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Lee S, Martinez-Valbuena I, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Cellular iron deposition patterns predict clinical subtypes of multiple system atrophy. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106535. [PMID: 38761956 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a primary oligodendroglial synucleinopathy, characterized by elevated iron burden in early-affected subcortical nuclei. Although neurotoxic effects of brain iron deposition and its relationship with α-synuclein pathology have been demonstrated, the exact role of iron dysregulation in MSA pathogenesis is unknown. Therefore, advancing the understanding of iron dysregulation at the cellular level is critical, especially in relation to α-synuclein cytopathology. METHODS Iron burden in subcortical and brainstem regions were histologically mapped in human post-mortem brains of 4 MSA-parkinsonian (MSA-P), 4 MSA-cerebellar (MSA-C), and 1 MSA case with both parkinsonian and cerebellar features. We then performed the first cell type-specific evaluation of pathological iron deposition in α-synuclein-affected and -unaffected cells of the globus pallidus, putamen, and the substantia nigra, regions of highest iron concentration, using a combination of iron staining with immunolabelling. Selective regional and cellular vulnerability patterns of iron deposition were compared between disease subtypes. In 7 MSA cases, expression of key iron- and closely related oxygen-homeostatic genes were examined. RESULTS MSA-P and MSA-C showed different patterns of regional iron burden across the pathology-related systems. We identified subcortical microglia to predominantly accumulate iron, which was more distinct in MSA-P. MSA-C showed relatively heterogenous iron accumulation, with greater or similar deposition in astroglia. Iron deposition was also found outside cellular bodies. Cellular iron burden associated with oligodendrocytic, and not neuronal, α-synuclein cytopathology. Gene expression analysis revealed dysregulation of oxygen homeostatic genes, rather than of cellular iron. Importantly, hierarchal cluster analysis revealed the pattern of cellular vulnerability to iron accumulation, distinctly to α-synuclein pathology load in the subtype-related systems, to distinguish MSA subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive evaluation of iron deposition in MSA brains identified distinct regional, and for the first time, cellular distribution of iron deposition in MSA-P and MSA-C and revealed cellular vulnerability patterns to iron deposition as a novel neuropathological characteristic that predicts MSA clinical subtypes. Our findings suggest distinct iron-related pathomechanisms in MSA clinical subtypes that are therefore not a consequence of a uniform down-stream pathway to α-synuclein pathology, and inform current efforts in iron chelation therapies at the disease and cellular-specific levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada; Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada; Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
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2
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Lee S, Martinez-Valbuena I, de Andrea CE, Villalba-Esparza M, Ilaalagan S, Couto B, Visanji NP, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Cell-Specific Dysregulation of Iron and Oxygen Homeostasis as a Novel Pathophysiology in PSP. Ann Neurol 2023; 93:431-445. [PMID: 36309960 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a 4R-tauopathy showing heterogeneous tau cytopathology commencing in the globus pallidus (GP) and the substantia nigra (SN), regions also associated with age-related iron accumulation. Abnormal iron levels have been extensively associated with tau pathology in neurodegenerative brains, however, its role in PSP pathogenesis remains yet unknown. We perform the first cell type-specific evaluation of PSP iron homeostasis and the closely related oxygen homeostasis, in relation to tau pathology in human postmortem PSP brains. METHODS In brain regions vulnerable to PSP pathology (GP, SN, and putamen), we visualized iron deposition in tau-affected and unaffected neurons, astroglia, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, using a combination of iron staining with immunolabelling. To further explore molecular pathways underlying our observations, we examined the expression of key iron and oxygen homeostasis mRNA transcripts and proteins. RESULTS We found astrocytes as the major cell type accumulating iron in the early affected regions of PSP, highly associated with cellular tau pathology. The same regions are affected by dysregulated expression of alpha and beta hemoglobin and neuroglobin showing contrasting patterns. We discovered changes in iron and oxygen homeostasis-related gene expression associated with aging of the brain, and identified dysregulated expression of rare neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) genes associated with tau pathology to distinguish PSP from the healthy aging brain. INTERPRETATION We present novel aspects of PSP pathophysiology highlighting an overlap with NBIA pathways. Our findings reveal potential novel targets for therapy development and have implications beyond PSP for other iron-associated neurodegenerative diseases. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:431-445.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seojin Lee
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carlos E de Andrea
- Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Villalba-Esparza
- Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Suganthini Ilaalagan
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Blas Couto
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naomi P Visanji
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Rossy Program for PSP Research and the Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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3
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Abstract
The SmithKline, Harwell, Imperial College, Royal Hospital, Phenotype Assessment (SHIRPA) is a rapid battery of tests comprising 42 measurements of motor activity, coordination, postural control, muscle tone, autonomic functions, and emotional reactivity, as well as reflexes dependent on visual, auditory, and tactile modalities. Individual scores in SHIRPA are sensitive in detecting phenotypes of several experimental models of neural disease, especially cerebellar degeneration and Alzheimer disease, and combined subscores have been useful in estimating the impact of vascular anomalies and exposure to infectious agents. In cerebellar degeneration, weak forelimb grip, impaired wire maneuver and air righting, and negative geotaxis appear as prevalent features. Most of the measures in the battery are susceptible to change after gene modifications or physiological alterations. SHIRPA can be used both in adult mice and mice in the preweaning period to screen for sensorimotor function and emotional reactivity, not selective attention or memory. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC Basic Protocol: Step-by-step procedure for SHIRPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Department of Psychology, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens, Medical School, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | | | - Catherine Strazielle
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens, Medical School, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
- CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
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4
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Gorgun MF, Zhuo M, Dineley KT, Englander EW. Elevated Neuroglobin Lessens Neuroinflammation and Alleviates Neurobehavioral Deficits Induced by Acute Inhalation of Combustion Smoke in the Mouse. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2170-2181. [PMID: 31420834 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute inhalation of combustion smoke produces long-term neurologic deficits in survivors. To study the mechanisms that contribute to the development of neurologic deficits and identify targets for prevention, we developed a mouse model of acute inhalation of combustion smoke, which supports longitudinal investigation of mechanisms that underlie the smoke induced inimical sequelae in the brain. Using a transgenic mouse engineered to overexpress neuroglobin, a neuroprotective oxygen-binding globin protein, we previously demonstrated that elevated neuroglobin preserves mitochondrial respiration and attenuates formation of oxidative DNA damage in the mouse brain after smoke exposure. In the current study, we show that elevated neuronal neuroglobin attenuates the persistent inflammatory changes induced by smoke exposure in the mouse brain and mitigates concordant smoke-induced long-term neurobehavioral deficits. Specifically, we found that increases in hippocampal density of GFAP and Iba-1 positive cells that are detected post-smoke in wild-type mice are absent in the neuroglobin overexpressing transgenic (Ngb-tg) mice. Similarly, the smoke induced hippocampal myelin depletion is not observed in the Ngb-tg mice. Importantly, elevated neuroglobin alleviates behavioral and memory deficits that develop after acute smoke inhalation in the wild-type mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that the protective effects exerted by neuroglobin in the brains of smoke exposed mice afford protection from long-term neurologic sequelae of acute inhalation of combustion smoke. Our transgenic mouse provides a tool for assessing the potential of elevated neuroglobin as possible strategy for management of smoke inhalation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat F Gorgun
- Department of Surgery, Medical Branch, University of Texas, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Ming Zhuo
- Department of Surgery, Medical Branch, University of Texas, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Kelly T Dineley
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ella W Englander
- Department of Surgery, Medical Branch, University of Texas, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston, TX, USA.
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5
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Neuroglobin Expression Models as a Tool to Study Its Function. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:5728129. [PMID: 31320982 PMCID: PMC6607734 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5728129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an evolutionary conserved member of the globin family with a primary expression in neurons of which the exact functions remain elusive. A plethora of in vivo and in vitro model systems has been generated to this day to determine the functional biological roles of Ngb. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview and discussion of the different Ngb models, covering animal and cellular models of both overexpression and knockout strategies. Intriguingly, an in-depth literature search of available Ngb expression models revealed crucial discrepancies in the outcomes observed in different models. Not only does the level of Ngb expression—either physiologically, overexpressed, or downregulated—alter its functional properties, the experimental setup, being in vitro or in vivo, does impact the functional outcome as well and, hence, whether or not a physiological and/or therapeutic role is ascribed to Ngb. These differences could highlight either technical or biological adaptations and should be considered until elucidation of the Ngb biology.
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6
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Van Acker ZP, Luyckx E, Dewilde S. Neuroglobin Expression in the Brain: a Story of Tissue Homeostasis Preservation. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2101-2122. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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7
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Growth Factors and Neuroglobin in Astrocyte Protection Against Neurodegeneration and Oxidative Stress. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2339-2351. [PMID: 29982985 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson and Alzheimer, are among the main public health issues in the world due to their effects on life quality and high mortality rates. Although neuronal death is the main cause of disruption in the central nervous system (CNS) elicited by these pathologies, other cells such as astrocytes are also affected. There is no treatment for preventing the cellular death during neurodegenerative processes, and current drug therapy is focused on decreasing the associated motor symptoms. For these reasons, it has been necessary to seek new therapeutical procedures, including the use of growth factors to reduce α-synuclein toxicity and misfolding in order to recover neuronal cells and astrocytes. Additionally, it has been shown that some growth factors are able to reduce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are associated with neuronal death through activation of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and neuroglobin. In the present review, we discuss the use of growth factors such as PDGF-BB, VEGF, BDNF, and the antioxidative enzyme neuroglobin in the protection of astrocytes and neurons during the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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8
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Van Acker ZP, Luyckx E, Van Leuven W, Geuens E, De Deyn PP, Van Dam D, Dewilde S. Impaired hypoxic tolerance in APP23 mice: a dysregulation of neuroprotective globin levels. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:1321-1332. [PMID: 28391636 PMCID: PMC5518225 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although neuroglobin confers neuroprotection against Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, its expression becomes downregulated in late-stage AD. Here, we provide evidence that indicates that this decrease is associated with the AD-linked angiopathy. While wild-type mice of different ages show upregulated cerebral neuroglobin expression upon whole-body hypoxia, APP23 mice exhibit decreased cerebral transcription of neuroglobin. Interestingly, transcription of cytoglobin, whose involvement in amyloid pathology still needs to be elucidated, follows a similar pattern. To further unravel the underlying mechanism, we examined the expression levels of the RE-1-silencing transcription factor (REST/NRSF) after identifying a recognition site for it in the regulatory region of both globins. Neuroglobin-cytoglobin-REST/NRSF expression correlations are detected mainly in the cortex. This raises the possibility of REST/NRSF being an upstream regulator of these globins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë P Van Acker
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Evi Luyckx
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Wendy Van Leuven
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eva Geuens
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter P De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry & Behaviour, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Alzheimer Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry & Behaviour, Institute Born-Bunge, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Alzheimer Research Center, Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signalling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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9
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Jayabal S, Ljungberg L, Watt AJ. Transient cerebellar alterations during development prior to obvious motor phenotype in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 6. J Physiol 2016; 595:949-966. [PMID: 27531396 DOI: 10.1113/jp273184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is a midlife-onset neurodegenerative disease caused by a CACNA1A mutation; CACNA1A is also implicated in cerebellar development. We have previously shown that when disease symptoms are present in midlife in SCA684Q/84Q mice, cerebellar Purkinje cells spike with reduced rate and precision. In contrast, we find that during postnatal development (P10-13), SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells spike with elevated rate and precision. Although surplus climbing fibres are linked to ataxia in other mouse models, we found surplus climbing fibre inputs on developing (P10-13) SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells when motor deficits were not detected. Developmental alterations were transient and were no longer observed in weanling (P21-24) SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells. Our results suggest that changes in the developing cerebellar circuit can occur without detectable motor abnormalities, and that changes in cerebellar development may not necessarily persist into adulthood. ABSTRACT Although some neurodegenerative diseases are caused by mutations in genes that are known to regulate neuronal development, surprisingly, patients may not present disease symptoms until adulthood. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6) is one such midlife-onset disorder in which the mutated gene, CACNA1A, is implicated in cerebellar development. We wondered whether changes were observed in the developing cerebellum in SCA6 prior to the detection of motor deficits. To address this question, we used a transgenic mouse with a hyper-expanded triplet repeat (SCA684Q/84Q ) that displays late-onset motor deficits at 7 months, and measured cerebellar Purkinje cell synaptic and intrinsic properties during postnatal development. We found that firing rate and precision were enhanced during postnatal development in P10-13 SCA684Q/84Q Purkinje cells, and observed surplus multiple climbing fibre innervation without changes in inhibitory input or dendritic structure during development. Although excess multiple climbing fibre innervation has been associated with ataxic symptoms in several adult transgenic mice, we observed no detectable changes in cerebellar-related motor behaviour in developing SCA684Q/84Q mice. Interestingly, we found that developmental alterations were transient, as both Purkinje cell firing properties and climbing fibre innervation from weanling-aged (P21-24) SCA684Q/84Q mice were indistinguishable from litter-matched control mice. Our results demonstrate that significant alterations in neuronal circuit development may be observed without any detectable behavioural read-out, and that early changes in brain development may not necessarily persist into adulthood in midlife-onset diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Jayabal
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 0B1, Canada.,Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Lovisa Ljungberg
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 0B1, Canada
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10
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Baez E, Echeverria V, Cabezas R, Ávila-Rodriguez M, Garcia-Segura LM, Barreto GE. Protection by Neuroglobin Expression in Brain Pathologies. Front Neurol 2016; 7:146. [PMID: 27672379 PMCID: PMC5018480 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play an important role in physiological, metabolic, and structural functions, and when impaired, they can be involved in various pathologies including Alzheimer, focal ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury. These disorders involve an imbalance in the blood flow and nutrients such as glucose and lactate, leading to biochemical and molecular changes that cause neuronal damage, which is followed by loss of cognitive and motor functions. Previous studies have shown that astrocytes are more resilient than neurons during brain insults as a consequence of their more effective antioxidant systems, transporters, and enzymes, which made them less susceptible to excitotoxicity. In addition, astrocytes synthesize and release different protective molecules for neurons, including neuroglobin, a member of the globin family of proteins. After brain injury, neuroglobin expression is induced in astrocytes. Since neuroglobin promotes neuronal survival, its increased expression in astrocytes after brain injury may represent an endogenous neuroprotective mechanism. Here, we review the role of neuroglobin in the central nervous system, its relationship with different pathologies, and the role of different factors that regulate its expression in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Baez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquimica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | - Ricardo Cabezas
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquimica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Marco Ávila-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquimica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | | | - George E. Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquimica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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11
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Sandhir R. Neuroglobin increases brain fitness: Commentary to: "Neuroglobin overexpression improves sensorimotor outcomes in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury". Neurosci Lett 2014; 577:123-4. [PMID: 24928225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Sandhir
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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12
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Di Pietro V, Lazzarino G, Amorini AM, Tavazzi B, D'Urso S, Longo S, Vagnozzi R, Signoretti S, Clementi E, Giardina B, Lazzarino G, Belli A. Neuroglobin expression and oxidant/antioxidant balance after graded traumatic brain injury in the rat. Free Radic Biol Med 2014; 69:258-64. [PMID: 24491879 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglobin is a neuron-specific hexacoordinated globin capable of binding various ligands, including O2, NO, and CO, the biological function of which is still uncertain. Various studies seem to indicate that neuroglobin is a neuroprotective agent when overexpressed, acting as a potent inhibitor of oxidative and nitrosative stress. In this study, we evaluated the pathophysiological response of the neuroglobin gene and protein expression in the cerebral tissue of rats sustaining traumatic brain injury of differing severity, while simultaneously measuring the oxidant/antioxidant balance. Two levels of trauma (mild and severe) were induced in anesthetized animals using the weight-drop model of diffuse axonal injury. Rats were then sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 120 h after traumatic brain injury, and the gene and protein expression of neuroglobin and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (as a parameter representative of reactive oxygen species-mediated damage), nitrite + nitrate (indicative of NO metabolism), ascorbate, and glutathione (GSH) were determined in the brain tissue. Results indicated that mild traumatic brain injury, although causing a reversible increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress (increase in malondialdehyde and nitrite + nitrate) and an imbalance in antioxidants (decrease in ascorbate and GSH), did not induce any change in neuroglobin. Conversely, severe traumatic brain injury caused an over nine- and a fivefold increase in neuroglobin gene and protein expression, respectively, as well as a remarkable increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress and depletion of antioxidants. The results of this study, showing a lack of effect in mild traumatic brain injury as well as asynchronous time course changes in neuroglobin expression, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and antioxidants in severe traumatic brain injury, do not seem to support the role of neuroglobin as an endogenous neuroprotective antioxidant agent, at least under pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Di Pietro
- Neurotrauma and Neurodegeneration Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Amorini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tavazzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serafina D'Urso
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Longo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Vagnozzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Signoretti
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, Head and Neck Surgery, S. Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Clementi
- CNR Institute of "Chimica del riconoscimento molecolare," Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Giardina
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Belli
- Neurotrauma and Neurodegeneration Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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