Astrocyte, the star avatar: redefined

Adult neurogenesis research in China

Neural stem cells are multipotent stem cells that generate functional newborn neurons through a process called neurogenesis. Neurogenesis in the adult brain is tightly regulated and plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of brain function. Disruption of adult neurogenesis impairs cognitive function and is correlated with numerous neurologic disorders. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying adult neurogenesis not only advances our understanding of how the brain functions, but also offers new insight into neurologic diseases and potentially contributes to the development of effective treatments. The field of adult neurogenesis is experiencing significant growth in China. Chinese researchers have demonstrated a multitude of factors governing adult neurogenesis and revealed the underlying mechanisms of and correlations between adult neurogenesis and neurologic disorders. Here, we provide an overview of recent advancements in the field of adult neurogenesis due to Chinese scientists.

Understanding crosstalk of organ tropism, tumor microenvironment and noncoding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis

Cancer metastasis is one of the major clinical challenges worldwide due to limited existing effective treatments. Metastasis roots from the host organ of origin and gradually migrates to different regional and distant organs. In different breast cancer subtypes, different organs like bones, liver, lungs and brain are targeted by the metastatic tumor cells. Cancer renders mortality to their respective metastasizing sites like bones, brain, liver, and lungs. Metastatic breast cancers are best treated and managed if detected at an early stage. Metastasis is regulated by various molecular activators and suppressors. The conventional theory of 'seed and soil' states that metastatic tumor cells move to tumor microenvironment that has favorable conditions like blood flow for them to grow just like seeds grows when planted in fertile land. Additionally, different coding as well as non-coding RNAs play a very significant role in the process of metastasis by modulating their expression levels leading to a crosstalk of various tumorigenic cascades. Treatments for metastasis is also very critical in controlling this lethal process. Detecting breast cancer metastasis at an early stage is crucial for managing and predicting metastatic progression. In this review, we have compiled several factors that can be targeted to manage the onset and gradual stages of breast cancer metastasis.

Skin Wound following Irradiation Aggravates Radiation-Induced Brain Injury in a Mouse Model

Radiation injury- and radiation combined with skin injury-induced inflammatory responses in the mouse brain were evaluated in this study. Female B6D2F1/J mice were subjected to a sham, a skin wound (SW), 9.5 Gy ⁶⁰Co total-body gamma irradiation (RI), or 9.5 Gy RI combined with a skin puncture wound (RCI). Survival, body weight, and wound healing were tracked for 30 days, and mouse brain samples were collected on day 30 after SW, RI, RCI, and the sham control. Our results showed that RCI caused more severe animal death and body weight loss compared with RI, and skin wound healing was significantly delayed by RCI compared to SW. RCI and RI increased the chemokines Eotaxin, IP-10, MIG, 6Ckine/Exodus2, MCP-5, and TIMP-1 in the brain compared to SW and the sham control mice, and the Western blot results showed that IP-10 and p21 were significantly upregulated in brain cells post-RI or -RCI. RI and RCI activated both astrocytes and endothelial cells in the mouse brain, subsequently inducing blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage, as shown by the increased ICAM1 and GFAP proteins in the brain and GFAP in the serum. The Doublecortin (DCX) protein, the "gold standard" for measuring neurogenesis, was significantly downregulated by RI and RCI compared with the sham group. Furthermore, RI and RCI decreased the expression of the neural stem cell marker E-cadherin, the intermediate progenitor marker MASH1, the immature neuron cell marker NeuroD1, and the mature neuron cell marker NeuN, indicating neural cell damage in all development stages after RI and RCI. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining further confirmed the significant loss of neural cells in RCI. Our data demonstrated that RI and RCI induced brain injury through inflammatory pathways, and RCI exacerbated neural cell damage more than RI.

Investigating the Convergent Mechanisms between Major Depressive Disorder and Parkinson's Disease

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects more than cognition, having a temporal relationship with neuroinflammatory pathways of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although this association is supported by epidemiological and clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Microglia and astrocytes play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of both MDD and PD. In PD, these cells can be activated by misfolded forms of the protein α-synuclein to release cytokines that can interact with multiple different physiological processes to produce depressive symptoms, including monoamine transport and availability, the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, and neurogenesis. In MDD, glial cell activation can be induced by peripheral inflammatory agents that cross the blood-brain barrier and/or c-Fos signalling from neurons. The resulting neuroinflammation can cause neurodegeneration due to oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity, contributing to PD pathology. Astrocytes are another major link due to their recognized role in the glymphatic clearance mechanism. Research suggesting that MDD causes astrocytic destruction or structural atrophy highlights the possibility that accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain is facilitated as the brain cannot adequately clear the protein aggregates. This review examines research into the overlapping pathophysiology of MDD and PD with particular focus on the roles of glial cells and neuroinflammation.

Autophagy in vascular dementia and natural products with autophagy regulating activity

Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion(CCH)-induced vascular dementia(VD) is a common neurodegenerative disease which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. Therefore, it is critical to find an effective treatment of VD. Autophagy is a natural regulated mechanism that can remove dysfunctional proteins and organelles, however, over-activation or under-activation can of autophagy can induce the apoptosis of cells. Although autophagy plays a role in the central nervous system is unquestionable, the effects of autophagy in the ischemic brain are still controversial. Some autophagy regulators have been tested, suggesting that both activation and inhibition of autophagy can improve the cognitive function. This article reviews the role of autophagy in CCH-induced VD to discuss whether autophagy has the potential to become a target for drug development and provides several potential compounds for treating vascular dementia.

Neurons and Glia Interplay in α-Synucleinopathies

Accumulation of the neuronal presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein within proteinaceous inclusions represents the key histophathological hallmark of a spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, referred to by the umbrella term a-synucleinopathies. Even though alpha-synuclein is expressed predominantly in neurons, pathological aggregates of the protein are also found in the glial cells of the brain. In Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein accumulates mainly in neurons forming the Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, whereas in multiple system atrophy, the protein aggregates mostly in the glial cytoplasmic inclusions within oligodendrocytes. In addition, astrogliosis and microgliosis are found in the synucleinopathy brains, whereas both astrocytes and microglia internalize alpha-synuclein and contribute to the spread of pathology. The mechanisms underlying the pathological accumulation of alpha-synuclein in glial cells that under physiological conditions express low to non-detectable levels of the protein are an area of intense research. Undoubtedly, the presence of aggregated alpha-synuclein can disrupt glial function in general and can contribute to neurodegeneration through numerous pathways. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of alpha-synuclein in both neurons and glia, highlighting the contribution of the neuron-glia connectome in the disease initiation and progression, which may represent potential therapeutic target for a-synucleinopathies.

Clozapine increases macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression via increasing histone acetylation of MIF promoter in astrocytes

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine and promotes neurogenesis and neuroprotection in brains. In addition, MIF has been identified as a potential marker of schizophrenia (SCZ). Our recent study also showed that serum MIF level is higher in SCZ and positively correlated with antipsychotic doses, and that MIF promoter polymorphisms are associated with SCZ. Here, we investigated the effects of antipsychotics such as clozapine on MIF expression in primary cultured astrocytes derived from neonatal mouse forebrain. MIF mRNA expression was estimated with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. MIF protein concentration was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histone acetylation of MIF promoter was examined with chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. As a result, common antipsychotics, especially clozapine, increased MIF mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Clozapine increased MIF mRNA expression and protein concentration in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, clozapine increased the acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 residues (H3K27) in MIF promoter. In conclusion, we provide novel evidence that antipsychotics such as clozapine increases MIF expression via the acetylation of H3K27 in astrocytes, and that MIF may have a potential role for astrocytes in the action mechanisms of antipsychotics.

ATP and repetitive electric stimulation increases leukemia inhibitory factor expression in astrocytes: A potential role for astrocytes in the action mechanism of electroconvulsive therapy

AIM

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective for psychiatric disorders. However, its action mechanism remains unclear. We previously reported that transcription factor 7 (TCF7) was increased in patients successfully treated with ECT. TCF7 regulates Wnt pathway, which regulates adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Astrocytes play a role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis via neurogenic factors. Of astrocyte-derived neurogenic factors, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) activate Wnt pathway. In addition, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), released from excited neurons, activates astrocytes. Therefore, we hypothesized that ECT might increase LIF and/or FGF2 in astrocytes. To test this, we investigated the effects of ATP and electric stimulation (ES) on LIF and FGF2 expressions in astrocytes.

METHODS

Astrocytes were derived from neonatal mouse forebrain and administered ATP and ES. The mRNA expression was estimated with quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protein concentration was measured with ELISA.

RESULTS

ATP increased LIF, but not FGF2, expression. Multiple ES, but not single, increased LIF expression. Knockdown of P2X2 receptor (P2X2R) attenuated ATP-induced increase of LIF mRNA expression. In contrast, P2X3 and P2X4 receptors intensified it.

CONCLUSION

P2X2R may mediate ATP-induced LIF expression in astrocytes and multiple ES directly increases LIF expression in astrocytes. Therefore, both ATP/P2X2R and multiple ES-induced increases of LIF expression in astrocytes might mediate the efficacy of ECT on psychiatric disorders. Elucidating detailed mechanisms of ATP/P2X2R and multiple ES-induced LIF expression is expected to result in the identification of new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.

The role of glia in Parkinson's disease: Emerging concepts and therapeutic applications

Originally believed to primarily affect neurons, Parkinson's disease (PD) has recently been recognized to also affect the functions and integrity of microglia and astroglia, two cell categories of fundamental importance to brain tissue homeostasis, defense, and repair. Both a loss of glial supportive-defensive functions and a toxic gain of glial functions are implicated in the neurodegenerative process. Moreover, the chronic treatment with L-DOPA may cause maladaptive glial plasticity favoring a development of therapy complications. This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology of PD from a glial point of view, presenting this rapidly growing field from the first discoveries made to the most recent developments. We report and compare histopathological and molecular findings from experimental models of PD and human studies. We moreover discuss the important role played by astrocytes in compensatory adaptations taking place during presymptomatic disease stages. We finally describe examples of potential therapeutic applications stemming from an increased understanding of the important roles of glia in PD.

Astrocyte and Oligodendrocyte Cross-Talk in the Central Nervous System

Over the last decade knowledge of the role of astrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) neuroinflammatory diseases has changed dramatically. Rather than playing a merely passive role in response to damage it is clear that astrocytes actively maintain CNS homeostasis by influencing pH, ion and water balance, the plasticity of neurotransmitters and synapses, cerebral blood flow, and are important immune cells. During disease astrocytes become reactive and hypertrophic, a response that was long considered to be pathogenic. However, recent studies reveal that astrocytes also have a strong tissue regenerative role. Whilst most astrocyte research focuses on modulating neuronal function and synaptic transmission little is known about the cross-talk between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS. This communication occurs via direct cell-cell contact as well as via secreted cytokines, chemokines, exosomes, and signalling molecules. Additionally, this cross-talk is important for glial development, triggering disease onset and progression, as well as stimulating regeneration and repair. Its critical role in homeostasis is most evident when this communication fails. Here, we review emerging evidence of astrocyte-oligodendrocyte communication in health and disease. Understanding the pathways involved in this cross-talk will reveal important insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CNS diseases.

Breast cancer brain metastasis: molecular mechanisms and directions for treatment

The development of brain metastasis (BM) of breast cancer is usually a late event with deleterious effect on the prognosis. Treatment options for intracerebral seeding of breast cancer are limited and, so far, nonspecific. Molecular detailing of subsequent events of penetration, seeding, and outgrowth in brain is highly relevant for developing therapeutic strategies to treat, or prevent, BM.We scrutinize recent literature for molecules and pathways that are operative in the formation of breast cancer BM. We also summarize current data on therapeutic efforts to specifically address BM of breast cancer. Data on molecular pathways underlying the formation of BM of breast cancer are sketchy and to some extent inconsistent. The molecular makeup of BM differs from that of the primary tumors, as well as from metastases at other sites. Current efforts to treat breast cancer BM are limited, and drugs used have proven effects on the primary tumors but lack specificity for the intracerebral tumors.More basic research is necessary to better characterize BM of breast cancer. Apart from the identification of drug targets defined by the intracerebral tumors, also targets in the molecular pathways involved in passing the blood-brain barrier and intracerebral tumor cell growth should be revealed.

A Review and Hypothesized Model of the Mechanisms That Underpin the Relationship Between Inflammation and Cognition in the Elderly

Age is associated with increased risk for several disorders including dementias, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes. Age is also associated with cognitive decline particularly in cognitive domains associated with memory and processing speed. With increasing life expectancies in many countries, the number of people experiencing age-associated cognitive impairment is increasing and therefore from both economic and social terms the amelioration or slowing of cognitive aging is an important target for future research. However, the biological causes of age associated cognitive decline are not yet, well understood. In the current review, we outline the role of inflammation in cognitive aging and describe the role of several inflammatory processes, including inflamm-aging, vascular inflammation, and neuroinflammation which have both direct effect on brain function and indirect effects on brain function via changes in cardiovascular function.

The analgesic effect of early hyperbaric oxygen treatment in chronic constriction injury rats and its influence on nNOS and iNOS expression and inflammatory factor production

Objective

To observe the analgesic effect of early hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats, and to analyze the influence of HBO on the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase and on the levels of inflammatory factors.

Methods

Rats were assigned into three groups randomly: sham, CCI, and HBO groups. The CCI rat model was established, and HBO treatment at 2.5 ATA (60 min) was given one day after surgery, lasting for five consecutive days. The pain behaviors of the rats were observed at predetermined time points, and the activation of astrocytes at dorsal horns as well as the changes of the synaptic ultrastructures were observed. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were detected by Western blot, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

Rats in the CCI group developed hyperalgesia when compared with the sham group. Mechanical withdrawal threshold decreased and thermal withdrawal latency shortened in CCI group. Also, astrocytes at the dorsal horn were activated, the synaptic structure was disordered, the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were increased significantly, and the release of inflammatory factor (TNF-α and IL-1β) was up-regulated. However, with early initiation of HBO treatment, rats in the HBO group showed significantly alleviated hyperalgesia, increased mechanical withdrawal threshold, and prolonged thermal withdrawal latency. HBO treatment inhibited astrocyte expression and maintained normal synaptic structure. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase were decreased in the dorsal horn, and the release of inflammatory factor (TNF-α and IL-1β) was reduced.

Conclusions

Early HBO treatment significantly improves hyperalgesia in rats with neuropathic pain. The decreased expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase and reduced levels of inflammatory factors are important mechanisms by which early HBO helps to alleviate neuropathic pain.

The roles of astrocyte in the brain pathologies following ischemic stroke

Aim: In this work, we systematically explored the physiological functions of astrocytes and their roles following ischemic stroke, additionally, the potential therapy strategy targeting the astrocytes was also discussed. Methods: This work searched the PubMed database (including MEDLINE) until 14 Feb 2018, and furthermore, the studies were identified through cross-referencing and by consulting the experts in this field. Results: This study indicated that the astrocytes can not only play harmful roles following ischemic stroke through release of inflammatory factors and formation of glial scar but also have protective effects through quenching glutamate excitotoxicity and maintaining the clearance function of glymphatic system in brain. Conclusion: Owing to their important roles in physiological functions of brain and in the pathological conditions following ischemic stroke, the astrocytes might be a potential but promising therapeutic target for treating the ischemic stroke in the future.

Comparing the role of Ginkgolide B and Ginkgolide K on cultured astrocytes exposed to oxygen‑glucose deprivation

Ginkgolide B (GB) and ginkgolide K (GK) are two main active monomers of ginkgolides that present a unique group of diterpenes found naturally in the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type within the central nervous system (CNS) and serve essential roles in maintaining healthy brain function. The present study compared the biological effects of GB and GK on astrocytes exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The results demonstrated that GB and GK exhibit many different actions. The level of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) was elevated on astrocytes exposed to OGD, and inhibited by GB and GK treatment. Although GB and GK inhibited the expression of p-NF-κB/p65, GK exerted stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on astrocytes exposed to OGD than GB by inhibiting interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and inducing IL-10 and the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/HO-1 signaling pathway. When compared with GB treatment, GK treatment maintained high levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phosphorylated-protein kinase B expression, and induced a marked upregulation of Wnt family member 1 and brain derived neurotrophic factor, indicating that GK, as a natural plant compound, may have more attractive prospects for clinical application in the treatment of neurological disorders than GB.

Neural basis of major depressive disorder: Beyond monoamine hypothesis

The monoamine hypothesis has been accepted as the most common hypothesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) for a long period because of its simplicity and understandability. Actually, most currently used antidepressants have been considered to act based on the monoamine hypothesis. However, an important problem of the monoamine hypothesis has been pointed out as follows: it fails to explain the latency of response to antidepressants. In addition, many patients with MDD have remained refractory to currently used antidepressants. Therefore, monoamine-alternate hypotheses are required to explain the latency of response to antidepressants. Such hypotheses have been expected to contribute to identifying hopeful new therapeutic targets for MDD. Past studies have revealed that the volume of the hippocampus is decreased in patients with MDD, which is likely caused by the failure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and following elevation of glucocorticoids. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the volume of the hippocampus: (i) the neuroplasticity hypothesis; and (ii) the neurogenesis hypothesis. The neuroplasticity hypothesis explains how the hippocampal volume is decreased by the morphological changes of hippocampal neurons, such as the shortening length of dendrites and the decreased number and density of spines. The neurogenesis hypothesis explains how the hippocampal volume is decreased by the decrease of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. These hypotheses are able to explain the latency of response to antidepressants. In this review, we first overview how the neuroplasticity and neurogenesis hypotheses have been developed. We then describe the details of these hypotheses.

Astrocyte Apoptosis and HIV Replication Are Modulated in Host Cells Coinfected with Trypanosoma cruzi

The protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. In immunosuppressed individuals, as it occurs in the coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the central nervous system may be affected. In this regard, reactivation of Chagas disease is severe and often lethal, and it accounts for meningoencephalitis. Astrocytes play a crucial role in the environment maintenance of healthy neurons; however, they can host HIV and T. cruzi. In this report, human astrocytes were infected in vitro with both genetically modified-pathogens to express alternative fluorophore. As evidenced by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, HIV and T. cruzi coexist in the same astrocyte, likely favoring reciprocal interactions. In this context, lower rates of cell death were observed in both T. cruzi monoinfected-astrocytes and HIV-T. cruzi coinfection in comparison with those infected only with HIV. The level of HIV replication is significantly diminished under T. cruzi coinfection, but without affecting the infectivity of the HIV progeny. This interference with viral replication appears to be related to the T. cruzi multiplication rate or its increased intracellular presence but does not require their intracellular cohabitation or infected cell-to-cell contact. Among several Th1/Th2/Th17 profile-related cytokines, only IL-6 was overexpressed in HIV-T. cruzi coinfection exhibiting its cytoprotective role. This study demonstrates that T. cruzi and HIV are able to coinfect astrocytes thus altering viral replication and apoptosis.

Infective capacity of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in a human astrocytoma cell line

Pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in the central nervous system (CNS) is a topic of ongoing research, including the mechanisms by which this fungus invades and infects the brain. Astrocytes, the most common CNS cells, play a fundamental role in the local immune response. Astrocytes might participate in cryptococcosis either as a host or by responding to fungal antigens. To determine the infectivity of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii in a human astrocytoma cell line and the induction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. A glioblastoma cell line was infected with C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii blastoconidia labelled with FUN-1 fluorescent stain. The percentage of infection and expression of HLA class I and II molecules were determined by flow cytometry. The interactions between the fungi and cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy. There was no difference between C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii in the percentage infection, but C. neoformans var. grubii induced higher expression of HLA class II than C. gattii. More blastoconidia were recovered from C. neoformans-infected cells than from C. gattii infected cells. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii may have different virulence mechanisms that allow its survival in human glia-derived cells.

Astrocyte-specific overexpressed gene signatures in response to methamphetamine exposure in vitro

BACKGROUND

Astrocyte activation is one of the earliest findings in the brain of methamphetamine (Meth) abusers. Our goal in this study was to identify the characteristics of the astrocytic acute response to the drug, which may be critical in pathogenic outcomes secondary to the use.

METHODS

We developed an integrated analysis of gene expression data to study the acute gene changes caused by the direct exposure to Meth treatment of astrocytes in vitro, and to better understand how astrocytes respond, what are the early molecular markers associated with this response. We examined the literature in search of similar changes in gene signatures that are found in central nervous system disorders.

RESULTS

We identified overexpressed gene networks represented by genes of an inflammatory and immune nature and that are implicated in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. The overexpressed networks are linked to molecules that were highly upregulated in astrocytes by all doses of methamphetamine tested and that could play a role in the central nervous system. The strongest overexpressed signatures were the upregulation of MAP2K5, GPR65, and CXCL5, and the gene networks individually associated with these molecules. Pathway analysis revealed that these networks are involved both in neuroprotection and in neuropathology. We have validated several targets associated to these genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene signatures for the astrocytic response to Meth were identified among the upregulated gene pool, using an in vitro system. The identified markers may participate in dysfunctions of the central nervous system but could also provide acute protection to the drug exposure. Further in vivo studies are necessary to establish the role of these gene networks in drug abuse pathogenesis.

The Biology of Brain Metastasis: Challenges for Therapy

Many patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma develop brain metastases that are resistant to conventional therapy. The median survival for untreated patients is 1 to 2 months, which may be extended to 6 months with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The outcome of metastasis depends on multiple interactions of unique metastatic cells with host homeostatic mechanisms which the tumor cells exploit for their survival and proliferation. The blood-brain barrier is leaky in metastases that are larger than 0.5-mm diameter because of production of vascular endothelial growth factor by metastatic cells. Brain metastases are surrounded and infiltrated by microglia and activated astrocytes. The interaction with astrocytes leads to up-regulation of multiple genes in the metastatic cells, including several survival genes that are responsible for the increased resistance of tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs. These findings substantiate the importance of the "seed and soil" hypothesis and that successful treatment of brain metastases must include targeting of the organ microenvironment.

Quetiapine mitigates the neuroinflammation and oligodendrocyte loss in the brain of C57BL/6 mouse following cuprizone exposure for one week

This study aimed at examining effects of quetiapine (QTP), an atypical antipsychotic, on the behaviors of mice which had consumed cuprizone (CPZ)-containing diet for one week and on inflammatory reactions and oligodendrocyte (OL) loss in brains of them. Young adult C57BL/6 mice, after fed CPZ-containing diet (0.2%, w/w) for one week, showed an increase in the locomotor activity in the open-field, and a decreased exploration time in the novel object recognition (NOR) test compared to controls. But, these changes were not seen in mice co-administered with QTP and CPZ. All mice in the four groups showed comparable performances in Y-maze test. After the behavioral tests, mice were killed and their brains were processed for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining to examine OLs, astrocytes and microglia. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in certain brain regions were also evaluated by ELISA method. Mice in the NS+CPZ group showed fewer OLs, more activated astrocytes and microglia with higher immunofluorescence intensity in the examined brain regions of the corpus callosum, caudate putamen, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in some of these brain regions were also increased. But these changes were completely blocked or effectively ameliorated in the QTP+CPZ group. These results demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect of QTP in CPZ-exposed mice and this action may contribute to its protection on OLs and beneficial effects on the CPZ-induced behavioral changes in these mice.

Interferon-gamma promotes infection of astrocytes by Trypanosoma cruzi

The inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is crucial for immunity against intracellular pathogens such as the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (CD). IFNγ is a pleiotropic cytokine which regulates activation of immune and non-immune cells; however, the effect of IFNγ in the central nervous system (CNS) and astrocytes during CD is unknown. Here we show that parasite persists in the CNS of C3H/He mice chronically infected with the Colombian T. cruzi strain despite the increased expression of IFNγ mRNA. Furthermore, most of the T. cruzi-bearing cells were astrocytes located near IFNγ+ cells. Surprisingly, in vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with IFNγ promoted the infection of astrocytes by T. cruzi increasing uptake and proliferation of intracellular forms, despite inducing increased production of nitric oxide (NO). Importantly, the effect of IFNγ on T. cruzi uptake and growth is completely blocked by the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody Infliximab and partially blocked by the inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis L-NAME. These data support that IFNγ fuels astrocyte infection by T. cruzi and critically implicate IFNγ-stimulated T. cruzi-infected astrocytes as sources of TNF and NO, which may contribute to parasite persistence and CNS pathology in CD.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury: can peripheral markers be detected?

Investigation of the mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury is a relevant fundamental objective of radiobiology and neuroradiology. Damage to the healthy brain tissue is the key factor limiting the application of radiation therapy in patients with nervous systems neoplasms. Furthermore, postradiation brain injury can be clinically indiscernible from continued tumor growth and requires differential diagnosis. Thus, there exists high demand for biomarkers of radiation effects on the brain in neurosurgery and radiobiology. These markers could be used for better understanding and quantifying the effects of ionizing radiation on brain tissues, as well as for elaborating personalized therapy. Despite the high demand, biomarkers of radiation-induced brain injury have not been identified thus far. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of the effect of ionizing radiation on the brain were analyzed in this review in order to identify potential biomarkers of radiation-induced injury to nervous tissue.

A human astrocytoma cell line is highly susceptible to infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Astrocytes play a vital role in neuronal protection, homeostasis, vascular interchange and the local immune response. Some viruses and parasites can cross the blood-brain barrier and infect glia. Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, can seriously compromise the central nervous system, mainly in immune-suppressed individuals, but also during the acute phase of the infection. In this report, the infective capacity of T. cruzi in a human astrocyte tumour-derived cell line was studied. Astrocytes exposed to trypomastigotes (1:10 ratio) produced intracellular amastigotes and new trypomastigotes emerged by day 4 post-infection (p.i.). At day 6 p.i., 93% of the cells were infected. Using flow cytometry, changes were observed in both the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules and the chemokine secretion pattern of astrocytes exposed to the parasite. Blocking the low-density lipoprotein receptor on astrocytes did not reduce parasite intracellular infection. Thus, T. cruzi can infect astrocytes and modulate the immune response during central nervous system infection.

Pathophysiogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: is prevention of damage antiepileptogenic?

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is frequently associated with hippocampal sclerosis, possibly caused by a primary brain injury that occurred a long time before the appearance of neurological symptoms. This type of epilepsy is characterized by refractoriness to drug treatment, so to require surgical resection of mesial temporal regions involved in seizure onset. Even this last therapeutic approach may fail in giving relief to patients. Although prevention of hippocampal damage and epileptogenesis after a primary event could be a key innovative approach to TLE, the lack of clear data on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to TLE does not allow any rational therapy. Here we address the current knowledge on mechanisms supposed to be involved in epileptogenesis, as well as on the possible innovative treatments that may lead to a preventive approach. Besides loss of principal neurons and of specific interneurons, network rearrangement caused by axonal sprouting and neurogenesis are well known phenomena that are integrated by changes in receptor and channel functioning and modifications in other cellular components. In particular, a growing body of evidence from the study of animal models suggests that disruption of vascular and astrocytic components of the blood-brain barrier takes place in injured brain regions such as the hippocampus and piriform cortex. These events may be counteracted by drugs able to prevent damage to the vascular component, as in the case of the growth hormone secretagogue ghrelin and its analogues. A thoroughly investigation on these new pharmacological tools may lead to design effective preventive therapies.

The role of EGFR and ErbB family related proteins in the oligodendrocyte specification in germinal niches of the adult mammalian brain

In the adult brain, multipotent progenitor cells have been identified in three areas: the ventricular-subventricular zone (VZ-SVZ), adjacent to the striatal wall of the lateral ventricles, the subgranular zone (SGZ), located at the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subcallosal zone (SCZ), located between the corpus callosum and the CA1 and CA2 regions of the hippocampus. The neural progenitor cells of these regions express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB-1 or HER1). EGF, the most important ligand for the EGFR, is a potent mitogenic agent that stimulates proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation into the oligodendrocyte lineage. Other ErbB receptors also activate several intracellular pathways for oligodendrocyte specification, migration and survival. However, the specific downstream pathways related to oligodendrogenesis and the hierarchic interaction among intracellular signaling cascades is not well-known. We summarize the current data regarding the role of EGFR and ErbB family signaling on neural stem cells and the downstream cascades involved in oligodendrogenesis in the neurogenic niches of the adult brain. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate proliferation, differentiation, migration of oligodendrocytes and myelination is of critical importance for the field of neurobiology and constitutes a crucial step in the design of stem-cell-based therapies for demyelinating diseases.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein isoform expression in plaque related astrogliosis in Alzheimer's disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid plaques are surrounded by reactive astrocytes with an increased expression of intermediate filaments including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Different GFAP isoforms have been identified that are differentially expressed by specific subpopulations of astrocytes and that impose different properties to the intermediate filament network. We studied transcript levels and protein expression patterns of all known GFAP isoforms in human hippocampal AD tissue at different stages of the disease. Ten different transcripts for GFAP isoforms were detected at different abundancies. Transcript levels of most isoforms increased with AD progression. GFAPδ-immunopositive astrocytes were observed in subgranular zone, hilus, and stratum-lacunosum-moleculare. GFAPδ-positive cells also stained for GFAPα. In AD donors, astrocytes near plaques displayed increased staining of both GFAPα and GFAPδ. The reading-frame-shifted isoform, GFAP(+1), staining was confined to a subset of astrocytes with long processes, and their number increased in the course of AD. In conclusion, the various GFAP isoforms show differential transcript levels and are upregulated in a concerted manner in AD. The GFAP(+1) isoform defines a unique subset of astrocytes, with numbers increasing with AD progression. These data indicate the need for future exploration of underlying mechanisms concerning the functions of GFAPδ and GFAP(+1) isoforms in astrocytes and their possible role in AD pathology.

The effect of cannabichromene on adult neural stem/progenitor cells

Apart from the psychotropic compound Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), evidence suggests that other non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids are also of potential clinical use. This study aimed at elucidating the effect of major non-THC phytocannabinoids on the fate of adult neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs), which are an essential component of brain function in health as well as in pathology. We tested three compounds: cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene (CBC), and found that CBC has a positive effect on the viability of mouse NSPCs during differentiation in vitro. The expression of NSPC and astrocyte markers nestin and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively, was up- and down-regulated, respectively. CBC stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation; however, this effect had a slower onset in comparison to typical MAPK stimulation. A MEK inhibitor, U0126, antagonized the up-regulation of nestin but not the down-regulation of GFAP. Based on a previous report, we studied the potential involvement of the adenosine A1 receptor in the effect of CBC on these cells and found that the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, DPCPX, counteracted both ERK1/2 phosphorylation and up-regulation of nestin by CBC, indicating that also adenosine is involved in these effects of CBC, but possibly not in CBC inhibitory effect on GFAP expression. Next, we measured ATP levels as an equilibrium marker of adenosine and found higher ATP levels during differentiation of NSPCs in the presence of CBC. Taken together, our results suggest that CBC raises the viability of NSPCs while inhibiting their differentiation into astroglia, possibly through up-regulation of ATP and adenosine signalling.

Developmental neuroinflammation and schizophrenia

There is increasing interest in and evidence for altered immune factors in the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Stimulated by various epidemiological findings reporting elevated risk of schizophrenia following prenatal exposure to infection, one line of current research aims to explore the potential contribution of immune-mediated disruption of early brain development in the precipitation of long-term psychotic disease. Since the initial formulation of the "prenatal cytokine hypothesis" more than a decade ago, extensive epidemiological research and remarkable advances in modeling prenatal immune activation effects in animal models have provided strong support for this hypothesis by underscoring the critical role of cytokine-associated inflammatory events, together with downstream pathophysiological processes such as oxidative stress, hypoferremia and zinc deficiency, in mediating the short- and long-term neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal infection. Longitudinal studies in animal models further indicate that infection-induced developmental neuroinflammation may be pathologically relevant beyond the antenatal and neonatal periods, and may contribute to disease progression associated with the gradual development of full-blown schizophrenic disease. According to this scenario, exposure to prenatal immune challenge primes early pre- and postnatal alterations in peripheral and central inflammatory response systems, which in turn may disrupt the normal development and maturation of neuronal systems from juvenile to adult stages of life. Such developmental neuroinflammation may adversely affect processes that are pivotal for normal brain maturation, including myelination, synaptic pruning, and neuronal remodeling, all of which occur to a great extent during postnatal brain maturation. Undoubtedly, our understanding of the role of developmental neuroinflammation in progressive brain changes relevant to schizophrenia is still in infancy. Identification of these mechanisms would be highly warranted because they may represent a valuable target to attenuate or even prevent the emergence of full-blown brain and behavioral pathology, especially in individuals with a history of prenatal complications such as in-utero exposure to infection and/or inflammation.

Antidepressant acts on astrocytes leading to an increase in the expression of neurotrophic/growth factors: differential regulation of FGF-2 by noradrenaline

Recently, multiple neurotrophic/growth factors have been proposed to play an important role in the therapeutic action of antidepressants. In this study, we prepared astrocyte- and neuron-enriched cultures from the neonatal rat cortex, and examined the changes in neurotrophic/growth factor expression by antidepressant treatment using real-time PCR. Treatment with amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) significantly increased the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA with a different time course in astrocyte cultures, but not in neuron-enriched cultures. Only the expression of FGF-2 was higher in astrocyte cultures than in neuron-enriched cultures. We focused on the FGF-2 production in astrocytes. Several different classes of antidepressants, but not non-antidepressants, also induced FGF-2 mRNA expression. Noradrenaline (NA) is known to induce FGF-2 expression in astrocyte cultures, as with antidepressants. Therefore, we also assessed the mechanism of NA-induced FGF-2 expression, in comparison to amitriptyline. NA increased the FGF-2 mRNA expression via α1 and β-adrenergic receptors; however, the amitriptyline-induced FGF-2 mRNA expression was not mediated via these adrenergic receptors. Furthermore, the amitriptyline-induced FGF-2 mRNA expression was completely blocked by cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis), while the NA-induced FGF-2 mRNA was not. These data suggest that the regulation of FGF-2 mRNA expression by amitriptyline was distinct from that by NA. Taken together, antidepressant-stimulated astrocytes may therefore be important mediators that produce several neurotrophic/growth factors, especially FGF-2, through a monoamine-independent and a de novo protein synthesis-dependent mechanism.

Chronic psychosocial stress and citalopram modulate the expression of the glial proteins GFAP and NDRG2 in the hippocampus

RATIONALE

It has been suggested that there are causal relationships between alterations in brain glia and major depression.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether a depressive-like state induces changes in brain astrocytes, we used chronic social stress in male rats, an established preclinical model of depression. Expression of two astrocytic proteins, the intermediate filament component glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the cytoplasmic protein N-myc downregulated gene 2 (NDRG2), was analyzed in the hippocampus. For comparison, expression of the neuronal protein syntaxin-1A was also determined.

METHODS

Adult male rats were subjected to daily social defeat for 5 weeks and were concomitantly treated with citalopram (30 mg/kg/day, via the drinking water) for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis showed that the chronic stress downregulated GFAP but upregulated NDRG2 protein. Citalopram did not prevent these stress effects, but the antidepressant per se downregulated GFAP and upregulated NDRG2 in nonstressed rats. In contrast, citalopram prevented the stress-induced upregulation of the neuronal protein syntaxin-1A.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that chronic stress and citalopram differentially affect expression of astrocytic genes while the antidepressant drug does not prevent the stress effects. The inverse regulation of the cytoskeletal protein GFAP and the cytoplasmic protein NDRG2 indicates that the cells undergo profound metabolic changes during stress and citalopram treatment. Furthermore, the present findings indicate that a 4-week treatment with citalopram does not restore normal glial function in the hippocampus, although the behavior of the animals was normalized within this treatment period, as reported previously.

GFAP isoforms in adult mouse brain with a focus on neurogenic astrocytes and reactive astrogliosis in mouse models of Alzheimer disease

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the main astrocytic intermediate filament (IF). GFAP splice isoforms show differential expression patterns in the human brain. GFAPδ is preferentially expressed by neurogenic astrocytes in the subventricular zone (SVZ), whereas GFAP(+1) is found in a subset of astrocytes throughout the brain. In addition, the expression of these isoforms in human brain material of epilepsy, Alzheimer and glioma patients has been reported. Here, for the first time, we present a comprehensive study of GFAP isoform expression in both wild-type and Alzheimer Disease (AD) mouse models. In cortex, cerebellum, and striatum of wild-type mice, transcripts for Gfap-α, Gfap-β, Gfap-γ, Gfap-δ, Gfap-κ, and a newly identified isoform Gfap-ζ, were detected. Their relative expression levels were similar in all regions studied. GFAPα showed a widespread expression whilst GFAPδ distribution was prominent in the SVZ, rostral migratory stream (RMS), neurogenic astrocytes of the subgranular zone (SGZ), and subpial astrocytes. In contrast to the human SVZ, we could not establish an unambiguous GFAPδ localization in proliferating cells of the mouse SVZ. In APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTgAD mice, plaque-associated reactive astrocytes had increased transcript levels of all detectable GFAP isoforms and low levels of a new GFAP isoform, Gfap-ΔEx7. Reactive astrocytes in AD mice showed enhanced GFAPα and GFAPδ immunolabeling, less frequently increased vimentin and nestin, but no GFAPκ or GFAP(+1) staining. In conclusion, GFAPδ protein is present in SVZ, RMS, and neurogenic astrocytes of the SGZ, but also outside neurogenic niches. Furthermore, differential GFAP isoform expression is not linked with aging or reactive gliosis. This evidence points to the conclusion that differential regulation of GFAP isoforms is not involved in the reorganization of the IF network in reactive gliosis or in neurogenesis in the mouse brain.

GFAP isoforms in adult mouse brain with a focus on neurogenic astrocytes and reactive astrogliosis in mouse models of Alzheimer disease

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the main astrocytic intermediate filament (IF). GFAP splice isoforms show differential expression patterns in the human brain. GFAPδ is preferentially expressed by neurogenic astrocytes in the subventricular zone (SVZ), whereas GFAP(+1) is found in a subset of astrocytes throughout the brain. In addition, the expression of these isoforms in human brain material of epilepsy, Alzheimer and glioma patients has been reported. Here, for the first time, we present a comprehensive study of GFAP isoform expression in both wild-type and Alzheimer Disease (AD) mouse models. In cortex, cerebellum, and striatum of wild-type mice, transcripts for Gfap-α, Gfap-β, Gfap-γ, Gfap-δ, Gfap-κ, and a newly identified isoform Gfap-ζ, were detected. Their relative expression levels were similar in all regions studied. GFAPα showed a widespread expression whilst GFAPδ distribution was prominent in the SVZ, rostral migratory stream (RMS), neurogenic astrocytes of the subgranular zone (SGZ), and subpial astrocytes. In contrast to the human SVZ, we could not establish an unambiguous GFAPδ localization in proliferating cells of the mouse SVZ. In APPswePS1dE9 and 3xTgAD mice, plaque-associated reactive astrocytes had increased transcript levels of all detectable GFAP isoforms and low levels of a new GFAP isoform, Gfap-ΔEx7. Reactive astrocytes in AD mice showed enhanced GFAPα and GFAPδ immunolabeling, less frequently increased vimentin and nestin, but no GFAPκ or GFAP(+1) staining. In conclusion, GFAPδ protein is present in SVZ, RMS, and neurogenic astrocytes of the SGZ, but also outside neurogenic niches. Furthermore, differential GFAP isoform expression is not linked with aging or reactive gliosis. This evidence points to the conclusion that differential regulation of GFAP isoforms is not involved in the reorganization of the IF network in reactive gliosis or in neurogenesis in the mouse brain.

Radiation-induced brain injury: A review

Approximately 100,000 primary and metastatic brain tumor patients/year in the US survive long enough (>6 months) to experience radiation-induced brain injury. Prior to 1970, the human brain was thought to be highly radioresistant; the acute CNS syndrome occurs after single doses >30 Gy; white matter necrosis occurs at fractionated doses >60 Gy. Although white matter necrosis is uncommon with modern techniques, functional deficits, including progressive impairments in memory, attention, and executive function have become important, because they have profound effects on quality of life. Preclinical studies have provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of radiation-induced cognitive impairment. Given its central role in memory and neurogenesis, the majority of these studies have focused on the hippocampus. Irradiating pediatric and young adult rodent brains leads to several hippocampal changes including neuroinflammation and a marked reduction in neurogenesis. These data have been interpreted to suggest that shielding the hippocampus will prevent clinical radiation-induced cognitive impairment. However, this interpretation may be overly simplistic. Studies using older rodents, that more closely match the adult human brain tumor population, indicate that, unlike pediatric and young adult rats, older rats fail to show a radiation-induced decrease in neurogenesis or a loss of mature neurons. Nevertheless, older rats still exhibit cognitive impairment. This occurs in the absence of demyelination and/or white matter necrosis similar to what is observed clinically, suggesting that more subtle molecular, cellular and/or microanatomic modifications are involved in this radiation-induced brain injury. Given that radiation-induced cognitive impairment likely reflects damage to both hippocampal- and non-hippocampal-dependent domains, there is a critical need to investigate the microanatomic and functional effects of radiation in various brain regions as well as their integration at clinically relevant doses and schedules. Recently developed techniques in neuroscience and neuroimaging provide not only an opportunity to accomplish this, but they also offer the opportunity to identify new biomarkers and new targets for interventions to prevent or ameliorate these late effects.

Expression of sarcoglycans in the human cerebral cortex: an immunohistochemical and molecular study

The sarcoglycan (SG) complex (SGC) is a subcomplex within the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) and is composed of several transmembrane proteins (α, β, δ, γ, ε and ζ). The DGC supplies a transmembranous connection between the subsarcolemmal cytoskeleton networks and the basal lamina in order to protect the lipid bilayer and to provide a scaffold for signaling molecules in all muscle cells. In addition to its role in muscle tissue, dystrophin and some DGC components are expressed in neurons and glia. Very little is known about the SG subunits in the central nervous system (CNS) and some data suggested the presence of ε and ζ subunits only. In fact, mutations in the ε-SG gene cause myoclonus-dystonia, indicating its importance for brain function. To determine the presence and localization of SGC in the human cerebral cortex, we performed an investigation using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that all SG subunits are expressed in the human cerebral cortex, particularly in large neurons but also in astrocytes. These data suggest that the SG subcomplex may be involved in the organization of CNS synapses.

Depression and treatment response: dynamic interplay of signaling pathways and altered neural processes

Since the 1960s, when the first tricyclic and monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant drugs were introduced, most of the ensuing agents were designed to target similar brain pathways that elevate serotonin and/or norepinephrine signaling. Fifty years later, the main goal of the current depression research is to develop faster-acting, more effective therapeutic agents with fewer side effects, as currently available antidepressants are plagued by delayed therapeutic onset and low response rates. Clinical and basic science research studies have made significant progress towards deciphering the pathophysiological events within the brain involved in development, maintenance, and treatment of major depressive disorder. Imaging and postmortem brain studies in depressed human subjects, in combination with animal behavioral models of depression, have identified a number of different cellular events, intracellular signaling pathways, proteins, and target genes that are modulated by stress and are potentially vital mediators of antidepressant action. In this review, we focus on several neural mechanisms, primarily within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which have recently been implicated in depression and treatment response.

Astrocytes, but not microglia, rapidly sense H₂O₂via STAT6 phosphorylation, resulting in cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin release

Emerging evidence has established that astrocytes, once considered passive supporting cells that maintained extracellular ion levels and served as a component of the blood-brain barrier, play active regulatory roles during neurogenesis and in brain pathology. In the current study, we demonstrated that astrocytes sense H(2)O(2) by rapidly phosphorylating the transcription factor STAT6, a response not observed in microglia. STAT6 phosphorylation was induced by generators of other reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species, as well as in the reoxygenation phase of hypoxia/reoxygenation, during which ROS are generated. Src-JAK pathways mediated STAT6 phosphorylation upstream. Experiments using lipid raft disruptors and analyses of detergent-fractionated cells demonstrated that H(2)O(2)-induced STAT6 phosphorylation occurred in lipid rafts. Under experimental conditions in which H(2)O(2) did not affect astrocyte viability, H(2)O(2)-induced STAT6 phosphorylation resulted in STAT6-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 expression and subsequent release of PGE(2) and prostacyclin, an effect also observed in hypoxia/reoxygenation. Finally, PGs released from H(2)O(2)-stimulated astrocytes inhibited microglial TNF-α expression. Accordingly, our results indicate that ROS-induced STAT6 phosphorylation in astrocytes can modulate the functions of neighboring cells, including microglia, through cyclooxygenase-2 induction and subsequent release of PGs. Differences in the sensitivity of STAT6 in astrocytes (highly sensitive) and microglia (insensitive) to phosphorylation following brief exposure to H(2)O(2) suggest that astrocytes can act as sentinels for certain stimuli, including H(2)O(2) and ROS, refining the canonical notion that microglia are the first line of defense against external stimuli.

Aβ oligomers-induced toxicity is attenuated in cells cultured with NbActiv4™ medium

Pathogenic Aβ-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) bind to post-synaptic targets, induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stimulate tau hyperphosphorylation in cultured neurons. Recently, NbActiv4™ medium was reported to increase neuron synapse densities in cultured hippocampal neurons. We aimed to investigate the effect of this novel medium on ADDL-induced toxicity. We found that ADDL-induced ROS was attenuated in cells cultured with NbActiv4™. ADDL binding assay was performed in neurons cultured by different feeding conditions with NbActiv4™. Feeding cells with 30 % medium once a week, ADDL binding sites were abundant at days in vitro (DIV) 18. However, changing 50 % medium once a week decreased ADDL binding about 80 %. NbActiv4™ produced about 40 % more glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocytes than the widely used hippocampal culture medium, neurobasal supplemented with B27 (neurobasal/B27). Astrocytes are reported to produce kinds of trophic factors including insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Consistently, when cultured with NbActiv4™, neurons were sensitive to inhibitors of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in response to ADDL attack. Overall, this study supports the important role of astrocytes in neuroprotection and indicates that targeting astrocytes dysfunction may lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

Staurosporine induces apoptosis and necroptosis in cultured rat astrocytes

Apoptosis and necroptosis are highly regulated, interconnected forms of a cell death. The distinction between them is critical, because necroptosis may cause significant cell loss and local inflammation, whereas apoptosis is essential for tissue homeostasis. The same stimulus can induce both apoptosis and necroptosis. Both forms of a cell death were detected in various pathologies, including pathologies in the central nervous system. Astrocytes are a large, heterogeneous cell population in the central nervous system, with many supportive, developmental functions. Although their demise may seriously impair normal functions of the central nervous system, it is still poorly understood. In this study, apoptosis and necroptosis were induced in cultured rat astrocytes by staurosporine. When a low concentration (10(-7) M) of staurosporine was applied, a significantly increased proportion of early apoptotic cells was detected after regeneration in a staurosporine free medium. The proportion of necroptotic cells was already increased without regeneration after 3 hours of exposure to staurosporine. When a higher (10(-6) M) concentration of staurosporine was applied, further significantly increased necroptosis was detected after regeneration in a staurosporine free medium. Necroptosis was significantly reduced when RIP1 kinase was inhibited by necrostatin-1, whereas inhibition of caspases with z-vad-fmk, an irreversible pan-caspase inhibitor, did not prevent necroptosis. This report of necroptosis induced by staurosporine represents a simple approach for the in vitro induction and detection of apoptosis and necroptosis.

Role of fibroblast growth factor receptors in astrocytic stem cells

There are two well-defined neurogenic regions in the adult brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles and, the subgranular zone (SGZ) in the dentate gyrus at the hippocampus. Within these neurogenic regions, there are neural stem cells with astrocytic characteristics, which actively respond to the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF2 or FGF-β) by increasing their proliferation, survival and differentiation, both in vivo and in vitro. FGF2 binds to fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 to 4 (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FGFR4). Interestingly, these receptors are differentially expressed in neurogenic progenitors. During development, FGFR-1 and FGFR-2 drive oligodendrocytes and motor neuron specification. In particular, FGFR-1 determines oligodendroglial and neuronal cell fate, whereas FGFR-2 is related to oligodendrocyte specification. In the adult SVZ, FGF-2 promotes oligodendrogliogenesis and myelination. FGF-2 deficient mice show a reduction in the number of new neurons in the SGZ, which suggests that FGFR-1 is important for neuronal cell fate in the adult hippocampus. In human brain, FGF-2 appears to be an important component in the anti-depressive effect of drugs. In summary, FGF2 is an important modulator of the cell fate of neural precursor and, promotes oligodendrogenesis. In this review, we describe the expression pattern of FGFR2 and its role in neural precursors derived from the SVZ and the SGZ.

Early glial activation, synaptic changes and axonal pathology in the thalamocortical system of Niemann-Pick type C1 mice

Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease characterised by accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. NPC patients suffer a progressive neurodegenerative phenotype presenting with motor dysfunction, mental retardation and cognitive decline. To examine the onset and progression of neuropathological insults in NPC we have systematically examined the CNS of a mouse model of NPC1 (Npc1^−/− mice) at different stages of the disease course. This revealed a specific spatial and temporal pattern of neuropathology in Npc1^−/− mice, highlighting that sensory thalamic pathways are particularly vulnerable to loss of NPC1 resulting in neurodegeneration in Npc1^−/− mice. Examination of markers of astrocytosis and microglial activation revealed a particularly pronounced reactive gliosis in the thalamus early in the disease, which subsequently also occurred in interconnected cortical laminae at later ages. Our examination of the precise staging of events demonstrate that the relationship between glia and neurons varies between brain regions in Npc1^−/− mice, suggesting that the cues causing glial reactivity may differ between brain regions. In addition, aggregations of pre-synaptic markers are apparent in white matter tracts and the thalamus and are likely to be formed within axonal spheroids. Our data provide a new perspective, revealing a number of events that occur prior to and alongside neuron loss and highlighting that these occur in a pathway dependent manner.

Astrocytes upregulate survival genes in tumor cells and induce protection from chemotherapy

In the United States, more than 40% of cancer patients develop brain metastasis. The median survival for untreated patients is 1 to 2 months, which may be extended to 6 months with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The growth and survival of metastasis depend on the interaction of tumor cells with host factors in the organ microenvironment. Brain metastases are surrounded and infiltrated by activated astrocytes and are highly resistant to chemotherapy. We report here that coculture of human breast cancer cells or lung cancer cells with murine astrocytes (but not murine fibroblasts) led to the up-regulation of survival genes, including GSTA5, BCL2L1, and TWIST1, in the tumor cells. The degree of up-regulation directly correlated with increased resistance to all tested chemotherapeutic agents. We further show that the up-regulation of the survival genes and consequent resistance are dependent on the direct contact between the astrocytes and tumor cells through gap junctions and are therefore transient. Knocking down these genes with specific small interfering RNA rendered the tumor cells sensitive to chemotherapeutic agents. These data clearly demonstrate that host cells in the microenvironment influence the biologic behavior of tumor cells and reinforce the contention that the organ microenvironment must be taken into consideration during the design of therapy.

Inflammatory processes in schizophrenia: a promising neuroimmunological target for the treatment of negative/cognitive symptoms and beyond

Emerging evidence indicates that schizophrenia is associated with activated peripheral and central inflammatory responses. Such inflammatory processes seem to be influenced by a number of environmental and genetic predisposition factors, and they may critically depend on and contribute to the progressive nature of schizophrenic disease. There is also appreciable evidence to suggest that activated inflammatory responses can undermine disease-relevant affective, emotional, social, and cognitive functions, so that inflammatory processes may be particularly relevant for the precipitation of negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Recent clinical trials of anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapy in this disorder provide promising results by showing superior beneficial treatment effects when standard antipsychotic drugs are co-administered with anti-inflammatory compounds, as compared with treatment outcomes using antipsychotic drugs alone. Given the limited efficacy of currently available antipsychotic drugs to ameliorate negative and cognitive symptoms, the further exploration of inflammatory mechanisms and anti-inflammatory strategies may open fruitful new avenues for improved treatment of symptoms undermining affective, emotional, social and cognitive functions pertinent to schizophrenic disease.

Glia: initiators and progressors of pathology in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Glia are traditionally known as support cells for neurons, and their role in neurodegeneration has been largely considered secondary to neuronal dysfunction. We review newer concepts on glial function and assess glial changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) at the time of disease initiation when α-synuclein is accumulating in brain tissue but there is limited neuronal loss, and also as the disease progresses and neuronal loss is evident.

RESULTS

Of the two main types of astrocytes, only protoplasmic astrocytes are involved in PD, where they become nonreactive and accumulate α-synuclein. Experimental evidence has shown that astrocytic α-synuclein deposition initiates the noncell autonomous killing of neurons through microglial signaling. As the disease progresses, more protoplasmic astrocytes are affected by the disease with an increasing microglial response. Although there is still controversy on the role microglia play in neurodegeneration, there is evidence that microglia are activated early in PD and possibly assist with the clearance of extracellular α-synuclein at this time. Microglia transform to phagocytes and target neurons as the disease progresses but appear to become dysfunctional with increasing amounts of ingested debris. Only nonmyelinating oligodendroglial cells are affected in PD, and only late in the disease process.

CONCLUSIONS

Glial cells are responsible for the progression of PD and play an important role in initiating the early tissue response. In particular, early dysfunction and α-synuclein accumulation in astrocytes causes recruitment of phagocytic microglia that attack selected neurons in restricted brain regions causing the clinical symptoms of PD.