51
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Saeed I, Ma L. Transient receptor potential channels and calcium dysregulation: a pathogenic duo in Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:808-810. [PMID: 38886949 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iqira Saeed
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Saeed I, Ma L)
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Saeed I, Ma L)
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, Australia (Ma L)
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52
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Hu B, Wang R, Zhang H, Wang X, Zhou S, Ma B, Luan Y, Wang X, Chen X, Zhang Z, Kang Q. Postnatal development of rat retina: a continuous observation and comparison between the organotypic retinal explant model and in vivo development. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:900-912. [PMID: 38886961 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00033/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff The organotypic retinal explant culture has been established for more than a decade and offers a range of unique advantages compared with in vivo experiments and cell cultures. However, the lack of systematic and continuous comparison between in vivo retinal development and the organotypic retinal explant culture makes this model controversial in postnatal retinal development studies. Thus, we aimed to verify the feasibility of using this model for postnatal retinal development studies by comparing it with the in vivo retina. In this study, we showed that postnatal retinal explants undergo normal development, and exhibit a consistent structure and timeline with retinas in vivo. Initially, we used SOX2 and PAX6 immunostaining to identify retinal progenitor cells. We then examined cell proliferation and migration by immunostaining with Ki-67 and doublecortin, respectively. Ki-67- and doublecortin-positive cells decreased in both in vivo and explants during postnatal retinogenesis, and exhibited a high degree of similarity in abundance and distribution between groups. Additionally, we used Ceh-10 homeodomain-containing homolog, glutamate-ammonia ligase (glutamine synthetase), neuronal nuclei, and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunostaining to examine the emergence of bipolar cells, Müller glia, mature neurons, and microglia, respectively. The timing and spatial patterns of the emergence of these cell types were remarkably consistent between in vivo and explant retinas. Our study showed that the organotypic retinal explant culture model had a high degree of consistency with the progression of in vivo early postnatal retina development. The findings confirm the accuracy and credibility of this model and support its use for long-term, systematic, and continuous observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hanyue Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiou Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Sijia Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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53
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Li Y, Wu J. Sex-dependent alterations in extracellular vesicles linking chronic spinal cord injury to brain neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:483-484. [PMID: 38819058 PMCID: PMC11317934 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology & Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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54
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Mackiewicz J, Boczek T. A-kinase anchoring protein-mediated compartmentalization of pro-survival signaling in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:479-480. [PMID: 38819056 PMCID: PMC11317940 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mackiewicz
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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55
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Rudy MA, Watkins TA. A lead role for a "secondary" axonal injury response. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:469-470. [PMID: 38819051 PMCID: PMC11317944 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Rudy
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Trent A. Watkins
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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56
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Xu L, Xu H, Tang C. Aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: progress of experimental models based on disease pathogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:354-365. [PMID: 38819039 PMCID: PMC11317952 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01325] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are neuroinflammatory demyelinating disorders that lead to permanent visual loss and motor dysfunction. To date, no effective treatment exists as the exact causative mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, experimental models of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are essential for exploring its pathogenesis and in screening for therapeutic targets. Since most patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are seropositive for IgG autoantibodies against aquaporin-4, which is highly expressed on the membrane of astrocyte endfeet, most current experimental models are based on aquaporin-4-IgG that initially targets astrocytes. These experimental models have successfully simulated many pathological features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, such as aquaporin-4 loss, astrocytopathy, granulocyte and macrophage infiltration, complement activation, demyelination, and neuronal loss; however, they do not fully capture the pathological process of human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In this review, we summarize the currently known pathogenic mechanisms and the development of associated experimental models in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, suggest potential pathogenic mechanisms for further investigation, and provide guidance on experimental model choices. In addition, this review summarizes the latest information on pathologies and therapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders based on experimental models of aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, offering further therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Changyong Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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57
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Hamanaka G, Arai K. Exploring the novel role of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in phagocytosis: beyond myelinogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:473-474. [PMID: 38819053 PMCID: PMC11317931 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gen Hamanaka
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ken Arai
- Neuroprotection Research Laboratories, Departments of Radiology and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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58
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Chen J, Zeng X, Wang L, Zhang W, Li G, Cheng X, Su P, Wan Y, Li X. Mutual regulation of microglia and astrocytes after Gas6 inhibits spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:557-573. [PMID: 38819067 PMCID: PMC11317951 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01130] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00032/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Invasive inflammation and excessive scar formation are the main reasons for the difficulty in repairing nervous tissue after spinal cord injury. Microglia and astrocytes play key roles in the spinal cord injury micro-environment and share a close interaction. However, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we found that after spinal cord injury, resting microglia (M0) were polarized into pro-inflammatory phenotypes (MG1 and MG3), while resting astrocytes were polarized into reactive and scar-forming phenotypes. The expression of growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) and its receptor Axl were significantly down-regulated in microglia and astrocytes after spinal cord injury. In vitro experiments showed that Gas6 had negative effects on the polarization of reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia, and even inhibited the cross-regulation between them. We further demonstrated that Gas6 can inhibit the polarization of reactive astrocytes by suppressing the activation of the Yes-associated protein signaling pathway. This, in turn, inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia by suppressing the activation of the nuclear factor-κB/p65 and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed that Gas6 inhibited the polarization of pro-inflammatory microglia and reactive astrocytes in the injured spinal cord, thereby promoting tissue repair and motor function recovery. Overall, Gas6 may play a role in the treatment of spinal cord injury. It can inhibit the inflammatory pathway of microglia and polarization of astrocytes, attenuate the interaction between microglia and astrocytes in the inflammatory microenvironment, and thereby alleviate local inflammation and reduce scar formation in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewen Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaolin Zeng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenwu Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peiqiang Su
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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59
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Zhang Y, Li T, Miao J, Zhang Z, Yang M, Wang Z, Yang B, Zhang J, Li H, Su Q, Guo J. Gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 overexpression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells improves brain pathology, cognition, and behavior in APP/PS1 mice. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:533-547. [PMID: 38819065 PMCID: PMC11317949 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01525] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff In patients with Alzheimer's disease, gamma-glutamyl transferase 5 (GGT5) expression has been observed to be downregulated in cerebrovascular endothelial cells. However, the functional role of GGT5 in the development of Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of GGT5 on cognitive function and brain pathology in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the underlying mechanism. We observed a significant reduction in GGT5 expression in two in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease (Aβ1-42-treated hCMEC/D3 and bEnd.3 cells), as well as in the APP/PS1 mouse model. Additionally, injection of APP/PS1 mice with an adeno-associated virus encoding GGT5 enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and mitigated cognitive deficits. Interestingly, increasing GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells reduced levels of both soluble and insoluble amyloid-β in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. This effect may be attributable to inhibition of the expression of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, which is mediated by nuclear factor-kappa B. Our findings demonstrate that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is inversely associated with Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and that GGT5 upregulation mitigates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that GGT5 expression in cerebrovascular endothelial cells is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (General Hospital of Tisco), Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Miao
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhina Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Mingxuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhuoran Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Haiting Li
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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60
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Zhang X, Chen Z, Xiong Y, Zhou Q, Zhu LQ, Liu D. The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:402-415. [PMID: 38819044 PMCID: PMC11317957 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01353] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
With an increase in global aging, the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing, and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate. However, few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients. Similarly in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline. Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Recently, nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia. Additionally, we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Center for Cognitive Science and Transdisciplinary Studies, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yinyi Xiong
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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61
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Zha X, Zheng G, Skutella T, Kiening K, Unterberg A, Younsi A. Microglia: a promising therapeutic target in spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:454-463. [PMID: 38819048 PMCID: PMC11317945 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are present throughout the central nervous system and are vital in neural repair, nutrition, phagocytosis, immunological regulation, and maintaining neuronal function. In a healthy spinal cord, microglia are accountable for immune surveillance, however, when a spinal cord injury occurs, the microenvironment drastically changes, leading to glial scars and failed axonal regeneration. In this context, microglia vary their gene and protein expression during activation, and proliferation in reaction to the injury, influencing injury responses both favorably and unfavorably. A dynamic and multifaceted injury response is mediated by microglia, which interact directly with neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neural stem/progenitor cells. Despite a clear understanding of their essential nature and origin, the mechanisms of action and new functions of microglia in spinal cord injury require extensive research. This review summarizes current studies on microglial genesis, physiological function, and pathological state, highlights their crucial roles in spinal cord injury, and proposes microglia as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Kiening
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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62
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Luo S, Wang Y, Hisatsune T. P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:440-453. [PMID: 38819047 PMCID: PMC11317937 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau. Targeting amyloid-beta plaques has been a primary direction for developing Alzheimer's disease treatments in the last decades. However, existing drugs targeting amyloid-beta plaques have not fully yielded the expected results in the clinic, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Increasing evidence unravels that astrocyte morphology and function alter in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients, with dysregulated astrocytic purinergic receptors, particularly the P2Y1 receptor, all of which constitute the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. These receptors are not only crucial for maintaining normal astrocyte function but are also highly implicated in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. This review delves into recent insights into the association between P2Y1 receptor and Alzheimer's disease to underscore the potential neuroprotective role of P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer's disease by mitigating neuroinflammation, thus offering promising avenues for developing drugs for Alzheimer's disease and potentially contributing to the development of more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Luo
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Hisatsune
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
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63
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Ren Z, Li T, Liu X, Zhang Z, Chen X, Chen W, Li K, Sheng J. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 enhances discharge activity of cortical neurons. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:548-556. [PMID: 38819066 PMCID: PMC11317929 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00756] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00031/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases. The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons, and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases. However, the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice. We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression. Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (PD98059), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (SB203580), and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor (SP600125). Interestingly, TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway, which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions. Thus, this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xueer Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kangsheng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiangtao Sheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
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Feng S, Li J, Liu T, Huang S, Chen X, Liu S, Zhou J, Zhao H, Hong Y. Overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor prevents neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in experimental ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:491-502. [PMID: 38819062 PMCID: PMC11317962 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01263] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00027/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff Neurotoxic astrocytes are a promising therapeutic target for the attenuation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Low-density lipoprotein receptor, a classic cholesterol regulatory receptor, has been found to inhibit NLR family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in neurons following ischemic stroke and to suppress the activation of microglia and astrocytes in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about the effects of low-density lipoprotein receptor on astrocytic activation in ischemic stroke. To address this issue in the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which low-density lipoprotein receptor regulates astrocytic polarization in ischemic stroke models. First, we examined low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in astrocytes via immunofluorescence staining and western blotting analysis. We observed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor following middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. Second, we induced the astrocyte-specific overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor using astrocyte-specific adeno-associated virus. Low-density lipoprotein receptor overexpression in astrocytes improved neurological outcomes in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and reversed neurotoxic astrocytes to create a neuroprotective phenotype. Finally, we found that the overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injured astrocytes and that the addition of nigericin, an NLRP3 agonist, restored the neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype. These findings suggest that low-density lipoprotein receptor could inhibit the NLRP3-meidiated neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes and that increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor in astrocytes might represent a novel strategy for treating cerebral ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Feng
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Juanji Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shiqi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiangliang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongdong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ye Hong
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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65
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Abokyi S, Tse DYY. Age-related driving mechanisms of retinal diseases and neuroprotection by transcription factor EB-targeted therapy. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:366-377. [PMID: 38819040 PMCID: PMC11317960 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinal aging has been recognized as a significant risk factor for various retinal disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, following a growing understanding of the molecular underpinnings of their development. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms of retinal aging and investigates potential neuroprotective approaches, focusing on the activation of transcription factor EB. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated promising outcomes of transcription factor EB-targeted strategies, such as exercise, calorie restriction, rapamycin, and metformin, in patients and animal models of these common retinal diseases. The review critically assesses the role of transcription factor EB in retinal biology during aging, its neuroprotective effects, and its therapeutic potential for retinal disorders. The impact of transcription factor EB on retinal aging is cell-specific, influencing metabolic reprogramming and energy homeostasis in retinal neurons through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control and nutrient-sensing pathways. In vascular endothelial cells, transcription factor EB controls important processes, including endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial tube formation, and nitric oxide levels, thereby influencing the inner blood-retinal barrier, angiogenesis, and retinal microvasculature. Additionally, transcription factor EB affects vascular smooth muscle cells, inhibiting vascular calcification and atherogenesis. In retinal pigment epithelial cells, transcription factor EB modulates functions such as autophagy, lysosomal dynamics, and clearance of the aging pigment lipofuscin, thereby promoting photoreceptor survival and regulating vascular endothelial growth factor A expression involved in neovascularization. These cell-specific functions of transcription factor EB significantly impact retinal aging mechanisms encompassing proteostasis, neuronal synapse plasticity, energy metabolism, microvasculature, and inflammation, ultimately offering protection against retinal aging and diseases. The review emphasizes transcription factor EB as a potential therapeutic target for retinal diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain well-controlled direct experimental evidence to confirm the efficacy of transcription factor EB modulation in retinal diseases while minimizing its risk of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abokyi
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis Yan-yin Tse
- School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Center for SHARP Vision, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Center for Eye and Vision Research, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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66
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Olaya AMS, Almeida FM, Martinez AMB, Marques SA. Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:343-353. [PMID: 38819038 PMCID: PMC11317961 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01752] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, which almost always produces permanent physical disability. Thus, in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years, which are not entirely efficient, researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach, seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury. Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and, consequently, boosting functional recovery. Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents, there is increasing recognition of the importance, and need, of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans. This article is a literature review from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scielo, Redalyc, Cochrane, and NCBI) from 10 years ago to date, using keywords (spinal cord injury, cell therapy, non-human primates, humans, and bioengineering in spinal cord injury). From 110 retrieved articles, after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Thus, this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans, aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milena Silva Olaya
- PhD Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Blanco Martinez
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suelen Adriani Marques
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy (PPGAP/UFRJ), Department of Neurobiology/Institute of Biology, Campus do Gragoatá, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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67
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Piacentini R, Grassi C. Interleukin 1β receptor and synaptic dysfunction in recurrent brain infection with Herpes simplex virus type-1. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:416-423. [PMID: 38819045 PMCID: PMC11317954 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01690] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood. Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role. Here, we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain, highlighting the role of interleukins and, in particular, interleukin 1β as a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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68
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Hao M, Chu J, Zhang T, Yin T, Gu Y, Liang W, Ji W, Zhuang J, Liu Y, Gao J, Yin Y. Nanomaterials-mediated lysosomal regulation: a robust protein-clearance approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:424-439. [PMID: 38819046 PMCID: PMC11317947 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01736] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of abnormal proteins, including amyloid plaques and intracellular tau tangles, primarily within the brain. Lysosomes, crucial intracellular organelles responsible for protein degradation, play a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Some studies have suggested a link between the dysregulation of the lysosomal system and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Restoring the normal physiological function of lysosomes hold the potential to reduce the pathological burden and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the efficacy of drugs in treating Alzheimer's disease is limited, with major challenges in drug delivery efficiency and targeting. Recently, nanomaterials have gained widespread use in Alzheimer's disease drug research owing to their favorable physical and chemical properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in using nanomaterials (polymeric nanomaterials, nanoemulsions, and carbon-based nanomaterials) to enhance lysosomal function in treating Alzheimer's disease. This review also explores new concepts and potential therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease through the integration of nanomaterials and modulation of lysosomal function. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the potential of nanomaterials in modulating lysosomal function to improve the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease. The application of nanotechnology to the development of Alzheimer's disease drugs brings new ideas and approaches for future treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Hao
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjian Chu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Tinglin Zhang
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuankai Gu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Wendanqi Liang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Changhai Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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69
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Ji Y, Yang C, Pang X, Yan Y, Wu Y, Geng Z, Hu W, Hu P, Wu X, Wang K. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: effects on neural and synaptic rehabilitation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:326-342. [PMID: 38819037 PMCID: PMC11317939 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01201] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from deficits in synaptic transmission and homeostasis. The Alzheimer's disease brain tends to be hyperexcitable and hypersynchronized, thereby causing neurodegeneration and ultimately disrupting the operational abilities in daily life, leaving patients incapacitated. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective, neuro-modulatory technique used for multiple neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to predict cognitive decline; identify pathophysiological markers; promote neuroplasticity; and assess brain excitability, plasticity, and connectivity. It has also been applied to patients with dementia, because it can yield facilitatory effects on cognition and promote brain recovery after a neurological insult. However, its therapeutic effectiveness at the molecular and synaptic levels has not been elucidated because of a limited number of studies. This study aimed to characterize the neurobiological changes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, evaluate its effects on synaptic plasticity, and identify the associated mechanisms. This review essentially focuses on changes in the pathology, amyloidogenesis, and clearance pathways, given that amyloid deposition is a major hypothesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Apoptotic mechanisms associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedures and different pathways mediating gene transcription, which are closely related to the neural regeneration process, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of animal studies in which neuroplasticity is modulated and assessed at the structural and functional levels by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, with the aim to highlight future directions for better clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ji
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chaoyi Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuerui Pang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yibing Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhi Geng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Panpan Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xingqi Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Psychology and Sleep Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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70
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Lines J. Astrocytes integrate time and space. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:467-468. [PMID: 38819050 PMCID: PMC11317930 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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71
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Powell J, Steinschaden T, Horowitz R, Song Y. Calcium channels caught in peripheral glia's tug-of-war on axon regeneration in Drosophila. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:475-476. [PMID: 38819054 PMCID: PMC11317943 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Powell
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tobias Steinschaden
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rose Horowitz
- The Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuanquan Song
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- The Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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72
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Kerdiles O, Oye Mintsa Mi-mba MF, Coulombe K, Tremblay C, Émond V, Saint-Pierre M, Rouxel C, Berthiaume L, Julien P, Cicchetti F, Calon F. Additive neurorestorative effects of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid intake in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:574-586. [PMID: 38819068 PMCID: PMC11317935 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00595] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202502000-00033/figure1/v/2024-05-28T214302Z/r/image-tiff There is a need to develop interventions to slow or reverse the degeneration of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease after diagnosis. Given that preclinical and clinical studies suggest benefits of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, and exercise in Parkinson's disease, we investigated whether both could synergistically interact to induce recovery of the dopaminergic pathway. First, mice received a unilateral stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the striatum to establish an animal model of nigrostriatal denervation. Four weeks after lesion, animals were fed a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched or a control diet for the next 8 weeks. During this period, the animals had access to a running wheel, which they could use or not. Docosahexaenoic acid treatment, voluntary exercise, or the combination of both had no effect on (i) distance traveled in the open field test, (ii) the percentage of contraversive rotations in the apomorphine-induction test or (iii) the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta. However, the docosahexaenoic acid diet increased the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive terminals and induced a rise in dopamine concentrations in the lesioned striatum. Compared to docosahexaenoic acid treatment or exercise alone, the combination of docosahexaenoic acid and exercise (i) improved forelimb balance in the stepping test, (ii) decreased the striatal DOPAC/dopamine ratio and (iii) led to increased dopamine transporter levels in the lesioned striatum. The present results suggest that the combination of exercise and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically in the striatum of mice with a unilateral lesion of the dopaminergic system and provide support for clinical trials combining nutrition and physical exercise in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Kerdiles
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Optinutribrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro, France; INAF, Canada), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Méryl-Farelle Oye Mintsa Mi-mba
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Optinutribrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro, France; INAF, Canada), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine Coulombe
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Optinutribrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro, France; INAF, Canada), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Émond
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Optinutribrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro, France; INAF, Canada), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Saint-Pierre
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Rouxel
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Line Berthiaume
- Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Julien
- Axe Endocrinologie et Néphrologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Pavillon CHUL), 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Optinutribrain International Associated Laboratory (NutriNeuro, France; INAF, Canada), Quebec, QC, Canada
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Hu Z, Yang J, Zhang S, Li M, Zuo C, Mao C, Zhang Z, Tang M, Shi C, Xu Y. AAV mediated carboxyl terminus of Hsp70 interacting protein overexpression mitigates the cognitive and pathological phenotypes of APP/PS1 mice. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:253-264. [PMID: 38767490 PMCID: PMC11246129 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01277] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00033/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff The E3 ubiquitin ligase, carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) interacting protein (CHIP), also functions as a co-chaperone and plays a crucial role in the protein quality control system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of overexpressed CHIP on Alzheimer's disease. We used an adeno-associated virus vector that can cross the blood-brain barrier to mediate CHIP overexpression in APP/PS1 mouse brain. CHIP overexpression significantly ameliorated the performance of APP/PS1 mice in the Morris water maze and nest building tests, reduced amyloid-β plaques, and decreased the expression of both amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau. CHIP also alleviated the concentration of microglia and astrocytes around plaques. In APP/PS1 mice of a younger age, CHIP overexpression promoted an increase in ADAM10 expression and inhibited β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, insulin degrading enzyme, and neprilysin expression. Levels of HSP70 and HSP40, which have functional relevance to CHIP, were also increased. Single nuclei transcriptome sequencing in the hippocampus of CHIP overexpressed mice showed that the lysosomal pathway and oligodendrocyte-related biological processes were up-regulated, which may also reflect a potential mechanism for the neuroprotective effect of CHIP. Our research shows that CHIP effectively reduces the behavior and pathological manifestations of APP/PS1 mice. Indeed, overexpression of CHIP could be a beneficial approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Chunyan Zuo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Chengyuan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Mibo Tang
- Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Changhe Shi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuming Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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74
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Canovai A, Williams PA. Pyrroloquinoline quinone: a potential neuroprotective compound for neurodegenerative diseases targeting metabolism. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:41-53. [PMID: 38767475 PMCID: PMC11246121 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrroloquinoline quinone is a quinone described as a cofactor for many bacterial dehydrogenases and is reported to exert an effect on metabolism in mammalian cells/tissues. Pyrroloquinoline quinone is present in the diet being available in foodstuffs, conferring the potential of this compound to be supplemented by dietary administration. Pyrroloquinoline quinone's nutritional role in mammalian health is supported by the extensive deficits in reproduction, growth, and immunity resulting from the dietary absence of pyrroloquinoline quinone, and as such, pyrroloquinoline quinone has been considered as a "new vitamin." Although the classification of pyrroloquinoline quinone as a vitamin needs to be properly established, the wide range of benefits for health provided has been reported in many studies. In this respect, pyrroloquinoline quinone seems to be particularly involved in regulating cell signaling pathways that promote metabolic and mitochondrial processes in many experimental contexts, thus dictating the rationale to consider pyrroloquinoline quinone as a vital compound for mammalian life. Through the regulation of different metabolic mechanisms, pyrroloquinoline quinone may improve clinical deficits where dysfunctional metabolism and mitochondrial activity contribute to induce cell damage and death. Pyrroloquinoline quinone has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties in different experimental models of neurodegeneration, although the link between pyrroloquinoline quinone-promoted metabolism and improved neuronal viability in some of such contexts is still to be fully elucidated. Here, we review the general properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone and its capacity to modulate metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms in physiological contexts. In addition, we analyze the neuroprotective properties of pyrroloquinoline quinone in different neurodegenerative conditions and consider future perspectives for pyrroloquinoline quinone's potential in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pete A Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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75
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Chopp M, Millman M, Li Y, Cepparulo P, Kemper A, Li C, Zhang L, Zhang ZG. Small extracellular vesicles derived from cerebral endothelial cells with elevated microRNA 27a promote ischemic stroke recovery. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:224-233. [PMID: 38767487 PMCID: PMC11246145 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-22-01292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Axonal remodeling is a critical aspect of ischemic brain repair processes and contributes to spontaneous functional recovery. Our previous in vitro study demonstrated that exosomes/small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) isolated from cerebral endothelial cells (CEC-sEVs) of ischemic brain promote axonal growth of embryonic cortical neurons and that microRNA 27a (miR-27a) is an elevated miRNA in ischemic CEC-sEVs. In the present study, we investigated whether normal CEC-sEVs engineered to enrich their levels of miR-27a (27a-sEVs) further enhance axonal growth and improve neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke when compared with treatment with non-engineered CEC-sEVs. 27a-sEVs were isolated from the conditioned medium of healthy mouse CECs transfected with a lentiviral miR-27a expression vector. Small EVs isolated from CECs transfected with a scramble vector (Scra-sEVs) were used as a control. Adult male mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and then were randomly treated with 27a-sEVs or Scra-sEVs. An array of behavior assays was used to measure neurological function. Compared with treatment of ischemic stroke with Scra-sEVs, treatment with 27a-sEVs significantly augmented axons and spines in the peri-infarct zone and in the corticospinal tract of the spinal grey matter of the denervated side, and significantly improved neurological outcomes. In vitro studies demonstrated that CEC-sEVs carrying reduced miR-27a abolished 27a-sEV-augmented axonal growth. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that 27a-sEVs systemically administered preferentially localized to the pre-synaptic active zone, while quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot analysis showed elevated miR-27a, and reduced axonal inhibitory proteins Semaphorin 6A and Ras Homolog Family Member A in the peri-infarct zone. Blockage of the Clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathway substantially reduced neuronal internalization of 27a-sEVs. Our data provide evidence that 27a-sEVs have a therapeutic effect on stroke recovery by promoting axonal remodeling and improving neurological outcomes. Our findings also suggest that suppression of axonal inhibitory proteins such as Semaphorin 6A may contribute to the beneficial effect of 27a-sEVs on axonal remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhongwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Michael Millman
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Amy Kemper
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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76
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Kim H, Kim BJ, Koh S, Cho HJ, Jin X, Kim BG, Choi JY. High mobility group box 1 in the central nervous system: regeneration hidden beneath inflammation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:107-115. [PMID: 38767480 PMCID: PMC11246138 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group box 1 was first discovered in the calf thymus as a DNA-binding nuclear protein and has been widely studied in diverse fields, including neurology and neuroscience. High-mobility group box 1 in the extracellular space functions as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern, which has been proven to play an important role in a wide variety of central nervous system disorders such as ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. Several drugs that inhibit high-mobility group box 1 as a damage-associated molecular pattern, such as glycyrrhizin, ethyl pyruvate, and neutralizing anti-high-mobility group box 1 antibodies, are commonly used to target high-mobility group box 1 activity in central nervous system disorders. Although it is commonly known for its detrimental inflammatory effect, high-mobility group box 1 has also been shown to have beneficial pro-regenerative roles in central nervous system disorders. In this narrative review, we provide a brief summary of the history of high-mobility group box 1 research and its characterization as a damage-associated molecular pattern, its downstream receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways, how high-mobility group box 1 exerts the repair-favoring roles in general and in the central nervous system, and clues on how to differentiate the pro-regenerative from the pro-inflammatory role. Research targeting high-mobility group box 1 in the central nervous system may benefit from differentiating between the two functions rather than overall suppression of high-mobility group box 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanki Kim
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Seungyon Koh
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Cho
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Xuelian Jin
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Byung Gon Kim
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jun Young Choi
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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77
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Yang H, Mo N, Tong L, Dong J, Fan Z, Jia M, Yue J, Wang Y. Microglia lactylation in relation to central nervous system diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:29-40. [PMID: 38767474 PMCID: PMC11246148 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00805] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of neurodegenerative diseases is closely related to the disruption of central nervous system homeostasis. Microglia, as innate immune cells, play important roles in the maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis, injury response, and neurodegenerative diseases. Lactate has been considered a metabolic waste product, but recent studies are revealing ever more of the physiological functions of lactate. Lactylation is an important pathway in lactate function and is involved in glycolysis-related functions, macrophage polarization, neuromodulation, and angiogenesis and has also been implicated in the development of various diseases. This review provides an overview of the lactate metabolic and homeostatic regulatory processes involved in microglia lactylation, histone versus non-histone lactylation, and therapeutic approaches targeting lactate. Finally, we summarize the current research on microglia lactylation in central nervous system diseases. A deeper understanding of the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of microglia lactylation will provide more options for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Nan Mo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hangzhou First People’s Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Le Tong
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jianhong Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ziwei Fan
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mengxian Jia
- Department of Orthopedics (Spine Surgery), the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Juanqing Yue
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Daeschler SC, So KJW, Feinberg K, Manoraj M, Cheung J, Zhang J, Mirmoeini K, Santerre JP, Gordon T, Borschel GH. A functional tacrolimus-releasing nerve wrap for enhancing nerve regeneration following surgical nerve repair. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:291-304. [PMID: 38767493 PMCID: PMC11246136 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-22-01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00036/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Axonal regeneration following surgical nerve repair is slow and often incomplete, resulting in poor functional recovery which sometimes contributes to lifelong disability. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies available to promote nerve regeneration. Tacrolimus accelerates axonal regeneration, but systemic side effects presently outweigh its potential benefits for peripheral nerve surgery. The authors describe herein a biodegradable polyurethane-based drug delivery system for the sustained local release of tacrolimus at the nerve repair site, with suitable properties for scalable production and clinical application, aiming to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery with minimal systemic drug exposure. Tacrolimus is encapsulated into co-axially electrospun polycarbonate-urethane nanofibers to generate an implantable nerve wrap that releases therapeutic doses of bioactive tacrolimus over 31 days. Size and drug loading are adjustable for applications in small and large caliber nerves, and the wrap degrades within 120 days into biocompatible byproducts. Tacrolimus released from the nerve wrap promotes axon elongation in vitro and accelerates nerve regeneration and functional recovery in preclinical nerve repair models while off-target systemic drug exposure is reduced by 80% compared with systemic delivery. Given its surgical suitability and preclinical efficacy and safety, this system may provide a readily translatable approach to support axonal regeneration and recovery in patients undergoing nerve surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon C Daeschler
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katelyn J W So
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Konstantin Feinberg
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marina Manoraj
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Cheung
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Zhang
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kaveh Mirmoeini
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Paul Santerre
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tessa Gordon
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory H Borschel
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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79
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Miao Y, Wolfe MS. Emerging structures and dynamic mechanisms of γ-secretase for Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:174-180. [PMID: 38767485 PMCID: PMC11246123 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
γ-Secretase, called "the proteasome of the membrane," is a membrane-embedded protease complex that cleaves 150+ peptide substrates with central roles in biology and medicine, including amyloid precursor protein and the Notch family of cell-surface receptors. Mutations in γ-secretase and amyloid precursor protein lead to early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease. γ-Secretase has thus served as a critical drug target for treating familial Alzheimer's disease and the more common late-onset Alzheimer's disease as well. However, critical gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms of processive proteolysis of substrates, the effects of familial Alzheimer's disease mutations, and allosteric modulation of substrate cleavage by γ-secretase. In this review, we focus on recent studies of structural dynamic mechanisms of γ-secretase. Different mechanisms, including the "Fit-Stay-Trim," "Sliding-Unwinding," and "Tilting-Unwinding," have been proposed for substrate proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein by γ-secretase based on all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. While an incorrect registry of the Notch1 substrate was identified in the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Notch1-bound γ-secretase, molecular dynamics simulations on a resolved model of Notch1-bound γ-secretase that was reconstructed using the amyloid precursor protein-bound γ-secretase as a template successfully captured γ-secretase activation for proper cleavages of both wildtype and mutant Notch, being consistent with biochemical experimental findings. The approach could be potentially applied to decipher the processing mechanisms of various substrates by γ-secretase. In addition, controversy over the effects of familial Alzheimer's disease mutations, particularly the issue of whether they stabilize or destabilize γ-secretase-substrate complexes, is discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided for future studies of γ-secretase, including pathways of substrate binding and product release, effects of modulators on familial Alzheimer's disease mutations of the γ-secretase-substrate complexes. Comprehensive understanding of the functional mechanisms of γ-secretase will greatly facilitate the rational design of effective drug molecules for treating familial Alzheimer's disease and perhaps Alzheimer's disease in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglong Miao
- Computational Medicine Program and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael S. Wolfe
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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80
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Zhao XY, Xu DE, Wu ML, Liu JC, Shi ZL, Ma QH. Regulation and function of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:6-20. [PMID: 38767472 PMCID: PMC11246128 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00995] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum, a key cellular organelle, regulates a wide variety of cellular activities. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, one of the quality control systems of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a pivotal role in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by controlling endoplasmic reticulum turnover, remodeling, and proteostasis. In this review, we briefly describe the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system, and subsequently focus on the role of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, emphasizing the spatial and temporal mechanisms underlying the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy according to cellular requirements. We also summarize the evidence relating to how defective or abnormal endoplasmic reticulum autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review highlights the mechanisms associated with the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy and how they influence the pathophysiology of degenerative nerve disorders. This review would help researchers to understand the roles and regulatory mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum-phagy in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Yun Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - De-En Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Lei Wu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji-Chuan Liu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Ling Shi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Neuroscience & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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81
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Hu D, Cao Y, Cai C, Wang G, Zhou M, Peng L, Fan Y, Lai Q, Gao Z. Establishment of human cerebral organoid systems to model early neural development and assess the central neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:242-252. [PMID: 38767489 PMCID: PMC11246146 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00032/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Human brain development is a complex process, and animal models often have significant limitations. To address this, researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures, known as brain-like organoids, to more accurately model early human brain development and disease. To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development, in this study, we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture. This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation, resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system. This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development, including neuroepithelium derivation, neural progenitor cell production and maintenance, neuron differentiation and migration, and cortical layer patterning and formation, providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing. As a proof of concept, we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins. Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns, including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation. Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity, accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations. The convenience, flexibility, and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyu Hu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanqing Cao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglin Cai
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangming Wang
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Luying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yantao Fan
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Lai
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengliang Gao
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Shanghai University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Shanghai University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yuan Y, Yu L, Zhuang X, Wen D, He J, Hong J, Xie J, Ling S, Du X, Chen W, Wang X. Drosophila models used to simulate human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 disease and refractory seizures. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:265-276. [PMID: 38767491 PMCID: PMC11246156 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391302] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00034/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Certain amino acids changes in the human Na+/K+-ATPase pump, ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1), cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) disease and refractory seizures. To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na+/K+-ATPase in these diseases, we modified the Drosophila gene homolog, Atpα, to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2. Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1 (I592T, A597T, P600T, and D601F) were simultaneously introduced into endogenous DrosophilaAtpα by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, generating the AtpαTTTF model. In addition, the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies (AtpαI571T, AtpαA576T, AtpαP579T, and AtpαD580F). Moreover, a deletion mutation (Atpαmut) that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control. Of these alleles, we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes (AtpαI571T and AtpαP579T). Three alleles (AtpαA576T, AtpαP579 and AtpαD580F) can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele. We found that the Atpα allele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila. Flies heterozygous for AtpαTTTF mutations have motor performance defects, a reduced lifespan, seizures, and an abnormal neuronal morphology. These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yuan
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingqi Yu
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate (Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dongjing Wen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jingmei Hong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology of The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, and Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jiayu Xie
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shengan Ling
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyue Du
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wenfeng Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate (Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital), Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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83
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Han M, Zeng D, Tan W, Chen X, Bai S, Wu Q, Chen Y, Wei Z, Mei Y, Zeng Y. Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:159-173. [PMID: 38767484 PMCID: PMC11246125 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response. Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region-specific, particularly involving the corticolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology. In this review, we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression. We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits, with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit. We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature, severity, and duration of stress, especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system. Therefore, BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Han
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Deyang Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuyuan Bai
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yufei Mei
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- Geriatric Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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84
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Wang Y, Yuan T, Lyu T, Zhang L, Wang M, He Z, Wang Y, Li Z. Mechanism of inflammatory response and therapeutic effects of stem cells in ischemic stroke: current evidence and future perspectives. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:67-81. [PMID: 38767477 PMCID: PMC11246135 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.393104] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with an increasing trend and tendency for onset at a younger age. China, in particular, bears a high burden of stroke cases. In recent years, the inflammatory response after stroke has become a research hotspot: understanding the role of inflammatory response in tissue damage and repair following ischemic stroke is an important direction for its treatment. This review summarizes several major cells involved in the inflammatory response following ischemic stroke, including microglia, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and astrocytes. Additionally, we have also highlighted the recent progress in various treatments for ischemic stroke, particularly in the field of stem cell therapy. Overall, understanding the complex interactions between inflammation and ischemic stroke can provide valuable insights for developing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Stem cell therapy may potentially become an important component of ischemic stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Wang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingli Yuan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianjie Lyu
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiying He
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Digital Healthcare for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Vascular Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Digital Healthcare for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
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85
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Sun SY, Nie L, Zhang J, Fang X, Luo H, Fu C, Wei Z, Tang AH. The interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 regulates dendritic morphology and synapse plasticity in neurons. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:209-223. [PMID: 38767486 PMCID: PMC11246154 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00029/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory. Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1; however, whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown. In this study, we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines, and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines. Furthermore, the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching, and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1, but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1. Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals' cognitive abilities. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yan Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lingyun Nie
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue Fang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hongmei Luo
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chuanhai Fu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhiyi Wei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ai-Hui Tang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membrane-less Organelles and Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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86
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Li S, Xu Z, Zhang S, Sun H, Qin X, Zhu L, Jiang T, Zhou J, Yan F, Deng Q. Non-coding RNAs in acute ischemic stroke: from brain to periphery. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:116-129. [PMID: 38767481 PMCID: PMC11246127 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01292] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke is a clinical emergency and a condition with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Accurate predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets for acute ischemic stroke remain undetermined. With innovations in high-throughput gene sequencing analysis, many aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the brain and peripheral blood after acute ischemic stroke have been found in clinical samples and experimental models. Differentially expressed ncRNAs in the post-stroke brain were demonstrated to play vital roles in pathological processes, leading to neuroprotection or deterioration, thus ncRNAs can serve as therapeutic targets in acute ischemic stroke. Moreover, distinctly expressed ncRNAs in the peripheral blood can be used as biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis. In particular, ncRNAs in peripheral immune cells were recently shown to be involved in the peripheral and brain immune response after acute ischemic stroke. In this review, we consolidate the latest progress of research into the roles of ncRNAs (microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs) in the pathological processes of acute ischemic stroke-induced brain damage, as well as the potential of these ncRNAs to act as biomarkers for acute ischemic stroke prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis. Findings from this review will provide novel ideas for the clinical application of ncRNAs in acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhaohan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shiyao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huiling Sun
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaodan Qin
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Teng Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fuling Yan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiwen Deng
- Department of Neurology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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87
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Jiao F, Meng L, Du K, Li X. The autophagy-lysosome pathway: a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:139-158. [PMID: 38767483 PMCID: PMC11246151 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such as α-synuclein in neurons. As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways, the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins. Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance of α-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Thus, this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson's disease. In this review, we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy. Then, we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson's disease-related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Finally, we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy-lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Jiao
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lingyan Meng
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Kang Du
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuezhi Li
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
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88
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Li JZ, Ramalingam N, Li S. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in amyloid-β-mediated Alzheimer's pathophysiology: unveiling therapeutic potential. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:54-66. [PMID: 38767476 PMCID: PMC11246147 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a prominent chronic neurodegenerative condition characterized by a gradual decline in memory leading to dementia. Growing evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease is associated with accumulating various amyloid-β oligomers in the brain, influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors. The memory and cognitive deficits observed during the prodromal and mild cognitive impairment phases of Alzheimer's disease are believed to primarily result from synaptic dysfunction. Throughout life, environmental factors can lead to enduring changes in gene expression and the emergence of brain disorders. These changes, known as epigenetic modifications, also play a crucial role in regulating the formation of synapses and their adaptability in response to neuronal activity. In this context, we highlight recent advances in understanding the roles played by key components of the epigenetic machinery, specifically DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, in the development of Alzheimer's disease, synaptic function, and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we explore various strategies, including enriched environments, exposure to non-invasive brain stimulation, and the use of pharmacological agents, aimed at improving synaptic function and enhancing long-term potentiation, a process integral to epigenetic mechanisms. Lastly, we deliberate on the development of effective epigenetic agents and safe therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer's disease. We suggest that addressing Alzheimer's disease may require distinct tailored epigenetic drugs targeting different disease stages or pathways rather than relying on a single drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Z Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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89
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Tanaka T, Chung HL. Exploiting fly models to investigate rare human neurological disorders. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:21-28. [PMID: 38767473 PMCID: PMC11246155 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01847] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare neurological diseases, while individually are rare, collectively impact millions globally, leading to diverse and often severe neurological symptoms. Often attributed to genetic mutations that disrupt protein function or structure, understanding their genetic basis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies. To investigate the underlying pathogenesis of these conditions, researchers often use non-mammalian model organisms, such as Drosophila (fruit flies), which is valued for their genetic manipulability, cost-efficiency, and preservation of genes and biological functions across evolutionary time. Genetic tools available in Drosophila, including CRISPR-Cas9, offer a means to manipulate gene expression, allowing for a deep exploration of the genetic underpinnings of rare neurological diseases. Drosophila boasts a versatile genetic toolkit, rapid generation turnover, and ease of large-scale experimentation, making it an invaluable resource for identifying potential drug candidates. Researchers can expose flies carrying disease-associated mutations to various compounds, rapidly pinpointing promising therapeutic agents for further investigation in mammalian models and, ultimately, clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we explore rare neurological diseases where fly research has significantly contributed to our understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapeutic implications. We discuss rare diseases associated with both neuron-expressed and glial-expressed genes. Specific cases include mutations in CDK19 resulting in epilepsy and developmental delay, mutations in TIAM1 leading to a neurodevelopmental disorder with seizures and language delay, and mutations in IRF2BPL causing seizures, a neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, loss of speech, and abnormal movements. And we explore mutations in EMC1 related to cerebellar atrophy, visual impairment, psychomotor retardation, and gain-of-function mutations in ACOX1 causing Mitchell syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in ACOX1 result in ACOX1 deficiency, characterized by very-long-chain fatty acid accumulation and glial degeneration. Notably, this review highlights how modeling these diseases in Drosophila has provided valuable insights into their pathophysiology, offering a platform for the rapid identification of potential therapeutic interventions. Rare neurological diseases involve a wide range of expression systems, and sometimes common phenotypes can be found among different genes that cause abnormalities in neurons or glia. Furthermore, mutations within the same gene may result in varying functional outcomes, such as complete loss of function, partial loss of function, or gain-of-function mutations. The phenotypes observed in patients can differ significantly, underscoring the complexity of these conditions. In conclusion, Drosophila represents an indispensable and cost-effective tool for investigating rare neurological diseases. By facilitating the modeling of these conditions, Drosophila contributes to a deeper understanding of their genetic basis, pathophysiology, and potential therapies. This approach accelerates the discovery of promising drug candidates, ultimately benefiting patients affected by these complex and understudied diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hyung-Lok Chung
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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90
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Martinelli I, Mandrioli J, Ghezzi A, Zucchi E, Gianferrari G, Simonini C, Cavallieri F, Valzania F. Multifaceted superoxide dismutase 1 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: a rare occurrence? Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:130-138. [PMID: 38767482 PMCID: PMC11246149 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular condition resulting from the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord. While the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves both upper and lower motor neurons, human and animal studies over the years have highlighted the potential spread to other motor and non-motor regions, expanding the phenotype of ALS. Although superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations represent a minority of ALS cases, the SOD1 gene remains a milestone in ALS research as it represents the first genetic target for personalized therapies. Despite numerous single case reports or case series exhibiting extramotor symptoms in patients with ALS mutations in SOD1 (SOD1-ALS), no studies have comprehensively explored the full spectrum of extramotor neurological manifestations in this subpopulation. In this narrative review, we analyze and discuss the available literature on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during SOD1-ALS. The multifaceted expression of SOD1 could deepen our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms, pointing towards a multidisciplinary approach for affected patients in light of new therapeutic strategies for SOD1-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ghezzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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91
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Chen Z, Xie H, Liu J, Zhao J, Huang R, Xiang Y, Wu H, Tian D, Bian E, Xiong Z. Roles of TRPM channels in glioma. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2338955. [PMID: 38680092 PMCID: PMC11062369 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2338955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor. Despite advances in treatment, it remains one of the most aggressive and deadly tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Gliomas are characterized by high malignancy, heterogeneity, invasiveness, and high resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is urgent to find potential new molecular targets for glioma. The TRPM channels consist of TRPM1-TPRM8 and play a role in many cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, etc. More and more studies have shown that TRPM channels can be used as new therapeutic targets for glioma. In this review, we first introduce the structure, activation patterns, and physiological functions of TRPM channels. Additionally, the pathological mechanism of glioma mediated by TRPM2, 3, 7, and 8 and the related signaling pathways are described. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting TRPM for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital), Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P. R. China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - JiaJia Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruixiang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yufei Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyuan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dasheng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Erbao Bian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhang Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Translational Research Institute for Neurological Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital (Yijishan Hospital), Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, P. R. China
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92
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de Toledo GRA, Reissig GN, Senko LGS, Pereira DR, da Silva AF, Souza GM. Common bean under different water availability reveals classifiable stimuli-specific signatures in plant electrome. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2333144. [PMID: 38545860 PMCID: PMC10984121 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2333144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Plant electrophysiology has unveiled the involvement of electrical signals in the physiology and behavior of plants. Spontaneously generated bioelectric activity can be altered in response to changes in environmental conditions, suggesting that a plant's electrome may possess a distinct signature associated with various stimuli. Analyzing electrical signals, particularly the electrome, in conjunction with Machine Learning (ML) techniques has emerged as a promising approach to classify characteristic electrical signals corresponding to each stimulus. This study aimed to characterize the electrome of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. BRS-Expedito, subjected to different water availabilities, seeking patterns linked to these stimuli. For this purpose, bean plants in the vegetative stage were subjected to the following treatments: (I) distilled water; (II) half-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution; (III) -2 MPa PEG solution; and (IV) -2 MPa NaCl solution. Electrical signals were recorded within a Faraday's cage using the MP36 electronic system for data acquisition. Concurrently, plant water status was assessed by monitoring leaf turgor variation. Leaf temperature was additionally measured. Various analyses were conducted on the electrical time series data, including arithmetic average of voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, Probability Density Function (PDF), autocorrelation, Power Spectral Density (PSD), Approximate Entropy (ApEn), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Multiscale Approximate Entropy (ApEn(s)). Statistical analyses were performed on leaf temperature, voltage variation, skewness, kurtosis, PDF µ exponent, autocorrelation, PSD β exponent, and approximate entropy data. Machine Learning analyses were applied to identify classifiable patterns in the electrical time series. Characterization of the electrome of BRS-Expedito beans revealed stimulus-dependent profiles, even when alterations in water availability stimuli were similar in terms of quality and intensity. Additionally, it was observed that the bean electrome exhibits high levels of complexity, which are altered by different stimuli, with more intense and aversive stimuli leading to drastic reductions in complexity levels. Notably, one of the significant findings was the 100% accuracy of Small Vector Machine in detecting salt stress using electrome data. Furthermore, the study highlighted alterations in the plant electrome under low water potential before observable leaf turgor changes. This work demonstrates the potential use of the electrome as a physiological indicator of the water status in bean plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R. A. de Toledo
- Laboratory of Plant Cognition and Electrophysiology, Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Gabriela N. Reissig
- Laboratory of Plant Cognition and Electrophysiology, Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Luiz G. S. Senko
- Laboratory of Plant Cognition and Electrophysiology, Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | - Arlan F. da Silva
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M. Souza
- Laboratory of Plant Cognition and Electrophysiology, Department of Botany, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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93
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Barbosa-Méndez S, Matus-Ortega M, Hernandez-Miramontes R, Salazar-Juarez A. COT-TT vaccine attenuates cocaine-seeking and cocaine-conditioned place preference in rats. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2299068. [PMID: 38228468 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2299068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination active, promising alternative immunological strategy to treat of CUD. Various models of cocaine vaccines have been evaluated in animals and humans with relative success. In this sense, it is necessary to improve or optimize the cocaine vaccines already evaluated. Our laboratory previously reported the efficacy of the tetanus toxoid-conjugated morphine vaccine (M6-TT). The M6-TT vaccine can generate high titers of antibodies and reduce heroin-induced behavioral effects in rodents. So, it would be plausible to assume that if we modify the M6-TT vaccine by changing the hapten and maintaining the rest of the structural elements of the vaccine, we will maintain the properties of the M6-TT vaccine (high antibody titers). The objective of this study was to determine whether the antibodies generated by a tetanus toxoid-conjugated cocaine vaccine (COC-TT) can recognize and capture cocaine and decrease the cocaine-induced reinforcing effects. Male Wistar rats were immunized with the COC-TT. A solid-phase antibody-capture ELISA was used to monitor antibody titer responses after each booster dose in vaccinated animals. The study used cocaine self-administration and place-preference testing to evaluate the cocaine-reinforcing effects. The COC-TT vaccine could generate high levels of anti-cocaine antibodies. The antibodies reduced the cocaine self-administration and cocaine place preference. In addition, they decreased the cocaine-induced Fos protein expression. These findings suggest that the COC-TT vaccine generates a robust immunogenic response capable of reducing the reinforcing effects of cocaine, which supports its possible future use in clinical trials in patients with CUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barbosa-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía y Terapéutica Experimental, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Maura Matus-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Neuroquímica de las Adicciones, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ricardo Hernandez-Miramontes
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía y Terapéutica Experimental, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alberto Salazar-Juarez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía y Terapéutica Experimental, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, México
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94
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Morya AK, Ramesh PV, Nishant P, Kaur K, Gurnani B, Heda A, Salodia S. Diabetic retinopathy: A review on its pathophysiology and novel treatment modalities. World J Methodol 2024; 14:95881. [DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i4.95881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic non-communicable disease with the ability to cause serious microvascular and macrovascular complications throughout the body, including in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), present in one-third of patients with diabetes, is a vision-threatening complication caused by uncontrolled diabetes, which greatly affects the retinal blood vessels and the light-sensitive inner retina, eventually leading to blindness. Several epidemiological studies elucidate that DR can vary by age of onset, duration, types of diabetes, and ethnicity. Recent studies show that the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has spread its roots beyond merely being the result of hyperglycemia. The complexity of its etiopathology and diagnosis makes therapeutic intervention challenging. This review throws light on the pathological processes behind DR, the cascade of events that follow it, as well as the available and emerging treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Kumar Morya
- Head of the Department, Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad 508126, Telangana, India
| | - Prasanna Venkatesh Ramesh
- Glaucoma Medical Officer, Department of Glaucoma and Research, Mahathma Eye Hospital Private Limited, Trichy 620017, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prateek Nishant
- Department of Ophthalmology, ESIC Medical College, Patna 801103, Bihar, India
| | - Kirandeep Kaur
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Gomabai Netralaya and Research Centre, Neemuch 458441, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Bharat Gurnani
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Gomabai Netralaya and Research Centre, Neemuch 458441, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Aarti Heda
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Institute of Ophthalmology, Pune 411000, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sarika Salodia
- Global Medical Safety, Lundbeck, Singapore 569933, Singapore, Singapore
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95
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Rugiel M, Janik-Olchawa N, Kowalczyk J, Pomorska K, Sitarz M, Bik E, Horak D, Babic M, Setkowicz Z, Chwiej J. Raman microscopy allows to follow internalization, subcellular accumulation and fate of iron oxide nanoparticles in cells. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 323:124888. [PMID: 39116589 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
An important issue in the context of both potenial toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) and their medical applications is tracking of the internalization process of these nanomaterials into living cells, as well as their localization and fate within them. The typical methods used for this purpose are transmission electron microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy as well as light-scattering techniques including dark-field microscopy and flow cytometry. All the techniques mentioned have their advantages and disadvantages. Among the problems it is necessary to mention complicated sample preparation, difficult interpretation of experimental data requiring qualified and experienced personnel, different behavior of fluorescently labeled IONP comparing to those label-free or finally the lack of possibility of chemical composition characteristics of nanomaterials. The purpose of the present investigation was the assessment of the usefulness of Raman microscopy for the tracking of the internalization of IONP into cells, as well as the optimization of this process. Moreover, the study focused on identification of the potential differences in the cellular fate of superparamagnetic nanoparticles having magnetite and maghemite core. The Raman spectra of U87MG cells which internalized IONP presented additional bands which position depended on the used laser wavelength. They occurred at the wavenumber range 1700-2400 cm-1 for laser 488 nm and below the wavenumber of 800 cm-1 in case of laser 532 nm. The intensity of the mentioned Raman bands was higher for the green laser (532 nm) and their position, was independent and not characteristic on the primary core material of IONP (magnetite, maghemite). The obtained results showed that Raman microscopy is an excellent, non-destructive and objective technique that allows monitoring the process of internalization of IONP into cells and visualizing such nanoparticles and/or their metabolism products within them at low exposure levels. What is more, the process of tracking IONP using the technique may be further improved by using appropriate wavelength and power of the laser source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Rugiel
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Natalia Janik-Olchawa
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Julia Kowalczyk
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pomorska
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Sitarz
- Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Bik
- Academic Centre for Materials and Nanotechnology, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Daniel Horak
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského 2, 162 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Babic
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského 2, 162 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzanna Setkowicz
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Chwiej
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
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96
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Tian R, Tang S, Zhao J, Hao Y, Zhao L, Han X, Wang X, Zhang L, Li R, Zhou X. β-Hydroxybutyrate Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage via Regulating Ferroptosis. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2354918. [PMID: 38757723 PMCID: PMC11104694 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2354918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a particularly potent antineoplastic drug. However, its usefulness is restricted due to the induction of nephrotoxicity. More recent research has indicated that β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) protects against acute or chronic organ damage as an efficient healing agent. Nonetheless, the therapeutic mechanisms of β-HB in acute kidney damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs remain unclear. Our study developed a model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), which involved the administration of a ketogenic diet or β-HB. We analyzed blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels in serum, and used western blotting and immunohistochemical staining to assess ferroptosis and the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2 (Camkk2)/AMPK pathway. The mitochondrial morphology and function were examined. Additionally, we conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments using selective Camkk2 inhibitor or activator to investigate the protective mechanism of β-HB on cisplatin-induced AKI. Exogenous or endogenous β-HB effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced abnormally elevated levels of BUN and Cr and renal tubular necrosis in vivo. Additionally, β-HB reduced ferroptosis biomarkers and increased the levels of anti-ferroptosis biomarkers in the kidney. β-HB also improved mitochondrial morphology and function. Moreover, β-HB significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced cell ferroptosis and damage in vitro. Furthermore, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining indicated that β-HB may prevent kidney injury by regulating the Camkk2-AMPK pathway. The use of the Camkk2 inhibitor or activator verified the involvement of Camkk2 in the renal protection by β-HB. This study provided evidence of the protective effects of β-HB against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and identified inhibited ferroptosis and Camkk2 as potential molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Tian
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuqin Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yajie Hao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Limei Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiutao Han
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xingru Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University; Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital; The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University; Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, China
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97
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Werthmann GC, Herz J. Apoer2/Lrp8: the undercover cop of synaptic homeostasis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2563-2564. [PMID: 38808982 PMCID: PMC11168519 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gordon C. Werthmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience; Department of Neurology; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
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98
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Xie Y, Sun P, Huang H, Wu J, Ba Y, Zhou G, Yu F, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Qie R, Hu Z, Zou K, Zhang Y. Network analysis of smoking-related sleep characteristics in Chinese adults. Ann Med 2024; 56:2332424. [PMID: 38527416 PMCID: PMC10964831 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2332424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The associations between multiple sleep characteristics and smoking behavior are inconsistent, and it is unclear which sleep characteristics are most crucial for tobacco prevention. This study aimed to explore the associations between smoking status/intensity and multiple sleep characteristics and to identify the potential core domain of smoking-related sleep using network analysis. Data were obtained from a survey of cancer-related risk factors among Chinese adults. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the associations between sleep characteristics and smoking status/intensity. Network analyses were employed to identify the core sleep characteristics. A total of 5,228 participants with a median age of 44 years old were included in the study. Current smoking was significantly positively associated with long nap time, difficulty falling asleep, late bedtime, getting up after 7 am, and waking up earlier than expected. There was significant positive association between current smoking and short sleep duration in young adults under 45 years old. Late bedtime and getting up after 7 am were only associated with current heavy smoking, but not current light smoking. Network analyses showed that multiple smoking-related sleep characteristics were interconnected, with difficulty falling asleep and late bedtime as central characteristics in the network. The study found that the associations between sleep characteristics and smoking varied by age and smoking intensity and highlights the potential benefits of sleep health promotion in smoking cessation, with a particular focus on difficulty falling asleep and late bedtime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xie
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peiyuan Sun
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huang Huang
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health & Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health & Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fangfang Yu
- Department of Environmental Health & Environment and Health Innovation Team, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Daming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaqun Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Environment of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ranran Qie
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuolun Hu
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyong Zou
- Office for Cancer Screening, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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99
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Trus M, Atlas D. Non-ionotropic voltage-gated calcium channel signaling. Channels (Austin) 2024; 18:2341077. [PMID: 38601983 PMCID: PMC11017947 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2024.2341077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are the major conduits for calcium ions (Ca2+) within excitable cells. Recent studies have highlighted the non-ionotropic functionality of VGCCs, revealing their capacity to activate intracellular pathways independently of ion flow. This non-ionotropic signaling mode plays a pivotal role in excitation-coupling processes, including gene transcription through excitation-transcription (ET), synaptic transmission via excitation-secretion (ES), and cardiac contraction through excitation-contraction (EC). However, it is noteworthy that these excitation-coupling processes require extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and Ca2+ occupancy of the channel ion pore. Analogous to the "non-canonical" characterization of the non-ionotropic signaling exhibited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), which requires extracellular Ca2+ without the influx of ions, VGCC activation requires depolarization-triggered conformational change(s) concomitant with Ca2+ binding to the open channel. Here, we discuss the contributions of VGCCs to ES, ET, and EC coupling as Ca2+ binding macromolecules that transduces external stimuli to intracellular input prior to elevating intracellular Ca2+. We emphasize the recognition of calcium ion occupancy within the open ion-pore and its contribution to the excitation coupling processes that precede the influx of calcium. The non-ionotropic activation of VGCCs, triggered by the upstroke of an action potential, provides a conceptual framework to elucidate the mechanistic aspects underlying the microseconds nature of synaptic transmission, cardiac contractility, and the rapid induction of first-wave genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trus
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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100
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Liang K, Zhang M, Liang J, Zuo X, Jia X, Shan J, Li Z, Yu J, Xuan Z, Luo L, Zhao H, Gan S, Liu D, Qin Q, Wang Q. M1-type polarized macrophage contributes to brain damage through CXCR3.2/CXCL11 pathways after RGNNV infection in grouper. Virulence 2024; 15:2355971. [PMID: 38745468 PMCID: PMC11123556 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2355971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) is the most complex system of the body. The CNS, especially the brain, is generally regarded as immune-privileged. However, the specialized immune strategies in the brain and how immune cells, specifically macrophages in the brain, respond to virus invasion remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the potential immune response of macrophages in the brain of orange-spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides) following red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) infection. We observed that RGNNV induced macrophages to produce an inflammatory response in the brain of orange-spotted grouper, and the macrophages exhibited M1-type polarization after RGNNV infection. In addition, we found RGNNV-induced macrophage M1 polarization via the CXCR3.2- CXCL11 pathway. Furthermore, we observed that RGNNV triggered M1 polarization in macrophages, resulting in substantial proinflammatory cytokine production and subsequent damage to brain tissue. These findings reveal a unique mechanism for brain macrophage polarization, emphasizing their role in contributing to nervous tissue damage following viral infection in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaishan Liang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minlin Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiantao Liang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zuo
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianze Jia
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhong Shan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zongyang Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijie Xuan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyuan Luo
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huihong Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songyong Gan
- Guangdong Marine Fishery Experiment Center, Agro-tech Extension Center of Guangdong Province, Huizhou, China
| | - Ding Liu
- Guangdong Havwii Agricultural Group Co. Ltd, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Qiwei Qin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Fishery Institute of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Fishery Institute of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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