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Pociūtė A, Kriaučiūnaitė K, Kaušylė A, Zablockienė B, Alčauskas T, Jelinskaitė A, Rudėnaitė A, Jančorienė L, Ročka S, Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Plasma of COVID-19 Patients Does Not Alter Electrical Resistance of Human Endothelial Blood-Brain Barrier In Vitro. FUNCTION 2024; 5:zqae002. [PMID: 38486975 PMCID: PMC10935481 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqae002] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 instigated the most serious global health crisis. Clinical presentation of COVID-19 frequently includes severe neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, it is presently unknown whether and to which extent pathological impairment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) contributes to the development of neuropathology during COVID-19 progression. In the present study, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived brain endothelial cells (iBECs) to study the effects of blood plasma derived from COVID-19 patients on the BBB integrity in vitro. We also performed a comprehensive analysis of the cytokine and chemokine profiles in the plasma of COVID-19 patients, healthy and recovered individuals. We found significantly increased levels of interferon γ-induced protein 10 kDa, hepatocyte growth factor, and interleukin-18 in the plasma of COVID-19 patients. However, blood plasma from COVID-19 patients did not affect transendothelial electrical resistance in iBEC monolayers. Our results demonstrate that COVID-19-associated blood plasma inflammatory factors do not affect BBB paracellular pathway directly and suggest that pathological remodeling (if any) of BBB during COVID-19 may occur through indirect or yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnė Pociūtė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Karolina Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Kaušylė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Birutė Zablockienė
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tadas Alčauskas
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Augustė Jelinskaitė
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Akvilė Rudėnaitė
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ligita Jančorienė
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Ročka
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Neurosurgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110052, China
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Wan T, Zhang FS, Qin MY, Jiang HR, Zhang M, Qu Y, Wang YL, Zhang PX. Growth factors: Bioactive macromolecular drugs for peripheral nerve injury treatment - Molecular mechanisms and delivery platforms. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116024. [PMID: 38113623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive macromolecular drugs known as Growth Factors (GFs), approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have found successful application in clinical practice. They hold significant promise for addressing peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). Peripheral nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) loaded with GFs, in the context of tissue engineering, can ensure sustained and efficient release of these bioactive compounds. This, in turn, maintains a stable, long-term, and effective GF concentration essential for treating damaged peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex process that entails the secretion of various GFs. Following PNI, GFs play a pivotal role in promoting nerve cell growth and survival, axon and myelin sheath regeneration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. They also regulate the regenerative microenvironment, stimulate plasticity changes post-nerve injury, and, consequently, expedite nerve structure and function repair. Both exogenous and endogenous GFs, including NGF, BDNF, NT-3, GDNF, IGF-1, bFGF, and VEGF, have been successfully loaded onto NGCs using techniques like physical adsorption, blend doping, chemical covalent binding, and engineered transfection. These approaches have effectively promoted the repair of peripheral nerves. Numerous studies have demonstrated similar tissue functional therapeutic outcomes compared to autologous nerve transplantation. This evidence underscores the substantial clinical application potential of GFs in the domain of peripheral nerve repair. In this article, we provide an overview of GFs in the context of peripheral nerve regeneration and drug delivery systems utilizing NGCs. Looking ahead, commercial materials for peripheral nerve repair hold the potential to facilitate the effective regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves and maintain the functionality of distant target organs through the sustained release of GFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wan
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Feng-Shi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ming-Yu Qin
- Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215026, China
| | - Hao-Ran Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yang Qu
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yi-Lin Wang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Pei-Xun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China; Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China; National Centre for Trauma Medicine, Beijing 100044, China; Peking University People's Hospital Qingdao Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China.
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Kriaučiūnaitė K, Pociūtė A, Kaušylė A, Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Opens and Closes the Endothelial Blood-Brain Barrier in a Concentration-Dependent Manner. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1211-1221. [PMID: 35859077 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple paracrine factors are implicated in the regulation of barrier properties of human brain endothelial cells (BECs) in different physiologic and pathologic settings. We have recently demonstrated that autocrine secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by BECs is necessary for the establishment of endothelial barrier (as demonstrated by high trans-endothelial electric resistance, TEER), whereas exogenous bFGF inhibits TEER in a concentration-dependent manner. In the present study we analysed the contribution of MAPK/ERK and STAT3 signalling pathways to the inhibitory effects of exogenous bFGF. Treatment with bFGF (8 ng/ml) for 3 days increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Treatment with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) inhibitor PD173074 (15 μM) suppressed both basal and bFGF-induced activation of ERK1/2 and STAT3. Suppression of STAT signalling with Janus kinase inhibitor JAKi (15 nM) alone or in the presence of bFGF did not change TEER in BEC monolayers. Exposure to JAKi affected neither proliferation, nor expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-5, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In contrast, treatment with MEK 1/2 inhibitor U0126 (10 μM) partially neutralised inhibitory effect of bFGF thus increasing TEER, whereas U0126 alone did not affect resistance of endothelial barrier. Our findings demonstrate that MAPK/ERK signalling pathway does not affect autocrine bFGF signalling-dependent BECs barrier function but is largely responsible for the disruptive effects of the exogenous bFGF. We speculate that bFGF may (depending on concentration and possibly origin) dynamically regulate permeability of the endothelial blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agnė Pociūtė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Kaušylė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Astroglia support, regulate and reinforce brain barriers. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 179:106054. [PMID: 36842485 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system is segregated from the body by the complex system of barriers. The CNS is protected by (i) the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier between the intracerebral and intraspinal blood vessels and the brain parenchyma; (ii) the arachnoid blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier; (iii) the blood-cerebrospinal barrier of circumventricular organs made by tanycytes and (iv) the choroid plexus blood-CSF barrier formed by choroid ependymocytes. In the peripheral nervous system the nerve-blood barrier is secured by tight junctions between specialised glial cells known as perineural cells. In the CNS astroglia contribute to all barriers through the glia limitans, which represent the parenchymal portion of the barrier system. Astroglia through secretion of various paracrine factors regulate the permeability of endothelial vascular barrier; in pathology damage or asthenia of astrocytes may compromise brain barriers integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Sveeggen TM, Abbey CA, Smith RL, Salinas ML, Chapkin RS, Bayless KJ. Annexin A2 modulates phospholipid membrane composition upstream of Arp2 to control angiogenic sprout initiation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22715. [PMID: 36527391 PMCID: PMC10586062 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201088r] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The intersection of protein and lipid biology is of growing importance for understanding how cells address structural challenges during adhesion and migration. While protein complexes engaged with the cytoskeleton play a vital role, support from the phospholipid membrane is crucial for directing localization and assembly of key protein complexes. During angiogenesis, dramatic cellular remodeling is necessary for endothelial cells to shift from a stable monolayer to invasive structures. However, the molecular dynamics between lipids and proteins during endothelial invasion are not defined. Here, we utilized cell culture, immunofluorescence, and lipidomic analyses to identify a novel role for the membrane binding protein Annexin A2 (ANXA2) in modulating the composition of specific membrane lipids necessary for cortical F-actin organization and adherens junction stabilization. In the absence of ANXA2, there is disorganized cortical F-actin, reduced junctional Arp2, excess sprout initiation, and ultimately failed sprout maturation. Furthermore, we observed reduced filipin III labeling of membrane cholesterol in cells with reduced ANXA2, suggesting there is an alteration in phospholipid membrane dynamics. Lipidomic analyses revealed that 42 lipid species were altered with loss of ANXA2, including an accumulation of phosphatidylcholine (16:0_16:0). We found that supplementation of phosphatidylcholine (16:0_16:0) in wild-type endothelial cells mimicked the ANXA2 knock-down phenotype, indicating that ANXA2 regulated the phospholipid membrane upstream of Arp2 recruitment and organization of cortical F-actin. Altogether, these data indicate a novel role for ANXA2 in coordinating events at endothelial junctions needed to initiate sprouting and show that proper lipid modulation is a critical component of these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M. Sveeggen
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas, Bryan, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Michael L. Salinas
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robert S. Chapkin
- Program in Integrative Nutrition and Complex Diseases, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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He T, Yang GY, Zhang Z. Crosstalk of Astrocytes and Other Cells during Ischemic Stroke. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060910. [PMID: 35743941 PMCID: PMC9228674 DOI: 10.3390/life12060910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Astrocytes structurally compose tripartite synapses, blood–brain barrier, and the neurovascular unit and perform multiple functions through cell-to-cell signaling of neurons, glial cells, and vasculature. The crosstalk of astrocytes and other cells is complicated and incompletely understood. Here we review the role of astrocytes in response to ischemic stroke, both beneficial and detrimental, from a cell–cell interaction perspective. Reactive astrocytes provide neuroprotection through antioxidation and antiexcitatory effects and metabolic support; they also contribute to neurorestoration involving neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis by crosstalk with stem cells and cell lineage. In the meantime, reactive astrocytes also play a vital role in neuroinflammation and brain edema. Glial scar formation in the chronic phase hinders functional recovery. We further discuss astrocyte enriched microRNAs and exosomes in the regulation of ischemic stroke. In addition, the latest notion of reactive astrocyte subsets and astrocytic activity revealed by optogenetics is mentioned. This review discusses the current understanding of the intimate molecular conversation between astrocytes and other cells and outlines its potential implications after ischemic stroke. “Neurocentric” strategies may not be sufficient for neurological protection and recovery; future therapeutic strategies could target reactive astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China;
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Guo-Yuan Yang
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence: (G.-Y.Y.); (Z.Z.); Tel.: +86-21-62933186 (G.-Y.Y.); Fax: +86-21-62932302 (G.-Y.Y.)
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence: (G.-Y.Y.); (Z.Z.); Tel.: +86-21-62933186 (G.-Y.Y.); Fax: +86-21-62932302 (G.-Y.Y.)
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Astrocyte-Endotheliocyte Axis in the Regulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2538-2550. [PMID: 33961207 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of blood-brain barrier paralleled centralisation of the nervous system: emergence of neuronal masses required control over composition of the interstitial fluids. The barriers were initially created by glial cells, which employed septate junctions to restrict paracellular diffusion in the invertebrates and tight junctions in some early vertebrates. The endothelial barrier, secured by tight and adherent junctions emerged in vertebrates and is common in mammals. Astrocytes form the parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier and commutate with endothelial cells through secretion of growth factors, morphogens and extracellular vesicles. These secreted factors control the integrity of the blood-brain barrier through regulation of expression of tight junction proteins. The astrocyte-endotheliocyte communications are particularly important in various neurological diseases associated with impairments to the blood-brain barrier. Molecular mechanisms supporting astrocyte-endotheliocyte axis in health and disease are in need of detailed characterisation.
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