealed in the vicinity of where the calcium wave started. NE-MO were recruited upon AV stimulation and sent dense axonal projections in the rostro-lateral spinal cord, suggesting these cells could trigger the glial wave to propagate down the spinal cord. Altogether, our results revealed that a simple AV stimulation is sufficient to recruit noradrenergic neurons in the brainstem that trigger in the rostral spinal cord two massive glial calcium waves, one traveling caudally in the spinal cord and another rostrally into the hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claire Wyart
- Institut du cerveau, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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33
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Horvat A, Zorec R, Vardjan N. Lactate as an Astroglial Signal Augmenting Aerobic Glycolysis and Lipid Metabolism. Front Physiol 2021; 12:735532. [PMID: 34658920 PMCID: PMC8514727 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.735532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, heterogeneous neuroglial cells, contribute to metabolic homeostasis in the brain by providing energy substrates to neurons. In contrast to predominantly oxidative neurons, astrocytes are considered primarily as glycolytic cells. They take up glucose from the circulation and in the process of aerobic glycolysis (despite the normal oxygen levels) produce L-lactate, which is then released into the extracellular space via lactate transporters and possibly channels. Astroglial L-lactate can enter neurons, where it is used as a metabolic substrate, or exit the brain via the circulation. Recently, L-lactate has also been considered to be a signaling molecule in the brain, but the mechanisms of L-lactate signaling and how it contributes to the brain function remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we provide an overview of L-lactate signaling mechanisms in the brain and present novel insights into the mechanisms of L-lactate signaling via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with the focus on astrocytes. We discuss how increased extracellular L-lactate upregulates cAMP production in astrocytes, most likely viaL-lactate-sensitive Gs-protein coupled GPCRs. This activates aerobic glycolysis, enhancing L-lactate production and accumulation of lipid droplets, suggesting that L-lactate augments its own production in astrocytes (i.e., metabolic excitability) to provide more L-lactate for neurons and that astrocytes in conditions of increased extracellular L-lactate switch to lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anemari Horvat
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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34
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Mielnicka A, Michaluk P. Exocytosis in Astrocytes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1367. [PMID: 34572580 PMCID: PMC8471187 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, astrocytes were thought to be a part of a simple "brain glue" providing only a supporting role for neurons. However, the discoveries of the last two decades have proven astrocytes to be dynamic partners participating in brain metabolism and actively influencing communication between neurons. The means of astrocyte-neuron communication are diverse, although regulated exocytosis has received the most attention but also caused the most debate. Similar to most of eukaryotic cells, astrocytes have a complex range of vesicular organelles which can undergo exocytosis as well as intricate molecular mechanisms that regulate this process. In this review, we focus on the components needed for regulated exocytosis to occur and summarise the knowledge about experimental evidence showing its presence in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Michaluk
- BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland;
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35
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Nagai J, Bellafard A, Qu Z, Yu X, Ollivier M, Gangwani MR, Diaz-Castro B, Coppola G, Schumacher SM, Golshani P, Gradinaru V, Khakh BS. Specific and behaviorally consequential astrocyte G q GPCR signaling attenuation in vivo with iβARK. Neuron 2021; 109:2256-2274.e9. [PMID: 34139149 PMCID: PMC8418870 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters and neuromodulators using G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to mediate physiological responses. Despite their importance, there has been no method to genetically, specifically, and effectively attenuate astrocyte Gq GPCR pathways to explore consequences of this prevalent signaling mechanism in vivo. We report a 122-residue inhibitory peptide from β-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 (iβARK; and inactive D110A control) to attenuate astrocyte Gq GPCR signaling. iβARK significantly attenuated Gq GPCR Ca2+ signaling in brain slices and, in vivo, altered behavioral responses, spared other GPCR responses, and did not alter astrocyte spontaneous Ca2+ signals, morphology, electrophysiological properties, or gene expression in the striatum. Furthermore, brain-wide attenuation of astrocyte Gq GPCR signaling with iβARK using PHP.eB adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), when combined with c-Fos mapping, suggested nuclei-specific contributions to behavioral adaptation and spatial memory. iβARK extends the toolkit needed to explore functions of astrocyte Gq GPCR signaling within neural circuits in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nagai
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Arash Bellafard
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Zhe Qu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Xinzhu Yu
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 514 Burrill Hall, 407 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matthias Ollivier
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Mohitkumar R Gangwani
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Blanca Diaz-Castro
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Giovanni Coppola
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Sarah M Schumacher
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA.
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36
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Ma Z, Wei L, Du X, Hou S, Chen F, Jiao Q, Liu A, Liu S, Wang J, Shen H. Two-photon calcium imaging of neuronal and astrocytic responses: the influence of electrical stimulus parameters and calcium signaling mechanisms. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34130271 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac0b50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Electrical brain stimulation has been used to ameliorate symptoms associated with neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The astrocytic activation and its interaction with neurons may contribute to the therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation. However, how the astrocytic activity is affected by electrical stimulation and its calcium signaling mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study is to explore the influence of electrical stimulus parameters on cellular calcium responses and corresponding calcium signaling mechanisms, with a focus on the heretofore largely overlooked astrocytes.Approach. Usingin vivotwo-photon microscopy in mouse somatosensory cortex, the calcium activity in neurons and astrocytes were recorded.Main results. The cathodal stimulation evoked larger responses in both neurons and astrocytes than anodal stimulation. Both neuronal and astrocytic response profiles exhibited the unimodal frequency dependency, the astrocytes prefer higher frequency stimulation than neurons. Astrocytes need longer pulse width and higher current intensity than neurons to activate. Compared to neurons, the astrocytes were not capable of keeping sustained calcium elevation during prolonged electrical stimulation. The neuronal Ca2+influx involves postsynaptic effects and direct depolarization. The Ca2+surge of astrocytes has a neuronal origin, the noradrenergic and glutamatergic signaling act synergistically to induce astrocytic activity.Significance. The astrocytic activity can be regulated by manipulating stimulus parameters and its calcium activation should be fully considered when interpreting the mechanisms of action of electrical neuromodulation. This study brings considerable benefits in the application of electrical stimulation and provides useful insights into cortical signal transduction, which contributes to the understanding of mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of electrical stimulation for neurorehabilitation applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengguang Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Liangpeng Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiaolang Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Shaowei Hou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qingyan Jiao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Aili Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shujing Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Junsong Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hui Shen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Tianjin 300070, China.,Research Institute of Neurology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
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Tsunematsu T, Sakata S, Sanagi T, Tanaka KF, Matsui K. Region-Specific and State-Dependent Astrocyte Ca 2+ Dynamics during the Sleep-Wake Cycle in Mice. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5440-5452. [PMID: 34006590 PMCID: PMC8221592 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2912-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural activity is diverse, and varies depending on brain regions and sleep/wakefulness states. However, whether astrocyte activity differs between sleep/wakefulness states, and whether there are differences in astrocyte activity among brain regions remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we recorded astrocyte intracellular calcium (Ca2+) concentrations of mice during sleep/wakefulness states in the cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and pons using fiber photometry. For this purpose, male transgenic mice expressing the genetically encoded ratiometric Ca2+ sensor YCnano50 specifically in their astrocytes were used. We demonstrated that Ca2+ levels in astrocytes substantially decrease during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and increase after the onset of wakefulness. In contrast, differences in Ca2+ levels during non-REM (NREM) sleep were observed among the different brain regions, and no significant decrease was observed in the hypothalamus and pons. Further analyses focusing on the transition between sleep/wakefulness states and correlation analysis with the duration of REM sleep showed that Ca2+ dynamics differs among brain regions, suggesting the existence of several clusters, i.e., the first comprising the cortex and hippocampus, the second comprising the hypothalamus and pons, and the third comprising the cerebellum. Our study thus demonstrated that astrocyte Ca2+ levels change substantially according to sleep/wakefulness states. These changes were consistent in general unlike neural activity. However, we also clarified that Ca2+ dynamics varies depending on the brain region, implying that astrocytes may play various physiological roles in sleep.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sleep is an instinctive behavior of many organisms. In the previous five decades, the mechanism of the neural circuits controlling sleep/wakefulness states and the neural activities associated with sleep/wakefulness states in various brain regions have been elucidated. However, whether astrocytes, which are a type of glial cell, change their activity during different sleep/wakefulness states was poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that dynamic changes in astrocyte Ca2+ concentrations occur in the cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and pons of mice during natural sleep. Further analyses demonstrated that Ca2+ dynamics slightly differ among different brain regions, implying that the physiological roles of astrocytes in sleep/wakefulness might vary depending on the brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tsunematsu
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division, Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi 332-0012, Japan
| | - Shuzo Sakata
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Tomomi Sanagi
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Division, Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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Lim EY, Ye L, Paukert M. Potential and Realized Impact of Astroglia Ca 2 + Dynamics on Circuit Function and Behavior. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:682888. [PMID: 34163330 PMCID: PMC8215280 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.682888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astroglia display a wide range of spontaneous and behavioral state-dependent Ca2+ dynamics. During heightened vigilance, noradrenergic signaling leads to quasi-synchronous Ca2+ elevations encompassing soma and processes across the brain-wide astroglia network. Distinct from this vigilance-associated global Ca2+ rise are apparently spontaneous fluctuations within spatially restricted microdomains. Over the years, several strategies have been pursued to shed light on the physiological impact of these signals including deletion of endogenous ion channels or receptors and reduction of intracellular Ca2+ through buffering, extrusion or inhibition of release. Some experiments that revealed the most compelling behavioral alterations employed chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations to modify astroglia Ca2+ signaling. However, there is considerable contrast between these findings and the comparatively modest effects of inhibiting endogenous sources of Ca2+. In this review, we describe the underlying mechanisms of various forms of astroglia Ca2+ signaling as well as the functional consequences of their inhibition. We then discuss how the effects of exogenous astroglia Ca2+ modification combined with our knowledge of physiological mechanisms of astroglia Ca2+ activation could guide further refinement of behavioral paradigms that will help elucidate the natural Ca2+-dependent function of astroglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Y. Lim
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States,Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Liang Ye
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Martin Paukert
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States,Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Martin Paukert,
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39
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Paquette T, Piché M, Leblond H. Contribution of astrocytes to neurovascular coupling in the spinal cord of the rat. J Physiol Sci 2021; 71:16. [PMID: 34049480 PMCID: PMC10717833 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-021-00800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the spinal cord relies on the integrity of neurovascular coupling (NVC) to infer neuronal activity from hemodynamic changes. Astrocytes are a key component of cerebral NVC, but their role in spinal NVC is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine whether inhibition of astrocyte metabolism by fluorocitrate alters spinal NVC. In 14 rats, local field potential (LFP) and spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) were recorded simultaneously in the lumbosacral enlargement during noxious stimulation of the sciatic nerve before and after a local administration of fluorocitrate (N = 7) or saline (N = 7). Fluorocitrate significantly reduced SCBF responses (p < 0.001) but not LFP amplitude (p = 0.22) compared with saline. Accordingly, NVC was altered by fluorocitrate compared with saline (p < 0.01). These results support the role of astrocytes in spinal NVC and have implications for spinal cord imaging with fMRI for conditions in which astrocyte metabolism may be altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Paquette
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boulevard des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Mathieu Piché
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boulevard des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Hugues Leblond
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, 3351 Boulevard des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
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40
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Gordleeva SY, Tsybina YA, Krivonosov MI, Ivanchenko MV, Zaikin AA, Kazantsev VB, Gorban AN. Modeling Working Memory in a Spiking Neuron Network Accompanied by Astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:631485. [PMID: 33867939 PMCID: PMC8044545 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.631485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a novel biologically plausible computational model of working memory (WM) implemented by a spiking neuron network (SNN) interacting with a network of astrocytes. The SNN is modeled by synaptically coupled Izhikevich neurons with a non-specific architecture connection topology. Astrocytes generating calcium signals are connected by local gap junction diffusive couplings and interact with neurons via chemicals diffused in the extracellular space. Calcium elevations occur in response to the increased concentration of the neurotransmitter released by spiking neurons when a group of them fire coherently. In turn, gliotransmitters are released by activated astrocytes modulating the strength of the synaptic connections in the corresponding neuronal group. Input information is encoded as two-dimensional patterns of short applied current pulses stimulating neurons. The output is taken from frequencies of transient discharges of corresponding neurons. We show how a set of information patterns with quite significant overlapping areas can be uploaded into the neuron-astrocyte network and stored for several seconds. Information retrieval is organized by the application of a cue pattern representing one from the memory set distorted by noise. We found that successful retrieval with the level of the correlation between the recalled pattern and ideal pattern exceeding 90% is possible for the multi-item WM task. Having analyzed the dynamical mechanism of WM formation, we discovered that astrocytes operating at a time scale of a dozen of seconds can successfully store traces of neuronal activations corresponding to information patterns. In the retrieval stage, the astrocytic network selectively modulates synaptic connections in the SNN leading to successful recall. Information and dynamical characteristics of the proposed WM model agrees with classical concepts and other WM models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Yu Gordleeva
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Neuroscience and Cognitive Technology Laboratory, Center for Technologies in Robotics and Mechatronics Components, Innopolis University, Innopolis, Russia
| | - Yuliya A Tsybina
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail I Krivonosov
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Ivanchenko
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alexey A Zaikin
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Center for Analysis of Complex Systems, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Women's Health and Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victor B Kazantsev
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Neuroscience and Cognitive Technology Laboratory, Center for Technologies in Robotics and Mechatronics Components, Innopolis University, Innopolis, Russia.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | - Alexander N Gorban
- Scientific and Educational Mathematical Center "Mathematics of Future Technology," Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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41
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Fischer T, Prey J, Eschholz L, Rotermund N, Lohr C. Norepinephrine-Induced Calcium Signaling and Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Olfactory Bulb Astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:639754. [PMID: 33833669 PMCID: PMC8021869 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.639754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that astrocytes respond to norepinephrine with cytosolic calcium rises in various brain areas, such as hippocampus or neocortex. However, less is known about the effect of norepinephrine on olfactory bulb astrocytes. In the present study, we used confocal calcium imaging and immunohistochemistry in mouse brain slices of the olfactory bulb, a brain region with a dense innervation of noradrenergic fibers, to investigate the calcium signaling evoked by norepinephrine in astrocytes. Our results show that application of norepinephrine leads to a cytosolic calcium rise in astrocytes which is independent of neuronal activity and mainly mediated by PLC/IP3-dependent internal calcium release. In addition, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) contributes to the late phase of the response. Antagonists of both α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors, but not β-receptors, largely reduce the adrenergic calcium response, indicating that both α-receptor subtypes mediate norepinephrine-induced calcium transients in olfactory bulb astrocytes, whereas β-receptors do not contribute to the calcium transients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Fischer
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Prey
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Eschholz
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Rotermund
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Lohr
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Iwai Y, Ozawa K, Yahagi K, Mishima T, Akther S, Vo CT, Lee AB, Tanaka M, Itohara S, Hirase H. Transient Astrocytic Gq Signaling Underlies Remote Memory Enhancement. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:658343. [PMID: 33828463 PMCID: PMC8019746 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.658343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes elicit transient Ca2+ elevations induced by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), yet their role in vivo remains unknown. To address this, transgenic mice with astrocytic expression of the optogenetic Gq-type GPCR, Optoα1AR, were established, in which transient Ca2+ elevations similar to those in wild type mice were induced by brief blue light illumination. Activation of cortical astrocytes resulted in an adenosine A1 receptor-dependent inhibition of neuronal activity. Moreover, sensory stimulation with astrocytic activation induced long-term depression of sensory evoked response. At the behavioral level, repeated astrocytic activation in the anterior cortex gradually affected novel open field exploratory behavior, and remote memory was enhanced in a novel object recognition task. These effects were blocked by A1 receptor antagonism. Together, we demonstrate that GPCR-triggered Ca2+ elevation in cortical astrocytes has causal impacts on neuronal activity and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Iwai
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Katsuya Ozawa
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yahagi
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Tsuneko Mishima
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sonam Akther
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Trang Vo
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ashley Bomin Lee
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mika Tanaka
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Laboratory for Neuron-Glia Circuitry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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43
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Bellot-Saez A, Stevenson R, Kékesi O, Samokhina E, Ben-Abu Y, Morley JW, Buskila Y. Neuromodulation of Astrocytic K + Clearance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052520. [PMID: 33802343 PMCID: PMC7959145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium homeostasis is fundamental for brain function. Therefore, effective removal of excessive K+ from the synaptic cleft during neuronal activity is paramount. Astrocytes play a key role in K+ clearance from the extracellular milieu using various mechanisms, including uptake via Kir channels and the Na+-K+ ATPase, and spatial buffering through the astrocytic gap-junction coupled network. Recently we showed that alterations in the concentrations of extracellular potassium ([K+]o) or impairments of the astrocytic clearance mechanism affect the resonance and oscillatory behavior of both the individual and networks of neurons. These results indicate that astrocytes have the potential to modulate neuronal network activity, however, the cellular effectors that may affect the astrocytic K+ clearance process are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the impact of neuromodulators, which are known to mediate changes in network oscillatory behavior, on the astrocytic clearance process. Our results suggest that while some neuromodulators (5-HT; NA) might affect astrocytic spatial buffering via gap-junctions, others (DA; Histamine) primarily affect the uptake mechanism via Kir channels. These results suggest that neuromodulators can affect network oscillatory activity through parallel activation of both neurons and astrocytes, establishing a synergistic mechanism to maximize the synchronous network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Bellot-Saez
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Rebecca Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Orsolya Kékesi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Evgeniia Samokhina
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Yuval Ben-Abu
- Projects and Physics Section, Sapir Academic College, D.N. Hof Ashkelon, Sderot 79165, Israel;
| | - John W. Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (A.B.-S.); (R.S.); (O.K.); (E.S.); (J.W.M.)
- International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-246203853
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Wahis J, Holt MG. Astrocytes, Noradrenaline, α1-Adrenoreceptors, and Neuromodulation: Evidence and Unanswered Questions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:645691. [PMID: 33716677 PMCID: PMC7947346 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.645691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Noradrenaline is a major neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS). It is released from varicosities on neuronal efferents, which originate principally from the main noradrenergic nuclei of the brain - the locus coeruleus - and spread throughout the parenchyma. Noradrenaline is released in response to various stimuli and has complex physiological effects, in large part due to the wide diversity of noradrenergic receptors expressed in the brain, which trigger diverse signaling pathways. In general, however, its main effect on CNS function appears to be to increase arousal state. Although the effects of noradrenaline have been researched extensively, the majority of studies have assumed that noradrenaline exerts its effects by acting directly on neurons. However, neurons are not the only cells in the CNS expressing noradrenaline receptors. Astrocytes are responsive to a range of neuromodulators - including noradrenaline. In fact, noradrenaline evokes robust calcium transients in astrocytes across brain regions, through activation of α1-adrenoreceptors. Crucially, astrocytes ensheath neurons at synapses and are known to modulate synaptic activity. Hence, astrocytes are in a key position to relay, or amplify, the effects of noradrenaline on neurons, most notably by modulating inhibitory transmission. Based on a critical appraisal of the current literature, we use this review to argue that a better understanding of astrocyte-mediated noradrenaline signaling is therefore essential, if we are ever to fully understand CNS function. We discuss the emerging concept of astrocyte heterogeneity and speculate on how this might impact the noradrenergic modulation of neuronal circuits. Finally, we outline possible experimental strategies to clearly delineate the role(s) of astrocytes in noradrenergic signaling, and neuromodulation in general, highlighting the urgent need for more specific and flexible experimental tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Wahis
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G. Holt
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
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Institoris A, Murphy-Royal C, Tarantini S, Yabluchanskiy A, Haidey JN, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z, Gordon GR. Whole brain irradiation in mice causes long-term impairment in astrocytic calcium signaling but preserves astrocyte-astrocyte coupling. GeroScience 2021; 43:197-212. [PMID: 33094399 PMCID: PMC8050172 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00289-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole brain irradiation (WBI) therapy is an important treatment for brain metastases and potential microscopic malignancies. WBI promotes progressive cognitive dysfunction in over half of surviving patients, yet, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Astrocytes play critical roles in the regulation of neuronal activity, brain metabolism, and cerebral blood flow, and while neurons are considered radioresistant, astrocytes are sensitive to γ-irradiation. Hallmarks of astrocyte function are the ability to generate stimulus-induced intercellular Ca2+ signals and to move metabolic substrates through the connected astrocyte network. We tested the hypothesis that WBI-induced cognitive impairment associates with persistent impairment of astrocytic Ca2+ signaling and/or gap junctional coupling. Mice were subjected to a clinically relevant protocol of fractionated WBI, and 12 to 15 months after irradiation, we confirmed persistent cognitive impairment compared to controls. To test the integrity of astrocyte-to-astrocyte gap junctional coupling postWBI, astrocytes were loaded with Alexa-488-hydrazide by patch-based dye infusion, and the increase of fluorescence signal in neighboring astrocyte cell bodies was assessed with 2-photon microscopy in acute slices of the sensory-motor cortex. We found that WBI did not affect astrocyte-to-astrocyte gap junctional coupling. Astrocytic Ca2+ responses induced by bath administration of phenylephrine (detected with Rhod-2/AM) were also unaltered by WBI. However, an electrical stimulation protocol used in long-term potentiation (theta burst), revealed attenuated astrocyte Ca2+ responses in the astrocyte arbor and soma in WBI. Our data show that WBI causes a long-lasting decrement in synaptic-evoked astrocyte Ca2+ signals 12-15 months postirradiation, which may be an important contributor to cognitive decline seen after WBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Institoris
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ciaran Murphy-Royal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging/Oklahoma Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging/Oklahoma Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jordan N Haidey
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging/Oklahoma Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging/Oklahoma Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Grant R Gordon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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46
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Cortical astrocytes regulate ethanol consumption and intoxication in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:500-508. [PMID: 32464636 PMCID: PMC8027025 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0721-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are fundamental building blocks of the central nervous system. Their dysfunction has been implicated in many psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder, yet our understanding of their functional role in ethanol intoxication and consumption is very limited. Astrocytes regulate behavior through multiple intracellular signaling pathways, including G-protein coupled-receptor (GPCR)-mediated calcium signals. To test the hypothesis that GPCR-induced calcium signaling is also involved in the behavioral effects of ethanol, we expressed astrocyte-specific excitatory DREADDs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice. Activating Gq-GPCR signaling in PFC astrocytes increased drinking in ethanol-naïve mice, but not in mice with a history of ethanol drinking. In contrast, reducing calcium signaling with an astrocyte-specific calcium extruder reduced ethanol intake. Cortical astrocyte calcium signaling also altered the acute stimulatory and sedative-hypnotic effects of ethanol. Astrocyte-specific Gq-DREADD activation increased both the locomotor-activating effects of low dose ethanol and the sedative-hypnotic effects of a high dose, while reduced astrocyte calcium signaling diminished sensitivity to the hypnotic effects. In addition, we found that adenosine A1 receptors were required for astrocyte calcium activation to increase ethanol sedation. These results support integral roles for PFC astrocytes in the behavioral actions of ethanol that are due, at least in part, to adenosine receptor activation.
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47
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Perez-Catalan NA, Doe CQ, Ackerman SD. The role of astrocyte-mediated plasticity in neural circuit development and function. Neural Dev 2021; 16:1. [PMID: 33413602 PMCID: PMC7789420 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00151-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal networks are capable of undergoing rapid structural and functional changes called plasticity, which are essential for shaping circuit function during nervous system development. These changes range from short-term modifications on the order of milliseconds, to long-term rearrangement of neural architecture that could last for the lifetime of the organism. Neural plasticity is most prominent during development, yet also plays a critical role during memory formation, behavior, and disease. Therefore, it is essential to define and characterize the mechanisms underlying the onset, duration, and form of plasticity. Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cell type in the human nervous system, are integral elements of synapses and are components of a glial network that can coordinate neural activity at a circuit-wide level. Moreover, their arrival to the CNS during late embryogenesis correlates to the onset of sensory-evoked activity, making them an interesting target for circuit plasticity studies. Technological advancements in the last decade have uncovered astrocytes as prominent regulators of circuit assembly and function. Here, we provide a brief historical perspective on our understanding of astrocytes in the nervous system, and review the latest advances on the role of astroglia in regulating circuit plasticity and function during nervous system development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Perez-Catalan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Kennedy Center, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Sarah D Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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Sharma K, Gordon GRJ, Tran CHT. Heterogeneity of Sensory-Induced Astrocytic Ca 2+ Dynamics During Functional Hyperemia. Front Physiol 2020; 11:611884. [PMID: 33362585 PMCID: PMC7758506 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.611884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytic Ca2+ fluctuations associated with functional hyperemia have typically been measured from large cellular compartments such as the soma, the whole arbor and the endfoot. The most prominent Ca2+ event is a large magnitude, delayed signal that follows vasodilation. However, previous work has provided little information about the spatio-temporal properties of such Ca2+ transients or their heterogeneity. Here, using an awake, in vivo two-photon fluorescence-imaging model, we performed detailed profiling of delayed astrocytic Ca2+ signals across astrocytes or within individual astrocyte compartments using small regions of interest next to penetrating arterioles and capillaries along with vasomotor responses to vibrissae stimulation. We demonstrated that while a 5-s air puff that stimulates all whiskers predominantly generated reproducible functional hyperemia in the presence or absence of astrocytic Ca2+ changes, whisker stimulation inconsistently produced astrocytic Ca2+ responses. More importantly, these Ca2+ responses were heterogeneous among subcellular structures of the astrocyte and across different astrocytes that resided within the same field of view. Furthermore, we found that whisker stimulation induced discrete Ca2+ “hot spots” that spread regionally within the endfoot. These data reveal that astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics associated with the microvasculature are more complex than previously thought, and highlight the importance of considering the heterogeneity of astrocytic Ca2+ activity to fully understanding neurovascular coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushal Sharma
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Signaling in the Cardiovascular System, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Grant R J Gordon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cam Ha T Tran
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Signaling in the Cardiovascular System, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, United States
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Qin H, He W, Yang C, Li J, Jian T, Liang S, Chen T, Feng H, Chen X, Liao X, Zhang K. Monitoring Astrocytic Ca 2+ Activity in Freely Behaving Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:603095. [PMID: 33343304 PMCID: PMC7744696 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.603095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring astrocytic Ca2+ activity is essential to understand the physiological and pathological roles of astrocytes in the brain. However, previous commonly used methods for studying astrocytic Ca2+ activities can be applied in only anesthetized or head-fixed animals, which significantly affects in vivo astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics. In the current study, we combined optic fiber recordings with genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) to monitor astrocytic activity in freely behaving mice. This approach enabled selective and reliable measurement of astrocytic Ca2+ activity, which was verified by the astrocyte-specific labeling of GECIs and few movement artifacts. Additionally, astrocytic Ca2+ activities induced by locomotion or footshock were stably recorded in the cortices and hippocampi of freely behaving mice. Furthermore, this method allowed for the longitudinal study of astrocytic activities over several weeks. This work provides a powerful approach to record astrocytic activity selectively, stably, and chronically in freely behaving mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Qin
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjing He
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanyan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingliang Jian
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tunan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Liao
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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50
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Shen W, Chen S, Xiang Y, Yao Z, Chen Z, Wu X, Li L, Zeng LH. Astroglial adrenoreceptors modulate synaptic transmission and contextual fear memory formation in dentate gyrus. Neurochem Int 2020; 143:104942. [PMID: 33340594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform various supporting functions, including ion buffering, metabolic supplying and neurotransmitter clearance. They can also sense neuronal activity owing to the presence of specific receptors for neurotransmitters. In turn, astrocytes can regulate synaptic activity through the release of gliotransmitters. Evidence has shown that astrocytes are very sensitive to the locus coeruleus (LC) afferents. However, little is known about how LC neuromodulatory norepinephrine (NE) modulates synaptic transmission through astrocytic activity. In mouse dentate gyrus (DG), we demonstrated an increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) in response to NE, which required the release of glutamate from astrocytes. The rise in glutamate release probability is likely due to the activation of presynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. Moreover, we showed that the activation of NE signaling in DG is necessary for the formation of contextual learning memory. Thus, NE signaling activation during fear conditioning training contributed to enduring changes in the frequency of mEPSC in DG. Our results strongly support the physiological neuromodulatory role of NE signaling, which is derived from activation of astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weida Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China.
| | - Shishuo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yingchun Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zheyu Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Zhitao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Xitian Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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