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Luo S, Wang Y, Hisatsune T. P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:440-453. [PMID: 38819047 PMCID: PMC11317937 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent form of dementia characterized by the deposition of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau. Targeting amyloid-beta plaques has been a primary direction for developing Alzheimer's disease treatments in the last decades. However, existing drugs targeting amyloid-beta plaques have not fully yielded the expected results in the clinic, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Increasing evidence unravels that astrocyte morphology and function alter in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients, with dysregulated astrocytic purinergic receptors, particularly the P2Y1 receptor, all of which constitute the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. These receptors are not only crucial for maintaining normal astrocyte function but are also highly implicated in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. This review delves into recent insights into the association between P2Y1 receptor and Alzheimer's disease to underscore the potential neuroprotective role of P2Y1 receptor in Alzheimer's disease by mitigating neuroinflammation, thus offering promising avenues for developing drugs for Alzheimer's disease and potentially contributing to the development of more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Luo
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Hisatsune
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
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2
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Madeira D, Domingues J, Lopes CR, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Modification of astrocytic Cx43 hemichannel activity in animal models of AD: modulation by adenosine A 2A receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:340. [PMID: 37898985 PMCID: PMC10613596 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04983-6] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates astrocytic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive cognitive loss. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques is a histopathological hallmark of AD and associated with increased astrocyte reactivity. In APP/PS1 mice modelling established AD (9 months), we now show an altered astrocytic morphology and enhanced activity of astrocytic hemichannels, mainly composed by connexin 43 (Cx43). Hemichannel activity in hippocampal astrocytes is also increased in two models of early AD: (1) mice with intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of Aβ1-42, and (2) hippocampal slices superfused with Aβ1-42 peptides. In hippocampal gliosomes of APP/PS1 mice, Cx43 levels were increased, whereas mice administered icv with Aβ1-42 only displayed increased Cx43 phosphorylation levels. This suggests that hemichannel activity might be differentially modulated throughout AD progression. Additionally, we tested if adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) blockade reversed alterations of astrocytic hemichannel activity and found that the pharmacological blockade or genetic silencing (global and astrocytic) of A2AR prevented Aβ-induced hemichannel dysregulation in hippocampal slices, although A2AR genetic silencing increased the activity of astroglial hemichannels in control conditions. In primary cultures of astrocytes, A2AR-related protective effect was shown to occur through a protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Our results indicate that the dysfunction of hemichannel activity in hippocampal astrocytes is an early event in AD, which is modulated by A2AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Domingues
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia R Lopes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Vincenzi F, Pasquini S, Contri C, Cappello M, Nigro M, Travagli A, Merighi S, Gessi S, Borea PA, Varani K. Pharmacology of Adenosine Receptors: Recent Advancements. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1387. [PMID: 37759787 PMCID: PMC10527030 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine receptors (ARs) are widely acknowledged pharmacological targets yet are still underutilized in clinical practice. Their ubiquitous distribution in almost all cells and tissues of the body makes them, on the one hand, excellent candidates for numerous diseases, and on the other hand, intrinsically challenging to exploit selectively and in a site-specific manner. This review endeavors to comprehensively depict the substantial advancements witnessed in recent years concerning the development of drugs that modulate ARs. Through preclinical and clinical research, it has become evident that the modulation of ARs holds promise for the treatment of numerous diseases, including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The latest studies discussed herein shed light on novel mechanisms through which ARs exert control over pathophysiological states. They also introduce new ligands and innovative strategies for receptor activation, presenting compelling evidence of efficacy along with the implicated signaling pathways. Collectively, these emerging insights underscore a promising trajectory toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of these multifaceted targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Chiara Contri
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Martina Cappello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Manuela Nigro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Alessia Travagli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
| | | | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.C.); (M.C.); (M.N.); (A.T.); (S.M.); (S.G.); (K.V.)
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Oliveros A, Poleschuk M, Cole PD, Boison D, Jang MH. Chemobrain: An accelerated aging process linking adenosine A 2A receptor signaling in cancer survivors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 170:267-305. [PMID: 37741694 PMCID: PMC10947554 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy has a significant positive impact in cancer treatment outcomes, reducing recurrence and mortality. However, many cancer surviving children and adults suffer from aberrant chemotherapy neurotoxic effects on learning, memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. This chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is referred to as "chemobrain" or "chemofog". While the underlying mechanisms mediating CICI are still unclear, there is strong evidence that chemotherapy accelerates the biological aging process, manifesting as effects which include telomere shortening, epigenetic dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial defects, impaired neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation, all of which are known to contribute to increased anxiety and neurocognitive decline. Despite the increased prevalence of CICI, there exists a lack of mechanistic understanding by which chemotherapy detrimentally affects cognition in cancer survivors. Moreover, there are no approved therapeutic interventions for this condition. To address this gap in knowledge, this review attempts to identify how adenosine signaling, particularly through the adenosine A2A receptor, can be an essential tool to attenuate accelerated aging phenotypes. Importantly, the adenosine A2A receptor uniquely stands at the crossroads of cancer treatment and improved cognition, given that it is widely known to control tumor induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, while also posited to be an essential regulator of cognition in neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, we propose that the adenosine A2A receptor may provide a multifaceted therapeutic strategy to enhance anticancer activity, while combating chemotherapy induced cognitive deficits, both which are essential to provide novel therapeutic interventions against accelerated aging in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Oliveros
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Michael Poleschuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Peter D Cole
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States.
| | - Mi-Hyeon Jang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States.
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5
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Que M, Li Y, Wang X, Zhan G, Luo X, Zhou Z. Role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation: accomplices, resisters, or bystanders? Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1188306. [PMID: 37435045 PMCID: PMC10330732 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1188306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep plays an essential role in all studied animals with a nervous system. However, sleep deprivation leads to various pathological changes and neurobehavioral problems. Astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the brain and are involved in various important functions, including neurotransmitter and ion homeostasis, synaptic and neuronal modulation, and blood-brain barrier maintenance; furthermore, they are associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, pain, and mood disorders. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly being recognized as vital contributors to the regulation of sleep-wake cycles, both locally and in specific neural circuits. In this review, we begin by describing the role of astrocytes in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms, focusing on: (i) neuronal activity; (ii) metabolism; (iii) the glymphatic system; (iv) neuroinflammation; and (v) astrocyte-microglia cross-talk. Moreover, we review the role of astrocytes in sleep deprivation comorbidities and sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Finally, we discuss potential interventions targeting astrocytes to prevent or treat sleep deprivation-related brain disorders. Pursuing these questions would pave the way for a deeper understanding of the cellular and neural mechanisms underlying sleep deprivation-comorbid brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Que
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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6
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Madeira D, Lopes CR, Simões AP, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Astrocytic A 2A receptors silencing negatively impacts hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice. Glia 2023. [PMID: 37183905 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are wired to bidirectionally communicate with neurons namely with synapses, thus shaping synaptic plasticity, which in the hippocampus is considered to underlie learning and memory. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2A R) are a potential candidate to modulate this bidirectional communication, since A2A R regulate synaptic plasticity and memory and also control key astrocytic functions. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of astrocytic A2A R in synaptic plasticity and hippocampal-dependent memory. Here, we investigated the impact of genetic silencing astrocytic A2A R on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice. The genetic A2A R silencing in astrocytes was accomplished by a bilateral injection into the CA1 hippocampal area of a viral construct (AAV5-GFAP-GFP-Cre) that inactivate A2A R expression in astrocytes of male adult mice carrying "floxed" A2A R gene, as confirmed by A2A R binding assays. Astrocytic A2A R silencing alters astrocytic morphology, typified by an increment of astrocytic arbor complexity, and led to deficits in spatial reference memory and compromised hippocampal synaptic plasticity, typified by a reduction of LTP magnitude and a shift of synaptic long-term depression (LTD) toward LTP. These data indicate that astrocytic A2A R control astrocytic morphology and influence hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice in a manner different from neuronal A2A R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia R Lopes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana P Simões
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology- University of Coimbra (CNC- UC), Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Lohr C. Role of P2Y receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathophysiology. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109311. [PMID: 36328064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are active constituents of the brain that manage ion homeostasis and metabolic support of neurons and directly tune synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes express all known P2Y receptors. These regulate a multitude of physiological functions such as cell proliferation, Ca2+ signalling, gliotransmitter release and neurovascular coupling. In addition, P2Y receptors are fundamental in the transition of astrocytes into reactive astrocytes, as occurring in many brain disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation and epilepsy. This review summarizes the current literature addressing the function of P2Y receptors in astrocytes in the healthy brain as well as in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lohr
- Institute of Cell and Systems Biology of Animals, University of Hamburg, Germany.
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P2Y1 Receptor as a Catalyst of Brain Neurodegeneration. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Different brain disorders display distinctive etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms. However, they also share pathogenic events. One event systematically occurring in different brain disorders, both acute and chronic, is the increase of the extracellular ATP levels. Accordingly, several P2 (ATP/ADP) and P1 (adenosine) receptors, as well as the ectoenzymes involved in the extracellular catabolism of ATP, have been associated to different brain pathologies, either with a neuroprotective or neurodegenerative action. The P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1R) is one of the purinergic receptors associated to different brain diseases. It has a widespread regional, cellular, and subcellular distribution in the brain, it is capable of modulating synaptic function and neuronal activity, and it is particularly important in the control of astrocytic activity and in astrocyte–neuron communication. In diverse brain pathologies, there is growing evidence of a noxious gain-of-function of P2Y1R favoring neurodegeneration by promoting astrocyte hyperactivity, entraining Ca2+-waves, and inducing the release of glutamate by directly or indirectly recruiting microglia and/or by increasing the susceptibility of neurons to damage. Here, we review the current evidence on the involvement of P2Y1R in different acute and chronic neurodegenerative brain disorders and the underlying mechanisms.
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