1
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Gao MY, Wang JQ, He J, Gao R, Zhang Y, Li X. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing in Astrocyte Development, Heterogeneity, and Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3449-3464. [PMID: 37552355 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and perform complicated functions in health and disease. It is obvious that different astrocyte subpopulations, or activation states, are relevant with specific genomic programs and functions. In recent years, the emergence of new technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has made substantial advance in the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity, astrocyte developmental trajectory, and its role in CNS diseases which has had a significant impact on neuroscience. In this review, we present an overview of astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its essential role in the physiological and pathological environments of the CNS. We focused on the critical role of single-cell sequencing in revealing astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its role in different CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin He
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Li
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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2
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Köhler S, Winkler U, Junge T, Lippmann K, Eilers J, Hirrlinger J. Gray and white matter astrocytes differ in basal metabolism but respond similarly to neuronal activity. Glia 2023; 71:229-244. [PMID: 36063073 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a heterogeneous population of glial cells in the brain, which adapt their properties to the requirements of the local environment. Two major groups of astrocytes are protoplasmic astrocytes residing in gray matter as well as fibrous astrocytes of white matter. Here, we compared the energy metabolism of astrocytes in the cortex and corpus callosum as representative gray matter and white matter regions, in acute brain slices taking advantage of genetically encoded fluorescent nanosensors for the NADH/NAD+ redox ratio and for ATP. Astrocytes of the corpus callosum presented a more reduced basal NADH/NAD+ redox ratio, and a lower cytosolic concentration of ATP compared to cortical astrocytes. In cortical astrocytes, the neurotransmitter glutamate and increased extracellular concentrations of K+ , typical correlates of neuronal activity, induced a more reduced NADH/NAD+ redox ratio. While application of glutamate decreased [ATP], K+ as well as the combination of glutamate and K+ resulted in an increase of ATP levels. Strikingly, a very similar regulation of metabolism by K+ and glutamate was observed in astrocytes in the corpus callosum. Finally, strong intrinsic neuronal activity provoked by application of bicuculline and withdrawal of Mg2+ caused a shift of the NADH/NAD+ redox ratio to a more reduced state as well as a slight reduction of [ATP] in gray and white matter astrocytes. In summary, the metabolism of astrocytes in cortex and corpus callosum shows distinct basal properties, but qualitatively similar responses to neuronal activity, probably reflecting the different environment and requirements of these brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Köhler
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Winkler
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tabea Junge
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristina Lippmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jens Eilers
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
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3
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Fan Y, Huang H, Shao J, Huang W. MicroRNA-mediated regulation of reactive astrocytes in central nervous system diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1061343. [PMID: 36710937 PMCID: PMC9877358 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1061343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes (AST) are abundant glial cells in the human brain, accounting for approximately 20-50% percent of mammalian central nervous system (CNS) cells. They display essential functions necessary to sustain the physiological processes of the CNS, including maintaining neuronal structure, forming the blood-brain barrier, coordinating neuronal metabolism, maintaining the extracellular environment, regulating cerebral blood flow, stabilizing intercellular communication, participating in neurotransmitter synthesis, and defending against oxidative stress et al. During the pathological development of brain tumors, stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), neurodegenerative diseases, and other neurological disorders, astrocytes undergo a series of highly heterogeneous changes, which are called reactive astrocytes, and mediate the corresponding pathophysiological process. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of reactive astrocytes and their therapeutic relevance remain unclear. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival, which play a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of CNS diseases. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs on reactive astrocytes in CNS diseases, which might provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases.
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4
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Kruyer A. Astrocyte Heterogeneity in Regulation of Synaptic Activity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193135. [PMID: 36231097 PMCID: PMC9562199 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our awareness of the number of synapse regulatory functions performed by astroglia is rapidly expanding, raising interesting questions regarding astrocyte heterogeneity and specialization across brain regions. Whether all astrocytes are poised to signal in a multitude of ways, or are instead tuned to surrounding synapses and how astroglial signaling is altered in psychiatric and cognitive disorders are fundamental questions for the field. In recent years, molecular and morphological characterization of astroglial types has broadened our ability to design studies to better analyze and manipulate specific functions of astroglia. Recent data emerging from these studies will be discussed in depth in this review. I also highlight remaining questions emerging from new techniques recently applied toward understanding the roles of astrocytes in synapse regulation in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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5
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Therapeutic functions of astrocytes to treat α-synuclein pathology in Parkinson’s disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2110746119. [PMID: 35858361 PMCID: PMC9304026 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110746119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraneuronal inclusions of misfolded α-synuclein (α-syn) and prion-like spread of the pathologic α-syn contribute to progressive neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite the pathologic significance, no efficient therapeutic intervention targeting α-synucleinopathy has been developed. In this study, we provide evidence that astrocytes, especially those cultured from the ventral midbrain (VM), show therapeutic potential to alleviate α-syn pathology in multiple in vitro and in vivo α-synucleinopathic models. Regulation of neuronal α-syn proteostasis underlies the therapeutic function of astrocytes. Specifically, VM-derived astrocytes inhibited neuronal α-syn aggregation and transmission in a paracrine manner by correcting not only intraneuronal oxidative and mitochondrial stresses but also extracellular inflammatory environments, in which α-syn proteins are prone to pathologic misfolding. The astrocyte-derived paracrine factors also promoted disassembly of extracellular α-syn aggregates. In addition to the aggregated form of α-syn, VM astrocytes reduced total α-syn protein loads both by actively scavenging extracellular α-syn fibrils and by a paracrine stimulation of neuronal autophagic clearance of α-syn. Transplantation of VM astrocytes into the midbrain of PD model mice alleviated α-syn pathology and protected the midbrain dopamine neurons from neurodegeneration. We further showed that cografting of VM astrocytes could be exploited in stem cell–based therapy for PD, in which host-to-graft transmission of α-syn pathology remains a critical concern for long-term cell therapeutic effects.
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6
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Park M. Recent Update in Pharmacological Agents for Optic Pathway Glioma. Brain Tumor Res Treat 2022; 10:101-107. [PMID: 35545829 PMCID: PMC9098979 DOI: 10.14791/btrt.2022.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are insidious, debilitating low-grade tumors. They can affect the optic nerve, optic chiasm, and optic tracts and can be sporadic or associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The location of OPGs within the optic pathway typically precludes complete resection or optimal radiation dose. Treatment is unnecessary for sporadic and NF1-related OPGs that do not cause visual impairments. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with progressive disease. However, outcomes following standard treatments have been mixed, and standardized outcome measurements are lacking. In recent years, newer molecularly targeted therapies such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, represent a promising treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meerim Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Pediatric Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
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7
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de Rus Jacquet A, Ambaw A, Tambe MA, Ma SY, Timmers M, Grace MH, Wu QL, Simon JE, McCabe GP, Lila MA, Shi R, Rochet JC. Neuroprotective mechanisms of red clover and soy isoflavones in Parkinson's disease models. Food Funct 2021; 12:11987-12007. [PMID: 34751296 PMCID: PMC10822195 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00007a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by nigrostriatal degeneration and the spreading of aggregated forms of the presynaptic protein α-synuclein (aSyn) throughout the brain. PD patients are currently only treated with symptomatic therapies, and strategies to slow or stop the progressive neurodegeneration underlying the disease's motor and cognitive symptoms are greatly needed. The time between the first neurobiochemical alterations and the initial presentation of symptoms is thought to span several years, and early neuroprotective dietary interventions could delay the disease onset or slow PD progression. In this study, we characterized the neuroprotective effects of isoflavones, a class of dietary polyphenols found in soy products and in the medicinal plant red clover (Trifolium pratense). We found that isoflavone-rich extracts and individual isoflavones rescued the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the shortening of neurites in primary mesencephalic cultures exposed to two PD-related insults, the environmental toxin rotenone and an adenovirus encoding the A53T aSyn mutant. The extracts and individual isoflavones also activated the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response in astrocytes via a mechanism involving inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and they alleviated deficits in mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, an isoflavone-enriched soy extract reduced motor dysfunction exhibited by rats lesioned with the PD-related neurotoxin 6-OHDA. These findings suggest that plant-derived isoflavones could serve as dietary supplements to delay PD onset in at-risk individuals and mitigate neurodegeneration in the brains of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie de Rus Jacquet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Abeje Ambaw
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Mitali Arun Tambe
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Sin Ying Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Michael Timmers
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - Mary H Grace
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - Qing-Li Wu
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - James E Simon
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - George P McCabe
- Department of Statistics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Mary Ann Lila
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - Riyi Shi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Rochet
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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8
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Borggrewe M, Grit C, Vainchtein ID, Brouwer N, Wesseling EM, Laman JD, Eggen BJL, Kooistra SM, Boddeke EWGM. Regionally diverse astrocyte subtypes and their heterogeneous response to EAE. Glia 2020; 69:1140-1154. [PMID: 33332631 PMCID: PMC7985878 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes fulfil many functions in the central nervous system (CNS), including contribution to the blood brain barrier, synapse formation, and trophic support. In addition, they can mount an inflammatory response and are heterogeneous in morphology and function. To extensively characterize astrocyte subtypes, we FACS‐isolated and gene expression profiled distinct astrocyte subtypes from three central nervous system regions; forebrain, hindbrain and spinal cord. Astrocyte subpopulations were separated based on GLAST/SLC1A3 and ACSA‐2/ATP1B2 cell surface expression. The local brain environment proved key in establishing different transcriptional programs in astrocyte subtypes. Transcriptional differences between subtypes were also apparent in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, where these astrocyte subtypes showed distinct responses. While gene expression signatures associated with blood–brain barrier maintenance were lost, signatures involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity were increased in spinal cord astrocytes, especially during acute disease stages. In chronic stages of EAE, this reactive astrocyte signature was slightly decreased, while obtaining a more proliferative profile, which might be relevant for glia scar formation and tissue regeneration. Morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes previously indicated the presence of astrocyte subtypes, and here we show diversity based on transcriptome variation associated with brain regions and differential responsiveness to a neuroinflammatory insult (EAE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Borggrewe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corien Grit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilia D Vainchtein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nieske Brouwer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Evelyn M Wesseling
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jon D Laman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J L Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne M Kooistra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik W G M Boddeke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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das Neves SP, Sousa JC, Sousa N, Cerqueira JJ, Marques F. Altered astrocytic function in experimental neuroinflammation and multiple sclerosis. Glia 2020; 69:1341-1368. [PMID: 33247866 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects about 2.5 million people worldwide. In MS, the patients' immune system starts to attack the myelin sheath, leading to demyelination, neurodegeneration, and, ultimately, loss of vital neurological functions such as walking. There is currently no cure for MS and the available treatments only slow the initial phases of the disease. The later-disease mechanisms are poorly understood and do not directly correlate with the activity of immune system cells, the main target of the available treatments. Instead, evidence suggests that disease progression and disability are better correlated with the maintenance of a persistent low-grade inflammation inside the CNS, driven by local glial cells, like astrocytes and microglia. Depending on the context, astrocytes can (a) exacerbate inflammation or (b) promote immunosuppression and tissue repair. In this review, we will address the present knowledge that exists regarding the role of astrocytes in MS and experimental animal models of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pereira das Neves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - João José Cerqueira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,Clinical Academic Center, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
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10
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Augusto-Oliveira M, Arrifano GP, Takeda PY, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Anthony DC, Verkhratsky A, Crespo-Lopez ME. Astroglia-specific contributions to the regulation of synapses, cognition and behaviour. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:331-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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de Rus Jacquet A. Preparation and Co-Culture of iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons and Astrocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 85:e98. [PMID: 31763766 PMCID: PMC9285934 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐based models are powerful tools to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The differentiation of patient‐derived neurons and astrocytes allows investigation of the molecular mechanisms responsible for disease onset and development. In particular, these two cell types can be mono‐ or co‐cultured to study the influence of cell‐autonomous and non‐cell‐autonomous contributors to neurodegenerative diseases. We developed a streamlined procedure to produce high‐quality/high‐purity cultures of dopaminergic neurons and astrocytes that originate from the same population of midbrain floor‐plate progenitors. This unit describes differentiation, quality control, culture parameters, and troubleshooting tips to ensure the highest quality and reproducibility of research results. © 2019 The Authors. Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation of iPSCs into midbrain‐patterned neural progenitor cells Support Protocol: Quality control of neural progenitor cells Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of neural progenitor cells into astrocytes Basic Protocol 3: Differentiation of neural progenitor cells into dopaminergic neurons Basic Protocol 4: Co‐culture of iPSC‐derived neurons and astrocytes
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12
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Batiuk MY, Martirosyan A, Wahis J, de Vin F, Marneffe C, Kusserow C, Koeppen J, Viana JF, Oliveira JF, Voet T, Ponting CP, Belgard TG, Holt MG. Identification of region-specific astrocyte subtypes at single cell resolution. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1220. [PMID: 32139688 PMCID: PMC7058027 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 392] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major cell type found throughout the central nervous system, have general roles in the modulation of synapse formation and synaptic transmission, blood-brain barrier formation, and regulation of blood flow, as well as metabolic support of other brain resident cells. Crucially, emerging evidence shows specific adaptations and astrocyte-encoded functions in regions, such as the spinal cord and cerebellum. To investigate the true extent of astrocyte molecular diversity across forebrain regions, we used single-cell RNA sequencing. Our analysis identifies five transcriptomically distinct astrocyte subtypes in adult mouse cortex and hippocampus. Validation of our data in situ reveals distinct spatial positioning of defined subtypes, reflecting the distribution of morphologically and physiologically distinct astrocyte populations. Our findings are evidence for specialized astrocyte subtypes between and within brain regions. The data are available through an online database (https://holt-sc.glialab.org/), providing a resource on which to base explorations of local astrocyte diversity and function in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhailo Y Batiuk
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Araks Martirosyan
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Wahis
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip de Vin
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Catherine Marneffe
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carola Kusserow
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jordan Koeppen
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium
| | - João Filipe Viana
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3Bs - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3Bs - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, IPCA Campus, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Thierry Voet
- Sanger Institute-EBI Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- KU Leuven Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris P Ponting
- Sanger Institute-EBI Single-Cell Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - T Grant Belgard
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Bioinformatics CRO, Niceville, Florida, 32578, USA
| | - Matthew G Holt
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Glia Biology, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Bruckert L, Shpanskaya K, McKenna ES, Borchers LR, Yablonski M, Blecher T, Ben-Shachar M, Travis KE, Feldman HM, Yeom KW. Age-Dependent White Matter Characteristics of the Cerebellar Peduncles from Infancy Through Adolescence. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:372-387. [PMID: 30637673 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-1003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellum-cerebrum connections are essential for many motor and cognitive functions and cerebellar disorders are prevalent in childhood. The middle (MCP), inferior (ICP), and superior cerebellar peduncles (SCP) are the major white matter pathways that permit communication between the cerebellum and the cerebrum. Knowledge about the microstructural properties of these cerebellar peduncles across childhood is limited. Here, we report on a diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography study to describe age-dependent characteristics of the cerebellar peduncles in a cross-sectional sample of infants, children, and adolescents from newborn to 17 years of age (N = 113). Scans were collected as part of clinical care; participants were restricted to those whose scans showed no abnormal findings and whose history and exam had no risk factors for cerebellar abnormalities. A novel automated tractography protocol was applied. Results showed that mean tract-FA increased, while mean tract-MD decreased from infancy to adolescence in all peduncles. Rapid changes were observed in both diffusion measures in the first 24 months of life, followed by gradual change at older ages. The shape of the tract profiles was similar across ages for all peduncles. These data are the first to characterize the variability of diffusion properties both across and within cerebellar white matter pathways that occur from birth through later adolescence. The data represent a rich normative data set against which white matter alterations seen in children with posterior fossa conditions can be compared. Ultimately, the data will facilitate the identification of sensitive biomarkers of cerebellar abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Bruckert
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Katie Shpanskaya
- Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Emily S McKenna
- Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lauren R Borchers
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Maya Yablonski
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tal Blecher
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Ben-Shachar
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of English Literature and Linguistics, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katherine E Travis
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Heidi M Feldman
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Kristen W Yeom
- Department of Radiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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14
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Heterogeneity of Astrocytes in Grey and White Matter. Neurochem Res 2019; 46:3-14. [PMID: 31797158 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a diverse and heterogeneous type of glial cells. The major task of grey and white matter areas in the brain are computation of information at neuronal synapses and propagation of action potentials along axons, respectively, resulting in diverse demands for astrocytes. Adapting their function to the requirements in the local environment, astrocytes differ in morphology, gene expression, metabolism, and many other properties. Here we review the differential properties of protoplasmic astrocytes of grey matter and fibrous astrocytes located in white matter in respect to glutamate and energy metabolism, to their function at the blood-brain interface and to coupling via gap junctions. Finally, we discuss how this astrocytic heterogeneity might contribute to the different susceptibility of grey and white matter to ischemic insults.
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15
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Kang M, Lee YS. The impact of RASopathy-associated mutations on CNS development in mice and humans. Mol Brain 2019; 12:96. [PMID: 31752929 PMCID: PMC6873535 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of developmental processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, in the central nervous system (CNS). Germline mutations in the RAS signaling pathway genes are associated with a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively called RASopathy, which includes neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, and Costello syndrome. Most mutations associated with RASopathies increase the activity of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway, and therefore, most individuals with RASopathies share common phenotypes, such as a short stature, heart defects, facial abnormalities, and cognitive impairments, which are often accompanied by abnormal CNS development. Recent studies using mouse models of RASopathies demonstrated that particular mutations associated with each disorder disrupt CNS development in a mutation-specific manner. Here, we reviewed the recent literatures that investigated the developmental role of RASopathy-associated mutations using mutant mice, which provided insights into the specific contribution of RAS-ERK signaling molecules to CNS development and the subsequent impact on cognitive function in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyung Kang
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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16
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Laug D, Huang TW, Huerta NAB, Huang AYS, Sardar D, Ortiz-Guzman J, Carlson JC, Arenkiel BR, Kuo CT, Mohila CA, Glasgow SM, Lee HK, Deneen B. Nuclear factor I-A regulates diverse reactive astrocyte responses after CNS injury. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:4408-4418. [PMID: 31498149 PMCID: PMC6763246 DOI: 10.1172/jci127492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are associated with every form of neurological injury. Despite their ubiquity, the molecular mechanisms controlling their production and diverse functions remain poorly defined. Because many features of astrocyte development are recapitulated in reactive astrocytes, we investigated the role of nuclear factor I-A (NFIA), a key transcriptional regulator of astrocyte development whose contributions to reactive astrocytes remain undefined. Here, we show that NFIA is highly expressed in reactive astrocytes in human neurological injury and identify unique roles across distinct injury states and regions of the CNS. In the spinal cord, after white matter injury (WMI), NFIA-deficient astrocytes exhibit defects in blood-brain barrier remodeling, which are correlated with the suppression of timely remyelination. In the cortex, after ischemic stroke, NFIA is required for the production of reactive astrocytes from the subventricular zone (SVZ). Mechanistically, NFIA directly regulates the expression of thrombospondin 4 (Thbs4) in the SVZ, revealing a key transcriptional node regulating reactive astrogenesis. Together, these studies uncover critical roles for NFIA in reactive astrocytes and illustrate how region- and injury-specific factors dictate the spectrum of reactive astrocyte responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Laug
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Navish A. Bosquez Huerta
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anna Yu-Szu Huang
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Joshua Ortiz-Guzman
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Carlson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Arenkiel
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chay T. Kuo
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carrie A. Mohila
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and,Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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17
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Pioglitazone improves working memory performance when administered in chronic TBI. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104611. [PMID: 31513844 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Even in comparatively mild injuries, cognitive and behavioral symptoms can persist for years, and there are currently no established strategies for mitigating symptoms in chronic injury. A key feature of TBI-induced damage in acute and chronic injury is disruption of metabolic pathways. As neurotransmission, and therefore cognition, are highly dependent on the supply of energy, we hypothesized that modulating metabolic activity could help restore behavioral performance even when treatment was initiated weeks after TBI. We treated rats with pioglitazone, a FDA-approved drug for diabetes, beginning 46 days after lateral fluid percussion injury and tested working memory performance in the radial arm maze (RAM) after 14 days of treatment. Pioglitazone treated TBI rats performed significantly better in the RAM test than untreated TBI rats, and similarly to control animals. While hexokinase activity in hippocampus was increased by pioglitazone treatment, there was no upregulation of either the neuronal glucose transporter or hexokinase enzyme expression. Expression of glial markers GFAP and Iba-1 were also not influenced by pioglitazone treatment. These studies suggest that targeting brain metabolism, in particular hippocampal metabolism, may be effective in alleviating cognitive symptoms in chronic TBI.
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18
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Klemens J, Ciurkiewicz M, Chludzinski E, Iseringhausen M, Klotz D, Pfankuche VM, Ulrich R, Herder V, Puff C, Baumgärtner W, Beineke A. Neurotoxic potential of reactive astrocytes in canine distemper demyelinating leukoencephalitis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11689. [PMID: 31406213 PMCID: PMC6690900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a fatal demyelinating leukoencephalitis in young dogs resembling human multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are the main cellular target of CDV and undergo reactive changes already in pre-demyelinating brain lesions. Based on their broad range of beneficial and detrimental effects in the injured brain reactive astrogliosis is in need of intensive investigation. The aim of the study was to characterize astrocyte plasticity during the course of CDV-induced demyelinating leukoencephalitis by the aid of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of reactive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes with increased survivin and reduced aquaporin 4, and glutamine synthetase protein levels, indicating disturbed blood brain barrier function, glutamate homeostasis and astrocyte maladaptation, respectively. Gene expression analysis revealed 81 differentially expressed astrocyte-related genes with a dominance of genes associated with neurotoxic A1-polarized astrocytes. Accordingly, acyl-coA synthetase long-chain family member 5+/GFAP+, and serglycin+/GFAP+ cells, characteristic of A1-astrocytes, were found in demyelinating lesions by immunofluorescence. In addition, gene expression revealed a dysregulation of astrocytic function including disturbed glutamate homeostasis and altered immune function. Observed findings indicate an astrocyte polarization towards a neurotoxic phenotype likely contributing to lesion initiation and progression in canine distemper leukoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Klemens
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Ciurkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - E Chludzinski
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Iseringhausen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Klotz
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - V M Pfankuche
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - R Ulrich
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - V Herder
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - C Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
| | - W Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Beineke
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hannover, Germany.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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19
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Bradley RA, Shireman J, McFalls C, Choi J, Canfield SG, Dong Y, Liu K, Lisota B, Jones JR, Petersen A, Bhattacharyya A, Palecek SP, Shusta EV, Kendziorski C, Zhang SC. Regionally specified human pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes exhibit different molecular signatures and functional properties. Development 2019; 146:dev.170910. [PMID: 31189664 DOI: 10.1242/dev.170910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes display diverse morphologies in different regions of the central nervous system. Whether astrocyte diversity is attributable to developmental processes and bears functional consequences, especially in humans, is unknown. RNA-seq of human pluripotent stem cell-derived regional astrocytes revealed distinct transcript profiles, suggesting differential functional properties. This was confirmed by differential calcium signaling as well as effects on neurite growth and blood-brain barrier formation. Distinct transcriptional profiles and functional properties of human astrocytes generated from regionally specified neural progenitors under the same conditions strongly implicate the developmental impact on astrocyte diversity. These findings provide a rationale for renewed examination of regional astrocytes and their role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Bradley
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jack Shireman
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Caya McFalls
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jeea Choi
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Scott G Canfield
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, Indiana University - Terre Haute, IN 47885, USA
| | - Yi Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Katie Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Brianne Lisota
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jeffery R Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Andrew Petersen
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Christina Kendziorski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA .,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857
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20
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Sorrentino ZA, Giasson BI, Chakrabarty P. α-Synuclein and astrocytes: tracing the pathways from homeostasis to neurodegeneration in Lewy body disease. Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:1-21. [PMID: 30798354 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-01977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a soluble protein that is present in abundance in the brain, though its normal function in the healthy brain is poorly defined. Intraneuronal inclusions of α-synuclein, commonly referred to as Lewy pathology, are pathological hallmarks of a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders referred to as α-synucleinopathies. Though α-synuclein is expressed predominantly in neurons, α-synuclein aggregates in astrocytes are a common feature in these neurodegenerative diseases. How and why α-synuclein ends up in the astrocytes and the consequences of this dysfunctional proteostasis in immune cells is a major area of research that can have far-reaching implications for future immunobiotherapies in α-synucleinopathies. Accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein can disrupt astrocyte function in general and, more importantly, can contribute to neurodegeneration in α-synucleinopathies through various pathways. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on how astrocytic α-synucleinopathy affects CNS function in health and disease and propose a model of neuroglial connectome altered by α-synuclein proteostasis that might be amenable to immune-based therapies.
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21
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Cuevas-Diaz Duran R, Wang CY, Zheng H, Deneen B, Wu JQ. Brain Region-Specific Gene Signatures Revealed by Distinct Astrocyte Subpopulations Unveil Links to Glioma and Neurodegenerative Diseases. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0288-18.2019. [PMID: 30957015 PMCID: PMC6449165 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0288-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective treatments for glioma or for neurodegenerative diseases because of, in part, our limited understanding of the pathophysiology and cellular heterogeneity of these diseases. Mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes play an active role in the pathogenesis of these diseases by contributing to a diverse range of pathophysiological states. In a previous study, five molecularly distinct astrocyte subpopulations from three different brain regions were identified. To further delineate the underlying diversity of these populations, we obtained mouse brain region-specific gene signatures for both protein-coding and long non-coding RNA and found that these astrocyte subpopulations are endowed with unique molecular signatures across diverse brain regions. Additional gene set and single-sample enrichment analyses revealed that gene signatures of different subpopulations are differentially correlated with glioma tumors that harbor distinct genomic alterations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that links transcriptional profiles of astrocyte subpopulations with glioma genomic mutations. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that subpopulations of astrocytes in select brain regions are associated with specific neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, the present study provides a new perspective for understanding the pathophysiology of glioma and neurodegenerative diseases and highlights the potential contributions of diverse astrocyte populations to normal, malignant, and degenerative brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Cuevas-Diaz Duran
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey NL 64710, Mexico
| | - Chih-Yen Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City 70101, Taiwan
| | - Hui Zheng
- Huffington Center on Aging
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy
- Department of Neuroscience
- Neurological Research Institute at Texas’ Children’s Hospital
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jia Qian Wu
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, UT Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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22
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Astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, age-related CNS diseases, and HAND. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:722-733. [PMID: 30671779 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-019-00721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate local cerebral blood flow, maintain ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, provide metabolic support, regulate synaptic activity, and respond to brain injury, insults, and infection. Because of their abundance, extensive connectivity, and multiple roles in the brain, astrocytes are intimately involved in normal functioning of the CNS and their dysregulation can lead to neuronal dysfunction. In normal aging, decreased biological functioning and reduced cognitive abilities are commonly experienced in individuals free of overt neurological disease. Moreover, in several age-related CNS diseases, chronic inflammation and altered metabolism have been reported. Since people with HIV (PWH) are reported to experience rapid aging with chronic inflammation, altered brain metabolism is likely to be exacerbated. In fact, many studies report altered metabolism in astrocytes in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and HIV. This review will address the roles of astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, in age-related CNS disease, and in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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23
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Shih EK, Robinson MB. Role of Astrocytic Mitochondria in Limiting Ischemic Brain Injury? Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 33:99-112. [PMID: 29412059 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00038.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, astrocyte processes were thought to be too small to contain mitochondria. However, it is now clear that mitochondria are found throughout fine astrocyte processes and are mobile with neuronal activity resulting in positioning near synapses. In this review, we discuss evidence that astrocytic mitochondria confer selective resiliency to astrocytes during ischemic insults and the functional significance of these mitochondria for normal brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn K Shih
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Neurology , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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24
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Testen A, Ali M, Sexton HG, Hodges S, Dubester K, Reissner KJ, Swartzwelder HS, Risher ML. Region-Specific Differences in Morphometric Features and Synaptic Colocalization of Astrocytes During Development. Neuroscience 2018; 400:98-109. [PMID: 30599266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that astrocytes play pivotal roles in neuronal synapse formation and maturation as well as in the modulation of synaptic transmission. Despite their general importance for brain function, relatively little is known about the maturation of astrocytes during normal postnatal development, especially during adolescence, and how that maturation may influence astroglial-synaptic contact. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and dorsal hippocampus (dHipp) are critical for executive function, memory, and their effective integration. Further, both regions undergo significant functional changes during adolescence and early adulthood that are believed to mediate these functions. However, it is unclear the extent to which astrocytes change during these late developmental periods, nor is it clear whether their association with functional synapses shifts as adolescent and young adult maturation proceeds. Here we utilize an astrocyte-specific viral labeling approach paired with high-resolution single-cell astrocyte imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction to determine whether mPFC and dHipp astrocytes have temporally distinct maturation trajectories. mPFC astrocytes, in particular, continue to mature well into emerging adulthood (postnatal day 70). Moreover, this ongoing maturation is accompanied by a substantial increase in colocalization of astrocytes with the postsynaptic neuronal marker, PSD-95. Taken together, these data provide novel insight into region-specific astrocyte-synapse interactions in late CNS development and into adulthood, thus raising implications for the mechanism of post-adolescent development of the mPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anze Testen
- Curriculum in Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Maryam Ali
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States
| | - Hannah G Sexton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States; Neurobiology Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, United States; Neurobiology Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Huntington, WV, United States
| | | | - Kira Dubester
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States
| | - Kathryn J Reissner
- Curriculum in Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill, United States
| | - H Scott Swartzwelder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States; Neurobiology Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mary-Louise Risher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, United States; Neurobiology Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, United States; Neurobiology Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Huntington, WV, United States.
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25
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KIAA1549-BRAF Expression Establishes a Permissive Tumor Microenvironment Through NFκB-Mediated CCL2 Production. Neoplasia 2018; 21:52-60. [PMID: 30504064 PMCID: PMC6277251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
KIAA1549-BRAF is the most frequently identified genetic mutation in sporadic pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), creating a fusion BRAF (f-BRAF) protein with increased BRAF activity. Fusion-BRAF-expressing neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibit increased cell growth and can generate glioma-like lesions following injection into the cerebella of naïve mice. Increased Iba1+ monocyte (microglia) infiltration is associated with murine f-BRAF-expressing NSC-induced glioma-like lesion formation, suggesting that f-BRAF-expressing NSCs attract microglia to establish a microenvironment supportive of tumorigenesis. Herein, we identify Ccl2 as the chemokine produced by f-BRAF-expressing NSCs, which is critical for creating a permissive stroma for gliomagenesis. In addition, f-BRAF regulation of Ccl2 production operates in an ERK- and NFκB-dependent manner in cerebellar NSCs. Finally, Ccr2-mediated microglia recruitment is required for glioma-like lesion formation in vivo, as tumor do not form in Ccr2-deficient mice following f-BRAF-expressing NSC injection. Collectively, these results demonstrate that f-BRAF expression creates a supportive tumor microenvironment through NFκB-mediated Ccl2 production and microglia recruitment.
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26
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Tran AP, Warren PM, Silver J. The Biology of Regeneration Failure and Success After Spinal Cord Injury. Physiol Rev 2018. [PMID: 29513146 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 488] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since no approved therapies to restore mobility and sensation following spinal cord injury (SCI) currently exist, a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms following SCI that compromise regeneration or neuroplasticity is needed to develop new strategies to promote axonal regrowth and restore function. Physical trauma to the spinal cord results in vascular disruption that, in turn, causes blood-spinal cord barrier rupture leading to hemorrhage and ischemia, followed by rampant local cell death. As subsequent edema and inflammation occur, neuronal and glial necrosis and apoptosis spread well beyond the initial site of impact, ultimately resolving into a cavity surrounded by glial/fibrotic scarring. The glial scar, which stabilizes the spread of secondary injury, also acts as a chronic, physical, and chemo-entrapping barrier that prevents axonal regeneration. Understanding the formative events in glial scarring helps guide strategies towards the development of potential therapies to enhance axon regeneration and functional recovery at both acute and chronic stages following SCI. This review will also discuss the perineuronal net and how chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) deposited in both the glial scar and net impede axonal outgrowth at the level of the growth cone. We will end the review with a summary of current CSPG-targeting strategies that help to foster axonal regeneration, neuroplasticity/sprouting, and functional recovery following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Phuong Tran
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland, Ohio ; and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds , Leeds , United Kingdom
| | - Philippa Mary Warren
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland, Ohio ; and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds , Leeds , United Kingdom
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University , Cleveland, Ohio ; and School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds , Leeds , United Kingdom
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27
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Hwang M, Bergmann CC. Intercellular Communication Is Key for Protective IFNα/β Signaling During Viral Central Nervous System Infection. Viral Immunol 2018; 32:1-6. [PMID: 30222502 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of viruses can induce central nervous system (CNS) infections and neurological diseases, although the incidence is rare. Similar to peripheral infections, IFNα/β induction and signaling constitutes a first line of defense to limit virus dissemination. However, CNS-resident cells differ widely in their repertoire and magnitude of both basal and inducible components in the IFNα/β pathway. While microglia as resident myeloid cells have been implicated as prominent sentinels of CNS invading pathogens or insults, astrocytes are emerging as key responders to many neurotropic RNA virus infections. Focusing on RNA viruses, this review discusses the role of astrocytes as IFNα/β inducers and responders and touches on the role of IFNα/β receptor signaling in regulating myeloid cell activation and IFNγ responsiveness. A summary picture emerges implicating IFNα/β not only as key in establishing the classical "antiviral" state, but also orchestrating cell mobility and IFNγ-mediated effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihyun Hwang
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cornelia C Bergmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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28
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Sexton-Oates A, Dodgshun A, Hovestadt V, Jones DTW, Ashley DM, Sullivan M, MacGregor D, Saffery R. Methylation profiling of paediatric pilocytic astrocytoma reveals variants specifically associated with tumour location and predictive of recurrence. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:1219-1232. [PMID: 28388012 PMCID: PMC6068350 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) are low-grade tumours with an excellent prognosis. However, a minority, particularly those in surgically inaccessible locations, have poorer long-term outcome. At present, it is unclear whether anatomical location in isolation, or in combination with underlying biological variation, determines clinical behaviour. Here, we have tested the utility of DNA methylation profiling to inform tumour biology and to predict behaviour in paediatric PA. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were generated for 117 paediatric PAs. Using a combination of analyses, we identified DNA methylation variants specific to tumour location and predictive of behaviour. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to test the predictive utility of clinical and/or DNA methylation features to classify tumour behaviour at diagnosis. Unsupervised analysis distinguished three methylation clusters associated with tumour location (cortical, midline and infratentorial). Differential methylation of 5404 sites identified enrichment of genes involved in 'embryonic nervous system development'. Specific hypermethylation of NEUROG1 and NR2E1 was identified as a feature of cortical tumours. A highly accurate method to classify tumours according to behaviour, which combined three clinical features (age, location and extent of resection) and methylation level at a single site, was identified. Our findings show location-specific epigenetic profiles for PAs, potentially reflecting their cell type of origin. This may account for differences in clinical behaviour according to location independent of histopathology. We also defined an accurate method to predict tumour behaviour at diagnosis. This warrants further testing in similar patient cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sexton-Oates
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew Dodgshun
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Volker Hovestadt
- Division of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David M Ashley
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia
| | - Michael Sullivan
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Duncan MacGregor
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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29
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BMP-Responsive Protease HtrA1 Is Differentially Expressed in Astrocytes and Regulates Astrocytic Development and Injury Response. J Neurosci 2018; 38:3840-3857. [PMID: 29483282 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2031-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes perform a wide array of physiological functions, including structural support, ion exchange, and neurotransmitter uptake. Despite this diversity, molecular markers that label subpopulations of astrocytes are limited, and mechanisms that generate distinct astrocyte subtypes remain unclear. Here we identified serine protease high temperature requirement A 1 (HtrA1), a bone morphogenetic protein 4 signaling regulated protein, as a novel marker of forebrain astrocytes, but not of neural stem cells, in adult mice of both sexes. Genetic deletion of HtrA1 during gliogenesis accelerates astrocyte differentiation. In addition, ablation of HtrA1 in cultured astrocytes leads to altered chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expression and inhibition of neurite extension, along with elevated levels of transforming growth factor-β family proteins. Brain injury induces HtrA1 expression in reactive astrocytes, and loss of HtrA1 leads to an impairment in wound closure accompanied by increased proliferation of endothelial and immune cells. Our findings demonstrate that HtrA1 is differentially expressed in adult mouse forebrain astrocytes, and that HtrA1 plays important roles in astrocytic development and injury response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytes, an abundant cell type in the brain, perform a wide array of physiological functions. Although characterized as morphologically and functionally diverse, molecular markers that label astrocyte subtypes or signaling pathways that lead to their diversity remain limited. Here, after examining the expression profile of astrocytes generated in response to bone morphogenetic protein signaling, we identify high temperature requirement A 1 (HtrA1) as an astrocyte-specific marker that is differentially expressed in distinct adult mouse brain regions. HtrA1 is a serine protease that has been linked to cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, a small blood vessel disease in humans. Understanding the role of HtrA1 during development and after injury will provide insights into how distinct astrocyte populations are generated and their unique roles in injury and disease.
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30
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Song JJ, Oh SM, Kwon OC, Wulansari N, Lee HS, Chang MY, Lee E, Sun W, Lee SE, Chang S, An H, Lee CJ, Lee SH. Cografting astrocytes improves cell therapeutic outcomes in a Parkinson's disease model. J Clin Invest 2017; 128:463-482. [PMID: 29227284 DOI: 10.1172/jci93924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is a potential therapy for treating neurodegenerative disorders, but this approach has faced many challenges and limited success, primarily because of inhospitable host brain environments that interfere with enriched neuron engraftment and function. Astrocytes play neurotrophic roles in the developing and adult brain, making them potential candidates for helping with modification of hostile brain environments. In this study, we examined whether astrocytic function could be utilized to overcome the current limitations of cell-based therapies in a murine model of Parkinson's disease (PD) that is characterized by dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration in the midbrain. We show here that cografting astrocytes, especially those derived from the midbrain, remarkably enhanced NPC-based cell therapeutic outcomes along with robust DA neuron engraftment in PD rats for at least 6 months after transplantation. We further show that engineering of donor astrocytes with Nurr1 and Foxa2, transcription factors that were recently reported to polarize harmful immunogenic glia into the neuroprotective form, further promoted the neurotrophic actions of grafted astrocytes in the cell therapeutic approach. Collectively, these findings suggest that cografting astrocytes could be a potential strategy for successful cell therapeutic outcomes in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Jin Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Min Oh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Oh-Chan Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Noviana Wulansari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Seob Lee
- Genomic Core Facility, Transdisciplinary Research and Collaboration Division, Translational Research Institute, and.,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mi-Yoon Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and
| | - Eunsoo Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21 PLUS Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy and Division of Brain Korea 21 PLUS Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunghoe Chang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heeyoung An
- Center for Neuroscience and.,Center for Glia-Neuron Interaction, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea.,KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Neuroscience and.,Center for Glia-Neuron Interaction, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine.,Hanyang Biomedical Research Institute, and.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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31
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Robert-Boire V, Rosca L, Samson Y, Ospina LH, Perreault S. Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Patients With Optic Pathway Glioma. Pediatr Neurol 2017; 75:55-60. [PMID: 28847625 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) occur sporadically or in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation at diagnosis and at progression of patients with OPGs. METHODS We conducted a chart review of patients with OPGs diagnosed in a single center over a period of 15 years. Demographic data including age, sex, NF1 status, clinical presentation, and outcome were collected. RESULTS Of the 40 patients who were identified, 23 had sporadic tumors (57.5%) and 17 had NF1-related tumors (42.5%). Among the children with NF1, there was a significant overrepresentation of girls (82.3%) (P = 0.02), while among the children without NF1, there were slightly more boys (56.5%) than girls (43.5%). The presence of nystagmus was strongly associated with sporadic optic pathway gliomas. Poor visual outcome was related to tumor affecting both optic pathways, hydrocephalus at diagnosis, and optic nerve atrophy. Of the 40 patients, five died of OPG complications (12.5%) and all had sporadic tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort is one of the largest with OPGs and a detailed description of the clinical presentation both at diagnosis and at progression. We observed a significant difference between sporadic and NF1 optic pathway gliomas in terms of demographics, clinical presentation, and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Robert-Boire
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lorena Rosca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yvan Samson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hemato-Oncology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luis H Ospina
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sébastien Perreault
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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32
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Molecular and Functional Properties of Regional Astrocytes in the Adult Brain. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8706-8717. [PMID: 28821665 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3956-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signature and functional properties of astroglial subtypes in the adult CNS remain largely undefined. By using translational ribosome affinity purification followed by RNA-Seq, we profiled astroglial ribosome-associated (presumably translating) mRNAs in major cortical and subcortical brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and hypothalamus) of BAC aldh1l1-translational ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) mice (both sexes). We found that the expression of astroglial translating mRNAs closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus posteriorly. This region-specific expression pattern of genes, such as synaptogenic modulator sparc and transcriptional factors (emx2, lhx2, and hopx), was validated by qRT-PCR and immunostaining in brain sections. Interestingly, cortical or subcortical astrocytes selectively promote neurite growth and synaptic activity of neurons only from the same region in mismatched cocultures, exhibiting region-matched astrocyte to neuron communication. Overall, these results generated new molecular signature of astrocyte types in the adult CNS, providing insights into their origin and functional diversity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We investigated the in vivo molecular and functional heterogeneity of astrocytes inter-regionally from adult brain. Our results showed that the expression pattern of ribosome-associated mRNA profiles in astrocytes closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially posteriorly from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus. In line with this, our functional results further demonstrated region-selective roles of cortical and subcortical astrocytes in regulating cortical or subcortical neuronal synaptogenesis and maturation. These in vivo studies provide a previously uncharacterized and important molecular atlas for exploring region-specific astroglial functions.
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33
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Yoon H, Walters G, Paulsen AR, Scarisbrick IA. Astrocyte heterogeneity across the brain and spinal cord occurs developmentally, in adulthood and in response to demyelination. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180697. [PMID: 28700615 PMCID: PMC5507262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have emerged as essential regulators of function and response to injury in the brain and spinal cord, yet very little is known about regional differences that exist. Here we compare the expression of key astroglial markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-1 Family Member L1 (ALDH1L1)) across these disparate poles of the neuraxis, tracking their expression developmentally and in the context of demyelination. In addition, we document changes in the astrocyte regulatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6), and its signaling partner signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in vivo and in vitro. Results demonstrate that GFAP expression is higher in the developing and adult spinal cord relative to brain. Comparisons between GFAP and ALDH1L1 expression suggest elevations in spinal cord GFAP during the early postnatal period reflect an accelerated appearance of astrocytes, while elevations in adulthood reflect higher expression by individual astrocytes. Notably, increases in spinal cord compared to whole brain GFAP were paralleled by higher levels of IL-6 and STAT3. Equivalent elevations in GFAP, GFAP/ALDH1L1 ratios, and in IL-6, were observed in primary astrocyte cultures derived from spinal cord compared to cortex. Also, higher levels of GFAP were observed in the spinal cord compared to the brain after focal demyelinating injury. Altogether, these studies point to key differences in astrocyte abundance and the expression of GFAP and IL-6 across the brain and spinal cord that are positioned to influence regional specialization developmentally and responses occurring in the context of injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyesook Yoon
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Grant Walters
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Alex R. Paulsen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Isobel A. Scarisbrick
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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34
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John Lin CC, Yu K, Hatcher A, Huang TW, Lee HK, Carlson J, Weston MC, Chen F, Zhang Y, Zhu W, Mohila CA, Ahmed N, Patel AJ, Arenkiel BR, Noebels JL, Creighton CJ, Deneen B. Identification of diverse astrocyte populations and their malignant analogs. Nat Neurosci 2017; 20:396-405. [PMID: 28166219 PMCID: PMC5824716 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain, where they perform a wide array of functions, yet the nature of their cellular heterogeneity and how it oversees these diverse roles remains shrouded in mystery. Using an intersectional fluorescence-activated cell sorting-based strategy, we identified five distinct astrocyte subpopulations present across three brain regions that show extensive molecular diversity. Application of this molecular insight toward function revealed that these populations differentially support synaptogenesis between neurons. We identified correlative populations in mouse and human glioma and found that the emergence of specific subpopulations during tumor progression corresponded with the onset of seizures and tumor invasion. In sum, we have identified subpopulations of astrocytes in the adult brain and their correlates in glioma that are endowed with diverse cellular, molecular and functional properties. These populations selectively contribute to synaptogenesis and tumor pathophysiology, providing a blueprint for understanding diverse astrocyte contributions to neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ching John Lin
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kwanha Yu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Asante Hatcher
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Teng-Wei Huang
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Neurological Research Institute at Texas' Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey Carlson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew C Weston
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Vermont, Vermont, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wenyi Zhu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carrie A Mohila
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nabil Ahmed
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Akash J Patel
- Neurological Research Institute at Texas' Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Neurological Research Institute at Texas' Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Noebels
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Neurological Research Institute at Texas' Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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35
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Buosi AS, Matias I, Araujo APB, Batista C, Gomes FCA. Heterogeneity in Synaptogenic Profile of Astrocytes from Different Brain Regions. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:751-762. [PMID: 28050794 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), comprise a heterogeneous population of cells. However, how this heterogeneity impacts their function within brain homeostasis and response to injury and disease is still largely unknown. Recently, astrocytes have been recognized as important regulators of synapse formation and maturation. Here, we analyzed the synaptogenic property of astrocytes from different regions of the CNS. The effect of conditioned medium derived from astrocytes (astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM)) from cerebral cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and cerebellum, in synapse formation, was evaluated. Synapse formation was analyzed by quantification of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95). ACM from the four regions increased significantly the number of synaptophysin/PSD-95 puncta on neurons from the same and different brain regions. Differences on astrocytic synaptogenic potential between the regions were observed according to ACM protein concentration. Thus, cerebellar astrocytes have higher synaptogenic effect when ACM is less concentrated. Also, heterotypical co-culture assays revealed that neurons from cerebral cortex and midbrain equally respond to ACM, indicating that differences in synapse effect are unlike to be neuron-autonomous. The expression profile of the synaptogenic molecules secreted by astrocytes from distinct brain regions was analyzed by qPCR. Gene expression of glypicans 4 and 6, hevin, and secreted protein-acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) greatly varies between astrocytes from different brain regions. Furthermore, in vivo analysis of hevin protein confirmed that variance. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of astrocytes and suggest that their synaptogenic potential may be different in each brain region, mainly due to distinct gene expression profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schmidt Buosi
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Isadora Matias
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Bergamo Araujo
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Carolina Batista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
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36
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Mudannayake JM, Mouravlev A, Fong DM, Young D. Transcriptional activity of novel ALDH1L1 promoters in the rat brain following AAV vector-mediated gene transfer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2016; 3:16075. [PMID: 27990448 PMCID: PMC5130080 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2016.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1, member L1 (ALDH1L1) is a recently characterized pan-astrocytic marker that is more homogenously expressed throughout the brain than the classic astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein. We generated putative promoter sequence variants of the rat ALDH1L1 gene for use in adeno-associated viral vector-mediated gene transfer, with an aim to achieve selective regulation of transgene expression in astrocytes in the rat brain. Unexpectedly, ALDH1L1 promoter variants mediated transcriptional activity exclusively in neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta as assessed by luciferase reporter expression at 3 weeks postvector infusion. This selectivity for neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta also persisted in the context of adeno-associated viral serotype 5, 8 or 9 vector-mediated gene delivery. An in vivo promoter comparison showed the highest performing ALDH1L1 promoter variant mediated higher transgene expression than the neuronal-specific synapsin 1 and tyrosine hydroxylase promoters. The ALDH1L1 promoter was also transcriptionally active in dentate granule neurons following intrahippocampal adeno-associated viral vector infusion, whereas transgene expression was detected in both striatal neurons and astrocytes following vector infusion into the striatum. Our results demonstrate the potential suitability of the ALDH1L1 promoter as a new tool in the development of gene therapy and disease modelling applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janitha M Mudannayake
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, FMHS, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alexandre Mouravlev
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, FMHS, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dahna M Fong
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, FMHS, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, School of Medical Sciences, FMHS, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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37
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Filous AR, Silver J. "Targeting astrocytes in CNS injury and disease: A translational research approach". Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:173-87. [PMID: 27026202 PMCID: PMC5035184 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a major constituent of the central nervous system. These glia play a major role in regulating blood-brain barrier function, the formation and maintenance of synapses, glutamate uptake, and trophic support for surrounding neurons and glia. Therefore, maintaining the proper functioning of these cells is crucial to survival. Astrocyte defects are associated with a wide variety of neuropathological insults, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to gliomas. Additionally, injury to the CNS causes drastic changes to astrocytes, often leading to a phenomenon known as reactive astrogliosis. This process is important for protecting the surrounding healthy tissue from the spread of injury, while it also inhibits axonal regeneration and plasticity. Here, we discuss the important roles of astrocytes after injury and in disease, as well as potential therapeutic approaches to restore proper astrocyte functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Filous
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 216-368-4615, United States.
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 216-368-4615, United States.
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38
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RNA Sequencing of Tumor-Associated Microglia Reveals Ccl5 as a Stromal Chemokine Critical for Neurofibromatosis-1 Glioma Growth. Neoplasia 2016; 17:776-88. [PMID: 26585233 PMCID: PMC4656811 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid cancers develop within a supportive microenvironment that promotes tumor formation and growth through the elaboration of mitogens and chemokines. Within these tumors, monocytes (macrophages and microglia) represent rich sources of these stromal factors. Leveraging a genetically engineered mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) low-grade brain tumor (optic glioma), we have previously demonstrated that microglia are essential for glioma formation and maintenance. To identify potential tumor-associated microglial factors that support glioma growth (gliomagens), we initiated a comprehensive large-scale discovery effort using optimized RNA-sequencing methods focused specifically on glioma-associated microglia. Candidate microglial gliomagens were prioritized to identify potential secreted or membrane-bound proteins, which were next validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as well as by RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization following minocycline-mediated microglial inactivation in vivo. Using these selection criteria, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (Ccl5) was identified as a chemokine highly expressed in genetically engineered Nf1 mouse optic gliomas relative to nonneoplastic optic nerves. As a candidate gliomagen, recombinant Ccl5 increased Nf1-deficient optic nerve astrocyte growth in vitro. Importantly, consistent with its critical role in maintaining tumor growth, treatment with Ccl5 neutralizing antibodies reduced Nf1 mouse optic glioma growth and improved retinal dysfunction in vivo. Collectively, these findings establish Ccl5 as an important microglial growth factor for low-grade glioma maintenance relevant to the development of future stroma-targeted brain tumor therapies.
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39
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Danbolt NC, Zhou Y, Furness DN, Holmseth S. Strategies for immunohistochemical protein localization using antibodies: What did we learn from neurotransmitter transporters in glial cells and neurons. Glia 2016; 64:2045-2064. [PMID: 27458697 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting are still major methods for protein localization, but they rely on the specificity of the antibodies. Validation of antibody specificity remains challenging mostly because ideal negative controls are often unavailable. Further, immunochemical labeling patterns are also influenced by a number of other factors such as postmortem changes, fixation procedures and blocking agents as well as the general assay conditions (e.g., buffers, temperature, etc.). Western blotting similarly depends on tissue collection and sample preparation as well as the electrophoretic separation, transfer to blotting membranes and the immunochemical probing of immobilized molecules. Publication of inaccurate information on protein distribution has downstream consequences for other researchers because the interpretation of physiological and pharmacological observations depends on information on where ion channels, receptors, enzymes or transporters are located. Despite numerous reports, some of which are strongly worded, erroneous localization data are being published. Here we describe the extent of the problem and illustrate the nature of the pitfalls with examples from studies of neurotransmitter transporters. We explain the importance of supplementing immunochemical observations with other measurements (e.g., mRNA levels and distribution, protein activity, mass spectrometry, electrophysiological recordings, etc.) and why quantitative considerations are integral parts of the quality control. Further, we propose a practical strategy for researchers who plan to embark on a localization study. We also share our thoughts about guidelines for quality control. GLIA 2016;64:2045-2064.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Christian Danbolt
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - David N Furness
- School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffs, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Holmseth
- Neurotransporter Group, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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40
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Abstract
The formation and maintenance of an organism are highly dependent on the orderly control of cell growth, differentiation, death, and migration. These processes are tightly regulated by signaling cascades in which a limited number of molecules dictate these cellular events. While these signaling pathways are highly conserved across species and cell types, the functional outcomes that result from their engagement are specified by the context in which they are activated. Using the Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome as an illustrative platform, we discuss how NF1/RAS signaling can create functional diversity at multiple levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, and genetic/genomic). As such, the ability of related molecules (e.g., K-RAS, H-RAS) to activate distinct effectors, as well as cell type- and tissue-specific differences in molecular composition and effector engagement, generate numerous unique functional effects. These variations, coupled with a multitude of extracellular cues and genomic/genetic changes that each modify the innate signaling properties of the cell, enable precise control of cellular physiology in both health and disease. Understanding these contextual influences is important when trying to dissect the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of cancer relevant to molecularly-targeted therapeutics.
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41
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Helfferich J, Nijmeijer R, Brouwer OF, Boon M, Fock A, Hoving EW, Meijer L, den Dunnen WFA, de Bont ESJM. Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated low grade gliomas: A comparison with sporadic low grade gliomas. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 104:30-41. [PMID: 27263935 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder, associated with a variable clinical phenotype including café-au-lait spots, intertriginous freckling, Lisch nodules, neurofibromas, optic pathway gliomas and distinctive bony lesions. NF1 is caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene, which codes for neurofibromin, a large protein involved in the MAPK- and the mTOR-pathway through RAS-RAF signalling. NF1 is a known tumour predisposition syndrome, associated with different tumours of the nervous system including low grade gliomas (LGGs) in the paediatric population. The focus of this review is on grade I pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs), the most commonly observed histologic subtype of low grade gliomas in NF1. Clinically, these PAs have a better prognosis and show different localisation patterns than their sporadic counterparts, which are most commonly associated with a KIAA1549:BRAF fusion. In this review, possible mechanisms of tumourigenesis in LGGs with and without NF1 will be discussed, including the contribution of different signalling pathways and tumour microenvironment. Furthermore we will discuss how increased understanding of tumourigenesis may lead to new potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelte Helfferich
- Department of Paediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Paediatric Oncology/Hematology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Paediatric Neurology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Nijmeijer
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oebele F Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Paediatric Neurology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Boon
- Department of Neurology, Paediatric Neurology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Fock
- Department of Neurology, Paediatric Neurology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco W Hoving
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisethe Meijer
- Department of Paediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Paediatric Oncology/Hematology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F A den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Pathology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline S J M de Bont
- Department of Paediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Paediatric Oncology/Hematology Division, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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42
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Irvin DM, McNeill RS, Bash RE, Miller CR. Intrinsic Astrocyte Heterogeneity Influences Tumor Growth in Glioma Mouse Models. Brain Pathol 2016; 27:36-50. [PMID: 26762242 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of cellular origin on glioma pathogenesis remains elusive. We previously showed that mutations inactivating Rb and Pten and activating Kras transform astrocytes and induce tumorigenesis throughout the adult mouse brain. However, it remained unclear whether astrocyte subpopulations were susceptible to these mutations. We therefore used genetic lineage tracing and fate mapping in adult conditional, inducible genetically engineered mice to monitor transformation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) astrocytes and immunofluorescence to monitor cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment over time. Because considerable regional heterogeneity exists among astrocytes, we also examined the influence of brain region on tumor growth. GFAP astrocyte transformation induced uniformly rapid, regionally independent tumor growth, but transformation of GLAST astrocytes induced slowly growing tumors with significant regional bias. Transformed GLAST astrocytes had reduced proliferative response in culture and in vivo and malignant progression was delayed in these tumors. Recruited glial cells, including proliferating astrocytes, oligodendrocyte progenitors and microglia, were the majority of GLAST, but not GFAP astrocyte-derived tumors and their abundance dynamically changed over time. These results suggest that intrinsic astrocyte heterogeneity, and perhaps regional brain microenvironment, significantly contributes to glioma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Irvin
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Robert S McNeill
- Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.,Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ryan E Bash
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - C Ryan Miller
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.,Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.,Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.,Department of Neurology and Neurosciences Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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43
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Hu X, Yuan Y, Wang D, Su Z. Heterogeneous astrocytes: Active players in CNS. Brain Res Bull 2016; 125:1-18. [PMID: 27021168 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the predominant cell type that are broadly distributed in the brain and spinal cord, play key roles in maintaining homeostasis of the central nerve system (CNS) in physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes are a complex colony with heterogeneity on morphology, gene expression, function and many other aspects depending on their spatio-temporal distribution and activation level. In pathological conditions, astrocytes differentially respond to all kinds of insults, including injury and disease, and participate in the neuropathological process. Based on current studies, we here give an overview of the roles of heterogeneous astrocytes in CNS, especially in neuropathologies, which focuses on biological and functional diversity of astrocytes. We propose that a precise understanding of the heterogeneous astrocytes is critical to unlocking the secrets about pathogenesis and treatment of the mazy CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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44
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Chen Z, Zhang H, Yushkevich PA, Liu M, Beaulieu C. Maturation Along White Matter Tracts in Human Brain Using a Diffusion Tensor Surface Model Tract-Specific Analysis. Front Neuroanat 2016; 10:9. [PMID: 26909027 PMCID: PMC4754466 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2016.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous diffusion tensor imaging tractography studies have demonstrated exponential patterns of developmental changes for diffusion parameters such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) averaged over all voxels in major white matter (WM) tracts of the human brain. However, this assumes that the entire tract is changing in unison, which may not be the case. In this study, a surface model based tract-specific analysis was applied to a cross-sectional cohort of 178 healthy subjects (83 males/95 females) aged from 6 to 30 years to spatially characterize the age-related changes of FA and MD along the trajectory of seven major WM tracts - corpus callosum (CC) and six bilateral tracts. There were unique patterns of regions that showed different exponential and linear rates of increasing FA or decreasing MD and age at which FA or MD levels off along each tract. Faster change rate of FA was observed in genu of CC and frontal-parietal part of superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Inferior corticospinal tract (CST), posterior regions of association tracts such as inferior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior frontal occipital fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus also displayed earlier changing patterns for FA. MD decreases with age also exhibited this posterior-to-anterior WM maturation pattern for most tracts in females. Both males and females displayed similar FA/MD patterns of change with age along most large tracts; however, males had overall reached the FA maxima or MD minima later compared with females in most tracts with the greater differences occurring in the CST and frontal-parietal part of SLF for MD. Therefore, brain WM development has spatially varying trajectories along tracts that depend on sex and the tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London London, UK
| | - Paul A Yushkevich
- Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
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45
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Ramos AJ. Astroglial heterogeneity: merely a neurobiological question? Or an opportunity for neuroprotection and regeneration after brain injury? Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1739-1741. [PMID: 28123404 PMCID: PMC5204216 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.194709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Javier Ramos
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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46
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Heller JP, Rusakov DA. Morphological plasticity of astroglia: Understanding synaptic microenvironment. Glia 2015; 63:2133-51. [PMID: 25782611 PMCID: PMC4737250 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Memory formation in the brain is thought to rely on the remodeling of synaptic connections which eventually results in neural network rewiring. This remodeling is likely to involve ultrathin astroglial protrusions which often occur in the immediate vicinity of excitatory synapses. The phenomenology, cellular mechanisms, and causal relationships of such astroglial restructuring remain, however, poorly understood. This is in large part because monitoring and probing of the underpinning molecular machinery on the scale of nanoscopic astroglial compartments remains a challenge. Here we briefly summarize the current knowledge regarding the cellular organisation of astroglia in the synaptic microenvironment and discuss molecular mechanisms potentially involved in use-dependent astroglial morphogenesis. We also discuss recent observations concerning morphological astroglial plasticity, the respective monitoring methods, and some of the newly emerging techniques that might help with conceptual advances in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janosch P Heller
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitri A Rusakov
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom
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47
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Ghosh M, Lane M, Krizman E, Sattler R, Rothstein JD, Robinson MB. The transcription factor Pax6 contributes to the induction of GLT-1 expression in astrocytes through an interaction with a distal enhancer element. J Neurochem 2015; 136:262-75. [PMID: 26485579 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Na(+) -dependent glutamate transporter GLT-1 (EAAT2) shows selective expression in astrocytes, and neurons induce the expression of GLT-1 in astrocytes. In an unpublished analysis of GLT-1 promoter reporter mice, we identified an evolutionarily conserved domain of 467 nucleotides ~ 8 kb upstream of the GLT-1 translation start site that is required for astrocytic expression. Using in silico approaches, we identified Pax6 as a transcription factor that could contribute to the control of GLT-1 expression by binding within this region. We demonstrated the expression of Pax6 protein in astrocytes in vivo. Lentiviral transduction of astrocytes with exogenous Pax6 increased the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in astrocytes prepared from transgenic mice that use a bacterial artificial chromosome containing a large genomic region surrounding the GLT-1 gene to control expression of eGFP. It also increased GLT-1 protein and GLT-1-mediated uptake, whereas there was no effect on the levels of the other astroglial glutamate transporter, glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST). Transduction of astrocytes with an shRNA directed against Pax6 reduced neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1 or eGFP. Finally, we confirmed Pax6 interaction with the predicted DNA-binding site in electrophoretic mobility assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Together, these studies show that Pax6 contributes to the regulation of GLT-1 through an interaction with these distal elements and identify a novel role of Pax6 in astrocyte biology. The astroglial glutamate transporter GLT-1 shows selective expression in astrocytes and its expression can be induced by neurons. In this study, we demonstrate that Pax6 is expressed in astrocytes and binds to the GLT-1 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous expression of Pax6 increases GLT-1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression in astrocytes from a transgenic mouse line that uses the GLT-1 gene to drive eGFP expression, and an shRNA directed against Pax6 attenuates neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1/eGFP. We therefore conclude that Pax6 contributes to the neuron-dependent induction of GLT-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mausam Ghosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meredith Lane
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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48
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Kim JH, Kwon SJ, Stankewich MC, Huh GY, Glantz SB, Morrow JS. Reactive protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes contain high levels of calpain-cleaved alpha 2 spectrin. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 100:1-7. [PMID: 26551084 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Calpain, a family of calcium-dependent neutral proteases, plays important roles in neurophysiology and pathology through the proteolytic modification of cytoskeletal proteins, receptors and kinases. Alpha 2 spectrin (αII spectrin) is a major substrate for this protease family, and the presence of the αII spectrin breakdown product (αΙΙ spectrin BDP) in a cell is evidence of calpain activity triggered by enhanced intracytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentrations. Astrocytes, the most dynamic CNS cells, respond to micro-environmental changes or noxious stimuli by elevating intracytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration to become activated. As one measure of whether calpains are involved with reactive glial transformation, we examined paraffin sections of the human cerebral cortex and white matter by immunohistochemistry with an antibody specific for the calpain-mediated αΙΙ spectrin BDP. We also performed conventional double immunohistochemistry as well as immunofluorescent studies utilizing antibodies against αΙΙ spectrin BDP as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We found strong immunopositivity in selected protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes, and in transitional forms that raise the possibility of some of fibrous astrocytes emerging from protoplasmic astrocytes. Immunoreactive astrocytes were numerous in brain sections from cases with severe cardiac and/or respiratory diseases in the current study as opposed to our previous study of cases without significant clinical conditions that failed to reveal such remarkable immunohistochemical alterations. Our study suggests that astrocytes become αΙΙ spectrin BDP immunopositive in various stages of activation, and that spectrin cleavage product persists even in fully reactive astrocytes. Immunohistochemistry for αΙΙ spectrin BDP thus marks reactive astrocytes, and highlights the likelihood that calpains and their proteolytic processing of spectrin participate in the morphologic and physiologic transition from resting protoplasmic astrocytes to reactive fibrous astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung H Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yale Univ. School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510-8023, USA.
| | - Soojung J Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Yale Univ. School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510-8023, USA
| | - Michael C Stankewich
- Department of Pathology, Yale Univ. School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510-8023, USA
| | - Gi-Yeong Huh
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea
| | - Susan B Glantz
- Department of Pathology, Yale Univ. School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510-8023, USA
| | - Jon S Morrow
- Department of Pathology, Yale Univ. School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510-8023, USA
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49
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Weng YH, Chen CY, Lin KJ, Chen YL, Yeh TH, Hsiao IT, Chen IJ, Lu CS, Wang HL. (R1441C) LRRK2 induces the degeneration of SN dopaminergic neurons and alters the expression of genes regulating neuronal survival in a transgenic mouse model. Exp Neurol 2015; 275 Pt 1:104-15. [PMID: 26363496 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mutation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is the most common genetic cause of both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) cases. Several mutations in LRRK2 gene were reported in PD patients. R1441 is the second most frequent site of LRRK2 mutation. We generated (R1441C) LRRK2 transgenic mice that displayed motor deficits at the age of 16 months. Compared with wild-type mice, 16-month-old (R1441C) LRRK2 mice exhibited a significant reduction in the number of substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neurons. To elucidate molecular pathogenic pathways involved in (R1441C) LRRK2-induced death of SN dopaminergic neurons, we performed microarray analysis to visualize altered mRNA expressions in the SN of (R1441C) LRRK2 mouse. In the SN of (R1441C) LRRK2 transgenic mouse, the mRNA expression of three genes that promote cell death was upregulated, while the mRNA expression of seven genes that contribute to neurogenesis/neuroprotection was significantly downregulated. Our results suggest that altered expression of these genes involved in regulating neuronal survival may contribute to the pathogenesis of (R1441C) LRRK2-induced PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsin Weng
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chu-Yu Chen
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kun-Jun Lin
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Molecular Imaging Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ying-Ling Chen
- Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tu-Hsueh Yeh
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ing-Tsung Hsiao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Molecular Imaging Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ing-Jou Chen
- Molecular Imaging Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chin-Song Lu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Li Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
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Chen YH, Gianino SM, Gutmann DH. Neurofibromatosis-1 regulation of neural stem cell proliferation and multilineage differentiation operates through distinct RAS effector pathways. Genes Dev 2015; 29:1677-82. [PMID: 26272820 PMCID: PMC4561477 DOI: 10.1101/gad.261677.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Chen et al. used Nf1 genetically engineered mice coupled with genetic and pharmacologic inhibitor strategies to investigate the mechanisms of neurofibromin control of NSC proliferation and multilineage differentiation. They demonstrate that neurofibromin differentially controls NSC proliferation and multilineage differentiation through the selective use of the PI3K/AKT and RAF/MEK pathways, providing new insights into the roles for the RAS effector pathways in regulating brain NSC function. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder caused by impaired function of the neurofibromin RAS regulator. Using a combination of Nf1 genetically engineered mice and pharmacological/genetic inhibition approaches, we report that neurofibromin differentially controls neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and multilineage differentiation through the selective use of the PI3K/AKT and RAF/MEK pathways. While PI3K/AKT governs neurofibromin-regulated NSC proliferation, multilineage differentiation is MEK-dependent. Moreover, whereas MEK-regulated multilineage differentiation requires Smad3-induced Jagged-1 expression and Notch activation, MEK/Smad3-regulated Hes1 induction is only responsible for astrocyte and neuronal differentiation. Collectively, these findings establish distinct roles for the RAS effector pathways in regulating brain NSC function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsien Chen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Scott M Gianino
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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