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Gião T, Saavedra J, Vieira JR, Pinto MT, Arsequell G, Cardoso I. Neuroprotection in early stages of Alzheimer's disease is promoted by transthyretin angiogenic properties. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2021; 13:143. [PMID: 34429155 PMCID: PMC8385857 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00883-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background While still controversial, it has been demonstrated that vascular defects can precede the onset of other AD hallmarks features, making it an important therapeutic target. Given that the protein transthyretin (TTR) has been established as neuroprotective in AD, here we investigated the influence of TTR in the vasculature. Methods We evaluated the thickness of the basement membrane and the length of brain microvessels, by immunohistochemistry, in AβPPswe/PS1A246E (AD) transgenic mice and non-transgenic mice (NT) bearing one (TTR+/−) or two (TTR+/+) copies of the TTR gene. The angiogenic potential of TTR was evaluated in vitro using the tube formation assay, and in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results AD transgenic mice with TTR genetic reduction, AD/TTR+/−, exhibited a thicker BM in brain microvessels and decreased vessel length than animals with normal TTR levels, AD/TTR+/+. Further in vivo investigation, using the CAM assay, revealed that TTR is a pro-angiogenic molecule, and the neovessels formed are functional. Also, TTR increased the expression of key angiogenic molecules such as proteins interleukins 6 and 8, angiopoietin 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, by endothelial cells, in vitro, under tube formation conditions. We showed that while TTR reduction also leads to a thicker BM in NT mice, this effect is more pronounced in AD mice than in NT animals, strengthening the idea that TTR is a neuroprotective protein. We also studied the effect of TTR tetrameric stabilization on BM thickness, showing that AD mice treated with the TTR tetrameric stabilizer iododiflunisal (IDIF) displayed a significant reduction of BM thickness and increased vessel length, when compared to non-treated littermates. Conclusion Our in vivo results demonstrate the involvement of TTR in angiogenesis, particularly as a modulator of vascular alterations occurring in AD. Since TTR is decreased early in AD, its tetrameric stabilization can represent a therapeutic avenue for the early treatment of AD through the maintenance of the vascular structure. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-021-00883-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Gião
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), 4050-013, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Saavedra
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Ricardo Vieira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Teixeira Pinto
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho,45-, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gemma Arsequell
- Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (I.Q.A.C.-C.S.I.C.), 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Cardoso
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), 4050-013, Porto, Portugal.
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Yoon JK, Kim J, Shah Z, Awasthi A, Mahajan A, Kim Y. Advanced Human BBB-on-a-Chip: A New Platform for Alzheimer's Disease Studies. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002285. [PMID: 34075728 PMCID: PMC8349886 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique vascular structure that serves as a molecular transport gateway for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Chronic disruption or breakdown of the BBB reportedly leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, research on human BBB pathophysiology and drug development remains highly dependent on studies using inherently different animals. Moreover, more studies have shown that animal models are not appropriate in modeling Alzheimer's disease (AD), underlining the importance of in vitro models of the human BBB with physiological relevance. In this review, recent advances in human BBB-on-a-chip technologies are highlighted and their potential for pathogenesis studies and drug prescreening for AD treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Kee Yoon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
| | - Zachary Shah
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ashi Awasthi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Advay Mahajan
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - YongTae Kim
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Mepsgen Co. Ltd., Seoul, 05836, Republic of Korea
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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53
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Mechanistic roles for altered O-GlcNAcylation in neurodegenerative disorders. Biochem J 2021; 478:2733-2758. [PMID: 34297044 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's remain highly prevalent and incurable disorders. A major challenge in fully understanding and combating the progression of these diseases is the complexity of the network of processes that lead to progressive neuronal dysfunction and death. An ideal therapeutic avenue is conceivably one that could address many if not all of these multiple misregulated mechanisms. Over the years, chemical intervention for the up-regulation of the endogenous posttranslational modification (PTM) O-GlcNAc has been proposed as a potential strategy to slow down the progression of neurodegeneration. Through the development and application of tools that allow dissection of the mechanistic roles of this PTM, there is now a growing body of evidence that O-GlcNAc influences a variety of important neurodegeneration-pertinent mechanisms, with an overall protective effect. As a PTM that is appended onto numerous proteins that participate in protein quality control and homeostasis, metabolism, bioenergetics, neuronal communication, inflammation, and programmed death, O-GlcNAc has demonstrated beneficence in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and its up-regulation is now being pursued in multiple clinical studies.
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Price BR, Johnson LA, Norris CM. Reactive astrocytes: The nexus of pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101335. [PMID: 33812051 PMCID: PMC8168445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity is a hallmark of neuroinflammation that arises with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly every other neurodegenerative condition. While astrocytes certainly contribute to classic inflammatory processes (e.g. cytokine release, waste clearance, and tissue repair), newly emerging technologies for measuring and targeting cell specific activities in the brain have uncovered essential roles for astrocytes in synapse function, brain metabolism, neurovascular coupling, and sleep/wake patterns. In this review, we use a holistic approach to incorporate, and expand upon, classic neuroinflammatory concepts to consider how astrocyte dysfunction/reactivity modulates multiple pathological and clinical hallmarks of AD. Our ever-evolving understanding of astrocyte signaling in neurodegeneration is not only revealing new drug targets and treatments for dementia but is suggesting we reimagine AD pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani R Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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55
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Islam Y, Leach AG, Smith J, Pluchino S, Coxon CR, Sivakumaran M, Downing J, Fatokun AA, Teixidò M, Ehtezazi T. Physiological and Pathological Factors Affecting Drug Delivery to the Brain by Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2002085. [PMID: 34105297 PMCID: PMC8188209 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease is known to be increasing due to an aging population and is anticipated to further grow in the decades ahead. The treatment of brain diseases is challenging partly due to the inaccessibility of therapeutic agents to the brain. An increasingly important observation is that the physiology of the brain alters during many brain diseases, and aging adds even more to the complexity of the disease. There is a notion that the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) increases with aging or disease, however, the body has a defense mechanism that still retains the separation of the brain from harmful chemicals in the blood. This makes drug delivery to the diseased brain, even more challenging and complex task. Here, the physiological changes to the diseased brain and aged brain are covered in the context of drug delivery to the brain using nanoparticles. Also, recent and novel approaches are discussed for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the diseased brain using nanoparticle based or magnetic resonance imaging guided systems. Furthermore, the complement activation, toxicity, and immunogenicity of brain targeting nanoparticles as well as novel in vitro BBB models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamir Islam
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Andrew G. Leach
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- Division of Pharmacy and OptometryThe University of ManchesterStopford Building, Oxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUK
| | - Jayden Smith
- Cambridge Innovation Technologies Consulting (CITC) LimitedSt. John's Innovation CentreCowley RoadCambridgeCB4 0WSUK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesClifford Allbutt Building – Cambridge Biosciences Campus and NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeHills RoadCambridgeCB2 0HAUK
| | - Christopher R. Coxon
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityWilliam Perkin BuildingEdinburghEH14 4ASUK
| | - Muttuswamy Sivakumaran
- Department of HaematologyPeterborough City HospitalEdith Cavell CampusBretton Gate PeterboroughPeterboroughPE3 9GZUK
| | - James Downing
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Amos A. Fatokun
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Meritxell Teixidò
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri Reixac 10Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Touraj Ehtezazi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
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Kyrtata N, Emsley HCA, Sparasci O, Parkes LM, Dickie BR. A Systematic Review of Glucose Transport Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:626636. [PMID: 34093108 PMCID: PMC8173065 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.626636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cerebral glucose hypometabolism. Hypometabolism may be partly due to reduced glucose transport at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and across astrocytic and neuronal cell membranes. Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are integral membrane proteins responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream to parenchymal cells where it is metabolized, and evidence indicates vascular and non-vascular GLUTs are altered in AD brains, a process which could starve the brain of glucose and accelerate cognitive decline. Here we review the literature on glucose transport alterations in AD from human and rodent studies. Methods: Literature published between 1st January 1946 and 1st November 2020 within EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was searched for the terms "glucose transporters" AND "Alzheimer's disease". Human and rodent studies were included while reviews, letters, and in-vitro studies were excluded. Results: Forty-three studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified, covering human (23 studies) and rodent (20 studies). Post-mortem studies showed consistent reductions in GLUT1 and GLUT3 in the hippocampus and cortex of AD brains, areas of the brain closely associated with AD pathology. Tracer studies in rodent models of AD and human AD also exhibit reduced uptake of glucose and glucose-analogs into the brain, supporting these findings. Longitudinal rodent studies clearly indicate that changes in GLUT1 and GLUT3 only occur after amyloid-β pathology is present, and several studies indicate amyloid-β itself may be responsible for GLUT changes. Furthermore, evidence from human and rodent studies suggest GLUT depletion has severe effects on brain function. A small number of studies show GLUT2 and GLUT12 are increased in AD. Anti-diabetic medications improved glucose transport capacity in AD subjects. Conclusions: GLUT1 and GLUT3 are reduced in hippocampal and cortical regions in patients and rodent models of AD, and may be caused by high levels of amyloid-β in these regions. GLUT3 reductions appear to precede the onset of clinical symptoms. GLUT2 and GLUT12 appear to increase and may have a compensatory role. Repurposing anti-diabetic drugs to modify glucose transport shows promising results in human studies of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kyrtata
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Hedley C. A. Emsley
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Oli Sparasci
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura M. Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ben R. Dickie
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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mTOR Attenuation with Rapamycin Reverses Neurovascular Uncoupling and Memory Deficits in Mice Modeling Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4305-4320. [PMID: 33888602 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2144-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular dysfunction is a universal feature of aging and decreased cerebral blood flow has been identified as an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD includes deficits in neurovascular coupling (NVC), a mechanism that ensures rapid delivery of energy substrates to active neurons through the blood supply. The mechanisms underlying NVC impairment in AD, however, are not well understood. We have previously shown that mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) drives cerebrovascular dysfunction in models of AD by reducing the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and that attenuation of mTOR activity with rapamycin is sufficient to restore eNOS-dependent cerebrovascular function. Here we show mTOR drives NVC impairments in an AD model through the inhibition of neuronal NOS (nNOS)- and non-NOS-dependent components of NVC, and that mTOR attenuation with rapamycin is sufficient to restore NVC and even enhance it above WT responses. Restoration of NVC and concomitant reduction of cortical amyloid-β levels effectively treated memory deficits in 12-month-old hAPP(J20) mice. These data indicate that mTOR is a critical driver of NVC dysfunction and underlies cognitive impairment in an AD model. Together with our previous findings, the present studies suggest that mTOR promotes cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD, which is associated with early disruption of nNOS activation, through its broad negative impact on nNOS as well as on non-NOS components of NVC. Our studies highlight the potential of mTOR attenuation as an efficacious treatment for AD and potentially other neurologic diseases of aging.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Failure of the blood flow response to neuronal activation [neurovascular coupling (NVC)] in a model of AD precedes the onset of AD-like cognitive symptoms and is driven, to a large extent, by mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity. Our studies show that mTOR also drives AD-like failure of non-nitric oxide (NO)-mediated components of NVC. Thus, mTOR attenuation may serve to treat AD, where we find that neuronal NO synthase is profoundly reduced early in disease progression, and potentially other neurologic diseases of aging with cerebrovascular dysfunction as part of their etiology.
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Bergeret S, Queneau M, Rodallec M, Landeau B, Chetelat G, Hong YT, Dumurgier J, Hugon J, Paquet C, Farid K, Baron JC. Brain Glucose Metabolism in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: An FDG-PET Study. Stroke 2021; 52:1478-1482. [PMID: 33611942 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The in vivo diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is currently based on the Boston criteria, which largely rely on hemorrhagic features on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Adding to these criteria 18F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography, a widely available imaging modality, might improve their accuracy. Here we tested the hypothesis that FDG uptake is reduced in posterior cortical areas, particularly the primary occipital cortex, which pathologically bear the brunt of vascular Aβ deposition. METHODS From a large memory clinic database, we retrospectively included all patients in whom both brain magnetic resonance imaging and FDG positron emission tomography had been obtained as part of routine clinical care and who fulfilled the Boston criteria for probable CAA. None had a history of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. FDG data processing involved (1) spatial normalization to the Montreal Neurology Institute/International Consortium for Brain Mapping 152 space and (2) generation of standardized FDG uptake (relative standardized uptake value; relative to the pons). The relative standardized uptake value data obtained in 13 regions of interest sampling key cortical areas and the cerebellum were compared between the CAA and age-matched control groups using 2 separate healthy subject databases and image-processing pipelines. The presence of significant hypometabolism (2-tailed P<0.05) was assessed for the bilaterally averaged regions-of-interest relative standardized uptake values. RESULTS Fourteen patients fulfilling the Boston criteria for probable CAA (≥2 exclusively lobar microbleeds) were identified. Significant hypometabolism (P range, 0.047 to <0.0001) consistently affected the posterior cortical areas, including the superior and inferior parietal, primary visual, lateral occipital, lateral temporal, precuneus, and posterior cingulate regions of interest. The anterior cortical areas were marginally or not significantly hypometabolic, and the cerebellum was spared. CONCLUSIONS Supporting our hypothesis, significant glucose hypometabolism predominantly affected posterior cortical regions, including the visual cortex. These findings from a small sample may have diagnostic implications but require replication in larger prospective studies. In addition, whether they generalize to CAA-related symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage warrants specific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Bergeret
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU de Martinique, Université des Antilles, Fort-de-France (S.B., K.F.)
| | - Mathieu Queneau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine (M.Q.), Centre Cardiologique du Nord, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Mathieu Rodallec
- Department of Radiology (M.R.), Centre Cardiologique du Nord, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Brigitte Landeau
- INSERM U1237, Université Caen Normandie, France (G.C., B.L.).,CYCERON Biomedical Imaging Platform, Caen, France (G.C., B.L.)
| | - Gaël Chetelat
- INSERM U1237, Université Caen Normandie, France (G.C., B.L.).,CYCERON Biomedical Imaging Platform, Caen, France (G.C., B.L.)
| | - Young T Hong
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Y.T.H.)
| | - Julien Dumurgier
- INSERM U1144 (J.D., J.H., C.P., K.F.), Université de Paris, France
| | - Jacques Hugon
- INSERM U1144 (J.D., J.H., C.P., K.F.), Université de Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Cognitive Neurology Center, Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal Hospital Group, Paris, France (J.H., C.P.)
| | - Claire Paquet
- INSERM U1144 (J.D., J.H., C.P., K.F.), Université de Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Cognitive Neurology Center, Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal Hospital Group, Paris, France (J.H., C.P.)
| | - Karim Farid
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU de Martinique, Université des Antilles, Fort-de-France (S.B., K.F.).,INSERM U1144 (J.D., J.H., C.P., K.F.), Université de Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Baron
- Department of Neurology, Sainte-Anne Hospital (J.-C.B.), Université de Paris, France.,INSERM U1266 (J.-C.B.), Université de Paris, France
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Ravi K, Paidas MJ, Saad A, Jayakumar AR. Astrocytes in rare neurological conditions: Morphological and functional considerations. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2676-2705. [PMID: 33496339 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of central nervous system (CNS) cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain and are widely distributed throughout the CNS. There are mainly two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, which differ in morphologic appearance and location. Astrocytes are important cells of the CNS that not only provide structural support, but also modulate synaptic activity, regulate neuroinflammatory responses, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and supply energy to neurons. As a result, astrocytic disruption can lead to widespread detrimental effects and can contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurological conditions. The characteristics of astrocytes in more common neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have significantly been described and continue to be widely studied. However, there still exist numerous rare neurological conditions in which astrocytic involvement is unknown and needs to be explored. Accordingly, this review will summarize functional and morphological changes of astrocytes in various rare neurological conditions based on current knowledge thus far and highlight remaining neuropathologies where astrocytic involvement has yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ravi
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Saad
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Arumugam R Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc, Miami, Florida, USA.,General Medical Research Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Miami, Florida, USA
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60
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de Wit NM, Mol K, Rodríguez-Lorenzo S, de Vries HE, Kooij G. The Role of Sphingolipids and Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 11:620348. [PMID: 33633739 PMCID: PMC7902029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.620348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide giving rise to devastating forms of cognitive decline, which impacts patients’ lives and that of their proxies. Pathologically, AD is characterized by extracellular amyloid deposition, neurofibrillary tangles and chronic neuroinflammation. To date, there is no cure that prevents progression of AD. In this review, we elaborate on how bioactive lipids, including sphingolipids (SL) and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM), affect ongoing neuroinflammatory processes during AD and how we may exploit them for the development of new biomarker panels and/or therapies. In particular, we here describe how SPM and SL metabolism, ranging from ω-3/6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites to ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate, initiates pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling cascades in the central nervous system (CNS) and what changes occur therein during AD pathology. Finally, we discuss novel therapeutic approaches to resolve chronic neuroinflammation in AD by modulating the SPM and SL pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke M de Wit
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Mol
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sabela Rodríguez-Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gijs Kooij
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Leventoux N, Morimoto S, Imaizumi K, Sato Y, Takahashi S, Mashima K, Ishikawa M, Sonn I, Kondo T, Watanabe H, Okano H. Human Astrocytes Model Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E2680. [PMID: 33322219 PMCID: PMC7763297 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease modeling has a great potential for uncovering the mechanisms of pathogenesis, especially in the case of neurodegenerative diseases where disease-susceptible cells can usually not be obtained from patients. So far, the iPSC-based modeling of neurodegenerative diseases has mainly focused on neurons because the protocols for generating astrocytes from iPSCs have not been fully established. The growing evidence of astrocytes' contribution to neurodegenerative diseases has underscored the lack of iPSC-derived astrocyte models. In the present study, we established a protocol to efficiently generate iPSC-derived astrocytes (iPasts), which were further characterized by RNA and protein expression profiles as well as functional assays. iPasts exhibited calcium dynamics and glutamate uptake activity comparable to human primary astrocytes. Moreover, when co-cultured with neurons, iPasts enhanced neuronal synaptic maturation. Our protocol can be used for modeling astrocyte-related disease phenotypes in vitro and further exploring the contribution of astrocytes to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Leventoux
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Kent Imaizumi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Yuta Sato
- Keio University Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan;
- Laboratory for Marmoset Neural Architecture, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka-shi, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Kyoko Mashima
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Iki Sonn
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Takahiro Kondo
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Hirotaka Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.L.); (S.M.); (K.I.); (S.T.); (K.M.); (M.I.); (I.S.); (T.K.); (H.W.)
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Howe MD, McCullough LD, Urayama A. The Role of Basement Membranes in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:601320. [PMID: 33329053 PMCID: PMC7732667 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.601320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by cognitive decline in multiple domains, often leading to functional impairment in activities of daily living, disability, and death. The most common causes of age-related progressive dementia include Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), however, mixed disease pathologies commonly occur, as epitomized by a type of small vessel pathology called cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). In CAA patients, the small vessels of the brain become hardened and vulnerable to rupture, leading to impaired neurovascular coupling, multiple microhemorrhage, microinfarction, neurological emergencies, and cognitive decline across multiple functional domains. While the pathogenesis of CAA is not well understood, it has long been thought to be initiated in thickened basement membrane (BM) segments, which contain abnormal protein deposits and amyloid-β (Aβ). Recent advances in our understanding of CAA pathogenesis link BM remodeling to functional impairment of perivascular transport pathways that are key to removing Aβ from the brain. Dysregulation of this process may drive CAA pathogenesis and provides an important link between vascular risk factors and disease phenotype. The present review summarizes how the structure and composition of the BM allows for perivascular transport pathways to operate in the healthy brain, and then outlines multiple mechanisms by which specific dementia risk factors may promote dysfunction of perivascular transport pathways and increase Aβ deposition during CAA pathogenesis. A better understanding of how BM remodeling alters perivascular transport could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CAA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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63
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Yin Z, Wang X, Zheng S, Cao P, Chen Y, Yu M, Liao C, Zhang Z, Han J, Duan Y, Yang X, Zhang S. LongShengZhi Capsule Attenuates Alzheimer-Like Pathology in APP/PS1 Double Transgenic Mice by Reducing Neuronal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:582455. [PMID: 33328962 PMCID: PMC7719723 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.582455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. It may be caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and cerebrovascular dysfunctions in the brain. LongShengZhi Capsule (LSZ), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease. LSZ contains several neuroprotective ingredients, including Hirudo, Astmgali Radix, Carthami Flos (Honghua), Persicae Semen (Taoren), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu), and Acanthopanax Senticosus (Ciwujia). In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of LSZ on the AD process. Double transgenic mice expressing the amyloid-β precursor protein and mutant human presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) to model AD were treated with LSZ for 7 months starting at 2 months of age. LSZ significantly improved the cognition of the mice without adverse effects, indicating its high degree of safety and efficacy after a long-term treatment. LSZ reduced AD biomarker Aβ plaque accumulation by inhibiting β-secretase and γ-secretase gene expression. LSZ also reduced p-Tau expression, cell death, and inflammation in the brain. Consistently, in vitro, LSZ ethanol extract enhanced neuronal viability by reducing L-glutamic acid-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in HT-22 cells. LSZ exerted antioxidative effects by enhancing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase expression, reduced Aβ accumulation by inhibiting β-secretase and γ-secretase mRNA expression, and decreased p-Tau level by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation. It also demonstrated neuroprotective effects by regulating the Fas cell surface death receptor/B-cell lymphoma 2/p53 pathway. Taken together, our study demonstrates the antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of LSZ in the AD-like pathological process and suggests it could be a potential medicine for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zequn Yin
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xuerui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Shihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Peichang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Maoyun Yu
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, West Anhui University, Lu'an, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | | | - Jihong Han
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.,College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, College of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
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Spanos F, Liddelow SA. An Overview of Astrocyte Responses in Genetically Induced Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models. Cells 2020; 9:E2415. [PMID: 33158189 PMCID: PMC7694249 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Despite many years of intense research, there is currently still no effective treatment. Multiple cell types contribute to disease pathogenesis, with an increasing body of data pointing to the active participation of astrocytes. Astrocytes play a pivotal role in the physiology and metabolic functions of neurons and other cells in the central nervous system. Because of their interactions with other cell types, astrocyte functions must be understood in their biologic context, thus many studies have used mouse models, of which there are over 190 available for AD research. However, none appear able to fully recapitulate the many functional changes in astrocytes reported in human AD brains. Our review summarizes the observations of astrocyte biology noted in mouse models of familial and sporadic AD. The limitations of AD mouse models will be discussed and current attempts to overcome these disadvantages will be described. With increasing understanding of the non-neuronal contributions to disease, the development of new methods and models will provide further insights and address important questions regarding the roles of astrocytes and other non-neuronal cells in AD pathophysiology. The next decade will prove to be full of exciting opportunities to address this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokion Spanos
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Shane A. Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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65
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Tuo QZ, Zou JJ, Lei P. Rodent Models of Vascular Cognitive Impairment. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:1-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01733-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Cohen-Salmon M, Slaoui L, Mazaré N, Gilbert A, Oudart M, Alvear-Perez R, Elorza-Vidal X, Chever O, Boulay AC. Astrocytes in the regulation of cerebrovascular functions. Glia 2020; 69:817-841. [PMID: 33058289 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most numerous type of neuroglia in the brain and have a predominant influence on the cerebrovascular system; they control perivascular homeostasis, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the dialogue with the peripheral immune system, the transfer of metabolites from the blood, and blood vessel contractility in response to neuronal activity. These regulatory processes occur in a specialized interface composed of perivascular astrocyte extensions that almost completely cover the cerebral blood vessels. Scientists have only recently started to study how this interface is formed and how it influences cerebrovascular functions. Here, we review the literature on the astrocytes' role in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system. We cover the anatomy and development of the gliovascular interface, the known gliovascular functions, and molecular factors, the latter's implication in certain pathophysiological situations, and recent cutting-edge experimental tools developed to examine the astrocytes' role at the vascular interface. Finally, we highlight some open questions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Leila Slaoui
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mazaré
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Alice Gilbert
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marc Oudart
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rodrigo Alvear-Perez
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, IRIB, Rouen, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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67
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Hendrix RD, Ou Y, Davis JE, Odle AK, Groves TR, Allen AR, Childs GV, Barger SW. Alzheimer amyloid-β- peptide disrupts membrane localization of glucose transporter 1 in astrocytes: implications for glucose levels in brain and blood. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 97:73-88. [PMID: 33161213 PMCID: PMC7736209 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with disturbances in blood glucose regulation, and type-2 diabetes elevates the risk for dementia. A role for amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in linking these age-related conditions has been proposed, tested primarily in transgenic mouse lines that overexpress mutated amyloid precursor protein (APP). Because APP has its own impacts on glucose regulation, we examined the BRI-Aβ42 line (“Aβ42-tg”), which produces extracellular Aβ1–42 in the CNS without elevation of APP. We also looked for interactions with diet-induced obesity (DIO) resulting from a high-fat, high-sucrose (“western”) diet. Aβ42-tg mice were impaired in both spatial memory and glucose tolerance. Although DIO induced insulin resistance, Aβ1–42 accumulation did not, and the impacts of DIO and Aβ on glucose tolerance were merely additive. Aβ42-tg mice exhibited no significant differences from wild-type in insulin production, body weight, lipidemia, appetite, physical activity, respiratory quotient, an-/orexigenic factors, or inflammatory factors. These negative findings suggested that the phenotype in these mice arose from perturbation of glucose excursion in an insulin-independent tissue. To wit, cerebral cortex of Aβ42-tg mice had reduced glucose utilization, similar to human patients with AD. This was associated with insufficient trafficking of glucose transporter 1 to the plasma membrane in parenchymal brain cells, a finding also documented in human AD tissue. Together, the lower cerebral metabolic rate of glucose and diminished function of parenchymal glucose transporter 1 indicate that aberrant regulation of blood glucose in AD likely reflects a central phenomenon, resulting from the effects of Aβ on cerebral parenchyma, rather than a generalized disruption of hypothalamic or peripheral endocrinology. The involvement of a specific glucose transporter in this deficit provides a new target for the design of AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Hendrix
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yang Ou
- Department of Geriatrics, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jakeira E Davis
- Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Thomas R Groves
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Antiño R Allen
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Steven W Barger
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Geriatrics, Little Rock, AR, USA; Geriatric Research, Education & Clinical Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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68
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Linnerbauer M, Wheeler MA, Quintana FJ. Astrocyte Crosstalk in CNS Inflammation. Neuron 2020; 108:608-622. [PMID: 32898475 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes control multiple processes in the nervous system in health and disease. It is now clear that specific astrocyte subsets or activation states are associated with specific genomic programs and functions. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity and its control by astrocyte interactions with other cells in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in the context of CNS inflammation, highlighting recent discoveries on astrocyte subsets and their regulation. We explore mechanisms of crosstalk between astrocytes and other cells in the CNS in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and discuss how these interactions shape pathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Linnerbauer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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69
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Inhibition of Aquaporin 4 Decreases Amyloid Aβ40 Drainage Around Cerebral Vessels. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4720-4734. [PMID: 32783141 PMCID: PMC7515968 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is located mainly in the astrocytic end-feet around cerebral blood vessels and regulates ion and water homeostasis in the brain. While deletion of AQP4 is shown to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance and exacerbate Aβ peptide accumulation in plaques and vessels of Alzheimer's disease mouse models, the mechanism and clearing pathways involved are debated. Here, we investigated how inhibiting the function of AQP4 in healthy male C57BL/6 J mice impacts clearance of Aβ40, the more soluble Aβ isoform. Using two-photon in vivo imaging and visualizing vessels with Sulfurodamine 101 (SR101), we first showed that Aβ40 injected as a ≤ 0.5-μl volume in the cerebral cortex diffused rapidly in parenchyma and accumulated around blood vessels. In animals treated with the AQP4 inhibitor TGN-020, the perivascular Aβ40 accumulation was significantly (P < 0.001) intensified by involving four times more vessels, thus suggesting a generalized clearance defect associated with vessels. Increasing the injecting volume to ≥ 0.5 ≤ 1 μl decreased the difference of Aβ40-positive vessels observed in non-treated and AQP4 inhibitor-treated animals, although the difference was still significant (P = 0.001), suggesting that larger injection volumes could overwhelm intramural vascular clearance mechanisms. While both small and large vessels accumulated Aβ40, for the ≤ 0.5-μl volume group, the average diameter of the Aβ40-positive vessels tended to be larger in control animals compared with TGN-020-treated animals, although the difference was non-significant (P = 0.066). Using histopathology and ultrastructural microscopy, no vascular structural change was observed after a single massive dose of TGN-020. These data suggest that AQP4 deficiency is directly involved in impaired Aβ brain clearance via the peri-/para-vascular routes, and AQP4-mediated vascular clearance might counteract blood-brain barrier abnormalities and age-related vascular amyloidopathy.
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70
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Taylor X, Cisternas P, You Y, You Y, Xiang S, Marambio Y, Zhang J, Vidal R, Lasagna-Reeves CA. A1 reactive astrocytes and a loss of TREM2 are associated with an early stage of pathology in a mouse model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:223. [PMID: 32711525 PMCID: PMC7382050 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is typified by the cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid. The mechanisms underlying the contribution of CAA to neurodegeneration are not currently understood. Although CAA is highly associated with the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ), other amyloids are known to associate with the vasculature. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by parenchymal Aβ deposition, intracellular accumulation of tau, and significant neuroinflammation. CAA increases with age and is present in 85–95% of individuals with AD. A substantial amount of research has focused on understanding the connection between parenchymal amyloid and glial activation and neuroinflammation, while associations between vascular amyloid pathology and glial reactivity remain understudied. Methods Here, we dissect the glial and immune responses associated with early-stage CAA with histological, biochemical, and gene expression analyses in a mouse model of familial Danish dementia (FDD), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the vascular accumulation of Danish amyloid (ADan). Findings observed in this CAA mouse model were complemented with primary culture assays. Results We demonstrate that early-stage CAA is associated with dysregulation in immune response networks and lipid processing, severe astrogliosis with an A1 astrocytic phenotype, and decreased levels of TREM2 with no reactive microgliosis. Our results also indicate how cholesterol accumulation and ApoE are associated with vascular amyloid deposits at the early stages of pathology. We also demonstrate A1 astrocytic mediation of TREM2 and microglia homeostasis. Conclusion The initial glial response associated with early-stage CAA is characterized by the upregulation of A1 astrocytes without significant microglial reactivity. Gene expression analysis revealed that several AD risk factors involved in immune response and lipid processing may also play a preponderant role in CAA. This study contributes to the increasing evidence that brain cholesterol metabolism, ApoE, and TREM2 signaling are major players in the pathogenesis of AD-related dementias, including CAA. Understanding the basis for possible differential effects of glial response, ApoE, and TREM2 signaling on parenchymal plaques versus vascular amyloid deposits provides important insight for developing future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Taylor
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Pablo Cisternas
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yanwen You
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yingjian You
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Shunian Xiang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yamil Marambio
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ruben Vidal
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Cristian A Lasagna-Reeves
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Neurosciences Research Building 214G, 320 West 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Armada-Moreira A, Gomes JI, Pina CC, Savchak OK, Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Rei N, Pinto S, Morais TP, Martins RS, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Crunelli V, Vaz SH. Going the Extra (Synaptic) Mile: Excitotoxicity as the Road Toward Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:90. [PMID: 32390802 PMCID: PMC7194075 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity is a phenomenon that describes the toxic actions of excitatory neurotransmitters, primarily glutamate, where the exacerbated or prolonged activation of glutamate receptors starts a cascade of neurotoxicity that ultimately leads to the loss of neuronal function and cell death. In this process, the shift between normal physiological function and excitotoxicity is largely controlled by astrocytes since they can control the levels of glutamate on the synaptic cleft. This control is achieved through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft and its underlying recycling through the glutamate-glutamine cycle. The molecular mechanism that triggers excitotoxicity involves alterations in glutamate and calcium metabolism, dysfunction of glutamate transporters, and malfunction of glutamate receptors, particularly N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDAR). On the other hand, excitotoxicity can be regarded as a consequence of other cellular phenomena, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, physical neuronal damage, and oxidative stress. Regardless, it is known that the excessive activation of NMDAR results in the sustained influx of calcium into neurons and leads to several deleterious consequences, including mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, impairment of calcium buffering, the release of pro-apoptotic factors, among others, that inevitably contribute to neuronal loss. A large body of evidence implicates NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and epilepsy. In this review article, we explore different causes and consequences of excitotoxicity, discuss the involvement of NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity and its downstream effects on several neurodegenerative disorders, and identify possible strategies to study new aspects of these diseases that may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic approaches. With the understanding that excitotoxicity is a common denominator in neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders, a new perspective on therapy can be considered, where the targets are not specific symptoms, but the underlying cellular phenomena of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Armada-Moreira
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joana I. Gomes
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Campos Pina
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Oksana K. Savchak
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tatiana P. Morais
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Robertta Silva Martins
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Filipa F. Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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72
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Glucose signaling in the brain and periphery to memory. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:100-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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73
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Zulfiqar S, Garg P, Nieweg K. Contribution of astrocytes to metabolic dysfunction in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Biol Chem 2020; 400:1113-1127. [PMID: 31188740 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Historically considered as accessory cells to neurons, there is an increasing interest in the role of astrocytes in normal and pathological conditions. Astrocytes are involved in neurotransmitter recycling, antioxidant supply, ion buffering and neuroinflammation, i.e. a lot of the same pathways that go astray in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD remains the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, one for which there is still no cure. Efforts in AD drug development have largely focused on treating neuronal pathologies that appear relatively late in the disease. The neuroenergetic hypothesis, however, focuses on the early event of glucose hypometabolism in AD, where astrocytes play a key role, caused by an imbalanced neuron-astrocyte lactate shuttle. This further results in a state of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, thereby compromising the integrity of astrocyte-neuron interaction. Compromised astrocytic energetics also enhance amyloid generation, further increasing the severity of the disease. Additionally, apolipoprotein E (APOE), the major genetic risk factor for AD, is predominantly secreted by astrocytes and plays a critical role in amyloid clearance and regulates glucose metabolism in an amyloid-independent manner. Thus, boosting the neuroprotective properties of astrocytes has potential applications in delaying the onset and progression of AD. This review explores how the metabolic dysfunction arising from astrocytes acts as a trigger for the development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadaan Zulfiqar
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps University, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse, Marburg D-35043, Germany.,Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pretty Garg
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps University, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse, Marburg D-35043, Germany.,Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany.,Institute for Neuro and Sensory Physiology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf D-40225, Germany
| | - Katja Nieweg
- Institute for Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps University, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse, Marburg D-35043, Germany.,Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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74
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Klohs J. An Integrated View on Vascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. NEURODEGENER DIS 2020; 19:109-127. [PMID: 32062666 DOI: 10.1159/000505625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular disease is a common comorbidity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is believed to contribute additively to the cognitive impairment and to lower the threshold for the development of dementia. However, accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunction of the cerebral vasculature and AD neuropathology interact in multiple ways. Vascular processes even proceed AD neuropathology, implicating a causal role in the etiology of AD. Thus, the review aims to provide an integrated view on vascular dysfunction in AD. SUMMARY In AD, the cerebral vasculature undergoes pronounced cellular, morphological and structural changes, which alters regulation of blood flow, vascular fluid dynamics and vessel integrity. Stiffening of central blood vessels lead to transmission of excessive pulsatile energy to the brain microvasculature, causing end-organ damage. Moreover, a dysregulated hemostasis and chronic vascular inflammation further impede vascular function, where its mediators interact synergistically. Changes of the cerebral vasculature are triggered and driven by systemic vascular abnormalities that are part of aging, and which can be accelerated and aggravated by cardiovascular diseases. Key Messages: In AD, the cerebral vasculature is the locus where multiple pathogenic processes converge and contribute to cognitive impairment. Understanding the molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of vascular dysfunction in AD and use of vascular blood-based and imaging biomarker in clinical studies may hold promise for future prevention and therapy of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, .,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,
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75
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de Majo M, Koontz M, Rowitch D, Ullian EM. An update on human astrocytes and their role in development and disease. Glia 2020; 68:685-704. [PMID: 31926040 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human astrocytes provide trophic as well as structural support to the surrounding brain cells. Furthermore, they have been implicated in many physiological processes important for central nervous system function. Traditionally astrocytes have been considered to be a homogeneous class of cells, however, it has increasingly become more evident that astrocytes can have very different characteristics in different regions of the brain, or even within the same region. In this review we will discuss the features of human astrocytes, their heterogeneity, and their generation during neurodevelopment and the extraordinary progress that has been made to model these fascinating cells in vitro, mainly from induced pluripotent stem cells. Astrocytes' role in disease will also be discussed with a particular focus on their role in neurodegenerative disorders. As outlined here, astrocytes are important for the homeostasis of the central nervous system and understanding their regional specificity is a priority to elucidate the complexity of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina de Majo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Mark Koontz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - David Rowitch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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76
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Boese AC, Hamblin MH, Lee JP. Neural stem cell therapy for neurovascular injury in Alzheimer's disease. Exp Neurol 2019; 324:113112. [PMID: 31730762 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration leading to severe cognitive decline and eventual death. AD pathophysiology is complex, but neurotoxic accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of Tau are believed to be main drivers of neurodegeneration in AD. The formation and deposition of Aβ plaques occurs in the brain parenchyma as well as in the cerebral vasculature. Thus, proper blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cerebrovascular functioning are crucial for clearance of Aβ from the brain, and neurovascular dysfunction may be a critical component of AD development. Further, neuroinflammation and dysfunction of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and neurorestorative capabilities play a role in AD pathophysiology. Currently, there is no effective treatment to prevent or restore loss of brain tissue and cognitive decline in patients with AD. Based on multifactorial and complex pathophysiological cascades in multiple Alzheimer's disease stages, effective AD therapies need to focus on targeting early AD pathology and preserving cerebrovascular function. Neural stem cells (NSCs) participate extensively in mammalian brain homeostasis and repair and exhibit pleiotropic intrinsic properties that likely make them attractive candidates for the treatment of AD. In the review, we summarize the current advances in knowledge regarding neurovascular aspects of AD-related neurodegeneration and discuss multiple actions of NSCs from preclinical studies of AD to evaluate their potential for future clinical treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Boese
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jean-Pyo Lee
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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77
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Siracusa R, Fusco R, Cuzzocrea S. Astrocytes: Role and Functions in Brain Pathologies. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1114. [PMID: 31611796 PMCID: PMC6777416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain. Postnatally, astrocyte progenitors migrate to reach their brain area and related properties. They have a regulatory role of brain functions that are implicated in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, controlling blood-brain barrier permeability and maintaining extracellular homeostasis. Mature astrocytes also express some genes enriched in cell progenitors, suggesting they can retain proliferative potential. Considering heterogeneity of cell population, it is not surprising that their disorders are related to a wide range of different neuro-pathologies. Brain diseases are characterized by the active inflammatory state of the astrocytes, which is usually described as up-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In particular, the loss of astrocytes function as a result of cellular senescence could have implications for the neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease, and for the aging brain. Astrocytes can also drive the induction and the progression of the inflammatory state due to their Ca2+ signals and that it is strongly related to the disease severity/state. Moreover, they contribute to the altered neuronal activity in several frontal cortex pathologies such as ischemic stroke and epilepsy. There, we describe the current knowledge pertaining to astrocytes' role in brain pathologies and discuss the possibilities to target them as approach toward pharmacological therapies for neuro-pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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78
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Polis B, Gurevich V, Assa M, Samson AO. Norvaline Restores the BBB Integrity in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4616. [PMID: 31540372 PMCID: PMC6770953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia. The disease progression is associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, besides the well-defined lesions, the AD-related pathology includes neuroinflammation, compromised energy metabolism, and chronic oxidative stress. Likewise, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is suggested to be a cause and AD consequence. Accordingly, therapeutic targeting of the compromised BBB is a promising disease-modifying approach. We utilized a homozygous triple-transgenic mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD) to assess the effects of L-norvaline on BBB integrity. We scrutinized the perivascular astrocytes and macrophages by measuring the immunopositive profiles in relation to the presence of β-amyloid and compare the results with those found in wild-type animals. Typically, 3×Tg-AD mice display astroglia cytoskeletal atrophy, associated with the deposition of β-amyloid in the endothelia, and declining nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels. L-norvaline escalated NOS levels, then reduced rates of BBB permeability, amyloid angiopathy, microgliosis, and astrodegeneration, which suggests AD treatment agent efficacy. Moreover, results undergird the roles of astrodegeneration and microgliosis in AD-associated BBB dysfunction and progressive cognitive impairment. L-norvaline self-evidently interferes with AD pathogenesis and presents a potent remedy for angiopathies and neurodegenerative disorders intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruh Polis
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Vyacheslav Gurevich
- Laboratory of Cancer Personalized Medicine and Diagnostic Genomics, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Michael Assa
- Inter-laboratory Equipment Center, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Abraham O Samson
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
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79
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Abstract
Our understanding of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases has increased considerably over the past two decades as the diverse roles of these cells have become recognized. Our evolving understanding of these cells suggests that they are more than support cells for neurons and that they play important roles in CNS homeostasis under normal conditions, in neuroprotection and in disease exacerbation. These multiple functions make them excellent candidates for targeted therapies to treat neurological disorders. New technological advances, including in vivo imaging, optogenetics and chemogenetics, have allowed us to examine astrocytic functions in ways that have uncovered new insights into the dynamic roles of these cells. Furthermore, the use of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes from patients with a host of neurological disorders can help to tease out the contributions of astrocytes to human disease. In this Review, we explore some of the technological advances developed over the past decade that have aided our understanding of astrocyte function. We also highlight neurological disorders in which astrocyte function or dysfunction is believed to have a role in disease pathogenesis or propagation and discuss how the technological advances have been and could be used to study each of these diseases.
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80
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Li Y, Xie L, Huang T, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Qi B, Wang X, Chen Z, Li P. Aging Neurovascular Unit and Potential Role of DNA Damage and Repair in Combating Vascular and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:778. [PMID: 31440124 PMCID: PMC6694749 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive neurological deterioration poses enormous burden on the aging population with ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative disease patients, such as Alzheimers’ disease and Parkinson’s disease. The past two decades have witnessed remarkable advances in the research of neurovascular unit dysfunction, which is emerging as an important pathological feature that underlies these neurological disorders. Dysfunction of the unit allows penetration of blood-derived toxic proteins or leukocytes into the brain and contributes to white matter injury, disturbed neurovascular coupling and neuroinflammation, which all eventually lead to cognitive dysfunction. Recent evidences suggest that aging-related oxidative stress, accumulated DNA damage and impaired DNA repair capacities compromises the genome integrity not only in neurons, but also in other cell types of the neurovascular unit, such as endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. Combating DNA damage or enhancing DNA repair capacities in the neurovascular unit represents a promising therapeutic strategy for vascular and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on aging related mechanisms that underlie DNA damage and repair in the neurovascular unit and introduce several novel strategies that target the genome integrity in the neurovascular unit to combat the vascular and neurodegenerative disorders in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lv Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueman Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengai Chen
- Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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81
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Spinelli M, Fusco S, Grassi C. Brain Insulin Resistance and Hippocampal Plasticity: Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:788. [PMID: 31417349 PMCID: PMC6685093 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, much attention has been devoted to the effects of nutrient-related signals on brain development and cognitive functions. A turning point was the discovery that brain areas other than the hypothalamus expressed receptors for hormones related to metabolism. In particular, insulin signaling has been demonstrated to impact on molecular cascades underlying hippocampal plasticity, learning and memory. Here, we summarize the molecular evidence linking alteration of hippocampal insulin sensitivity with changes of both adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. We also review the epidemiological studies and experimental models emphasizing the critical role of brain insulin resistance at the crossroad between metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. Finally, we brief novel findings suggesting how biomarkers of brain insulin resistance, involving the study of brain-derived extracellular vesicles and brain glucose metabolism, may predict the onset and/or the progression of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Spinelli
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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82
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Oksanen M, Lehtonen S, Jaronen M, Goldsteins G, Hämäläinen RH, Koistinaho J. Astrocyte alterations in neurodegenerative pathologies and their modeling in human induced pluripotent stem cell platforms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2739-2760. [PMID: 31016348 PMCID: PMC6588647 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03111-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain. They were long considered only as passive support for neuronal cells. However, recent data have revealed many active roles for these cells both in maintenance of the normal physiological homeostasis in the brain as well as in neurodegeneration and disease. Moreover, human astrocytes have been found to be much more complex than their rodent counterparts, and to date, astrocytes are known to actively participate in a multitude of processes such as neurotransmitter uptake and recycling, gliotransmitter release, neuroenergetics, inflammation, modulation of synaptic activity, ionic balance, maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, and many other crucial functions of the brain. This review focuses on the role of astrocytes in human neurodegenerative disease and the potential of the novel stem cell-based platforms in modeling astrocytic functions in health and in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Oksanen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sarka Lehtonen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, PO. Box 63, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Merja Jaronen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gundars Goldsteins
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riikka H Hämäläinen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland.
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, PO. Box 63, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
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83
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Pericytic Laminin Maintains Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in an Age-Dependent Manner. Transl Stroke Res 2019; 11:228-242. [PMID: 31292838 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-019-00709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Brain pericytes synthesize and deposit laminin at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The function of pericyte-derived laminin in BBB maintenance remains largely unknown. In a previous study, we generated pericytic laminin conditional knockout (PKO) mice, which developed BBB breakdown and hydrocephalus in a mixed genetic background. However, since hydrocephalus itself can compromise BBB integrity, it remains unclear whether BBB disruption in these mutants is due to loss of pericytic laminin or secondary to hydrocephalus. Here, we report that, in C57Bl6 dominant background, the PKO mice fail to show hydrocephalus, have a normal lifespan, and develop BBB breakdown in an age-dependent manner. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that abnormal paracellular transport, enhanced transcytosis, decreased pericyte coverage, and diminished AQP4 level are responsible for BBB disruption in PKO mice. These results suggest that pericyte-derived laminin plays an indispensable and age-dependent role in the maintenance of BBB integrity under homeostatic conditions.
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84
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Sheikh-Bahaei N, Manavaki R, Sajjadi SA, Priest AN, O’Brien JT, Gillard JH. Correlation of Lobar Cerebral Microbleeds with Amyloid, Perfusion, and Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 68:1489-1497. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-180443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Sheikh-Bahaei
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Roido Manavaki
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - S. Ahmad Sajjadi
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andrew N. Priest
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - John T. O’Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan H. Gillard
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
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85
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Toffa DH, Magnerou MA, Kassab A, Hassane Djibo F, Sow AD. Can magnesium reduce central neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease? Basic evidences and research needs. Neurochem Int 2019; 126:195-202. [PMID: 30905744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) is a crucial divalent cation with more than 300 cellular functions. This ion shows therapeutic properties in several neurological diseases. Although there are numerous basic evidences showing that Mg can inhibit pathological processes involved in neuroglial degeneration, this low-cost option is not well-considered in clinical research and practice for now. Nevertheless, none of the expensive drugs currently recommended by the classic guidelines (in addition to physiological rehabilitation) had shown exceptional effectiveness. Herein, focusing on Alzheimer's disease (AD), we analyze the therapeutic pathways that support the use of Mg for neurogenesis and neuroprotection. According to experimental findings reviewed, Mg shows interesting abilities to facilitate toxin clearance, reduce neuroinflammation, inhibit the pathologic processing of amyloid protein precursor (APP) as well as the abnormal tau protein phosphorylation, and to reverse the deregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Currently, some crucial details of the mechanisms involved in these proved effects remain elusive and clinical background is poor. Therefore, further studies are required to enable a better overview on pharmacodynamic targets of Mg and thus, to find optimal pharmacologic strategies for clinical use of this ion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dènahin Hinnoutondji Toffa
- Epilepsy Lab, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Neurology Division, CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Ali Kassab
- Epilepsy Lab, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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86
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Ni R, Kindler DR, Waag R, Rouault M, Ravikumar P, Nitsch R, Rudin M, Camici GG, Liberale L, Kulic L, Klohs J. fMRI Reveals Mitigation of Cerebrovascular Dysfunction by Bradykinin Receptors 1 and 2 Inhibitor Noscapine in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Amyloidosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:27. [PMID: 30890928 PMCID: PMC6413713 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques can be used to assess cerebrovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, an important and early contributor to pathology. We hypothesized that bradykinin receptor inhibition alleviates the vascular dysfunction in a transgenic arcAβ mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis and that fMRI techniques can be used to monitor the treatment response. Transgenic arcAβ mice, and non-transgenic littermates of 14 months-of-age were either treated with the bradykinin receptors 1 and 2 blocker noscapine or received normal drinking water as control over 3 months (n = 8–11/group) and all mice were assessed using fMRI at the end of the treatment period. Perfusion MRI using an arterial spin labeling technique showed regional hypoperfusion in arcAβ compared to non-transgenic controls, which was alleviated by noscapine treatment. Similarly, measuring cerebral blood volume changes upon pharmacological stimulation using vessel dilator acetazolamide revealed recovery of regional impairment of cerebral vascular reactivity in arcAβ mice upon noscapine treatment. In addition, we assessed with immunohistochemistry beta-amyloid (Aβ) and inflammation levels in brain sections. Immunohistological stainings for Aβ deposition (6E10) and related microgliosis (Iba1) in the cortex and hippocampus were found comparable between noscapine-treated and untreated arcAβ mice. In addition, levels of soluble and insoluble Aβ38, Aβ40, Aβ42 were found to be similar in brain tissue homogenates of noscapine-treated and untreated arcAβ mice using electro-chemiluminescent based immunoassay. In summary, bradykinin receptors blockade recovered cerebral vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of cerebral amyloidosis. fMRI methods revealed the functional deficit in disease condition and were useful tools to monitor the treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Diana Rita Kindler
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Waag
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marie Rouault
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Priyanka Ravikumar
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Nitsch
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rudin
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zürich, Switzerland.,Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Liberale
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luka Kulic
- Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zürich, Switzerland
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87
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Peteri UK, Niukkanen M, Castrén ML. Astrocytes in Neuropathologies Affecting the Frontal Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:44. [PMID: 30809131 PMCID: PMC6379461 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To an increasing extent, astrocytes are connected with various neuropathologies. Astrocytes comprise of a heterogeneous population of cells with region- and species-specific properties. The frontal cortex exhibits high levels of plasticity that is required for high cognitive functions and memory making this region especially susceptible to damage. Aberrations in the frontal cortex are involved with several cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide an alternative for disease modeling and offer possibilities for studies to investigate pathological mechanisms in a cell type-specific manner. Patient-specific iPSC-derived astrocytes have been shown to recapitulate several disease phenotypes. Addressing astrocyte heterogeneity may provide an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla-Kaisa Peteri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikael Niukkanen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija L Castrén
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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88
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Sweeney MD, Zhao Z, Montagne A, Nelson AR, Zlokovic BV. Blood-Brain Barrier: From Physiology to Disease and Back. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:21-78. [PMID: 30280653 PMCID: PMC6335099 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00050.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1207] [Impact Index Per Article: 241.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents neurotoxic plasma components, blood cells, and pathogens from entering the brain. At the same time, the BBB regulates transport of molecules into and out of the central nervous system (CNS), which maintains tightly controlled chemical composition of the neuronal milieu that is required for proper neuronal functioning. In this review, we first examine molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the establishment of the BBB. Then, we focus on BBB transport physiology, endothelial and pericyte transporters, and perivascular and paravascular transport. Next, we discuss rare human monogenic neurological disorders with the primary genetic defect in BBB-associated cells demonstrating the link between BBB breakdown and neurodegeneration. Then, we review the effects of genes underlying inheritance and/or increased susceptibility for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on BBB in relation to other pathologies and neurological deficits. We next examine how BBB dysfunction relates to neurological deficits and other pathologies in the majority of sporadic AD, PD, and ALS cases, multiple sclerosis, other neurodegenerative disorders, and acute CNS disorders such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and epilepsy. Lastly, we discuss BBB-based therapeutic opportunities. We conclude with lessons learned and future directions, with emphasis on technological advances to investigate the BBB functions in the living human brain, and at the molecular and cellular level, and address key unanswered questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Sweeney
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Axel Montagne
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Amy R Nelson
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Berislav V Zlokovic
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California ; and Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
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89
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Astrocytes and the TGF-β1 Pathway in the Healthy and Diseased Brain: a Double-Edged Sword. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4653-4679. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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90
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Kelly P, Hudry E, Hou SS, Bacskai BJ. In Vivo Two Photon Imaging of Astrocytic Structure and Function in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:219. [PMID: 30072889 PMCID: PMC6060286 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological function of the neurovascular unit is critically dependent upon the complex structure and functions of astrocytes for optimal preservation of cerebral homeostasis. While it has been shown that astrocytes exhibit aberrant changes in both structure and function in transgenic murine models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), it is not fully understood how this altered phenotype contributes to the pathogenesis of AD or whether this alteration predicts a therapeutic target in AD. The mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal relationship between astrocytes, neurons and the vasculature in their orchestrated regulation of local cerebral flow in active brain regions has not been fully elucidated in brain physiology and in AD. As there is an incredible urgency to identify therapeutic targets that are well-tolerated and efficacious in protecting the brain against the pathological impact of AD, here we use the current body of literature to evaluate the hypothesis that pathological changes in astrocytes are central to the pathogenesis of AD. We also examine the current tools available to assess astrocytic calcium signaling in the living murine brain as it has an important role in the complex interaction between astrocytes, neurons and the vasculature. Furthermore, we discuss the altered function of astrocytes in their interaction with neurons in the preservation of glutamate homeostasis and additionally address the role of astrocytes at the vascular interface and their contribution to functional hyperemia within the living murine brain in health and in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kelly
- Massachusetts Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Massachusetts Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven S Hou
- Massachusetts Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brian J Bacskai
- Massachusetts Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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91
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Ni R, Rudin M, Klohs J. Cortical hypoperfusion and reduced cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in the arcAβ mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2018; 10:38-47. [PMID: 29682448 PMCID: PMC5909030 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The effect of cerebral amyloidosis on cerebral hemodynamics was investigated with photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). First, the sensitivity and robustness of PAT for deriving metrics of vascular and tissue oxygenation in the murine brain was assessed in wild-type mice with a hyperoxia-normoxia challenge. Secondly, cerebral oxygenation was assessed in young and aged arcAβ mice and wild-type controls with PAT, while cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined by perfusion MRI. The investigations revealed that PAT can sensitively and robustly detect physiological changes in vascular and tissue oxygenation. An advanced stage of cerebral amyloidosis in arcAβ mice is accompanied by a decreases in cortical CBF and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), as oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) has been found unaffected. Thus, PAT constitutes a robust non-invasive tool for deriving metrics of tissue oxygenation, extraction and metabolism in the mouse brain under physiological and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Rudin
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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92
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Garwood CJ, Ratcliffe LE, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Ince PG, Wharton SB. Review: Astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated dementias: a supporting player with a central role. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 43:281-298. [PMID: 27442752 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in the central nervous system and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Forming non-overlapping domains, astrocytes are highly complex cells. Immunohistochemistry to a variety of proteins can be used to study astrocytes in tissue, labelling different cellular components and sub-populations, including glial fibrillary acidic protein, ALDH1L1, CD44, NDRG2 and amino acid transporters, but none of these labels the entire astrocyte population. Increasing heterogeneity is recognized in the astrocyte population, a complexity that is relevant both to their normal function and pathogenic roles. They are involved in neuronal support, as active components of the tripartite synapse and in cell interactions within the neurovascular unit (NVU), where they are essential for blood-brain barrier maintenance and neurovascular coupling. Astrocytes change with age, and their responses may modulate the cellular effects of neurodegenerative pathologies, which alone do not explain all of the variance in statistical models of neurodegenerative dementias. Astrocytes respond to both the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques of Alzheimer's disease, to hyperphosphorylated tau and Aβ, eliciting an effect which may be neuroprotective or deleterious. Not only astrocyte hypertrophy, in the form of gliosis, occurs, but also astrocyte injury and atrophy. Loss of normal astrocyte functions may contribute to reduced support for neurones and dysfunction of the NVU. Understanding how astrocytes contribute to dementia requires an understanding of the underlying heterogeneity of astrocyte populations, and the complexity of their responses to pathology. Enhancing the supportive and neuroprotective components of the astrocyte response has potential translational applications in therapeutic approaches to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - L E Ratcliffe
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - J E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P G Ince
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - S B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
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93
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Perez-Nievas BG, Serrano-Pozo A. Deciphering the Astrocyte Reaction in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:114. [PMID: 29922147 PMCID: PMC5996928 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes were identified as a component of senile amyloid plaques in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients several decades ago. However, their role in AD pathophysiology has remained elusive ever since, in part owing to the extrapolation of the literature from primary astrocyte cultures and acute brain injury models to a chronic neurodegenerative scenario. Recent accumulating evidence supports the idea that reactive astrocytes in AD acquire neurotoxic properties, likely due to both a gain of toxic function and a loss of their neurotrophic effects. However, the diversity and complexity of this glial cell is only beginning to be unveiled, anticipating that astrocyte reaction might be heterogeneous as well. Herein we review the evidence from mouse models of AD and human neuropathological studies and attempt to decipher the main conundrums that astrocytes pose to our understanding of AD development and progression. We discuss the morphological features that characterize astrocyte reaction in the AD brain, the consequences of astrocyte reaction for both astrocyte biology and AD pathological hallmarks, and the molecular pathways that have been implicated in this reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Alzheimer's Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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94
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Liebner S, Dijkhuizen RM, Reiss Y, Plate KH, Agalliu D, Constantin G. Functional morphology of the blood-brain barrier in health and disease. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:311-336. [PMID: 29411111 PMCID: PMC6781630 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1815-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 520] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adult quiescent blood-brain barrier (BBB), a structure organised by endothelial cells through interactions with pericytes, astrocytes, neurons and microglia in the neurovascular unit, is highly regulated but fragile at the same time. In the past decade, there has been considerable progress in understanding not only the molecular pathways involved in BBB development, but also BBB breakdown in neurological diseases. Specifically, the Wnt/β-catenin, retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog pathways moved into the focus of BBB research. Moreover, angiopoietin/Tie2 signalling that is linked to angiogenic processes has gained attention in the BBB field. Blood vessels play an essential role in initiation and progression of many diseases, including inflammation outside the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the potential influence of CNS blood vessels in neurological diseases associated with BBB alterations or neuroinflammation has become a major focus of current research to understand their contribution to pathogenesis. Moreover, the BBB remains a major obstacle to pharmaceutical intervention in the CNS. The complications may either be expressed by inadequate therapeutic delivery like in brain tumours, or by poor delivery of the drug across the BBB and ineffective bioavailability. In this review, we initially describe the cellular and molecular components that contribute to the steady state of the healthy BBB. We then discuss BBB alterations in ischaemic stroke, primary and metastatic brain tumour, chronic inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. Throughout the review, we highlight common mechanisms of BBB abnormalities among these diseases, in particular the contribution of neuroinflammation to BBB dysfunction and disease progression, and emphasise unique aspects of BBB alteration in certain diseases such as brain tumours. Moreover, this review highlights novel strategies to monitor BBB function by non-invasive imaging techniques focussing on ischaemic stroke, as well as novel ways to modulate BBB permeability and function to promote treatment of brain tumours, inflammation and Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, a deep understanding of signals that maintain the healthy BBB and promote fluctuations in BBB permeability in disease states will be key to elucidate disease mechanisms and to identify potential targets for diagnostics and therapeutic modulation of the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Liebner
- Institute of Neurology, Goethe University Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Systems (ECCPS), Partner site Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Rick M Dijkhuizen
- Center for Image Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Reiss
- Institute of Neurology, Goethe University Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Systems (ECCPS), Partner site Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl H Plate
- Institute of Neurology, Goethe University Clinic, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Systems (ECCPS), Partner site Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dritan Agalliu
- Departments of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Departments of Columbia Translational Neuroscience Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gabriela Constantin
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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95
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González-Reyes RE, Nava-Mesa MO, Vargas-Sánchez K, Ariza-Salamanca D, Mora-Muñoz L. Involvement of Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease from a Neuroinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Perspective. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:427. [PMID: 29311817 PMCID: PMC5742194 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a frequent and devastating neurodegenerative disease in humans, but still no curative treatment has been developed. Although many explicative theories have been proposed, precise pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. Due to the importance of astrocytes in brain homeostasis they have become interesting targets for the study of AD. Changes in astrocyte function have been observed in brains from individuals with AD, as well as in AD in vitro and in vivo animal models. The presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) has been shown to disrupt gliotransmission, neurotransmitter uptake, and alter calcium signaling in astrocytes. Furthermore, astrocytes express apolipoprotein E and are involved in the production, degradation and removal of Aβ. As well, changes in astrocytes that precede other pathological characteristics observed in AD, point to an early contribution of astroglia in this disease. Astrocytes participate in the inflammatory/immune responses of the central nervous system. The presence of Aβ activates different cell receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, mainly the advanced glycation end products receptor/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, responsible for the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in astrocytes. The release of these pro-inflammatory agents may induce cellular damage or even stimulate the production of Aβ in astrocytes. Additionally, Aβ induces the appearance of oxidative stress (OS) and production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in astrocytes, affecting among others, intracellular calcium levels, NADPH oxidase (NOX), NF-κB signaling, glutamate uptake (increasing the risk of excitotoxicity) and mitochondrial function. Excessive neuroinflammation and OS are observed in AD, and astrocytes seem to be involved in both. The Aβ/NF-κB interaction in astrocytes may play a central role in these inflammatory and OS changes present in AD. In this paper, we also discuss therapeutic measures highlighting the importance of astrocytes in AD pathology. Several new therapeutic approaches involving phenols (curcumin), phytoestrogens (genistein), neuroesteroids and other natural phytochemicals have been explored in astrocytes, obtaining some promising results regarding cognitive improvements and attenuation of neuroinflammation. Novel strategies comprising astrocytes and aimed to reduce OS in AD have also been proposed. These include estrogen receptor agonists (pelargonidin), Bambusae concretio Salicea, Monascin, and various antioxidatives such as resveratrol, tocotrienol, anthocyanins, and epicatechin, showing beneficial effects in AD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Vargas-Sánchez
- Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Ariza-Salamanca
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Mora-Muñoz
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias (NeURos), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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96
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Zenaro E, Piacentino G, Constantin G. The blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 107:41-56. [PMID: 27425887 PMCID: PMC5600438 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the pathological accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated neuronal tau protein. AD pathology is also characterized by chronic brain inflammation, which promotes disease pathogenesis. In this context, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a highly specialized endothelial cell membrane that lines cerebral microvessels, represents the interface between neural cells and circulating cells of the immune system. The BBB thus plays a key role in the generation and maintenance of chronic inflammation during AD. The BBB operates within the neurovascular unit (NVU), which includes clusters of glial cells, neurons and pericytes. The NVU becomes dysfunctional during AD, and each of its components may undergo functional changes that contribute to neuronal injury and cognitive deficit. In transgenic animals with AD-like pathology, recent studies have shown that circulating leukocytes migrate through the activated brain endothelium when certain adhesion molecules are expressed, penetrating into the brain parenchyma, interacting with the NVU components and potentially affecting their structural integrity and functionality. Therefore, migrating immune system cells in cerebral vessels act in concert with the modified BBB and may be integrated into the dysfunctional NVU. Notably, blocking the adhesion mechanisms controlling leukocyte-endothelial interactions inhibits both Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation, and reduces memory loss in AD models. The characterization of molecular mechanisms controlling vascular inflammation and leukocyte trafficking could therefore help to determine the basis of BBB dysfunction during AD and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zenaro
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Gennj Piacentino
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriela Constantin
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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Cupino TL, Watson BA, Cupino AC, Oda K, Ghamsary MG, Soriano S, Kirsch WM. Stability and bioactivity of chitosan as a transfection agent in primary human cell cultures: A case for chitosan-only controls. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 180:376-384. [PMID: 29103517 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chitosan polymers (Cs), from which microparticles (CsM) may be precipitated to deliver various intracellular payloads, are generally considered biologically inert. We examined the impact of cell culture conditions on CsM size and the effect of chitosan on CD59 expression in primary human smooth muscle cells. We found that particle concentration and incubation time in biological buffers augmented particle size. Between pH 7.0 and pH 7.5, CsM size increased abruptly. We utilized CsM containing a plasmid with a gene for CD59 (pCsM) to transfect cells. Both CD59 mRNA and the number of CD59-positive cells were increased after pCsM treatment. Unexpectedly, CsM also augmented the number of CD59-positive cells. Cs alone enhanced CD59 expression more potently than either pCSM or CsM. This observation strongly suggests that chitosan is in fact bioactive and that chitosan-only controls should be included to avoid misattributing the activity of the delivery agent with that of the payload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya L Cupino
- Neurosurgery Center for Research, Training and Education, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States; Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States.
| | - Billy A Watson
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States; Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Alan C Cupino
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Keiji Oda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Mark G Ghamsary
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA, United States (Retired)
| | - Salvador Soriano
- Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Wolff M Kirsch
- Neurosurgery Center for Research, Training and Education, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, United States.
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98
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Thomsen MS, Routhe LJ, Moos T. The vascular basement membrane in the healthy and pathological brain. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:3300-3317. [PMID: 28753105 PMCID: PMC5624399 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17722436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The vascular basement membrane contributes to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs). The BCECs receive support from pericytes embedded in the vascular basement membrane and from astrocyte endfeet. The vascular basement membrane forms a three-dimensional protein network predominantly composed of laminin, collagen IV, nidogen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans that mutually support interactions between BCECs, pericytes, and astrocytes. Major changes in the molecular composition of the vascular basement membrane are observed in acute and chronic neuropathological settings. In the present review, we cover the significance of the vascular basement membrane in the healthy and pathological brain. In stroke, loss of BBB integrity is accompanied by upregulation of proteolytic enzymes and degradation of vascular basement membrane proteins. There is yet no causal relationship between expression or activity of matrix proteases and the degradation of vascular matrix proteins in vivo. In Alzheimer's disease, changes in the vascular basement membrane include accumulation of Aβ, composite changes, and thickening. The physical properties of the vascular basement membrane carry the potential of obstructing drug delivery to the brain, e.g. thickening of the basement membrane can affect drug delivery to the brain, especially the delivery of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maj S Thomsen
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lisa J Routhe
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Torben Moos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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99
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Sumi-Akamaru H, Eto M, Yamauchi A, Uehara T, Kakuda K, Obayashi K, Kato S, Naka T, Mochizuki H. Evidence that glial cells attenuate G47R transthyretin accumulation in the central nervous system. Neuropathology 2017; 38:11-21. [PMID: 28960480 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloidogenic protein forms amyloid aggregations at membranes leading to dysfunction of amyloid clearance and amyloidosis. Glial cells function in the clearance and degradation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain. This study aimed to clarify the reason why amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) rarely accumulates in the CNS. We pathologically analyzed the relationship between amyloid deposition with basement membranes or glial cells in a rare case of ATTR leptomeningeal amyloidosis. In addition, we compared the cytotoxicity of ATTR G47R, the amyloidosis-causing mutation in the case studied (n = 1), and Aβ in brains from patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (n = 6). In the subarachnoid space of the ATTR G47R case, most amyloids accumulated at the components of basement membranes. On the CNS surface, ATTR accumulations were retained by astrocytic end feet. In areas where glial end feet enveloped ATTR, ubiquitination and micro-vacuolation of ATTR was evident. The colocalization of GFAP and ubiquitin was also evident. The accumulation of ATTR G47R in the CNS was negatively correlated with the prevalence of astrocytes. Quantitatively, amyloid deposits along the vessels were mostly partial in cerebral Aβ angiopathy cases and nearly complete along the basement membrane in the ATTR G47R case. The vascular expressions of type IV collagen and smooth muscle actin were severely reduced in areas with ATTR G47R deposition, but not in areas with Aβ deposition. The vascular protein level recovered in the ATTR G47R case when vessels entered into areas of parenchyma that were rich in astrocytes. In addition, the strong interactions between the transthyretin variant and basement membranes may have led to dysfunction of transthyretin clearance and leptomeningeal amyloidosis. The present study was the first to show that glial cells may attenuate G47R transthyretin accumulation in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisae Sumi-Akamaru
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masaki Eto
- Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Amane Yamauchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Uehara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Keita Kakuda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Konen Obayashi
- Department of Morphological and Physiological Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Kato
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan
| | - Takashi Naka
- Department of Neurology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Higashi-Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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100
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Animal models of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:2469-2488. [PMID: 28963121 DOI: 10.1042/cs20170033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), due to vascular amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, is a risk factor for intracerebral haemorrhage and dementia. CAA can occur in sporadic or rare hereditary forms, and is almost invariably associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental (animal) models are of great interest in studying mechanisms and potential treatments for CAA. Naturally occurring animal models of CAA exist, including cats, dogs and non-human primates, which can be used for longitudinal studies. However, due to ethical considerations and low throughput of these models, other animal models are more favourable for research. In the past two decades, a variety of transgenic mouse models expressing the human Aβ precursor protein (APP) has been developed. Many of these mouse models develop CAA in addition to senile plaques, whereas some of these models were generated specifically to study CAA. In addition, other animal models make use of a second stimulus, such as hypoperfusion or hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), to accelerate CAA. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of existing animal models for CAA, which can aid in understanding the pathophysiology of CAA and explore the response to potential therapies.
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