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Luczak-Sobotkowska ZM, Rosa P, Lopez MB, Ochocka N, Kiryk A, Lenkiewicz AM, Furhmann M, Jankowski A, Kaminska B. Tracking changes in functionality and morphology of repopulated microglia in young and old mice. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:248. [PMID: 39363245 PMCID: PMC11448401 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03242-0] [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: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia (MG) are myeloid cells of the central nervous system that support homeostasis and instigate neuroinflammation in pathologies. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed the functional heterogeneity of MG in mouse brains. Microglia are self-renewing cells and inhibition of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling depletes microglia which rapidly repopulate. The functions of repopulated microglia are poorly known. METHODS We combined scRNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging to study the functionalities and morphology of repopulated microglia. RESULTS A CSRF1R inhibitor (BLZ-945) depleted microglia within 21 days and a number of microglia was fully restored within 7 days, as confirmed by TMEM119 staining and flow cytometry. ScRNA-seq and computational analyses demonstrate that repopulated microglia originated from preexisting progenitors and reconstituted functional clusters but upregulated inflammatory genes. Percentages of proliferating, immature microglia displaying inflammatory gene expression increased in aging mice. Morphometric analysis of MG cell body and branching revealed a distinct morphology of repopulated MG, particularly in brains of old mice. We demonstrate that with aging some repopulated MG fail to reach the homeostatic phenotype. These differences may contribute to the deterioration of MG protective functions with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrycja Rosa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Banqueri Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Ochocka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kiryk
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna M Lenkiewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martin Furhmann
- Neuroimmunology and Imaging Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Aleksander Jankowski
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
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2
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Bartos LM, Kunte ST, Wagner S, Beumers P, Schaefer R, Zatcepin A, Li Y, Griessl M, Hoermann L, Wind-Mark K, Bartenstein P, Tahirovic S, Ziegler S, Brendel M, Gnörich J. Astroglial glucose uptake determines brain FDG-PET alterations and metabolic connectivity during healthy aging in mice. Neuroimage 2024; 300:120860. [PMID: 39332748 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE 2-Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET (FDG-PET) is a powerful tool to study glucose metabolism in mammalian brains, but cellular sources of glucose uptake and metabolic connectivity during aging are not yet understood. METHODS Healthy wild-type mice of both sexes (2-21 months of age) received FDG-PET and cell sorting after in vivo tracer injection (scRadiotracing). FDG uptake per cell was quantified in isolated microglia, astrocytes and neurons. Cerebral FDG uptake and metabolic connectivity were determined by PET. A subset of mice received measurement of blood glucose levels to study associations with cellular FDG uptake during aging. RESULTS Cerebral FDG-PET signals in healthy mice increased linearly with age. Cellular FDG uptake of neurons increased between 2 and 12 months of age, followed by a strong decrease towards late ages. Contrarily, FDG uptake in microglia and astrocytes exhibited a U-shaped function with respect to age, comprising the predominant cellular source of higher cerebral FDG uptake in the later stages. Metabolic connectivity was closely associated with the ratio of glucose uptake in astroglial cells relative to neurons. Cellular FDG uptake was not associated with blood glucose levels and increasing FDG brain uptake as a function of age was still observed after adjusting for blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION Trajectories of astroglial glucose uptake drive brain FDG-PET alterations and metabolic connectivity during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Bartos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian T Kunte
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Wagner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Beumers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Schaefer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Artem Zatcepin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Germany
| | - Yunlei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Griessl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Hoermann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Wind-Mark
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Ziegler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Gnörich
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, Germany.
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Lai G, Malavolta M, Marcozzi S, Bigossi G, Giuliani ME, Casoli T, Balietti M. Late-onset major depressive disorder: exploring the therapeutic potential of enhancing cerebral brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression through targeted microRNA delivery. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:352. [PMID: 39227372 PMCID: PMC11371930 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02935-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe psychiatric condition that significantly impacts the overall quality of life. Although MDD can occur across all age groups, it is notably prevalent among older individuals, with the aggravating circumstance that the clinical condition is frequently overlooked and undertreated. Furthermore, older adults often encounter resistance to standard treatments, experience adverse events, and face challenges associated with polypharmacy. Given that late-life MDD is associated with heightened rates of disability and mortality, as well as imposing a significant economic and logistical burden on healthcare systems, it becomes imperative to explore novel therapeutic approaches. These could serve as either supplements to standard guidelines or alternatives for non-responsive patients, potentially enhancing the management of geriatric MDD patients. This review aims to delve into the potential of microRNAs targeting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In MDD, a significant decrease in both central and peripheral BDNF has been well-documented, raising implications for therapy response. Notably, BDNF appears to be a key player in the intricate interplay between microRNA-induced neuroplasticity deficits and neuroinflammation, both processes deeply implicated in the onset and progression of the disease. Special emphasis is placed on delivery methods, with a comprehensive comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each proposed approach. Our hypothesis proposes that employing multiple microRNAs concurrently, with the ability to directly influence BDNF and activate closely associated pathways, may represent the most promising strategy. Regarding vehicles, although the perfect nanoparticle remains elusive, considering the trade-offs, liposomes emerge as the most suitable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Lai
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Malavolta
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bigossi
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Elisa Giuliani
- Advanced Technology Center for Aging Research and Geriatric Mouse Clinic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Casoli
- Center of Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marta Balietti
- Center of Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
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4
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Ana B. Aged-Related Changes in Microglia and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Exploring the Connection. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1737. [PMID: 39200202 PMCID: PMC11351943 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells exhibit properties akin to macrophages, thereby enabling them to support and protect the central nervous system environment. Aging induces alterations in microglial polarization, resulting in a shift toward a neurotoxic phenotype characterized by increased expression of pro-inflammatory markers. Dysregulation of microglial cells' regulatory pathways and interactions with neurons contribute to chronic activation and neurodegeneration. A better understanding of the involvement of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is a critical topic for studying the role of inflammatory responses in disease progression. Furthermore, the metabolic changes in aged microglia, including the downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, are discussed in this review. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing better preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borrajo Ana
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Fettig NM, Pu A, Osborne LC, Gommerman JL. The influence of aging and the microbiome in multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Immunol Rev 2024; 325:166-189. [PMID: 38890777 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13361] [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] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The human gut microbiome is well-recognized as a key player in maintaining health. However, it is a dynamic entity that changes across the lifespan. How the microbial changes that occur in later decades of life shape host health or impact age-associated inflammatory neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. Current understanding of the aging gut microbiome is largely limited to cross-sectional observational studies. Moreover, studies in humans are limited by confounding host-intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are not easily disentangled from aging. This review provides a comprehensive summary of existing literature on the aging gut microbiome and its known relationships with neurological diseases, with a specific focus on MS. We will also discuss preclinical animal models and human studies that shed light on the complex microbiota-host interactions that have the potential to influence disease pathology and progression in aging individuals. Lastly, we propose potential avenues of investigation to deconvolute features of an aging microbiota that contribute to disease, or alternatively promote health in advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi M Fettig
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annie Pu
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa C Osborne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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6
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De Paula GC, Aldana BI, Battistella R, Fernández-Calle R, Bjure A, Lundgaard I, Deierborg T, Duarte JMN. Extracellular vesicles released from microglia after palmitate exposure impact brain function. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:173. [PMID: 39014461 PMCID: PMC11253458 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03168-7] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Dietary patterns that include an excess of foods rich in saturated fat are associated with brain dysfunction. Although microgliosis has been proposed to play a key role in the development of brain dysfunction in diet-induced obesity (DIO), neuroinflammation with cytokine over-expression is not always observed. Thus, mechanisms by which microglia contribute to brain impairment in DIO are uncertain. Using the BV2 cell model, we investigated the gliosis profile of microglia exposed to palmitate (200 µmol/L), a saturated fatty acid abundant in high-fat diet and in the brain of obese individuals. We observed that microglia respond to a 24-hour palmitate exposure with increased proliferation, and with a metabolic network rearrangement that favors energy production from glycolysis rather than oxidative metabolism, despite stimulated mitochondria biogenesis. In addition, while palmitate did not induce increased cytokine expression, it modified the protein cargo of released extracellular vesicles (EVs). When administered intra-cerebroventricularly to mice, EVs secreted from palmitate-exposed microglia in vitro led to memory impairment, depression-like behavior, and glucose intolerance, when compared to mice receiving EVs from vehicle-treated microglia. We conclude that microglia exposed to palmitate can mediate brain dysfunction through the cargo of shed EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C De Paula
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roberta Battistella
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rosalía Fernández-Calle
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bjure
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
| | - Iben Lundgaard
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - João M N Duarte
- Department of Experimental Medical Science (EMV), Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC C11, Lund, 221 84, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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7
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Semenova EI, Rudenok MM, Rybolovlev IN, Shulskaya MV, Lukashevich MV, Partevian SA, Budko AI, Nesterov MS, Abaimov DA, Slominsky PA, Shadrina MI, Alieva AK. Effects of Age and MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease on the Expression of Genes Associated with the Regulation of the Sleep-Wake Cycle in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7721. [PMID: 39062963 PMCID: PMC11276692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147721] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a long prodromal period, during which patients often have sleep disturbances. The histaminergic system and circadian rhythms play an important role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Changes in the functioning of these systems may be involved in the pathogenesis of early stages of PD and may be age-dependent. Here, we have analyzed changes in the expression of genes associated with the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle (Hnmt, Hrh1, Hrh3, Per1, Per2, and Chrm3) in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of normal male mice of different ages, as well as in young and adult male mice with an MPTP-induced model of the early symptomatic stage (ESS) of PD. Age-dependent expression analysis in normal mouse brain tissue revealed changes in Hrh3, Per1, Per2, and Chrm3 genes in adult mice relative to young mice. When gene expression was examined in mice with the MPTP-induced model of the ESS of PD, changes in the expression of all studied genes were found only in the SN of adult mice with the ESS model of PD. These data suggest that age is a significant factor influencing changes in the expression of genes associated with sleep-wake cycle regulation in the development of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Semenova
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Margarita M. Rudenok
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Ivan N. Rybolovlev
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Marina V. Shulskaya
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Maria V. Lukashevich
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Suzanna A. Partevian
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Alexander I. Budko
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Maxim S. Nesterov
- Scientific Center for Biomedical Technologies of the Federal Biomedical Agency of Russia, 119435 Krasnogorsk, Russia;
| | - Denis A. Abaimov
- Research Center of Neurology, Volokolamskoye Shosse 80, 125367 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Petr A. Slominsky
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Maria I. Shadrina
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
| | - Anelya Kh. Alieva
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 2 Kurchatova Sq., 123182 Moscow, Russia; (M.M.R.); (I.N.R.); (M.V.S.); (M.V.L.); (S.A.P.); (A.I.B.); (P.A.S.); (M.I.S.); (A.K.A.)
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Balan I, Grusca A, Chéry SL, Materia BR, O’Buckley TK, Morrow AL. Neurosteroid [3α,5α]-3-Hydroxy-pregnan-20-one Enhances the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Pathway in the Brain of Alcohol-Preferring Rats with Sex-Specificity. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:860. [PMID: 39063614 PMCID: PMC11277648 DOI: 10.3390/life14070860] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of allopregnanolone ([3α,5α]3-hydroxypregnan-20-one or 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THP); 10 mg/kg, IP) on fractalkine/CX3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) levels, associated signaling components, and markers for microglial and astrocytic cells in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of male and female alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Previous research suggested that 3α,5α-THP enhances anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine production in the brains of male P rats, with no similar effect observed in females. This study reveals that 3α,5α-THP elevates CX3CL1 levels by 16% in the NAc of female P rats, with no significant changes observed in males. The increase in CX3CL1 levels induced by 3α,5α-THP was observed in females across multiple brain regions, including the NAc, amygdala, hypothalamus, and midbrain, while no significant effect was noted in males. Additionally, female P rats treated with 3α,5α-THP exhibited notable increases in CX3CL1 receptor (CX3CR1; 48%) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1; 24%) levels, along with heightened activation (phosphorylation) of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1; 85%) in the NAc. Conversely, no similar alterations were observed in male P rats. Furthermore, 3α,5α-THP decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels by 19% in both female and male P rat NAc, without affecting microglial markers ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) and transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119). These findings indicate that 3α,5α-THP enhances the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway in the female P rat brain but not in males, primarily influencing astrocyte reactivity, with no observed effect on microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Adelina Grusca
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
| | - Samantha Lucenell Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Baylee R. Materia
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
| | - Todd K. O’Buckley
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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9
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Arutyunov A, Durán-Laforet V, Ai S, Ferrari L, Murphy R, Schafer DP, Klein RS. West Nile Virus-Induced Expression of Senescent Gene Lgals3bp Regulates Microglial Phenotype within Cerebral Cortex. Biomolecules 2024; 14:808. [PMID: 39062523 PMCID: PMC11274721 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070808] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, exhibit altered gene expression in response to various neurological conditions. This study investigates the relationship between West Nile Virus infection and microglial senescence, focusing on the role of LGALS3BP, a protein implicated in both antiviral responses and aging. Using spatial transcriptomics, RNA sequencing and flow cytometry, we characterized changes in microglial gene signatures in adult and aged mice following recovery from WNV encephalitis. Additionally, we analyzed Lgals3bp expression and generated Lgals3bp-deficient mice to assess the impact on neuroinflammation and microglial phenotypes. Our results show that WNV-activated microglia share transcriptional signatures with aged microglia, including upregulation of genes involved in interferon response and inflammation. Lgals3bp was broadly expressed in the CNS and robustly upregulated during WNV infection and aging. Lgals3bp-deficient mice exhibited reduced neuroinflammation, increased homeostatic microglial numbers, and altered T cell populations without differences in virologic control or survival. These data indicate that LGALS3BP has a role in regulating neuroinflammation and microglial activation and suggest that targeting LGALS3BP might provide a potential route for mitigating neuroinflammation-related cognitive decline in aging and post-viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Arutyunov
- Center for Neuroimmunology & Neuroinfectious Diseases, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Violeta Durán-Laforet
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; (V.D.-L.); (L.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Shenjian Ai
- Center for Neuroimmunology & Neuroinfectious Diseases, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Loris Ferrari
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; (V.D.-L.); (L.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Robert Murphy
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; (V.D.-L.); (L.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Dorothy P. Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; (V.D.-L.); (L.F.); (R.M.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Robyn S. Klein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Western Institute of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 100 Perth Dr, London, ON N6A 5K8, Canada
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10
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Bailey HM, Cookson MR. How Parkinson's Disease-Linked LRRK2 Mutations Affect Different CNS Cell Types. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024:JPD230432. [PMID: 38905056 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
LRRK2 is a relatively common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), with six coding variants known to cause familial PD. Non-coding variation at the same locus is also associated with sporadic PD. LRRK2 plays a role in many different intracellular signaling cascades including those involved in endolysosomal function, cytoskeletal dynamics, and Ca2+ homeostasis. PD-causing LRRK2 mutations cause hyperactive LRRK2 kinase activity, resulting in altered cellular signaling. Importantly, LRRK2 is lowly expressed in neurons and prominently expressed in non-neuronal cells in the brain. In this review, we will summarize recent and novel findings on the effects of PD-causing LRRK2 mutations in different nervous system cell types. This review will also provide novel insight into future areas of research at the intersection of LRRK2 cell biology, cell type specificity, and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Bailey
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark R Cookson
- Cell Biology and Gene Expression Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Puigdellívol M, Brown GC. Stopping the aged brain from eating itself. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:7508-7510. [PMID: 38728247 PMCID: PMC11132020 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Puigdellívol
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain
| | - Guy C. Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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12
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Pierson SR, Kolling LJ, James TD, Pushpavathi SG, Marcinkiewcz CA. Serotonergic dysfunction may mediate the relationship between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107171. [PMID: 38599469 PMCID: PMC11088857 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related dementias is rapidly expanding, and its mitigation remains an urgent social and technical challenge. To date there are no effective treatments or interventions for AD, but recent studies suggest that alcohol consumption is correlated with the risk of developing dementia. In this review, we synthesize data from preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological models to evaluate the combined role of alcohol consumption and serotonergic dysfunction in AD, underscoring the need for further research on this topic. We first discuss the limitations inherent to current data-collection methods, and how neuropsychiatric symptoms common among AD, alcohol use disorder, and serotonergic dysfunction may mask their co-occurrence. We additionally describe how excess alcohol consumption may accelerate the development of AD via direct effects on serotonergic function, and we explore the roles of neuroinflammation and proteostasis in mediating the relationship between serotonin, alcohol consumption, and AD. Lastly, we argue for a shift in current research to disentangle the pathogenic effects of alcohol on early-affected brainstem structures in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Pierson
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, United States
| | - Louis J Kolling
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, United States
| | - Thomas D James
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, United States
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13
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Kumar NH, Kluever V, Barth E, Krautwurst S, Furlan M, Pelizzola M, Marz M, Fornasiero EF. Comprehensive transcriptome analysis reveals altered mRNA splicing and post-transcriptional changes in the aged mouse brain. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2865-2885. [PMID: 38471806 PMCID: PMC11014377 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of molecular changes during brain aging is essential to mitigate cognitive decline and delay neurodegenerative diseases. The interpretation of mRNA alterations during brain aging is influenced by the health and age of the animal cohorts studied. Here, we carefully consider these factors and provide an in-depth investigation of mRNA splicing and dynamics in the aging mouse brain, combining short- and long-read sequencing technologies with extensive bioinformatic analyses. Our findings encompass a spectrum of age-related changes, including differences in isoform usage, decreased mRNA dynamics and a module showing increased expression of neuronal genes. Notably, our results indicate a reduced abundance of mRNA isoforms leading to nonsense-mediated RNA decay and suggest a regulatory role for RNA-binding proteins, indicating that their regulation may be altered leading to the reshaping of the aged brain transcriptome. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of studying mRNA splicing events during brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Hemandhar Kumar
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Verena Kluever
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Emanuel Barth
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Krautwurst
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Mattia Furlan
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Pelizzola
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 20139 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Manja Marz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research, FLI, Beutenbergstraße 11, Jena 07743, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Friedrich Schiller University, Leutragraben 1, Jena 07743, Germany
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Puschstraße 4, Leipzig 04103, Germany
- Michael Stifel Center Jena, Friedrich Schiller University, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, Jena 07743, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Fuerstengraben 1, Jena 07743, Germany
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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14
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Shin HJ, Kim IS, Choi SG, Lee K, Park H, Shin J, Kim D, Beom J, Yi YY, Gupta DP, Song GJ, Chung WS, Lee CJ, Kim DW. Rejuvenating aged microglia by p16 ink4a-siRNA-loaded nanoparticles increases amyloid-β clearance in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:25. [PMID: 38493185 PMCID: PMC10943801 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00715-x] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-dependent accumulation of amyloid plaques in patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with reduced amyloid clearance. Older microglia have a reduced ability to phagocytose amyloid, so phagocytosis of amyloid plaques by microglia could be regulated to prevent amyloid accumulation. Furthermore, considering the aging-related disruption of cell cycle machinery in old microglia, we hypothesize that regulating their cell cycle could rejuvenate them and enhance their ability to promote more efficient amyloid clearance. First, we used gene ontology analysis of microglia from young and old mice to identify differential expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16ink4a), a cell cycle factor related to aging. We found that p16ink4a expression was increased in microglia near amyloid plaques in brain tissue from patients with AD and 5XFAD mice, a model of AD. In BV2 microglia, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated p16ink4a downregulation transformed microglia with enhanced amyloid phagocytic capacity through regulated the cell cycle and increased cell proliferation. To regulate microglial phagocytosis by gene transduction, we used poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, which predominantly target microglia, to deliver the siRNA and to control microglial reactivity. Nanoparticle-based delivery of p16ink4a siRNA reduced amyloid plaque formation and the number of aged microglia surrounding the plaque and reversed learning deterioration and spatial memory deficits. We propose that downregulation of p16ink4a in microglia is a promising strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jung Shin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - In Soo Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Gyu Choi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kayoung Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Park
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Shin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayoung Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Beom
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Young Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Deepak Prasad Gupta
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyun Jee Song
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-Do, Republic of Korea
- Translational Brain Research Center, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Glia-Neuron Interaction, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Developmental Biology, College of Dentistry Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Jagaraj CJ, Shadfar S, Kashani SA, Saravanabavan S, Farzana F, Atkin JD. Molecular hallmarks of ageing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:111. [PMID: 38430277 PMCID: PMC10908642 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05164-9] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, severely debilitating and rapidly progressing disorder affecting motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments, thus there remains a critical need to find novel interventions that can mitigate against its effects. Whilst the aetiology of ALS remains unclear, ageing is the major risk factor. Ageing is a slowly progressive process marked by functional decline of an organism over its lifespan. However, it remains unclear how ageing promotes the risk of ALS. At the molecular and cellular level there are specific hallmarks characteristic of normal ageing. These hallmarks are highly inter-related and overlap significantly with each other. Moreover, whilst ageing is a normal process, there are striking similarities at the molecular level between these factors and neurodegeneration in ALS. Nine ageing hallmarks were originally proposed: genomic instability, loss of telomeres, senescence, epigenetic modifications, dysregulated nutrient sensing, loss of proteostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and altered inter-cellular communication. However, these were recently (2023) expanded to include dysregulation of autophagy, inflammation and dysbiosis. Hence, given the latest updates to these hallmarks, and their close association to disease processes in ALS, a new examination of their relationship to pathophysiology is warranted. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms by which normal ageing impacts on neurodegenerative mechanisms implicated in ALS, and new therapeutic interventions that may arise from this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jones Jagaraj
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sara Assar Kashani
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sayanthooran Saravanabavan
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Fabiha Farzana
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- MND Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Road, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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16
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Majewska A, Le L, Feidler A, Li H, Kara-Pabani K, Lamantia C, O'Banion MK. Noradrenergic signaling controls Alzheimer's disease pathology via activation of microglial β2 adrenergic receptors. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3976896. [PMID: 38464247 PMCID: PMC10925421 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3976896/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Norepinephrine (NE) is a potent anti-inflammatory agent in the brain. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the loss of NE signaling heightens neuroinflammation and exacerbates amyloid pathology. NE inhibits surveillance activity of microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, via their β2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs). Here, we investigate the role of microglial β2AR signaling in AD pathology in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We found that loss of cortical NE projections preceded the degeneration of NE-producing neurons and that microglia in 5xFAD mice, especially those microglia that were associated with plaques, significantly downregulated β2AR gene expression early in amyloid pathology. Importantly, dampening microglial β2AR signaling worsened plaque load and the associated neuritic damage, while stimulating microglial β2AR signaling attenuated amyloid pathology. Our results suggest that microglial β2AR could be explored as a potential therapeutic target to modify AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Herman Li
- University of Rochester Medical Center
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17
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Rim C, You MJ, Nahm M, Kwon MS. Emerging role of senescent microglia in brain aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:10. [PMID: 38378788 PMCID: PMC10877780 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00402-3] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain aging is a recognized risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease), but the intricate interplay between brain aging and the pathogenesis of these conditions remains inadequately understood. Cellular senescence is considered to contribute to cellular dysfunction and inflammaging. According to the threshold theory of senescent cell accumulation, the vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases is associated with the rates of senescent cell generation and clearance within the brain. Given the role of microglia in eliminating senescent cells, the accumulation of senescent microglia may lead to the acceleration of brain aging, contributing to inflammaging and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we propose the idea that the senescence of microglia, which is notably vulnerable to aging, could potentially serve as a central catalyst in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The senescent microglia are emerging as a promising target for mitigating neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Rim
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, CHA Bio Complex, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jung You
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, CHA Bio Complex, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyeop Nahm
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Soo Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, Research Institute for Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, CHA University, CHA Bio Complex, 335 Pangyo, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Republic of Korea.
- Brainimmunex Inc., 26 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13522, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Le L, Feidler AM, Li H, Kara-Pabani K, Lamantia C, O'Banion MK, Majewska KA. Noradrenergic signaling controls Alzheimer's disease pathology via activation of microglial β2 adrenergic receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569564. [PMID: 38106167 PMCID: PMC10723313 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology, plaque and tangle accumulation trigger an inflammatory response that mounts positive feed-back loops between inflammation and protein aggregation, aggravating neurite damage and neuronal death. One of the earliest brain regions to undergo neurodegeneration is the locus coeruleus (LC), the predominant site of norepinephrine (NE) production in the central nervous system (CNS). In animal models of AD, dampening the impact of noradrenergic signaling pathways, either through administration of beta blockers or pharmacological ablation of the LC, heightened neuroinflammation through increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. Since microglia are the resident immune cells of the CNS, it is reasonable to postulate that they are responsible for translating the loss of NE tone into exacerbated disease pathology. Recent findings from our lab demonstrated that noradrenergic signaling inhibits microglia dynamics via β2 adrenergic receptors (β2ARs), suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory role for microglial β2AR signaling. Thus, we hypothesize that microglial β2 adrenergic signaling is progressively impaired during AD progression, which leads to the chronic immune vigilant state of microglia that worsens disease pathology. First, we characterized changes in microglial β2AR signaling as a function of amyloid pathology. We found that LC neurons and their projections degenerate early and progressively in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD; accompanied by mild decrease in the levels of norepinephrine and its metabolite normetanephrine. Interestingly, while 5xFAD microglia, especially plaque-associated microglia, significant downregulated β2AR gene expression early in amyloid pathology, they did not lose their responsiveness to β2AR stimulation. Most importantly, we demonstrated that specific microglial β2AR deletion worsened disease pathology while chronic β2AR stimulation resulted in attenuation of amyloid pathology and associated neuritic damage, suggesting microglial β2AR might be used as potential therapeutic target to modify AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - A M Feidler
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - H Li
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester, Rochester NY
| | - K Kara-Pabani
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - C Lamantia
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - M K O'Banion
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - K A Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester NY
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19
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Chen H, Guo Z, Sun Y, Dai X. The immunometabolic reprogramming of microglia in Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105614. [PMID: 37748710 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder (NDD). In the central nervous system (CNS), immune cells like microglia could reprogram intracellular metabolism to alter or exert cellular immune functions in response to environmental stimuli. In AD, microglia could be activated and differentiated into pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotypes, and these differences in cellular phenotypes resulted in variance in cellular energy metabolism. Considering the enormous energy requirement of microglia for immune functions, the changes in mitochondria-centered energy metabolism and substrates of microglia are crucial for the cellular regulation of immune responses. Here we reviewed the mechanisms of microglial metabolic reprogramming by analyzing their flexible metabolic patterns and changes that occurred in their metabolism during the development of AD. Further, we summarized the role of drugs in modulating immunometabolic reprogramming to prevent neuroinflammation, which may shed light on a new research direction for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023, China
| | - Zichen Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023, China
| | - Yaxuan Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023, China
| | - Xueling Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Food, College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, Beijing, 100023, China.
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20
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Boylan MA, Pincetic A, Romano G, Tatton N, Kenkare-Mitra S, Rosenthal A. Targeting Progranulin as an Immuno-Neurology Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15946. [PMID: 37958929 PMCID: PMC10647331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115946] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immuno-neurology is an emerging therapeutic strategy for dementia and neurodegeneration designed to address immune surveillance failure in the brain. Microglia, as central nervous system (CNS)-resident myeloid cells, routinely perform surveillance of the brain and support neuronal function. Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations causing decreased levels of progranulin (PGRN), an immune regulatory protein, lead to dysfunctional microglia and are associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal dementia caused by the progranulin gene (GRN) mutation (FTD-GRN), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), limbic-predominant age-related transactivation response deoxyribonucleic acid binding protein 43 (TDP-43) encephalopathy (LATE), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Immuno-neurology targets immune checkpoint-like proteins, offering the potential to convert aging and dysfunctional microglia into disease-fighting cells that counteract multiple disease pathologies, clear misfolded proteins and debris, promote myelin and synapse repair, optimize neuronal function, support astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and maintain brain vasculature. Several clinical trials are underway to elevate PGRN levels as one strategy to modulate the function of microglia and counteract neurodegenerative changes associated with various disease states. If successful, these and other immuno-neurology drugs have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders by harnessing the brain's immune system and shifting it from an inflammatory/pathological state to an enhanced physiological/homeostatic state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Arnon Rosenthal
- Alector, Inc., 131 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 600, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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21
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Huard CA, Gao X, Dey Hazra ME, Dey Hazra RO, Lebsock K, Easley JT, Millett PJ, Huard J. Effects of Fisetin Treatment on Cellular Senescence of Various Tissues and Organs of Old Sheep. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1646. [PMID: 37627641 PMCID: PMC10451965 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081646] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fisetin has been shown to be beneficial for brain injury and age-related brain disease via different mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of senescent cells and the effects of fisetin on cellular senescence in the brain and other vital organs in old sheep, a more translational model. Female sheep 6-7 years old (N = 6) were treated with 100 mg/kg fisetin or vehicle alone on two consecutive days a week for 8 weeks. All vital organs were harvested at the time of sacrifice. Histology, immunofluorescence staining, and RT-Q-PCR were performed on different regions of brain tissues and other organs. Our results indicated that fisetin treatment at the current regimen did not affect the general morphology of the brain. The presence of senescent cells in both the cerebral brain cortex and cerebellum and non-Cornu Ammonis (CA) area of the hippocampus was detected by senescent-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and GL13 (lipofuscin) staining. The senescent cells detected were mainly neurons in both gray and white matter of either the cerebral brain cortex, cerebellum, or non-CA area of the hippocampus. Very few senescent cells were detected in the neurons of the CA1-4 area of the hippocampus, as revealed by GL13 staining and GLB1 colocalization with NEUN. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased the number of SA-β-Gal+ cells in brain cortex white matter and GL13+ cells in the non-CA area of the hippocampus, and showed a decreasing trend of SA-β-Gal+ cells in the gray matter of both the cerebral brain cortex and cerebellum. Furthermore, fisetin treatment significantly decreased P16+ and GLB1+ cells in neuronal nuclear protein (NEUN)+ neurons, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes, and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1)+ microglia cells in both gray and white matter of cerebral brain cortex. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased GLB1+ cells in microglia cells, astrocytes, and NEUN+ neurons in the non-CA area of the hippocampus. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased plasma S100B. At the mRNA level, fisetin significantly downregulated GLB1 in the liver, showed a decreasing trend in GLB1 in the lung, heart, and spleen tissues, and significantly decreased P21 expression in the liver and lung. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased TREM2 in the lung tissues and showed a trend of downregulation in the liver, spleen, and heart. A significant decrease in NRLP3 in the liver was observed after fisetin treatment. Finally, fisetin treatment significantly downregulated SOD1 in the liver and spleen while upregulating CAT in the spleen. In conclusion, we found that senescent cells were widely present in the cerebral brain cortex and cerebellum and non-CA area of the hippocampus of old sheep. Fisetin treatment significantly decreased senescent neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in both gray and white matter of the cerebral brain cortex and non-CA area of the hippocampus. In addition, fisetin treatment decreased senescent gene expressions and inflammasomes in other organs, such as the lung and the liver. Fisetin treatment represents a promising therapeutic strategy for age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A. Huard
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
| | - Xueqin Gao
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
| | - Maria E. Dey Hazra
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
- The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO 81657, USA
| | - Rony-Orijit Dey Hazra
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
- The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO 81657, USA
- Department for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charite-University Medicine Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kimberly Lebsock
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.L.); (J.T.E.)
| | - Jeremiah T. Easley
- Preclinical Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (K.L.); (J.T.E.)
| | - Peter J. Millett
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
- The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO 81657, USA
| | - Johnny Huard
- Linda and Mitch Hart Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO 81657, USA or (C.A.H.); (R.-O.D.H.); (P.J.M.)
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Brackhan M, Arribas-Blazquez M, Lastres-Becker I. Aging, NRF2, and TAU: A Perfect Match for Neurodegeneration? Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1564. [PMID: 37627559 PMCID: PMC10451380 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081564] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the trigger for the neurodegenerative disease process is unknown, the relevance of aging stands out as a major risk for the development of neurodegeneration. In this review, we highlighted the relationship between the different cellular mechanisms that occur as a consequence of aging and transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and the connection with the TAU protein. We focused on the relevance of NRF2 in the main processes involved in neurodegeneration and associated with aging, such as genomic instability, protein degradation systems (proteasomes/autophagy), cellular senescence, and stem cell exhaustion, as well as inflammation. We also analyzed the effect of aging on TAU protein levels and its aggregation and spread process. Finally, we investigated the interconnection between NRF2 and TAU and the relevance of alterations in the NRF2 signaling pathway in both primary and secondary tauopathies. All these points highlight NRF2 as a possible therapeutic target for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Brackhan
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, c/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Arribas-Blazquez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” UAM-CSIC, c/Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Institute Teófilo Hernando for Drug Discovery, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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