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Edgerton-Fulton M, Abdul Y, Jamil S, Ergul A. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to senescence and phenotypic changes in brain pericytes in diabetes-mimicking conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1009-1022. [PMID: 39106080 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mediates endothelial dysfunction and increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Diabetes also dysregulates the ET system. ET-1-mediated constriction of brain microvascular pericytes (BMVPCs) has been shown to contribute to brain hypoperfusion. Cellular senescence, a process that arrests the proliferation of harmful cells and instigates phenotypical changes and proinflammatory responses in endothelial cells that impact their survival and function. Thus, we hypothesized that ET-1 mediates BMVPC senescence and phenotypical changes in diabetes-like conditions. Human BMVPCs were incubated in diabetes-like conditions with or without ET-1 (1 µmol/L) for 3 and 7 days. Hydrogen peroxide (100 µmol/L H2O2) was used as a positive control for senescence and to mimic ischemic conditions. Cells were stained for senescence-associated β-galactosidase or processed for immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. In additional experiments, cells were stimulated with ET-1 in the presence or absence of ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 (20 μmol/L) or ETB receptor antagonist BQ-788 (20 μmol/L). ET-1 stimulation increased β-galactosidase accumulation which was prevented by BQ-123. ET-1 also increased traditional senescence marker p16 protein and pericyte-specific senescence markers, TGFB1i1, PP1CA, and IGFBP7. Furthermore, ET-1 stimulated contractile protein α-SMA and microglial marker ostepontin in high glucose suggesting a shift toward an ensheathing or microglia-like phenotype. In conclusion, ET-1 triggers senescence, alters ETA and ETB receptors, and causes phenotypical changes in BMVPCs under diabetes-like conditions. These in vitro findings need to be further studied in vivo to establish the role of ETA receptors in the progression of pericyte senescence and phenotypical changes in VCID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Edgerton-Fulton
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A
| | - Yasir Abdul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A
| | - Sarah Jamil
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A
- Ralph H Johnson VA Health Care System, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A
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2
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Che J, Sun Y, Deng Y, Zhang J. Blood-brain barrier disruption: a culprit of cognitive decline? Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:63. [PMID: 39113115 PMCID: PMC11305076 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00563-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline covers a broad spectrum of disorders, not only resulting from brain diseases but also from systemic diseases, which seriously influence the quality of life and life expectancy of patients. As a highly selective anatomical and functional interface between the brain and systemic circulation, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintaining brain homeostasis and normal function. The pathogenesis underlying cognitive decline may vary, nevertheless, accumulating evidences support the role of BBB disruption as the most prevalent contributing factor. This may mainly be attributed to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, cell senescence, oxidative/nitrosative stress and excitotoxicity. However, direct evidence showing that BBB disruption causes cognitive decline is scarce, and interestingly, manipulation of the BBB opening alone may exert beneficial or detrimental neurological effects. A broad overview of the present literature shows a close relationship between BBB disruption and cognitive decline, the risk factors of BBB disruption, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying BBB disruption. Additionally, we discussed the possible causes leading to cognitive decline by BBB disruption and potential therapeutic strategies to prevent BBB disruption or enhance BBB repair. This review aims to foster more investigations on early diagnosis, effective therapeutics, and rapid restoration against BBB disruption, which would yield better cognitive outcomes in patients with dysregulated BBB function, although their causative relationship has not yet been completely established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yinying Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yixu Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China.
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Singh A, Gong S, Vu A, Li S, Obenaus A. Social deficits mirror delayed cerebrovascular dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:126. [PMID: 39107831 PMCID: PMC11304659 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors face debilitating long-term psychosocial consequences, including social isolation and depression. TBI modifies neurovascular physiology and behavior but the chronic physiological implications of altered brain perfusion on social interactions are unknown. Adult C57/BL6 male mice received a moderate cortical TBI, and social behaviors were assessed at baseline, 3-, 7-, 14-, 30-, and 60-days post injury (dpi). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 9.4T) using dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion weighted MRI were acquired. At 60dpi mice underwent histological angioarchitectural mapping. Analysis utilized standardized protocols followed by cross-correlation metrics. Social behavior deficits at 60dpi emerged as reduced interactions with a familiar cage-mate (partner) that mirrored significant reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) at 60dpi. CBF perturbations were dynamic temporally and across brain regions including regions known to regulate social behavior such as hippocampus, hypothalamus, and rhinal cortex. Social isolation in TBI-mice emerged with a significant decline in preference to spend time with a cage mate. Cortical vascular density was also reduced corroborating the decline in brain perfusion and social interactions. Thus, the late emergence of social interaction deficits mirrored the reduced vascular density and CBF in regions known to be involved in social behaviors. Vascular morphology and function improved prior to the late decrements in social function and our correlations strongly implicate a linkage between vascular density, cerebral perfusion, and social interactions. Our study provides a clinically relevant timeline of alterations in social deficits alongside functional vascular recovery that can guide future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall Rm. 2066, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, 120 Walter P Martin Research Center, Torrance, California, 90502, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, 90095, USA
| | - Steven Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall Rm. 2066, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Anh Vu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall Rm. 2066, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Scott Li
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall Rm. 2066, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Andre Obenaus
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Hewitt Hall Rm. 2066, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, 206 SOM Research Bldg, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Cen K, Huang Y, Xie Y, Liu Y. The guardian of intracranial vessels: Why the pericyte? Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116870. [PMID: 38850658 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive narrowing or complete blockage of intracranial blood vessels caused by plaque formation. This condition leads to reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. Ischemic stroke (IS) resulting from ICAS poses a significant global public health challenge, especially among East Asian populations. However, the underlying causes of the notable variations in prevalence among diverse populations, as well as the most effective strategies for preventing and treating the rupture and blockage of intracranial plaques, remain incompletely comprehended. Rupture of plaques, bleeding, and thrombosis serve as precipitating factors in the pathogenesis of luminal obstruction in intracranial arteries. Pericytes play a crucial role in the structure and function of blood vessels and face significant challenges in regulating the Vasa Vasorum (VV)and preventing intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH). This review aims to explore innovative therapeutic strategies that target the pathophysiological mechanisms of vulnerable plaques by modulating pericyte biological function. It also discusses the potential applications of pericytes in central nervous system (CNS) diseases and their prospects as a therapeutic intervention in the field of biological tissue engineering regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Cen
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - YinFei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - YuMin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University, Wuhan 430000, China.
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5
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Wu YC, Bogale TA, Koistinaho J, Pizzi M, Rolova T, Bellucci A. The contribution of β-amyloid, Tau and α-synuclein to blood-brain barrier damage in neurodegenerative disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:39. [PMID: 38347288 PMCID: PMC10861401 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) accumulation of fibrillary deposits made of Amyloid β (Aβ), hyperphosphorylated Tau or α-synuclein (α-syn), present either alone or in the form of mixed pathology, characterizes the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) as well as the aging brain. Compelling evidence supports that acute neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, are also accompanied by increased deposition of toxic Aβ, Tau and α-syn species. While the contribution of these pathological proteins to neurodegeneration has been experimentally ascertained, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving Aβ, Tau and α-syn-related brain damage remain to be fully clarified. In the last few years, studies have shown that Aβ, Tau and α-syn may contribute to neurodegeneration also by inducing and/or promoting blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. These pathological proteins can affect BBB integrity either directly by affecting key BBB components such as pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs) or indirectly, by promoting brain macrophages activation and dysfunction. Here, we summarize and critically discuss key findings showing how Aβ, Tau and α-syn can contribute to BBB damage in most common NDDs, TBI and stroke. We also highlight the need for a deeper characterization of the role of these pathological proteins in the activation and dysfunction of brain macrophages, pericytes and ECs to improve diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chieh Wu
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tizibt Ashine Bogale
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marina Pizzi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy
| | - Taisia Rolova
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arianna Bellucci
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, BS, Italy.
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van Splunder H, Villacampa P, Martínez-Romero A, Graupera M. Pericytes in the disease spotlight. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:58-71. [PMID: 37474376 PMCID: PMC10777571 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Pericytes are known as the mural cells in small-caliber vessels that interact closely with the endothelium. Pericytes play a key role in vasculature formation and homeostasis, and when dysfunctional contribute to vasculature-related diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, significant extravascular roles of pathological pericytes are being discovered with relevant implications for cancer and fibrosis. Pericyte research is challenged by the lack of consistent molecular markers and clear discrimination criteria versus other (mural) cells. However, advances in single-cell approaches are uncovering and clarifying mural cell identities, biological functions, and ontogeny across organs. We discuss the latest developments in pericyte pathobiology to inform future research directions and potential outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hielke van Splunder
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pilar Villacampa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona and Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Carrer de la Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anabel Martínez-Romero
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institución Catalana de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados (ICREA), Passeig de Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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7
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Olmedillas M, Brawek B, Li K, Richter C, Garaschuk O. Plaque vicinity as a hotspot of microglial turnover in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Glia 2023; 71:2884-2901. [PMID: 37596829 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the major immune cells of the brain, are functionally heterogeneous but in vivo functional properties of these cells are rarely studied at single-cell resolution. By using microRNA-9 regulated viral vectors for multicolor labeling and longitudinal in vivo monitoring of individual microglia, we followed their fate in the cortex of healthy adult mice and at the onset of amyloidosis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. In wild-type mice, microglia were rather mobile (16% of the cells migrated at least once in 10-20 days) but had a low turnover as documented by low division and death rates. Half of the migratory events were tightly associated with blood vessels. Surprisingly, basic migration properties of microglia (i.e., fraction of migrating cells, saltatory migration pattern, speed of migration, translocation distance, and strong association with blood vessels) were preserved in amyloid-depositing brains, despite amyloid plaques becoming the major destination of migration. Besides, amyloid deposition significantly increased microglial division and death rates. Moreover, the plaque vicinity became a hotspot of microglial turnover, harboring 33% of all migration, 70% of death and 54% of division events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Olmedillas
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Brawek
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kaizhen Li
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cris Richter
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Garaschuk
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Morris GP, Foster CG, Courtney J, Collins JM, Cashion JM, Brown LS, Howells DW, DeLuca GC, Canty AJ, King AE, Ziebell JM, Sutherland BA. Microglia directly associate with pericytes in the central nervous system. Glia 2023; 71:1847-1869. [PMID: 36994950 PMCID: PMC10952742 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is important for the maintenance of brain function and its dysregulation has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglia associations with capillaries suggest they may play a role in the regulation of CBF or the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). We explored the relationship between microglia and pericytes, a vessel-resident cell type that has a major role in the control of CBF and maintenance of the BBB, discovering a spatially distinct subset of microglia that closely associate with pericytes. We termed these pericyte-associated microglia (PEM). PEM are present throughout the brain and spinal cord in NG2DsRed × CX3 CR1+/GFP mice, and in the human frontal cortex. Using in vivo two-photon microscopy, we found microglia residing adjacent to pericytes at all levels of the capillary tree and found they can maintain their position for at least 28 days. PEM can associate with pericytes lacking astroglial endfeet coverage and capillary vessel width is increased beneath pericytes with or without an associated PEM, but capillary width decreases if a pericyte loses a PEM. Deletion of the microglia fractalkine receptor (CX3 CR1) did not disrupt the association between pericytes and PEM. Finally, we found the proportion of microglia that are PEM declines in the superior frontal gyrus in AD. In summary, we identify microglia that specifically associate with pericytes and find these are reduced in number in AD, which may be a novel mechanism contributing to vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary P. Morris
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Catherine G. Foster
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jo‐Maree Courtney
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jessica M. Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jake M. Cashion
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Lachlan S. Brown
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - David W. Howells
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Gabriele C. DeLuca
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Alison J. Canty
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Global Brain Health InstituteTrinity CollegeDublinIreland
| | - Anna E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Jenna M. Ziebell
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Brad A. Sutherland
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and MedicineUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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Rasia-Filho AA, Calcagnotto ME, von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Glial Cell Modulation of Dendritic Spine Structure and Synaptic Function. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:255-310. [PMID: 37962798 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Glia comprise a heterogeneous group of cells involved in the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system. Glial cells are found from invertebrates to humans with morphological specializations related to the neural circuits in which they are embedded. Glial cells modulate neuronal functions, brain wiring and myelination, and information processing. For example, astrocytes send processes to the synaptic cleft, actively participate in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, and release gliotransmitters, whose multiple effects depend on the targeting cells. Human astrocytes are larger and more complex than their mice and rats counterparts. Astrocytes and microglia participate in the development and plasticity of neural circuits by modulating dendritic spines. Spines enhance neuronal connectivity, integrate most postsynaptic excitatory potentials, and balance the strength of each input. Not all central synapses are engulfed by astrocytic processes. When that relationship occurs, a different pattern for thin and large spines reflects an activity-dependent remodeling of motile astrocytic processes around presynaptic and postsynaptic elements. Microglia are equally relevant for synaptic processing, and both glial cells modulate the switch of neuroendocrine secretion and behavioral display needed for reproduction. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the structure, function, and plasticity of glial cells and relate them to synaptic maturation and modulation, also involving neurotrophic factors. Together, neurons and glia coordinate synaptic transmission in both normal and abnormal conditions. Neglected over decades, this exciting research field can unravel the complexity of species-specific neural cytoarchitecture as well as the dynamic region-specific functional interactions between diverse neurons and glial subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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