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Li T, Li D, Wei Q, Shi M, Xiang J, Gao R, Chen C, Xu ZX. Dissecting the neurovascular unit in physiology and Alzheimer's disease: Functions, imaging tools and genetic mouse models. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 181:106114. [PMID: 37023830 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) plays an essential role in regulating neurovascular coupling, which refers to the communication between neurons, glia, and vascular cells to control the supply of oxygen and nutrients in response to neural activity. Cellular elements of the NVU coordinate to establish an anatomical barrier to separate the central nervous system from the milieu of the periphery system, restricting the free movement of substances from the blood to the brain parenchyma and maintaining central nervous system homeostasis. In Alzheimer's disease, amyloid-β deposition impairs the normal functions of NVU cellular elements, thus accelerating the disease progression. Here, we aim to describe the current knowledge of the NVU cellular elements, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and microglia, in regulating the blood-brain barrier integrity and functions in physiology as well as alterations encountered in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the NVU functions as a whole, therefore specific labeling and targeting NVU components in vivo enable us to understand the mechanism mediating cellular communication. We review approaches including commonly used fluorescent dyes, genetic mouse models, and adeno-associated virus vectors for imaging and targeting NVU cellular elements in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiakun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiwei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Rasmussen CLM, Hede E, Routhe LJ, Körbelin J, Helgudottir SS, Thomsen LB, Schwaninger M, Burkhart A, Moos T. A novel strategy for delivering Niemann-Pick type C2 proteins across the blood-brain barrier using the brain endothelial-specific AAV-BR1 virus. J Neurochem 2023; 164:6-28. [PMID: 35554935 PMCID: PMC10084444 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases is complicated by the incapability of numerous therapeutics to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), mainly composed of brain endothelial cells (BECs). Genetically modifying BECs into protein factories that supply the CNS with recombinant proteins is a promising approach to overcome this hindrance, especially in genetic diseases, like Niemann Pick disease type C2 (NPC2), where both CNS and peripheral cells are affected. Here, we investigated the potential of the BEC-specific adeno-associated viral vector (AAV-BR1) encoding NPC2 for expression and secretion from primary BECs cultured in an in vitro BBB model with mixed glial cells, and in healthy BALB/c mice. Transduced primary BECs had significantly increased NPC2 gene expression and secreted NPC2 after viral transduction, which significantly reversed cholesterol deposition in NPC2 deficient fibroblasts. Mice receiving an intravenous injection with AAV-BR1-NCP2-eGFP were sacrificed 8 weeks later and examined for its biodistribution and transgene expression of eGFP and NPC2. AAV-BR1-NPC2-eGFP was distributed mainly to the brain and lightly to the heart and lung, but did not label other organs including the liver. eGFP expression was primarily found in BECs throughout the brain but occasionally also in neurons suggesting transport of the vector across the BBB, a phenomenon also confirmed in vitro. NPC2 gene expression was up-regulated in the brain, and recombinant NPC2 protein expression was observed in both transduced brain capillaries and neurons. Our findings show that AAV-BR1 transduction of BECs is possible and that it may denote a promising strategy for future treatment of NPC2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Hede
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lisa Juul Routhe
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steinunn Sara Helgudottir
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Torben Moos
- Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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3
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Mayerl S, Alcaide Martin A, Bauer R, Schwaninger M, Heuer H, ffrench-Constant C. Distinct Actions of the Thyroid Hormone Transporters Mct8 and Oatp1c1 in Murine Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:524. [PMID: 35159334 PMCID: PMC8834272 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivating mutations in the thyroid hormone (TH) transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) result in Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome, a severe form of psychomotor retardation, while inactivating mutations in another TH transporter, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1c1 (OATP1C1), are linked to juvenile neurodegeneration. These diseases point to essential roles for TH transporters in CNS function. We recently defined the presence of Mct8 in adult hippocampal progenitors and mature granule cell neurons and unraveled cell-autonomous and indirect requirements for Mct8 in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we investigated whether Oatp1c1 is involved in the hippocampal neurogenic process in concert with Mct8. We detected Oatp1c1 gene expression activity and transcripts in subsets of progenitors, neurons and niche cells in the dentate gyrus. Absence of Oatp1c1 resulted in increased neuroblast and reduced immature neuron numbers in 6-month-old Oatp1c1ko and Mct8/Oatp1c1 double knockout (M/Odko) mice. Reduced EdU-label retention in Mct8ko and M/Odko mice confirmed the impact of Mct8 on neuron formation. In contrast, no significant effect of Oatp1c1 loss on granule cell neuron production and anxiety-like behavior in the open field arena were seen. Together, our results reinforce that distinct actions of each TH transporter are required at multiple stages to ensure proper adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Mayerl
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.A.M.); (H.H.)
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
| | - Andrea Alcaide Martin
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.A.M.); (H.H.)
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Heike Heuer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (A.A.M.); (H.H.)
| | - Charles ffrench-Constant
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK;
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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4
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Graßhoff H, Müller-Fielitz H, Dogbevia GK, Körbelin J, Bannach J, Vahldieck CM, Kusche-Vihrog K, Jöhren O, Müller OJ, Nogueiras R, Prevot V, Schwaninger M. Short regulatory DNA sequences to target brain endothelial cells for gene therapy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:104-120. [PMID: 34427142 PMCID: PMC8721777 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211039617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gene vectors targeting CNS endothelial cells allow to manipulate the blood-brain barrier and to correct genetic defects in the CNS. Because vectors based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) have a limited capacity, it is essential that the DNA sequence controlling gene expression is short. In addition, it must be specific for endothelial cells to avoid off-target effects. To develop improved regulatory sequences with selectivity for brain endothelial cells, we tested the transcriptional activity of truncated promoters of eleven (brain) endothelial-specific genes in combination with short regulatory elements, i.e., the woodchuck post-transcriptional regulatory element (W), the CMV enhancer element (C), and a fragment of the first intron of the Tie2 gene (S), by transfecting brain endothelial cells of three species. Four combinations of regulatory elements and short promoters (Cdh5, Ocln, Slc2a1, and Slco1c1) progressed through this in-vitro pipeline displaying suitable activity. When tested in mice, the regulatory sequences C-Ocln-W and C-Slc2a1-S-W enabled a stronger and more specific gene expression in brain endothelial cells than the frequently used CAG promoter. In summary, the new regulatory elements efficiently control gene expression in brain endothelial cells and may help to specifically target the blood-brain barrier with gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Graßhoff
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Helge Müller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Godwin K Dogbevia
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bannach
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Olaf Jöhren
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Oliver J Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, DISTALZ, European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,DZHK (German Research Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Lübeck/Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
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5
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Nwafor DC, Brichacek AL, Ali A, Brown CM. Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase in Central Nervous System Health and Disease: A Focus on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5257. [PMID: 34067629 PMCID: PMC8156423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) is an ectoenzyme bound to the plasma membranes of numerous cells via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety. TNAP's function is well-recognized from earlier studies establishing its important role in bone mineralization. TNAP is also highly expressed in cerebral microvessels; however, its function in brain cerebral microvessels is poorly understood. In recent years, few studies have begun to delineate a role for TNAP in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs)-a key component of cerebral microvessels. This review summarizes important information on the role of BMEC TNAP, and its implication in health and disease. Furthermore, we discuss current models and tools that may assist researchers in elucidating the function of TNAP in BMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divine C. Nwafor
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, West Virginia University Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (D.C.N.); (A.A.)
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Allison L. Brichacek
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Ahsan Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, West Virginia University Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (D.C.N.); (A.A.)
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Candice M. Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, West Virginia University Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (D.C.N.); (A.A.)
- Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
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6
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Sandin ES, Folberth J, Müller-Fielitz H, Pietrzik CU, Herold E, Willnow TE, Pfluger PT, Nogueiras R, Prevot V, Krey T, Schwaninger M. Is LRP2 Involved in Leptin Transport over the Blood-Brain Barrier and Development of Obesity? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094998. [PMID: 34066779 PMCID: PMC8125945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the transport of leptin into the brain are still largely unclear. While the leptin receptor has been implicated in the transport process, recent evidence has suggested an additional role of LRP2 (megalin). To evaluate the function of LRP2 for leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), we developed a novel leptin-luciferase fusion protein (pLG), which stimulated leptin signaling and was transported in an in vitro BBB model based on porcine endothelial cells. The LRP inhibitor RAP did not affect leptin transport, arguing against a role of LRP2. In line with this, the selective deletion of LRP2 in brain endothelial cells and epithelial cells of the choroid plexus did not influence bodyweight, body composition, food intake, or energy expenditure of mice. These findings suggest that LRP2 at the BBB is not involved in the transport of leptin into the brain, nor in the development of obesity as has previously been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira S. Sandin
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.S.S.); (J.F.); (H.M.-F.)
| | - Julica Folberth
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.S.S.); (J.F.); (H.M.-F.)
| | - Helge Müller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.S.S.); (J.F.); (H.M.-F.)
| | - Claus U. Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth Herold
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas E. Willnow
- Molecular Cardiovascular Research, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Paul T. Pfluger
- Research Unit Neurobiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Zentrum München and Technical University Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Inserm, CHU Lille, University Lille, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Thomas Krey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.H.); (T.K.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Excellence Cluster 2155 RESIST, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (E.S.S.); (J.F.); (H.M.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-451-3101-7200
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7
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of genetic models has facilitated the study of the origins and mechanisms of vascular disease. Mouse models have been developed to specifically target endothelial cell populations, with the goal of pinpointing when and where causative mutations wreck their devastating effects. Together, these approaches have propelled the development of therapies by providing an in-vivo platform to evaluate diagnoses and treatment options. This review summarizes the most widely used mouse models that have facilitated the study of vascular disease, with a focus on mouse models of vascular malformations and the road ahead. RECENT FINDINGS Over the past 3 decades, the vascular biology scientific community has been steadily generating a powerful toolkit of useful mouse lines that can be used to tightly regulate gene ablation, or to express transgenic genes, in the murine endothelium. Some of these models inducibly (constitutively) alter gene expression across all endothelial cells, or within distinct subsets, by expressing either Cre recombinase (or inducible versions such as CreERT), or the tetracycline controlled transactivator protein tTA (or rtTA). This now relatively standard technology has been used to gain cutting edge insights into vascular disorders, by allowing in-vivo modeling of key molecular pathways identified as dysregulated across the vast spectrum of vascular anomalies, malformations and dysplasias. However, as sequencing of human patient samples expands, the number of interesting candidate molecular culprits keeps increasing. Consequently, there is now a pressing need to create new genetic mouse models to test hypotheses and to query mechanisms underlying vascular disease. SUMMARY The current review assesses the collection of mouse driver lines that have been instrumental is identifying genes required for blood vessel formation, remodeling, maintenance/quiescence and disease. In addition, the usefulness of these driver lines is underscored here by cataloguing mouse lines developed to experimentally assess the role of key candidate genes in vascular malformations. Despite this solid and steady progress, numerous new candidate vascular malformation genes have recently been identified for which no mouse model yet exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondine Cleaver
- Department of Molecular Biology, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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8
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Francisco DMF, Marchetti L, Rodríguez-Lorenzo S, Frías-Anaya E, Figueiredo RM, Winter P, Romero IA, de Vries HE, Engelhardt B, Bruggmann R. Advancing brain barriers RNA sequencing: guidelines from experimental design to publication. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:51. [PMID: 32811511 PMCID: PMC7433166 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in its varied forms has become an indispensable tool for analyzing differential gene expression and thus characterization of specific tissues. Aiming to understand the brain barriers genetic signature, RNA seq has also been introduced in brain barriers research. This has led to availability of both, bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq datasets over the last few years. If appropriately performed, the RNA-Seq studies provide powerful datasets that allow for significant deepening of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that establish the brain barriers. However, RNA-Seq studies comprise complex workflows that require to consider many options and variables before, during and after the proper sequencing process. MAIN BODY In the current manuscript, we build on the interdisciplinary experience of the European PhD Training Network BtRAIN ( https://www.btrain-2020.eu/ ) where bioinformaticians and brain barriers researchers collaborated to analyze and establish RNA-Seq datasets on vertebrate brain barriers. The obstacles BtRAIN has identified in this process have been integrated into the present manuscript. It provides guidelines along the entire workflow of brain barriers RNA-Seq studies starting from the overall experimental design to interpretation of results. Focusing on the vertebrate endothelial blood-brain barrier (BBB) and epithelial blood-cerebrospinal-fluid barrier (BCSFB) of the choroid plexus, we provide a step-by-step description of the workflow, highlighting the decisions to be made at each step of the workflow and explaining the strengths and weaknesses of individual choices made. Finally, we propose recommendations for accurate data interpretation and on the information to be included into a publication to ensure appropriate accessibility of the data and reproducibility of the observations by the scientific community. CONCLUSION Next generation transcriptomic profiling of the brain barriers provides a novel resource for understanding the development, function and pathology of these barrier cells, which is essential for understanding CNS homeostasis and disease. Continuous advancement and sophistication of RNA-Seq will require interdisciplinary approaches between brain barrier researchers and bioinformaticians as successfully performed in BtRAIN. The present guidelines are built on the BtRAIN interdisciplinary experience and aim to facilitate collaboration of brain barriers researchers with bioinformaticians to advance RNA-Seq study design in the brain barriers community.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M F Francisco
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luca Marchetti
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabela Rodríguez-Lorenzo
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Frías-Anaya
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Ricardo M Figueiredo
- GenXPro GmbH, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | - Ignacio Andres Romero
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Helga E de Vries
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rémy Bruggmann
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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9
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Gorick CM, Mathew AS, Garrison WJ, Thim EA, Fisher DG, Copeland CA, Song J, Klibanov AL, Miller GW, Price RJ. Sonoselective transfection of cerebral vasculature without blood-brain barrier disruption. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:5644-5654. [PMID: 32123081 PMCID: PMC7084076 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914595117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of many pathologies of the brain could be improved markedly by the development of noninvasive therapeutic approaches that elicit robust, endothelial cell-selective gene expression in specific brain regions that are targeted under MR image guidance. While focused ultrasound (FUS) in conjunction with gas-filled microbubbles (MBs) has emerged as a noninvasive modality for MR image-guided gene delivery to the brain, it has been used exclusively to transiently disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may induce a sterile inflammation response. Here, we introduce an MR image-guided FUS method that elicits endothelial-selective transfection of the cerebral vasculature (i.e., "sonoselective" transfection), without opening the BBB. We first determined that activating circulating, cationic plasmid-bearing MBs with pulsed low-pressure (0.1 MPa) 1.1-MHz FUS facilitates sonoselective gene delivery to the endothelium without MRI-detectable disruption of the BBB. The degree of endothelial selectivity varied inversely with the FUS pressure, with higher pressures (i.e., 0.3-MPa and 0.4-MPa FUS) consistently inducing BBB opening and extravascular transfection. Bulk RNA sequencing analyses revealed that the sonoselective low-pressure regimen does not up-regulate inflammatory or immune responses. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicated that the transcriptome of sonoselectively transfected brain endothelium was unaffected by the treatment. The approach developed here permits targeted gene delivery to blood vessels and could be used to promote angiogenesis, release endothelial cell-secreted factors to stimulate nerve regrowth, or recruit neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Gorick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Alexander S Mathew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - William J Garrison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - E Andrew Thim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Delaney G Fisher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Caitleen A Copeland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ji Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Alexander L Klibanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - G Wilson Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Richard J Price
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
- Department of Radiology & Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Hede E, Christiansen CB, Heegaard CW, Moos T, Burkhart A. Gene therapy to the blood-brain barrier with resulting protein secretion as a strategy for treatment of Niemann Picks type C2 disease. J Neurochem 2020; 156:290-308. [PMID: 32072649 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of many diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is complicated by the inability of several therapeutics to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Genetically modifying brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) denotes an approach to overcome the limitations of the BBB by turning BCECs into recombinant protein factories. This will result in protein secretion toward both the brain and peripheral circulation, which is particularly relevant in genetic diseases, like lysosomal storage diseases (LSD), where cells are ubiquitously affected both in the CNS and the periphery. Here we investigated transfection of primary rat brain capillary endothelial cells (rBCECs) for synthesis and secretion of recombinant NPC2, the protein deficient in the lysosomal cholesterol storage disease Niemann Pick type C2. We demonstrate prominent NPC2 gene induction and protein secretion in 21% of BCECs in non-mitotic monocultures with a biological effect on NPC2-deficient fibroblasts as verified from changes in filipin III staining of cholesterol deposits. By comparison the transfection efficiency was 75% in HeLa-cells, known to persist in a mitotic state. When co-cultured with primary rat astrocytes in conditions with maintained BBB properties 7% BCECs were transfected, clearly suggesting that induction of BBB properties with polarized conditions of the non-mitotic BCECs influences the transfection efficacy and secretion directionality. In conclusion, non-viral gene therapy to rBCECs leads to protein secretion and signifies a method for NPC2 to target cells inside the CNS otherwise inaccessible because of the presence of the BBB. However, obtaining high transfection efficiencies is crucial in order to achieve sufficient therapeutic effects. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15050.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hede
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christine B Christiansen
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christian W Heegaard
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Molecular Nutrition, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Torben Moos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Kenna JE, Anderton RS, Knuckey NW, Meloni BP. Assessment of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) toxicity in cultured neural cells and subsequent treatment with poly-arginine peptide R18D. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1215-1229. [PMID: 32140956 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in ischaemic stroke has been associated with neurotoxicity, blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption and intra-cerebral hemorrhage. To examine rtPA cellular toxicity we investigated the effects of rtPA on cell viability in neuronal, astrocyte and brain endothelial cell (bEnd.3) cultures with and without prior exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). In addition, the neuroprotective peptide poly-arginine-18 (R18D; 18-mer of D-arginine) was examined for its ability to reduce rtPA toxicity. Studies demonstrated that a 4- or 24-h exposure of rtPA was toxic, affecting neuronal cell viability at ≥ 2 µM, and astrocyte and bEnd.3 cells viability at ≥ 5 μM. In addition, a 4-h exposure to rtPA after a period of OGD (OGD/rtPA) exacerbated toxicity, affecting neuronal, astrocyte and bEnd.3 cell viability at rtPA concentrations as low as 0.1 µM. Treatment of cells with low concentrations of R18D (0.5 and 1 µM) reduced the toxic effects of rtPA and OGD/rtPA, while on some occasions a higher 2 µM R18D concentrations exacerbated neuronal and bEnd.3 cell toxicity in OGD/rtPA exposed cultures. In exploratory studies we also demonstrated that OGD activates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) release into the supernatant of astrocyte and bEnd.3 cell cultures, but not neuronal cultures, and that OGD/rtPA increases MMP-9 activation. Furthermore, R18D decreased MMP-9 activation in OGD/rtPA treated astrocyte and bEnd.3 cell cultures. In summary, the findings show that rtPA can be toxic to neural cells and that OGD exacerbates toxicity, while R18D has the capacity to reduce rtPA neural cellular toxicity and reduce MMP-9 activation in astrocytes and bEnd.3. Poly-arginine-18 peptides, which are being developed as neuroprotective therapeutics for ischaemic stroke, therefore have the additional potential of reducing cytotoxic effects associated with rtPA thrombolysis in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade E Kenna
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, RR Block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia. .,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Ryan S Anderton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, RR Block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.,School of Heath Sciences, and Institute for Health Research, The University Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, 6160, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, RR Block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Bruno P Meloni
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, RR Block, QEII Medical Centre, 8 Verdun St, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Moghimi SM, Howard KA. Targeting Biological Barriers: Turning a Wall into a Therapeutic Springboard. Mol Ther 2018; 26:933-934. [PMID: 29571965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Moein Moghimi
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; Division of Stratified Medicine, Biomarkers & Therapeutics, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Kenneth A Howard
- The Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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Di Spiezio A, Sandin ES, Dore R, Müller-Fielitz H, Storck SE, Bernau M, Mier W, Oster H, Jöhren O, Pietrzik CU, Lehnert H, Schwaninger M. The LepR-mediated leptin transport across brain barriers controls food reward. Mol Metab 2018; 8:13-22. [PMID: 29254602 PMCID: PMC5985039 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Leptin is a key hormone in the control of appetite and body weight. Predominantly produced by white adipose tissue, it acts on the brain to inhibit homeostatic feeding and food reward. Leptin has free access to circumventricular organs, such as the median eminence, but entry into other brain centers is restricted by the blood-brain and blood-CSF barriers. So far, it is unknown for which of its central effects leptin has to penetrate brain barriers. In addition, the mechanisms mediating the transport across barriers are unclear although high expression in brain barriers suggests an important role of the leptin receptor (LepR). METHODS We selectively deleted LepR in brain endothelial and epithelial cells of mice (LepRbeKO). The expression of LepR in fenestrated vessels of the periphery and the median eminence as well as in tanycytes was not affected. RESULTS Perfusion studies showed that leptin uptake by the brain depended on LepR in brain barriers. When being fed with a rewarding high-fat diet LepRbeKO mice gained more body weight than controls. The aggravated obesity of LepRbeKO mice was due to hyperphagia and a higher sensitivity to food reward. CONCLUSIONS The LepR-mediated transport of leptin across brain barriers in endothelial cells lining microvessels and in epithelial cells of the choroid plexus controls food reward but is apparently not involved in homeostatic control of feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Spiezio
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Elvira Sonia Sandin
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Riccardo Dore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Helge Müller-Fielitz
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Steffen E Storck
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mareike Bernau
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Radiochemistry, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Jöhren
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Claus U Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hendrik Lehnert
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
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Körbelin J, Schwaninger M, Trepel M. Vascular-targeted recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors for the treatment of rare diseases. Rare Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21675511.2016.1220470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Körbelin
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Martin Trepel
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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15
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Vries HED, Schwaninger M. Neuroinflammation: A common denominator for stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:297-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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