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Prudinnik DS, Kussanova A, Vorobjev IA, Tikhonov A, Ataullakhanov FI, Barteneva NS. Deformability of Heterogeneous Red Blood Cells in Aging and Related Pathologies. Aging Dis 2025:AD.2024.0526. [PMID: 39012672 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is interrelated with changes in red blood cell parameters and functionality. In this article, we focus on red blood cells (RBCs) and provide a review of the known changes associated with the characterization of RBC deformability in aging and related pathologies. The biophysical parameters complement the commonly used biochemical parameters and may contribute to a better understanding of the aging process. The power of the deformability measurement approach is well established in clinical settings. Measuring RBCs' deformability has the advantage of relative simplicity, and it reflects the complex effects developing in erythrocytes during aging. However, aging and related pathological conditions also promote heterogeneity of RBC features and have a certain impact on the variance in erythrocyte cell properties. The possible applications of deformability as an early biophysical biomarker of pathological states are discussed, and modulating PIEZO1 as a therapeutic target is suggested. The changes in RBCs' shape can serve as a proxy for deformability evaluation, leveraging single-cell analysis with imaging flow cytometry and artificial intelligence algorithms. The characterization of biophysical parameters of RBCs is in progress in humans and will provide a better understanding of the complex dynamics of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S Prudinnik
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Aigul Kussanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ivan A Vorobjev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Alexander Tikhonov
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Fazly I Ataullakhanov
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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Sugiura K, Kawasaki H, Egami T, Kaneko M, Ishida N, Tamura S, Tani S, Yamade M, Hamaya Y, Osawa S, Takeuchi H, Baba S, Sugimoto K, Iwaizumi M. Iron deposition in gastric black spots: Clinicopathological insights and NanoSuit-correlative light and electron microscopy analysis. DEN OPEN 2025; 5:e398. [PMID: 38895560 PMCID: PMC11182783 DOI: 10.1002/deo2.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Black spots (BSs) are lentiginous findings observed in the gastric body and fundus during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and are predominantly seen in patients undergoing Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. However, the detailed patient background and exact composition are poorly understood. This study aims to clarify the clinicopathological features of BSs, examine patient demographics, and use the NanoSuit-correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) method combined with scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis. Methods Patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between 2017 and 2022 were included. Data on age, medications, blood tests, and H. pylori infection status were retrospectively gathered from medical records. Univariate analysis was conducted to examine BS presence, with results then used in a multivariate model to identify associated risk factors. Additionally, pathological specimens from patients with BSs were analyzed for elemental composition using the NanoSuit-CLEM method combined with scanning electronmicroscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results An analysis of 6778 cases identified risk factors for BSs, including older age and using proton pump inhibitors, statins, corticosteroids, and antithrombotic drugs. Endoscopically, BSs correlated with higher gastric atrophy and lower active H. pylori infection. Iron deposition at BS sites was specifically identified using NanoSuit-CLEM. Conclusions BSs on gastrointestinal endoscopy may indicate an absence of active H. pylori inflammation. The discovery of iron deposition within BSs using the NanoSuit-CLEM method has offered new insights into the possible causative factors and advances our understanding of the etiology of BSs, bringing us closer to unraveling the underlying mechanisms of their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiichi Sugiura
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Hideya Kawasaki
- Institute for NanoSuit ResearchPreeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research CenterHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Takatoshi Egami
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Masanao Kaneko
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Natsuki Ishida
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Satoshi Tamura
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Shinya Tani
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Mihoko Yamade
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Yasushi Hamaya
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Satoshi Osawa
- Department of Endoscopic and Photodynamic MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Hiroya Takeuchi
- Department of SurgeryHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Satoshi Baba
- Department of Diagnostic PathologyHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Ken Sugimoto
- First Department of MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Moriya Iwaizumi
- Department of Laboratory MedicineHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
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Luo W, Xu C, Li L, Ji Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Ye Y. Perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets reduce microglial activation through metabolic reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1178-1191. [PMID: 38989955 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00032/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Microglia, the primary immune cells within the brain, have gained recognition as a promising therapeutic target for managing neurodegenerative diseases within the central nervous system, including Parkinson's disease. Nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets have been reported to not only possess a high oxygen-carrying capacity, but also exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. However, the role of perfluoropentane in microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions remains poorly understood. In this study, we developed perfluoropentane-based oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (PFP-OLNDs) and found that pretreatment with these droplets suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of M1-type microglia in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed microglial activation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Microglial suppression led to a reduction in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell migration capacity in vitro. Consequently, the neurotoxic effects were mitigated, which alleviated neuronal degeneration. Additionally, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of PFP-OLNDs mainly resulted from the modulation of microglial metabolic reprogramming. We further showed that PFP-OLNDs regulated microglial metabolic reprogramming through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1α pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest that the novel PFP-OLNDs constructed in this study alleviate microglia-mediated central inflammatory reactions through metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxian Luo
- Department of Medicine Ultrasonics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chuanhui Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunxiang Ji
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yezhong Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yingjia Li
- Department of Medicine Ultrasonics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongyi Ye
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, Khan A, Jimsheleishvili G, Graham P, Brooks A, Silvera R, Goldschmidt AJP, Pearse DD, Dietrich WD, Levi AD, Guest JD. Treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles: a case report. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1207-1216. [PMID: 38922880 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells are essential for the maintenance and function of motor neurons, axonal networks, and the neuromuscular junction. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, where motor neuron function is progressively lost, Schwann cell function may also be impaired. Recently, important signaling and potential trophic activities of Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles have been reported. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using serial intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, marking, to our knowledge, the first instance of such treatment. An 81-year-old male patient presented with a 1.5-year history of rapidly progressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After initial diagnosis, the patient underwent a combination of generic riluzole, sodium phenylbutyrate for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and taurursodiol. The patient volunteered to participate in an FDA-approved single-patient expanded access treatment and received weekly intravenous infusions of allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles to potentially restore impaired Schwann cell and motor neuron function. We confirmed that cultured Schwann cells obtained from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient via sural nerve biopsy appeared impaired (senescent) and that exposure of the patient's Schwann cells to allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles, cultured expanded from a cadaver donor improved their growth capacity in vitro. After a period of observation lasting 10 weeks, during which amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised and pulmonary function were regularly monitored, the patient received weekly consecutive infusions of 1.54 × 10 12 (×2), and then consecutive infusions of 7.5 × 10 12 (×6) allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles diluted in 40 mL of Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline. None of the infusions were associated with adverse events such as infusion reactions (allergic or otherwise) or changes in vital signs. Clinical lab serum neurofilament and cytokine levels measured prior to each infusion varied somewhat without a clear trend. A more sensitive in-house assay suggested possible inflammasome activation during the disease course. A trend for clinical stabilization was observed during the infusion period. Our study provides a novel approach to address impaired Schwann cells and possibly motor neuron function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using allogeneic Schwann cell-derived exosomal vesicles. Initial findings suggest that this approach is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Khan
- Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - George Jimsheleishvili
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Patricia Graham
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adriana Brooks
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Risset Silvera
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - W Dalton Dietrich
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Allan D Levi
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James D Guest
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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Smith TA, Zhou L, Ghergherehchi CL, Mikesh M, Yang CZ, Tucker HO, Allgood J, Bushman JS, Bittner GD. Polyethylene glycol has immunoprotective effects on sciatic allografts, but behavioral recovery and graft tolerance require neurorrhaphy and axonal fusion. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1192-1206. [PMID: 38989956 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00033/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Behavioral recovery using (viable) peripheral nerve allografts to repair ablation-type (segmental-loss) peripheral nerve injuries is delayed or poor due to slow and inaccurate axonal regeneration. Furthermore, such peripheral nerve allografts undergo immunological rejection by the host immune system. In contrast, peripheral nerve injuries repaired by polyethylene glycol fusion of peripheral nerve allografts exhibit excellent behavioral recovery within weeks, reduced immune responses, and many axons do not undergo Wallerian degeneration. The relative contribution of neurorrhaphy and polyethylene glycol-fusion of axons versus the effects of polyethylene glycol per se was unknown prior to this study. We hypothesized that polyethylene glycol might have some immune-protective effects, but polyethylene glycol-fusion was necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration and functional/behavioral recovery. We examined how polyethylene glycol solutions per se affect functional and behavioral recovery and peripheral nerve allograft morphological and immunological responses in the absence of polyethylene glycol-induced axonal fusion. Ablation-type sciatic nerve injuries in outbred Sprague-Dawley rats were repaired according to a modified protocol using the same solutions as polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts, but peripheral nerve allografts were loose-sutured (loose-sutured polyethylene glycol) with an intentional gap of 1-2 mm to prevent fusion by polyethylene glycol of peripheral nerve allograft axons with host axons. Similar to negative control peripheral nerve allografts not treated by polyethylene glycol and in contrast to polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts, animals with loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts exhibited Wallerian degeneration for all axons and myelin degeneration by 7 days postoperatively and did not recover sciatic-mediated behavioral functions by 42 days postoperatively. Other morphological signs of rejection, such as collapsed Schwann cell basal lamina tubes, were absent in polyethylene glycol-fused peripheral nerve allografts but commonly observed in negative control and loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts at 21 days postoperatively. Loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts had more pro-inflammatory and less anti-inflammatory macrophages than negative control peripheral nerve allografts. While T cell counts were similarly high in loose-sutured-polyethylene glycol and negative control peripheral nerve allografts, loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts expressed some cytokines/chemokines important for T cell activation at much lower levels at 14 days postoperatively. MHCI expression was elevated in loose-sutured polyethylene glycol peripheral nerve allografts, but MHCII expression was modestly lower compared to negative control at 21 days postoperatively. We conclude that, while polyethylene glycol per se reduces some immune responses of peripheral nerve allografts, successful polyethylene glycol-fusion repair of some axons is necessary to prevent Wallerian degeneration of those axons and immune rejection of peripheral nerve allografts, and produce recovery of sensory/motor functions and voluntary behaviors. Translation of polyethylene glycol-fusion technologies would produce a paradigm shift from the current clinical practice of waiting days to months to repair ablation peripheral nerve injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Smith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Liwen Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Michelle Mikesh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Cathy Z Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Haley O Tucker
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - JuliAnne Allgood
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Jared S Bushman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - George D Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Wang P, Bi Y, Li M, Chen J, Wang Z, Wen H, Zhou M, Luo M, Zhang W. Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1164-1177. [PMID: 38989954 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00031/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Currently, studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. However, little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Furthermore, the role of the dopamine D3 receptor, which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia, in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear. We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components, as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex (M1) ↔ dorsolateral striatum gamma flow. Administration of PD128907 (a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist) induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1 ↔ dorsolateral striatum flow. However, administration of PG01037 (a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist) attenuated dyskinesia, suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components, and decreased gamma causality in the M1 → dorsolateral striatum direction. These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity, and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wang
- Neurosurgery Center, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Pinheiro F, Ventura S. Design and redesign journey of a drug for transthyretin amyloidosis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1096-1097. [PMID: 38989948 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Pinheiro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Locatelli M, Farina C. Role of copper in central nervous system physiology and pathology. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1058-1068. [PMID: 38989937 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper is a transition metal and an essential element for the organism, as alterations in its homeostasis leading to metal accumulation or deficiency have pathological effects in several organs, including the central nervous system. Central copper dysregulations have been evidenced in two genetic disorders characterized by mutations in the copper-ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B, Menkes disease and Wilson's disease, respectively, and also in multifactorial neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of copper in central nervous system physiology and pathology, reports about unbalances in copper levels and/or distribution under disease, describes relevant animal models for human disorders where copper metabolism genes are dysregulated, and discusses relevant therapeutic approaches modulating copper availability. Overall, alterations in copper metabolism may contribute to the etiology of central nervous system disorders and represent relevant therapeutic targets to restore tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Locatelli
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Masone A, Zucchelli C, Caruso E, Musco G, Chiesa R. Therapeutic targeting of cellular prion protein: toward the development of dual mechanism anti-prion compounds. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1009-1014. [PMID: 38845221 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PrP Sc , a misfolded, aggregation-prone isoform of the cellular prion protein (PrP C ), is the infectious prion agent responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases of humans and other mammals. PrP Sc can adopt different pathogenic conformations (prion strains), which can be resistant to potential drugs, or acquire drug resistance, posing challenges for the development of effective therapies. Since PrP C is the obligate precursor of any prion strain and serves as the mediator of prion neurotoxicity, it represents an attractive therapeutic target for prion diseases. In this minireview, we briefly outline the approaches to target PrP C and discuss our recent identification of Zn(II)-BnPyP, a PrP C -targeting porphyrin with an unprecedented bimodal mechanism of action. We argue that in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism by which Zn(II)-BnPyP targets PrP C may lead toward the development of a new class of dual mechanism anti-prion compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Masone
- Laboratory of Prion Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucchelli
- Biomolecular NMR Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Caruso
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanna Musco
- Biomolecular NMR Unit, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Chiesa
- Laboratory of Prion Neurobiology, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Chen J, Chen J, Yu C, Xia K, Yang B, Wang R, Li Y, Shi K, Zhang Y, Xu H, Zhang X, Wang J, Chen Q, Liang C. Metabolic reprogramming: a new option for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1042-1057. [PMID: 38989936 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society, mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause. Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries, their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory. However, a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries, their consequences, and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming. Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling. However, spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes, including the failure of axonal regeneration, the accumulation of scarring, and the activation of microglia. To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level, potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged, including replenishing metabolic substrates, reconstituting metabolic couplings, and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate. The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury. To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury, future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism, the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies, and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjie Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinyang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kaishun Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Qiandongnan Prefecture People's Hospital, Kaili, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ronghao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Kesi Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haibin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingkai Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qixin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Clinical Research Center of Motor System Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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11
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Guo X, Harada C, Harada T. Asking one mechanism in glial cells during neuroinflammation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1077-1078. [PMID: 38989939 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Guo
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Yin Z, Kang J, Cheng X, Gao H, Huo S, Xu H. Investigating Müller glia reprogramming in mice: a retrospective of the last decade, and a look to the future. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:946-959. [PMID: 38989930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Müller glia, as prominent glial cells within the retina, plays a significant role in maintaining retinal homeostasis in both healthy and diseased states. In lower vertebrates like zebrafish, these cells assume responsibility for spontaneous retinal regeneration, wherein endogenous Müller glia undergo proliferation, transform into Müller glia-derived progenitor cells, and subsequently regenerate the entire retina with restored functionality. Conversely, Müller glia in the mouse and human retina exhibit limited neural reprogramming. Müller glia reprogramming is thus a promising strategy for treating neurodegenerative ocular disorders. Müller glia reprogramming in mice has been accomplished with remarkable success, through various technologies. Advancements in molecular, genetic, epigenetic, morphological, and physiological evaluations have made it easier to document and investigate the Müller glia programming process in mice. Nevertheless, there remain issues that hinder improving reprogramming efficiency and maturity. Thus, understanding the reprogramming mechanism is crucial toward exploring factors that will improve Müller glia reprogramming efficiency, and for developing novel Müller glia reprogramming strategies. This review describes recent progress in relatively successful Müller glia reprogramming strategies. It also provides a basis for developing new Müller glia reprogramming strategies in mice, including epigenetic remodeling, metabolic modulation, immune regulation, chemical small-molecules regulation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell-cell fusion, to achieve Müller glia reprogramming in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yin
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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13
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Jiao D, Xu L, Gu Z, Yan H, Shen D, Gu X. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy: electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy and new technologies. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:917-935. [PMID: 38989927 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a severe, relapsing, and multifactorial neurological disorder. Studies regarding the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and in-depth pathogenesis are crucial for the precise and effective treatment of epilepsy. The pathogenesis of epilepsy is complex and involves alterations in variables such as gene expression, protein expression, ion channel activity, energy metabolites, and gut microbiota composition. Satisfactory results are lacking for conventional treatments for epilepsy. Surgical resection of lesions, drug therapy, and non-drug interventions are mainly used in clinical practice to treat pain associated with epilepsy. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as a ketogenic diet, gene therapy for nerve regeneration, and neural regulation, are currently areas of research focus. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatments of epilepsy. It also elaborates on the theoretical basis, treatment modes, and effects of invasive nerve stimulation in neurotherapy, including percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain electrical stimulation, repetitive nerve electrical stimulation, in addition to non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Numerous studies have shown that electromagnetic stimulation-mediated neuromodulation therapy can markedly improve neurological function and reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures. Additionally, many new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy are being explored. However, current research is mainly focused on analyzing patients' clinical manifestations and exploring relevant diagnostic and treatment methods to study the pathogenesis at a molecular level, which has led to a lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms related to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Jiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lai Xu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hua Yan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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14
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Gamez N, Morales R. Role of peripheral amyloid-β aggregates in Alzheimer's disease: mechanistic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1087-1089. [PMID: 38989944 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nazaret Gamez
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA (Gamez N, Morales R)
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA (Gamez N, Morales R)
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile (Morales R)
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15
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Chen Y, Fan Z, Luo Z, Kang X, Wan R, Li F, Lin W, Han Z, Qi B, Lin J, Sun Y, Huang J, Xu Y, Chen S. Impacts of Nutlin-3a and exercise on murine double minute 2-enriched glioma treatment. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1135-1152. [PMID: 38989952 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00029/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Recent research has demonstrated the impact of physical activity on the prognosis of glioma patients, with evidence suggesting exercise may reduce mortality risks and aid neural regeneration. The role of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein, especially post-exercise, in cancer progression, is gaining attention, as are the potential anti-cancer effects of SUMOylation. We used machine learning to create the exercise and SUMO-related gene signature (ESLRS). This signature shows how physical activity might help improve the outlook for low-grade glioma and other cancers. We demonstrated the prognostic and immunotherapeutic significance of ESLRS markers, specifically highlighting how murine double minute 2 (MDM2), a component of the ESLRS, can be targeted by nutlin-3. This underscores the intricate relationship between natural compounds such as nutlin-3 and immune regulation. Using comprehensive CRISPR screening, we validated the effects of specific ESLRS genes on low-grade glioma progression. We also revealed insights into the effectiveness of Nutlin-3a as a potent MDM2 inhibitor through molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Nutlin-3a inhibited glioma cell proliferation and activated the p53 pathway. Its efficacy decreased with MDM2 overexpression, and this was reversed by Nutlin-3a or exercise. Experiments using a low-grade glioma mouse model highlighted the effect of physical activity on oxidative stress and molecular pathway regulation. Notably, both physical exercise and Nutlin-3a administration improved physical function in mice bearing tumors derived from MDM2-overexpressing cells. These results suggest the potential for Nutlin-3a, an MDM2 inhibitor, with physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for glioma management. Our research also supports the use of natural products for therapy and sheds light on the interaction of exercise, natural products, and immune regulation in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Chen
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongcheng Fan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueran Kang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renwen Wan
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangqi Li
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhihua Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beijie Qi
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinrong Lin
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaying Sun
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiebin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhen Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Department of Sport Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Pradhan AK, Rupprecht R, Rammes G. Translocator protein and neurodegeneration: insights from Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1090-1091. [PMID: 38989945 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arpit Kumar Pradhan
- Klinik für Anaesthesiologie und Intensivmedizin der Technischen Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany (Pradhan AK, Rammes G)
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Martinsried, Germany (Pradhan AK)
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany (Rupprecht R)
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Klinik für Anaesthesiologie und Intensivmedizin der Technischen Universität München, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany (Pradhan AK, Rammes G)
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17
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Zhu K, Wang H, Ye K, Chen G, Zhang Z. Netrin-1 signaling pathway mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:960-972. [PMID: 38989931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Netrin-1 and its receptors play crucial roles in inducing axonal growth and neuronal migration during neuronal development. Their profound impacts then extend into adulthood to encompass the maintenance of neuronal survival and synaptic function. Increasing amounts of evidence highlight several key points: (1) Diminished Netrin-1 levels exacerbate pathological progression in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and potentially, similar alterations occur in humans. (2) Genetic mutations of Netrin-1 receptors increase an individuals' susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders. (3) Therapeutic approaches targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors offer the benefits of enhancing memory and motor function. (4) Netrin-1 and its receptors show genetic and epigenetic alterations in a variety of cancers. These findings provide compelling evidence that Netrin-1 and its receptors are crucial targets in neurodegenerative diseases. Through a comprehensive review of Netrin-1 signaling pathways, our objective is to uncover potential therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedong Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hualong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University; Brain Aging and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Heibei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guiqin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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18
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Liu Y, Huang W, Wen J, Xiong X, Xu T, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhao X, Li S, Li X, Yang W. Differential distribution of PINK1 and Parkin in the primate brain implies distinct roles. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1124-1134. [PMID: 38989951 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00028/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff The vast majority of in vitro studies have demonstrated that PINK1 phosphorylates Parkin to work together in mitophagy to protect against neuronal degeneration. However, it remains largely unclear how PINK1 and Parkin are expressed in mammalian brains. This has been difficult to address because of the intrinsically low levels of PINK1 and undetectable levels of phosphorylated Parkin in small animals. Understanding this issue is critical for elucidating the in vivo roles of PINK1 and Parkin. Recently, we showed that the PINK1 kinase is selectively expressed as a truncated form (PINK1-55) in the primate brain. In the present study, we used multiple antibodies, including our recently developed monoclonal anti-PINK1, to validate the selective expression of PINK1 in the primate brain. We found that PINK1 was stably expressed in the monkey brain at postnatal and adulthood stages, which is consistent with the findings that depleting PINK1 can cause neuronal loss in developing and adult monkey brains. PINK1 was enriched in the membrane-bound fractionations, whereas Parkin was soluble with a distinguishable distribution. Immunofluorescent double staining experiments showed that PINK1 and Parkin did not colocalize under physiological conditions in cultured monkey astrocytes, though they did colocalize on mitochondria when the cells were exposed to mitochondrial stress. These findings suggest that PINK1 and Parkin may have distinct roles beyond their well-known function in mitophagy during mitochondrial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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19
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Zhang L, Wei J, Liu X, Li D, Pang X, Chen F, Cao H, Lei P. Gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: new insights into age-related cognitive decline. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:990-1008. [PMID: 38989933 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rapidly aging human population, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and the functions of astrocytes. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function. This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function, mainly through the vagus nerve, immune responses, circadian rhythms, and microbial metabolites. Finally, this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota-astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota-astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline, aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingge Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilei Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dai Li
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqi Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanglian Chen
- Tianjin Neurological Institution, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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20
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Zhang G, Yao Q, Long C, Yi P, Song J, Wu L, Wan W, Rao X, Lin Y, Wei G, Ying J, Hua F. Infiltration by monocytes of the central nervous system and its role in multiple sclerosis: reflections on therapeutic strategies. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:779-793. [PMID: 38886942 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mononuclear macrophage infiltration in the central nervous system is a prominent feature of neuroinflammation. Recent studies on the pathogenesis and progression of multiple sclerosis have highlighted the multiple roles of mononuclear macrophages in the neuroinflammatory process. Monocytes play a significant role in neuroinflammation, and managing neuroinflammation by manipulating peripheral monocytes stands out as an effective strategy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, leading to improved patient outcomes. This review outlines the steps involved in the entry of myeloid monocytes into the central nervous system that are targets for effective intervention: the activation of bone marrow hematopoiesis, migration of monocytes in the blood, and penetration of the blood-brain barrier by monocytes. Finally, we summarize the different monocyte subpopulations and their effects on the central nervous system based on phenotypic differences. As activated microglia resemble monocyte-derived macrophages, it is important to accurately identify the role of monocyte-derived macrophages in disease. Depending on the roles played by monocyte-derived macrophages at different stages of the disease, several of these processes can be interrupted to limit neuroinflammation and improve patient prognosis. Here, we discuss possible strategies to target monocytes in neurological diseases, focusing on three key aspects of monocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, to provide new ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chubing Long
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Pengcheng Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiali Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Luojia Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wei Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiuqin Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yue Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Gen Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jun Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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21
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Wang J, Ran Y, Li Z, Zhao T, Zhang F, Wang J, Liu Z, Chen X. Salsolinol as an RNA m6A methylation inducer mediates dopaminergic neuronal death by regulating YAP1 and autophagy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:887-899. [PMID: 38886960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00032/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Salsolinol (1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, Sal) is a catechol isoquinoline that causes neurotoxicity and shares structural similarity with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, an environmental toxin that causes Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism by which Sal mediates dopaminergic neuronal death remains unclear. In this study, we found that Sal significantly enhanced the global level of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in PC12 cells, mainly by inducing the downregulation of the expression of m6A demethylases fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). RNA sequencing analysis showed that Sal downregulated the Hippo signaling pathway. The m6A reader YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) promoted the degradation of m6A-containing Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) mRNA, which is a downstream key effector in the Hippo signaling pathway. Additionally, downregulation of YAP1 promoted autophagy, indicating that the mutual regulation between YAP1 and autophagy can lead to neurotoxicity. These findings reveal the role of Sal on m6A RNA methylation and suggest that Sal may act as an RNA methylation inducer mediating dopaminergic neuronal death through YAP1 and autophagy. Our results provide greater insights into the neurotoxic effects of catechol isoquinolines compared with other studies and may be a reference for assessing the involvement of RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ran
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Li
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyuan Zhao
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zongjian Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechai Chen
- Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, College of Chemistry and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
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22
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Harada C, Guo X, Harada T. Monogenic gene therapy for glaucoma and optic nerve injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:815-816. [PMID: 38886952 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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Yang X, Huang YWA, Marshall J. Targeting TrkB-PSD-95 coupling to mitigate neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:715-724. [PMID: 38886937 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling plays a pivotal role in dendritic growth and dendritic spine formation to promote learning and memory. The activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor at synapses binds to pre- or postsynaptic TrkB resulting in the strengthening of synapses, reflected by long-term potentiation. Postsynaptically, the association of postsynaptic density protein-95 with TrkB enhances phospholipase Cγ-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling required for long-term potentiation. In this review, we discuss TrkB-postsynaptic density protein-95 coupling as a promising strategy to magnify brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling towards the development of novel therapeutics for specific neurological disorders. A reduction of TrkB signaling has been observed in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease, and enhancement of postsynaptic density protein-95 association with TrkB signaling could mitigate the observed deficiency of neuronal connectivity in schizophrenia and depression. Treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor is problematic, due to poor pharmacokinetics, low brain penetration, and side effects resulting from activation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor or the truncated TrkB.T1 isoform. Although TrkB agonists and antibodies that activate TrkB are being intensively investigated, they cannot distinguish the multiple human TrkB splicing isoforms or cell type-specific functions. Targeting TrkB-postsynaptic density protein-95 coupling provides an alternative approach to specifically boost TrkB signaling at localized synaptic sites versus global stimulation that risks many adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yu-Wen Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Neurology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science and Brown Institute for Translational Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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24
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Biverstål H, Bazan NG, Tan S, Li N, Ohshima M, Schultzberg M, Li X. Pro-resolving lipid mediator reduces amyloid-β42-induced gene expression in human monocyte-derived microglia. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:873-886. [PMID: 38886959 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00031/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators including maresin 1 mediate resolution but the levels of these are reduced in Alzheimer's disease brain, suggesting that they constitute a novel target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to prevent/stop inflammation and combat disease pathology. Therefore, it is important to clarify whether they counteract the expression of genes and proteins induced by amyloid-β. With this objective, we analyzed the relevance of human monocyte-derived microglia for in vitro modeling of neuroinflammation and its resolution in the context of Alzheimer's disease and investigated the pro-resolving bioactivity of maresin 1 on amyloid-β42-induced Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing data and secreted proteins in supernatants from the monocyte-derived microglia showed that the monocyte-derived microglia resembled Alzheimer's disease-like neuroinflammation in human brain microglia after incubation with amyloid-β42. Maresin 1 restored homeostasis by down-regulating inflammatory pathway related gene expression induced by amyloid-β42 in monocyte-derived microglia, protection of maresin 1 against the effects of amyloid-β42 is mediated by a re-balancing of inflammatory transcriptional networks in which modulation of gene transcription in the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway plays a major part. We pinpointed molecular targets that are associated with both neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and therapeutic targets by maresin 1. In conclusion, monocyte-derived microglia represent a relevant in vitro microglial model for studies on Alzheimer's disease-like inflammation and drug response for individual patients. Maresin 1 ameliorates amyloid-β42-induced changes in several genes of importance in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Biverstål
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shuai Tan
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Pharmacology Group, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nailin Li
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Pharmacology Group, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Makiko Ohshima
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianne Schultzberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences & Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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An Z, Jiang A, Chen J. Toward understanding the role of genomic repeat elements in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:646-659. [PMID: 38886931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases cause great medical and economic burdens for both patients and society; however, the complex molecular mechanisms thereof are not yet well understood. With the development of high-coverage sequencing technology, researchers have started to notice that genomic repeat regions, previously neglected in search of disease culprits, are active contributors to multiple neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the association between repeat element variants and multiple degenerative diseases through genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing. We discuss the identification of disease-relevant repeat element variants, further powered by the advancement of long-read sequencing technologies and their related tools, and summarize recent findings in the molecular mechanisms of repeat element variants in brain degeneration, such as those causing transcriptional silencing or RNA-mediated gain of toxic function. Furthermore, we describe how in silico predictions using innovative computational models, such as deep learning language models, could enhance and accelerate our understanding of the functional impact of repeat element variants. Finally, we discuss future directions to advance current findings for a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the clinical applications of genomic repeat elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu An
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aidi Jiang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingqi Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Shanghai, China
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26
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Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhuang C, Qi J, Zhao RC, Wang J. Lipid droplets in the nervous system: involvement in cell metabolic homeostasis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:740-750. [PMID: 38886939 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid droplets serve as primary storage organelles for neutral lipids in neurons, glial cells, and other cells in the nervous system. Lipid droplet formation begins with the synthesis of neutral lipids in the endoplasmic reticulum. Previously, lipid droplets were recognized for their role in maintaining lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis; however, recent research has shown that lipid droplets are highly adaptive organelles with diverse functions in the nervous system. In addition to their role in regulating cell metabolism, lipid droplets play a protective role in various cellular stress responses. Furthermore, lipid droplets exhibit specific functions in neurons and glial cells. Dysregulation of lipid droplet formation leads to cellular dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities, and nervous system diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of lipid droplets in the nervous system, covering topics such as biogenesis, cellular specificity, and functions. Additionally, it will explore the association between lipid droplets and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the involvement of lipid droplets in cell metabolic homeostasis related to the nervous system is crucial to determine the underlying causes and in exploring potential therapeutic approaches for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingxuan Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Development and Clinical Trial of Stem Cell Therapy, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Gruchot J, Reiche L, Chan A, Hoepner R, Küry P. Human endogenous retrovirus type-W and multiple sclerosis-related smoldering neuroinflammation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:813-814. [PMID: 38886951 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Gruchot J, Reiche L, Küry P)
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Gruchot J, Reiche L, Küry P)
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Chan A, Hoepner R, Küry P)
| | - Robert Hoepner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Chan A, Hoepner R, Küry P)
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany (Gruchot J, Reiche L, Küry P)
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland (Chan A, Hoepner R, Küry P)
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28
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Pabon A, Bhupana JN, Wong CO. Crosstalk between degradation and bioenergetics: how autophagy and endolysosomal processes regulate energy production. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:671-681. [PMID: 38886933 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to changes in nutrient availability, cellular activity, and transitions in cell states. The balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration is crucial for energy production, and metabolic reprogramming stipulates a shift in such balance to optimize both bioenergetic efficiency and anabolic requirements. Failure in switching bioenergetic dependence can lead to maladaptation and pathogenesis. While cellular degradation is known to recycle precursor molecules for anabolism, its potential role in regulating energy production remains less explored. The bioenergetic switch between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration involves transcription factors and organelle homeostasis, which are both regulated by the cellular degradation pathways. A growing body of studies has demonstrated that both stem cells and differentiated cells exhibit bioenergetic switch upon perturbations of autophagic activity or endolysosomal processes. Here, we highlighted the current understanding of the interplay between degradation processes, specifically autophagy and endolysosomes, transcription factors, endolysosomal signaling, and mitochondrial homeostasis in shaping cellular bioenergetics. This review aims to summarize the relationship between degradation processes and bioenergetics, providing a foundation for future research to unveil deeper mechanistic insights into bioenergetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelid Pabon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
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29
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Leuci R, Brunetti L, Tufarelli V, Cerini M, Paparella M, Puvača N, Piemontese L. Role of copper chelating agents: between old applications and new perspectives in neuroscience. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:751-762. [PMID: 38886940 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of copper element has been an increasingly relevant topic in recent years in the fields of human and animal health, for both the study of new drugs and innovative food and feed supplements. This metal plays an important role in the central nervous system, where it is associated with glutamatergic signaling, and it is widely involved in inflammatory processes. Thus, diseases involving copper (II) dyshomeostasis often have neurological symptoms, as exemplified by Alzheimer's and other diseases (such as Parkinson's and Wilson's diseases). Moreover, imbalanced copper ion concentrations have also been associated with diabetes and certain types of cancer, including glioma. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive overview of recent results that show the importance of these metal ions in several pathologies, mainly Alzheimer's disease, through the lens of the development and use of copper chelators as research compounds and potential therapeutics if included in multi-target hybrid drugs. Seeing how copper homeostasis is important for the well-being of animals as well as humans, we shortly describe the state of the art regarding the effects of copper and its chelators in agriculture, livestock rearing, and aquaculture, as ingredients for the formulation of feed supplements as well as to prevent the effects of pollution on animal productions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Leuci
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tufarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Cerini
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Paparella
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nikola Puvača
- Department of Engineering Management in Biotechnology, Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management in Novi Sad, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Luca Piemontese
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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30
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Helmold BR, Ahrens A, Fitzgerald Z, Ozdinler PH. Spastin and alsin protein interactome analyses begin to reveal key canonical pathways and suggest novel druggable targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:725-739. [PMID: 38886938 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing effective and long-term treatment strategies for rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases is challenging. One of the major roadblocks is the extensive heterogeneity among patients. This hinders understanding the underlying disease-causing mechanisms and building solutions that have implications for a broad spectrum of patients. One potential solution is to develop personalized medicine approaches based on strategies that target the most prevalent cellular events that are perturbed in patients. Especially in patients with a known genetic mutation, it may be possible to understand how these mutations contribute to problems that lead to neurodegeneration. Protein-protein interaction analyses offer great advantages for revealing how proteins interact, which cellular events are primarily involved in these interactions, and how they become affected when key genes are mutated in patients. This line of investigation also suggests novel druggable targets for patients with different mutations. Here, we focus on alsin and spastin, two proteins that are identified as "causative" for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia, respectively, when mutated. Our review analyzes the protein interactome for alsin and spastin, the canonical pathways that are primarily important for each protein domain, as well as compounds that are either Food and Drug Administration-approved or are in active clinical trials concerning the affected cellular pathways. This line of research begins to pave the way for personalized medicine approaches that are desperately needed for rare neurodegenerative diseases that are complex and heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Helmold
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Angela Ahrens
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zachary Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P Hande Ozdinler
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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31
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Huang LY, Zhang YD, Chen J, Fan HD, Wang W, Wang B, Ma JY, Li PP, Pu HW, Guo XY, Shen JG, Qi SH. Maintaining moderate levels of hypochlorous acid promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the recovery phase of stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:845-857. [PMID: 38886957 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.392889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00029/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff It has been shown clinically that continuous removal of ischemia/reperfusion-induced reactive oxygen species is not conducive to the recovery of late stroke. Indeed, previous studies have shown that excessive increases in hypochlorous acid after stroke can cause severe damage to brain tissue. Our previous studies have found that a small amount of hypochlorous acid still exists in the later stage of stroke, but its specific role and mechanism are currently unclear. To simulate stroke in vivo, a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established, with an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model established in vitro to mimic stroke. We found that in the early stage (within 24 hours) of ischemic stroke, neutrophils produced a large amount of hypochlorous acid, while in the recovery phase (10 days after stroke), microglia were activated and produced a small amount of hypochlorous acid. Further, in acute stroke in rats, hypochlorous acid production was prevented using a hypochlorous acid scavenger, taurine, or myeloperoxidase inhibitor, 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide. Our results showed that high levels of hypochlorous acid (200 μM) induced neuronal apoptosis after oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. However, in the recovery phase of the middle cerebral artery occlusion model, a moderate level of hypochlorous acid promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes. This suggests that hypochlorous acid plays different roles at different phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Lower levels of hypochlorous acid (5 and 100 μM) promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin. By transfection of single-site mutation plasmids, we found that hypochlorous acid induced chlorination of the β-catenin tyrosine 30 residue, which promoted nuclear translocation. Altogether, our study indicates that maintaining low levels of hypochlorous acid plays a key role in the recovery of neurological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yan Huang
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-De Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Di Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Branch Hospital of Huai'an First People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wan Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ju-Yun Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng-Peng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Wei Pu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin-Yian Guo
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Gang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Su-Hua Qi
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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32
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Shen Y, Zhang G, Wei C, Zhao P, Wang Y, Li M, Sun L. Potential role and therapeutic implications of glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:613-631. [PMID: 38886929 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Despite extensive research, a cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been found. Oxidative stress mediates excessive oxidative responses, and its involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis as a primary or secondary pathological event is widely accepted. As a member of the selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme family, glutathione peroxidase 4 reduces esterified phospholipid hydroperoxides to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. With the discovery of ferroptosis, the central role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in anti-lipid peroxidation in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, has received widespread attention. Increasing evidence suggests that glutathione peroxidase 4 expression is inhibited in the Alzheimer's disease brain, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, ferroptosis, and apoptosis, which are closely associated with pathological damage in Alzheimer's disease. Several therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological treatments, ameliorate pathological damage and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease by promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and enhancing glutathione peroxidase 4 activity. Therefore, glutathione peroxidase 4 upregulation may be a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the gene structure, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms of glutathione peroxidase 4, a discussion on the important role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in pathological events closely related to Alzheimer's disease, and a summary of the advances in small-molecule drugs, natural plant products, and non-pharmacological therapies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most prior studies on this subject used animal models, and relevant clinical studies are lacking. Future clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic effects of strategies targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guimei Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Chunxiao Wei
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Panpan Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yongchun Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Mingxi Li
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Cognitive Impairment Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Li Y, Xu X, Wu X, Li J, Chen S, Chen D, Li G, Tang Z. Cell polarization in ischemic stroke: molecular mechanisms and advances. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:632-645. [PMID: 38886930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a cerebrovascular disease associated with high mortality and disability rates. Since the inflammation and immune response play a central role in driving ischemic damage, it becomes essential to modulate excessive inflammatory reactions to promote cell survival and facilitate tissue repair around the injury site. Various cell types are involved in the inflammatory response, including microglia, astrocytes, and neutrophils, each exhibiting distinct phenotypic profiles upon stimulation. They display either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory states, a phenomenon known as 'cell polarization.' There are two cell polarization therapy strategies. The first involves inducing cells into a neuroprotective phenotype in vitro, then reintroducing them autologously. The second approach utilizes small molecular substances to directly affect cells in vivo. In this review, we elucidate the polarization dynamics of the three reactive cell populations (microglia, astrocytes, and neutrophils) in the context of ischemic stroke, and provide a comprehensive summary of the molecular mechanisms involved in their phenotypic switching. By unraveling the complexity of cell polarization, we hope to offer insights for future research on neuroinflammation and novel therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanwei Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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34
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Wu B, Liu Y, Li H, Zhu L, Zeng L, Zhang Z, Peng W. Liver as a new target organ in Alzheimer's disease: insight from cholesterol metabolism and its role in amyloid-beta clearance. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:695-714. [PMID: 38886936 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, the primary cause of dementia, is characterized by neuropathologies, such as amyloid plaques, synaptic and neuronal degeneration, and neurofibrillary tangles. Although amyloid plaques are the primary characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, targeting amyloid-beta clearance in the central nervous system has shown limited clinical efficacy in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Metabolic abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The liver is the primary peripheral organ involved in amyloid-beta metabolism, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Notably, impaired cholesterol metabolism in the liver may exacerbate the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we explore the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and elucidate the role of the liver in amyloid-beta clearance and cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, we propose that restoring normal cholesterol metabolism in the liver could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lingfeng Zeng
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Yangsheng College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
- Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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35
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Ding X, Chen C, Zhao H, Dai B, Ye L, Song T, Huang S, Wang J, You T. Inhibiting SHP2 reduces glycolysis, promotes microglial M1 polarization, and alleviates secondary inflammation following spinal cord injury in a mouse model. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:858-872. [PMID: 38886958 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00030/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Reducing the secondary inflammatory response, which is partly mediated by microglia, is a key focus in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), encoded by PTPN11, is widely expressed in the human body and plays a role in inflammation through various mechanisms. Therefore, SHP2 is considered a potential target for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. However, its role in secondary inflammation after spinal cord injury remains unclear. In this study, SHP2 was found to be abundantly expressed in microglia at the site of spinal cord injury. Inhibition of SHP2 expression using siRNA and SHP2 inhibitors attenuated the microglial inflammatory response in an in vitro lipopolysaccharide-induced model of inflammation. Notably, after treatment with SHP2 inhibitors, mice with spinal cord injury exhibited significantly improved hind limb locomotor function and reduced residual urine volume in the bladder. Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that, in microglia stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, inhibiting SHP2 expression promoted M2 polarization and inhibited M1 polarization. Finally, a co-culture experiment was conducted to assess the effect of microglia treated with SHP2 inhibitors on neuronal cells. The results demonstrated that inflammatory factors produced by microglia promoted neuronal apoptosis, while inhibiting SHP2 expression mitigated these effects. Collectively, our findings suggest that SHP2 enhances secondary inflammation and neuronal damage subsequent to spinal cord injury by modulating microglial phenotype. Therefore, inhibiting SHP2 alleviates the inflammatory response in mice with spinal cord injury and promotes functional recovery postinjury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintian Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bin Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao You
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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36
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Sola-Sevilla N, Garmendia-Berges M, Mera-Delgado MC, Puerta E. Context-dependent role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:682-694. [PMID: 38886935 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 2 is a member of the sirtuin family nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylases, known for its regulatory role in different processes, including inflammation. In this context, sirtuin 2 has been involved in the modulation of key inflammatory signaling pathways and transcription factors by deacetylating specific targets, such as nuclear factor κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-leucine-rich-repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3). However, whether sirtuin 2-mediated pathways induce a pro- or an anti-inflammatory response remains controversial. Sirtuin 2 has been implicated in promoting inflammation in conditions such as asthma and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that its inhibition in these conditions could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Conversely, arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus studies suggest that sirtuin 2 is essential at the peripheral level and, thus, its inhibition in these pathologies would not be recommended. Overall, the precise role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation appears to be context-dependent, and further investigation is needed to determine the specific molecular mechanisms and downstream targets through which sirtuin 2 influences inflammatory processes in various tissues and pathological conditions. The present review explores the involvement of sirtuin 2 in the inflammation associated with different pathologies to elucidate whether its pharmacological modulation could serve as an effective strategy for treating this prevalent symptom across various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Sola-Sevilla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maider Garmendia-Berges
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - MCarmen Mera-Delgado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Puerta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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37
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Zhang J, Sheng X, Ding Q, Wang Y, Zhao J, Zhang J. Subretinal fibrosis secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:378-393. [PMID: 38819041 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Quanju Ding
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Huangdao District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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38
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Rudy MA, Watkins TA. A lead role for a "secondary" axonal injury response. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:469-470. [PMID: 38819051 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Rudy
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA (Rudy MA, Watkins TA)
- Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA (Rudy MA)
| | - Trent A Watkins
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA (Rudy MA, Watkins TA)
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39
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Xu L, Xu H, Tang C. Aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: progress of experimental models based on disease pathogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:354-365. [PMID: 38819039 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are neuroinflammatory demyelinating disorders that lead to permanent visual loss and motor dysfunction. To date, no effective treatment exists as the exact causative mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, experimental models of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are essential for exploring its pathogenesis and in screening for therapeutic targets. Since most patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are seropositive for IgG autoantibodies against aquaporin-4, which is highly expressed on the membrane of astrocyte endfeet, most current experimental models are based on aquaporin-4-IgG that initially targets astrocytes. These experimental models have successfully simulated many pathological features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, such as aquaporin-4 loss, astrocytopathy, granulocyte and macrophage infiltration, complement activation, demyelination, and neuronal loss; however, they do not fully capture the pathological process of human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In this review, we summarize the currently known pathogenic mechanisms and the development of associated experimental models in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, suggest potential pathogenic mechanisms for further investigation, and provide guidance on experimental model choices. In addition, this review summarizes the latest information on pathologies and therapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders based on experimental models of aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, offering further therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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40
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Hamanaka G, Arai K. Exploring the novel role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in phagocytosis: beyond myelinogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:473-474. [PMID: 38819053 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gen Hamanaka
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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41
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Pu Z, Wu Y, Zhu Z, Zhao H, Cui D. A new horizon for neuroscience: terahertz biotechnology in brain research. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:309-325. [PMID: 38819036 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Terahertz biotechnology has been increasingly applied in various biomedical fields and has especially shown great potential for application in brain sciences. In this article, we review the development of terahertz biotechnology and its applications in the field of neuropsychiatry. Available evidence indicates promising prospects for the use of terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging techniques in the diagnosis of amyloid disease, cerebrovascular disease, glioma, psychiatric disease, traumatic brain injury, and myelin deficit. In vitro and animal experiments have also demonstrated the potential therapeutic value of terahertz technology in some neuropsychiatric diseases. Although the precise underlying mechanism of the interactions between terahertz electromagnetic waves and the biosystem is not yet fully understood, the research progress in this field shows great potential for biomedical noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic applications. However, the biosafety of terahertz radiation requires further exploration regarding its two-sided efficacy in practical applications. This review demonstrates that terahertz biotechnology has the potential to be a promising method in the field of neuropsychiatry based on its unique advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengping Pu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangci Hospital of Jiaxing, Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongjie Zhu
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghong Cui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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42
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Chen J, Zeng X, Wang L, Zhang W, Li G, Cheng X, Su P, Wan Y, Li X. Mutual regulation of microglia and astrocytes after Gas6 inhibits spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:557-573. [PMID: 38819067 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00032/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Invasive inflammation and excessive scar formation are the main reasons for the difficulty in repairing nervous tissue after spinal cord injury. Microglia and astrocytes play key roles in the spinal cord injury micro-environment and share a close interaction. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we found that after spinal cord injury, resting microglia (M0) were polarized into pro-inflammatory phenotypes (MG1 and MG3), while resting astrocytes were polarized into reactive and scar-forming phenotypes. The expression of growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and its receptor Axl were significantly down-regulated in microglia and astrocytes after spinal cord injury. In vitro experiments showed that Gas6 had negative effects on the polarization of reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia, and even inhibited the cross-regulation between them. We further demonstrated that Gas6 can inhibit the polarization of reactive astrocytes by suppressing the activation of the Yes-associated protein signaling pathway. This, in turn, inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia by suppressing the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/p65 and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed that Gas6 inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrocytes in the injured spinal cord, thereby promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery. Overall, Gas6 may play a role in the treatment of spinal cord injury. It can inhibit the inflammatory pathway of microglia and polarization of astrocytes, attenuate the interaction between microglia and astrocytes in the inflammatory microenvironment, and thereby alleviate local inflammation and reduce scar formation in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewen Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaolin Zeng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenwu Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Samantzis M, Wang C, Balbi M. Gamma oscillations and their role in orchestrating balance and communication following stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:477-478. [PMID: 38819055 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Montana Samantzis
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Samantzis M, Wang C, Balbi M)
| | - Cong Wang
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Samantzis M, Wang C, Balbi M)
- Engineering Research Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China (Wang C)
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Samantzis M, Wang C, Balbi M)
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44
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Zhang X, Chen Z, Xiong Y, Zhou Q, Zhu LQ, Liu D. The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:402-415. [PMID: 38819044 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
With an increase in global aging, the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing, and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate. However, few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients. Similarly in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline. Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Recently, nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia. Additionally, we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Center for Cognitive Science and Transdisciplinary Studies, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yinyi Xiong
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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45
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Tomàs J, Cilleros-Mañé V, Just-Borràs L, Balanyà-Segura M, Polishchuk A, Nadal L, Tomàs M, Silvera-Simón C, Santafé MM, Lanuza MA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the neuromuscular junction during developmental axonal competition and synapse elimination. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:394-401. [PMID: 38819042 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
During the development of the nervous system, there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses. Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their elimination or strengthening. We have extensively studied the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor neurotrophic retrograde pathway, at the neuromuscular junction, in the axonal development and synapse elimination process versus the synapse consolidation. The purpose of this review is to describe the neurotrophic influence on developmental synapse elimination, in relation to other molecular pathways that we and others have found to regulate this process. In particular, we summarize our published results based on transmitter release analysis and axonal counts to show the different involvement of the presynaptic acetylcholine muscarinic autoreceptors, coupled to downstream serine-threonine protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC) and voltage-gated calcium channels, at different nerve endings in developmental competition. The dynamic changes that occur simultaneously in several nerve terminals and synapses converge across a postsynaptic site, influence each other, and require careful studies to individualize the mechanisms of specific endings. We describe an activity-dependent balance (related to the extent of transmitter release) between the presynaptic muscarinic subtypes and the neurotrophin-mediated TrkB/p75NTR pathways that can influence the timing and fate of the competitive interactions between the different axon terminals. The downstream displacement of the PKA/PKC activity ratio to lower values, both in competing nerve terminals and at postsynaptic sites, plays a relevant role in controlling the elimination of supernumerary synapses. Finally, calcium entry through L- and P/Q- subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels (both channels are present, together with the N-type channel in developing nerve terminals) contributes to reduce transmitter release and promote withdrawal of the most unfavorable nerve terminals during elimination (the weakest in acetylcholine release and those that have already become silent). The main findings contribute to a better understanding of punishment-rewarding interactions between nerve endings during development. Identifying the molecular targets and signaling pathways that allow synapse consolidation or withdrawal of synapses in different situations is important for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Tomàs
- Unitat d'Histologia i Neurobiologia (UHNeurob), Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
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Zhang Y, Li T, Miao J, Zhang Z, Yang M, Wang Z, Yang B, Zhang J, Li H, Su Q, Guo J. Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology, cognition, and behavior in APP/PS1 mice. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:533-547. [PMID: 38819065 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff In patients with Alzheimer's disease, gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 (GGT5) expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells. However, the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the underlying mechanism. We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease (Aβ1-42-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells), as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model. Additionally, injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits. Interestingly, increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-β in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B. Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (General Hospital of Tisco), Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Miao
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhina Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Mingxuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhuoran Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Haiting Li
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Liu Q, Xie J, Zhou R, Deng J, Nie W, Sun S, Wang H, Shi C. A matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel system controls angiogenic peptide release for repair of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:503-517. [PMID: 38819063 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00028/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Vascular endothelial growth factor and its mimic peptide KLTWQELYQLKYKGI (QK) are widely used as the most potent angiogenic factors for the treatment of multiple ischemic diseases. However, conventional topical drug delivery often results in a burst release of the drug, leading to transient retention (inefficacy) and undesirable diffusion (toxicity) in vivo. Therefore, a drug delivery system that responds to changes in the microenvironment of tissue regeneration and controls vascular endothelial growth factor release is crucial to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is gradually upregulated after cerebral ischemia. Herein, vascular endothelial growth factor mimic peptide QK was self-assembled with MMP-2-cleaved peptide PLGLAG (TIMP) and customizable peptide amphiphilic (PA) molecules to construct nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK. PA-TIMP-QK was found to control the delivery of QK by MMP-2 upregulation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and had a similar biological activity with vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro. The results indicated that PA-TIMP-QK promoted neuronal survival, restored local blood circulation, reduced blood-brain barrier permeability, and restored motor function. These findings suggest that the self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK may provide an intelligent drug delivery system that responds to the microenvironment and promotes regeneration and repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianye Xie
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Runxue Zhou
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jin Deng
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weihong Nie
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuwei Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunying Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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Zha X, Zheng G, Skutella T, Kiening K, Unterberg A, Younsi A. Microglia: a promising therapeutic target in spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:454-463. [PMID: 38819048 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are present throughout the central nervous system and are vital in neural repair, nutrition, phagocytosis, immunological regulation, and maintaining neuronal function. In a healthy spinal cord, microglia are accountable for immune surveillance, however, when a spinal cord injury occurs, the microenvironment drastically changes, leading to glial scars and failed axonal regeneration. In this context, microglia vary their gene and protein expression during activation, and proliferation in reaction to the injury, influencing injury responses both favorably and unfavorably. A dynamic and multifaceted injury response is mediated by microglia, which interact directly with neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neural stem/progenitor cells. Despite a clear understanding of their essential nature and origin, the mechanisms of action and new functions of microglia in spinal cord injury require extensive research. This review summarizes current studies on microglial genesis, physiological function, and pathological state, highlights their crucial roles in spinal cord injury, and proposes microglia as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Kiening
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Piacentini R, Grassi C. Interleukin 1β receptor and synaptic dysfunction in recurrent brain infection with Herpes simplex virus type-1. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:416-423. [PMID: 38819045 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood. Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role. Here, we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain, highlighting the role of interleukins and, in particular, interleukin 1β as a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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50
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Olaya AMS, Almeida FM, Martinez AMB, Marques SA. Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:343-353. [PMID: 38819038 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, which almost always produces permanent physical disability. Thus, in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years, which are not entirely efficient, researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach, seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury. Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and, consequently, boosting functional recovery. Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents, there is increasing recognition of the importance, and need, of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans. This article is a literature review from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scielo, Redalyc, Cochrane, and NCBI) from 10 years ago to date, using keywords (spinal cord injury, cell therapy, non-human primates, humans, and bioengineering in spinal cord injury). From 110 retrieved articles, after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Thus, this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans, aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milena Silva Olaya
- PhD Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Blanco Martinez
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suelen Adriani Marques
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy (PPGAP/UFRJ), Department of Neurobiology/Institute of Biology, Campus do Gragoatá, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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