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Choi SY, Ahn SY, Jo D, Kim OY, Song J. Oligonol enhances brain cognitive function in high-fat diet-fed mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117322. [PMID: 39191029 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligonol, a low-molecular-weight polyphenol derived from lychee fruit, is well recognized for its antioxidant properties, blood glucose regulation, and fat mass reduction capability. However, its effect on the central nervous system remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of oligonol on brain in a high-fat diet (HFD) fed mouse model, and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells and primary cultured cortical neuron under insulin resistance conditions. HFD mice were orally administered oligonol (20 mg/kg) daily, and SH-SY5Y cells and primary cortical neurons were pretreated with 500 ng/mL oligonol under in vitro insulin resistance conditions. Our findings revealed that oligonol administration reduced blood glucose levels and improved spatial memory function in HFD mice. In vitro data demonstrated that oligonol protected neuronal cells and enhanced neural structure against insulin resistance. We confirmed RNA sequencing in the oligonol-pretreated insulin-resistant SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Our RNA-sequencing data indicated that oligonol contributes to metabolic signaling and neurite outgrowth. In conclusion, our study provides insights into therapeutic potential of oligonol with respect to preventing neuronal cell damage and improving neural structure and cognitive function in HFD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Yoon Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seo Yeon Ahn
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Danbi Jo
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
| | - Oh Yoen Kim
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Science Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Carr LM, Mustafa S, Care A, Collins-Praino LE. More than a number: Incorporating the aged phenotype to improve in vitro and in vivo modeling of neurodegenerative disease. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:554-571. [PMID: 38663775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Age is the number one risk factor for developing a neurodegenerative disease (ND), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD). With our rapidly ageing world population, there will be an increased burden of ND and need for disease-modifying treatments. Currently, however, translation of research from bench to bedside in NDs is poor. This may be due, at least in part, to the failure to account for the potential effect of ageing in preclinical modelling of NDs. While ageing can impact upon physiological response in multiple ways, only a limited number of preclinical studies of ND have incorporated ageing as a factor of interest. Here, we evaluate the aged phenotype and highlight the critical, but unmet, need to incorporate aspects of this phenotype into both the in vitro and in vivo models used in ND research. Given technological advances in the field over the past several years, we discuss how these could be harnessed to create novel models of ND that more readily incorporate aspects of the aged phenotype. This includes a recently described in vitro panel of ageing markers, which could help lead to more standardised models and improve reproducibility across studies. Importantly, we cannot assume that young cells or animals yield the same responses as seen in the context of ageing; thus, an improved understanding of the biology of ageing, and how to appropriately incorporate this into the modelling of ND, will ensure the best chance for successful translation of new therapies to the aged patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Carr
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sanam Mustafa
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Davies Livestock Research Centre, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew Care
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyndsey E Collins-Praino
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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3
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Aumailley L, Dubois MJ, Marette A, Lebel M. Integrated liver and serum proteomics uncover sexual dimorphism and alteration of several immune response proteins in an aging Werner syndrome mouse model. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8417-8445. [PMID: 38795389 PMCID: PMC11164518 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205866] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a progeroid disorder caused by mutations in a protein containing both a DNA exonuclease and DNA helicase domains. Previous studies indicated that males lacking the helicase domain of the Wrn protein orthologue exhibited hepatic transcriptomic and metabolic alterations. In this study, we used a label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach to uncover proteins abundance associated with specific biological processes that differed depending on the age (four or ten months) and/or the genotype (wild type or Wrn mutant) in the serum and liver of mice. Principal component analysis of the proteomic data from both serum and hepatic tissue revealed a sexual dimorphism regardless of the age and the genotype of the mice. Moreover, although all Wrn mutant mice exhibited fatty liver by the age of ten months, a significant age and genotype dependent enrichment of proteins involved in lipid and fatty acid metabolic processes were uncovered only in males. Also, a genotype dependent increase in serum oxidant detoxification processes was observed in the serum of Wrn mutant males. Despite these sexual differences, several aspects of the immune system were affected in both females and males. Finally, an increase of specific immunoglobulin molecules was common in the liver and serum of both older Wrn mutant females and males. Such results suggest that specific immunoglobulin variants maybe associated with fatty liver progression in WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie Julie Dubois
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - André Marette
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City G1V 4G2, Canada
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4
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Hu Y, Tao W. Current perspectives on microglia-neuron communication in the central nervous system: Direct and indirect modes of interaction. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00006-7. [PMID: 38195039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incessant communication that takes place between microglia and neurons is essential the development, maintenance, and pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS). As mobile phagocytic cells, microglia serve a critical role in surveilling and scavenging the neuronal milieu to uphold homeostasis. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to discuss the various mechanisms that govern the interaction between microglia and neurons, from the molecular to the organ system level, and to highlight the importance of these interactions in the development, maintenance, and pathogenesis of the CNS. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Recent research has revealed that microglia-neuron interaction is vital for regulating fundamental neuronal functions, such as synaptic pruning, axonal remodeling, and neurogenesis. The review will elucidate the intricate signaling pathways involved in these interactions, both direct and indirect, to provide a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of brain function. Furthermore, gaining insights into these signals could lead to the development of innovative therapies for neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 220023, China; School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiwei Tao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 220023, China; School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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5
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St-Pierre MK, González Ibáñez F, Kroner A, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia/macrophages are ultrastructurally altered by their proximity to spinal cord injury in adult female mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:273. [PMID: 37990235 PMCID: PMC10664529 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02953-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury can cause immediate physical damage to the spinal cord and result in severe neurological deficits. The primary, mechanical tissue damage triggers a variety of secondary damage mechanisms at the injury site which significantly contribute to a larger lesion size and increased functional damage. Inflammatory mechanisms which directly involve both microglia (MG) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) play important roles in the post-injury processes, including inflammation and debris clearing. In the current study, we investigated changes in the structure and function of MG/MDM in the injured spinal cord of adult female mice, 7 days after a thoracic contusion SCI. With the use of chip mapping scanning electron microscopy, which allows to image large samples at the nanoscale, we performed an ultrastructural comparison of MG/MDM located near the lesion vs adjacent regions to provide novel insights into the mechanisms at play post-injury. We found that MG/MDM located near the lesion had more mitochondria overall, including mitochondria with and without morphological alterations, and had a higher proportion of altered mitochondria. MG/MDM near the lesion also showed an increased number of phagosomes, including phagosomes containing myelin and partiallydigested materials. MG/MDM near the injury interacted differently with the spinal cord parenchyma, as shown by their reduced number of direct contacts with synaptic elements, axon terminals and dendritic spines. In this study, we characterized the ultrastructural changes of MG/MDM in response to spinal cord tissue damage in mice, uncovering changes in phagocytic activity, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and inter-cellular interactions within the spinal cord parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Antje Kroner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 5000 W. National Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC) and Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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6
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Hou Y, Park JH, Dan X, Chu X, Yang B, Hussain M, Croteau DL, Bohr VA. RecQ dysfunction contributes to social and depressive-like behavior and affects aldolase activity in mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106092. [PMID: 36948261 PMCID: PMC10106417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RecQ helicase family proteins play vital roles in maintaining genome stability, including DNA replication, recombination, and DNA repair. In human cells, there are five RecQ helicases: RECQL1, Bloom syndrome (BLM), Werner syndrome (WRN), RECQL4, and RECQL5. Dysfunction or absence of RecQ proteins is associated with genetic disorders, tumorigenesis, premature aging, and neurodegeneration. The biochemical and biological roles of RecQ helicases are rather well established, however, there is no systematic study comparing the behavioral changes among various RecQ-deficient mice including consequences of exposure to DNA damage. Here, we investigated the effects of ionizing irradiation (IR) on three RecQ-deficient mouse models (RecQ1, WRN and RecQ4). We find abnormal cognitive behavior in RecQ-deficient mice in the absence of IR. Interestingly, RecQ dysfunction impairs social ability and induces depressive-like behavior in mice after a single exposure to IR, suggesting that RecQ proteins play roles in mood and cognition behavior. Further, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed significant alterations in RecQ-deficient mice, especially after IR exposure. In particular, pathways related to neuronal and microglial functions, DNA damage repair, cell cycle, and reactive oxygen responses were downregulated in the RecQ4 and WRN mice. In addition, increased DNA damage responses were found in RecQ-deficient mice. Notably, two genes, Aldolase Fructose-Bisphosphate B (Aldob) and NADPH Oxidase 4 (Nox4), were differentially expressed in RecQ-deficient mice. Our findings suggest that RecQ dysfunction contributes to social and depressive-like behaviors in mice, and that aldolase activity may be associated with these changes, representing a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Hou
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jae-Hyeon Park
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xiuli Dan
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Xixia Chu
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Beimeng Yang
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Mansoor Hussain
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Computational Biology & Genomics Core, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- DNA Repair Section, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Danish Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark.
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7
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St-Pierre MK, Carrier M, González Ibáñez F, Khakpour M, Wallman MJ, Parent M, Tremblay MÈ. Astrocytes display ultrastructural alterations and heterogeneity in the hippocampus of aged APP-PS1 mice and human post-mortem brain samples. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:73. [PMID: 36918925 PMCID: PMC10015698 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed increasing evidence for a crucial role played by glial cells, notably astrocytes, in Alzheimer's disease (AD). To provide novel insights into the roles of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of AD, we performed a quantitative ultrastructural characterization of their intracellular contents and parenchymal interactions in an aged mouse model of AD pathology, as aging is considered the main risk factor for developing AD. We compared 20-month-old APP-PS1 and age-matched C57BL/6J male mice, among the ventral hippocampus CA1 strata lacunosum-moleculare and radiatum, two hippocampal layers severely affected by AD pathology. Astrocytes in both layers interacted more with synaptic elements and displayed more ultrastructural markers of increased phagolysosomal activity in APP-PS1 versus C57BL6/J mice. In addition, we investigated the ultrastructural heterogeneity of astrocytes, describing in the two examined layers a dark astrocytic state that we characterized in terms of distribution, interactions with AD hallmarks, and intracellular contents. This electron-dense astrocytic state, termed dark astrocytes, was observed throughout the hippocampal parenchyma, closely associated with the vasculature, and possessed several ultrastructural markers of cellular stress. A case study exploring the hippocampal head of an aged human post-mortem brain sample also revealed the presence of a similar electron-dense, dark astrocytic state. Overall, our study provides the first ultrastructural quantitative analysis of astrocytes among the hippocampus in aged AD pathology, as well as a thorough characterization of a dark astrocytic state conserved from mouse to human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Départment de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Départment de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammadparsa Khakpour
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Wallman
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Parent
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Départment de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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8
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McKee CG, Hoffos M, Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia: A pharmacological target for the treatment of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1125982. [PMID: 36969855 PMCID: PMC10034122 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1125982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As individuals age, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), become less effective at preserving brain circuits. Increases in microglial inflammatory activity are thought to contribute to age-related declines in cognitive functions and to transitions toward mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). As microglia possess receptors for communicating with the CNS environment, pharmacological therapies targeting these pathways hold potential for promoting homeostatic microglial functions within the aging CNS. Preclinical and early phase clinical trials investigating the therapeutic effects of pharmacological agents acting on microglia, including reactive oxygen species, TREM2, fractalkine signaling, the complement cascade, and the NLRP3 inflammasome, are currently underway; however, important questions remain unanswered. Current challenges include target selectivity, as many of the signaling pathways are expressed in other cell types. Furthermore, microglia are a heterogenous cell population with transcriptomic, proteomic, and microscopy studies revealing distinct microglial states, whose activities and abundance shift across the lifespan. For example, homeostatic microglia can transform into pathological states characterized by markers of oxidative stress. Selective pharmacological targeting aimed at limiting transitions to pathological states or promoting homeostatic or protective states, could help to avoid potentially harmful off-target effects on beneficial states or other cell types. In this mini-review we cover current microglial pathways of interest for the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline and CNS disorders of aging focusing on MCI and AD. We also discuss the heterogeneity of microglia described in these conditions and how pharmacological agents could target specific microglial states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe G. McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Madison Hoffos
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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9
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St-Pierre MK, Šimončičová E, Carrier M, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia in Human Postmortem Brain Samples: Quantitative Ultrastructural Analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy Images. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2561:63-85. [PMID: 36399265 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2655-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this protocol, we describe the specific steps required to prepare human postmortem brain samples for ultrastructural microglial analysis. A detailed procedure is provided to improve the ultrastructural quality of the samples, using aldehyde fixatives followed by immunoperoxidase staining of allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1, also known as IBA1), a marker of myeloid cells, and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), a marker of phagolysosomal activity. Additionally, we describe an osmium-thiocarbohydrazide-osmium (OTO) post-fixation method that preserves and increases the contrast of cellular membranes in human postmortem brain samples, as well as the steps necessary to acquire scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of microglial cell bodies. In the last section, we cover the quantitative analysis of various microglial cytoplasmic organelles and their interactions with other parenchymal elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.
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10
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De Felice E, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Golia MT, González Ibáñez F, Khakpour M, Di Castro MA, Garofalo S, Di Pietro E, Benatti C, Brunello N, Tascedda F, Kaminska B, Limatola C, Ragozzino D, Tremblay ME, Alboni S, Maggi L. Microglial diversity along the hippocampal longitudinal axis impacts synaptic plasticity in adult male mice under homeostatic conditions. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:292. [PMID: 36482444 PMCID: PMC9730634 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02655-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a plastic brain area that shows functional segregation along its longitudinal axis, reflected by a higher level of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus (DH) compared to the ventral hippocampus (VH), but the mechanisms underlying this difference remain elusive. Numerous studies have highlighted the importance of microglia-neuronal communication in modulating synaptic transmission and hippocampal plasticity, although its role in physiological contexts is still largely unknown. We characterized in depth the features of microglia in the two hippocampal poles and investigated their contribution to CA1 plasticity under physiological conditions. We unveiled the influence of microglia in differentially modulating the amplitude of LTP in the DH and VH, showing that minocycline or PLX5622 treatment reduced LTP amplitude in the DH, while increasing it in the VH. This was recapitulated in Cx3cr1 knockout mice, indicating that microglia have a key role in setting the conditions for plasticity processes in a region-specific manner, and that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway is a key element in determining the basal level of CA1 LTP in the two regions. The observed LTP differences at the two poles were associated with transcriptional changes in the expression of genes encoding for Il-1, Tnf-α, Il-6, and Bdnf, essential players of neuronal plasticity. Furthermore, microglia in the CA1 SR region showed an increase in soma and a more extensive arborization, an increased prevalence of immature lysosomes accompanied by an elevation in mRNA expression of phagocytic markers Mertk and Cd68 and a surge in the expression of microglial outward K+ currents in the VH compared to DH, suggesting a distinct basal phenotypic state of microglia across the two hippocampal poles. Overall, we characterized the molecular, morphological, ultrastructural, and functional profile of microglia at the two poles, suggesting that modifications in hippocampal subregions related to different microglial statuses can contribute to dissect the phenotypical aspects of many diseases in which microglia are known to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. De Felice
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - E. Gonçalves de Andrade
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - M. T. Golia
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - F. González Ibáñez
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Faculté de Médecine and Centre de Recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - M. Khakpour
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - M. A. Di Castro
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - S. Garofalo
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - E. Di Pietro
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - C. Benatti
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - N. Brunello
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - F. Tascedda
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - B. Kaminska
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - C. Limatola
- grid.419543.e0000 0004 1760 3561IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy ,grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Ragozzino
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia), Rome, Italy
| | - M. E. Tremblay
- grid.143640.40000 0004 1936 9465Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada ,grid.411081.d0000 0000 9471 1794Faculté de Médecine and Centre de Recherche, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - S. Alboni
- grid.7548.e0000000121697570Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy ,grid.7548.e0000000121697570Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - L. Maggi
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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St-Pierre MK, Carrier M, González Ibáñez F, Šimončičová E, Wallman MJ, Vallières L, Parent M, Tremblay MÈ. Ultrastructural characterization of dark microglia during aging in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease pathology and in human post-mortem brain samples. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:235. [PMID: 36167544 PMCID: PMC9513936 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse heterogeneity of microglial cells was previously described in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, including dark microglia, a state characterized by ultrastructural markers of cellular stress. To provide novel insights into the roles of dark microglia during aging in the context of AD pathology, we performed a quantitative density and ultrastructural analysis of these cells using high-throughput scanning electron microscopy in the ventral hippocampus CA1 stratum lacunosum-moleculare of 20-month-old APP-PS1 vs C57BL/6J male mice. The density of dark microglia was significantly higher in APP-PS1 vs C57BL/6J mice, with these cells accounting for nearly half of all microglia observed near amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. This dark microglial state interacted more with dystrophic neurites compared to other APP-PS1 microglia and possessed glycogen granules, associated with a metabolic shift toward glycolysis, which provides the first ultrastructural evidence of their presence in microglia. Dark microglia were further observed in aging human post-mortem brain samples showing similar ultrastructural features as in mouse. Overall, our results provide a quantitative ultrastructural characterization of a microglial state associated with cellular stress (i.e., dark microglia) that is primarily restricted near Aβ plaques and dystrophic neurites. The presence of this microglial state in the aging human post-mortem brain is further revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Wallman
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Luc Vallières
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Parent
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada. .,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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12
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St-Pierre MK, Carrier M, Lau V, Tremblay MÈ. Investigating Microglial Ultrastructural Alterations and Intimate Relationships with Neuronal Stress, Dystrophy, and Degeneration in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2515:29-58. [PMID: 35776344 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2409-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, microglia have taken the field of neuroscience by storm, with numerous studies identifying key roles for these cells in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The heterogeneity of these cells (e.g., the presence of various subtypes like the disease-associated microglia, microglia associated with neurodegeneration, dark microglia, lipid droplet-accumulating microglia), and their ultrastructural alterations arising from environmental challenges have become a central focus of recent studies. Dark microglia are electron-dense cells defined by their ultrastructural markers of cellular stress using electron microscopy (EM). In this protocol, we first describe the steps required for proper brain tissue preparation for EM experiments. Ultrastructural analysis of microglia and neurons/synapses in AD mouse models is also detailed, using transmission or scanning EM. We next explain how to characterize several ultrastructural markers of cellular stress, dystrophy or degeneration, in microglia and neurons/synapses, with relation to amyloid beta plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Département de neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Victor Lau
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria , Victoria, Canada.
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13
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Carrier M, Šimončičová E, St-Pierre MK, McKee C, Tremblay MÈ. Psychological Stress as a Risk Factor for Accelerated Cellular Aging and Cognitive Decline: The Involvement of Microglia-Neuron Crosstalk. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:749737. [PMID: 34803607 PMCID: PMC8599581 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.749737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and microglia is lifelong. Microglia originate in the embryonic yolk sac during development and populate the CNS before the blood-brain barrier forms. In the CNS, they constitute a self-renewing population. Although they represent up to 10% of all brain cells, we are only beginning to understand how much brain homeostasis relies on their physiological functions. Often compared to a double-edged sword, microglia hold the potential to exert neuroprotective roles that can also exacerbate neurodegeneration once compromised. Microglia can promote synaptic growth in addition to eliminating synapses that are less active. Synaptic loss, which is considered one of the best pathological correlates of cognitive decline, is a distinctive feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and cognitive aging. Long-term psychological stress accelerates cellular aging and predisposes to various diseases, including MDD, and cognitive decline. Among the underlying mechanisms, stress-induced neuroinflammation alters microglial interactions with the surrounding parenchymal cells and exacerbates oxidative burden and cellular damage, hence inducing changes in microglia and neurons typical of cognitive aging. Focusing on microglial interactions with neurons and their synapses, this review discusses the disrupted communication between these cells, notably involving fractalkine signaling and the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM). Overall, chronic stress emerges as a key player in cellular aging by altering the microglial sensome, notably via fractalkine signaling deficiency. To study cellular aging, novel positron emission tomography radiotracers for TREM and the purinergic family of receptors show interest for human study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Chloe McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Krukowski K, Nolan A, Becker M, Picard K, Vernoux N, Frias ES, Feng X, Tremblay ME, Rosi S. Novel microglia-mediated mechanisms underlying synaptic loss and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:122-135. [PMID: 34403733 PMCID: PMC9119574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of long-term neurological disability in the world. Currently, there are no therapeutics for treating the deleterious consequences of brain trauma; this is in part due to a lack of complete understanding of cellular processes that underlie TBI-related pathologies. Following TBI, microglia, the brain resident immune cells, turn into a "reactive" state characterized by the production of inflammatory mediators that contribute to the development of cognitive deficits. Utilizing multimodal, state-of-the-art techniques that widely span from ultrastructural analysis to optogenetic interrogation of circuit function, we investigated the reactive microglia phenotype one week after injury when learning and memory deficits are also measured. Microglia displayed increased: (i) phagocytic activity in vivo, (ii) synaptic engulfment, (iii) increased neuronal contact, including with dendrites and somata (termed 'satellite microglia'). Functionally, satellite microglia might impact somatic inhibition as demonstrated by the associated reduction in inhibitory synaptic drive. Cumulatively, here we demonstrate novel microglia-mediated mechanisms that may contribute to synaptic loss and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Krukowski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amber Nolan
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - McKenna Becker
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Picard
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Elma S. Frias
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xi Feng
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Molecular Medicine Department, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA.
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15
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Picard K, Bisht K, Poggini S, Garofalo S, Golia MT, Basilico B, Abdallah F, Ciano Albanese N, Amrein I, Vernoux N, Sharma K, Hui CW, C Savage J, Limatola C, Ragozzino D, Maggi L, Branchi I, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial-glucocorticoid receptor depletion alters the response of hippocampal microglia and neurons in a chronic unpredictable mild stress paradigm in female mice. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:423-439. [PMID: 34343616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress is one of the most important triggers and environmental risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders. Chronic stress can influence all organs via the secretion of stress hormones, including glucocorticoids by the adrenal glands, which coordinate the stress response across the body. In the brain, glucocorticoid receptors (GR) are expressed by various cell types including microglia, which are its resident immune cells regulating stress-induced inflammatory processes. To study the roles of microglial GR under normal homeostatic conditions and following chronic stress, we generated a mouse model in which the GR gene is depleted in microglia specifically at adulthood to prevent developmental confounds. We first confirmed that microglia were depleted in GR in our model in males and females among the cingulate cortex and the hippocampus, both stress-sensitive brain regions. Then, cohorts of microglial-GR depleted and wild-type (WT) adult female mice were housed for 3 weeks in a standard or stressful condition, using a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm. CUMS induced stress-related behavior in both microglial-GR depleted and WT animals as demonstrated by a decrease of both saccharine preference and progressive ratio breakpoint. Nevertheless, the hippocampal microglial and neural mechanisms underlying the adaptation to stress occurred differently between the two genotypes. Upon CUMS exposure, microglial morphology was altered in the WT controls, without any apparent effect in microglial-GR depleted mice. Furthermore, in the standard environment condition, GR depleted-microglia showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes, and genes involved in microglial homeostatic functions (such as Trem2, Cx3cr1 and Mertk). On the contrary, in CUMS condition, GR depleted-microglia showed reduced expression levels of pro-inflammatory genes and increased neuroprotective as well as anti-inflammatory genes compared to WT-microglia. Moreover, in microglial-GR depleted mice, but not in WT mice, CUMS led to a significant reduction of CA1 long-term potentiation and paired-pulse ratio. Lastly, differences in adult hippocampal neurogenesis were observed between the genotypes during normal homeostatic conditions, with microglial-GR deficiency increasing the formation of newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus subgranular zone independently from stress exposure. Together, these findings indicate that, although the deletion of microglial GR did not prevent the animal's ability to respond to stress, it contributed to modulating hippocampal functions in both standard and stressful conditions, notably by shaping the microglial response to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Picard
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Molecular Medicine Department, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Silvia Poggini
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Garofalo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Golia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Bernadette Basilico
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Fatima Abdallah
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Naomi Ciano Albanese
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Irmgard Amrein
- Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kaushik Sharma
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Chin Wai Hui
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie C Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Cristina Limatola
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Maggi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Igor Branchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Molecular Medicine Department, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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16
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Augusto-Oliveira M, Arrifano GP, Delage CI, Tremblay MÈ, Crespo-Lopez ME, Verkhratsky A. Plasticity of microglia. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:217-250. [PMID: 34549510 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the scions of foetal macrophages which invade the neural tube early during embryogenesis. The nervous tissue environment instigates the phenotypic metamorphosis of foetal macrophages into idiosyncratic surveilling microglia, which are generally characterised by a small cell body and highly ramified motile processes that constantly scan the nervous tissue for signs of changes in homeostasis and allow microglia to perform crucial homeostatic functions. The surveilling microglial phenotype is evolutionarily conserved from early invertebrates to humans. Despite this evolutionary conservation, microglia show substantial heterogeneity in their gene and protein expression, as well as morphological appearance. These differences are age, region and context specific and reflect a high degree of plasticity underlying the life-long adaptation of microglia, supporting the exceptional adaptive capacity of the central nervous system. Microgliocytes are essential elements of cellular network formation and refinement in the developing nervous tissue. Several distinct patrolling modes of microglial processes contribute to the formation, modification, and pruning of synapses; to the support and protection of neurones through microglial-somatic junctions; and to the control of neuronal and axonal excitability by specific microglia-axonal contacts. In pathology, microglia undergo proliferation and reactive remodelling known as microgliosis, which is context dependent, yet represents an evolutionarily conserved defence response. Microgliosis results in the emergence of multiple disease and context-specific reactive states; in addition, neuropathology is associated with the appearance of specific protective or recovery microglial forms. In summary, the plasticity of microglia supports the development and functional activity of healthy nervous tissue and provides highly sophisticated defences against disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Charlotte Isabelle Delage
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Bureau 4835, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Center, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, U.K.,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
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17
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Abstract
Significance: Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal recessive malady typified by a pro-oxidant/proinflammatory status, genetic instability, and by the early onset of numerous age-associated illnesses. The protein malfunctioning in WS individuals (WRN) is a helicase/exonuclease implicated in transcription, DNA replication/repair, and telomere maintenance. Recent Advances: In the last two decades, a series of important biological systems were created to comprehend at the molecular level the effect of a defective WRN protein. Such biological tools include mouse and worm (Caenorhabditis elegans) with a mutation in the Wrn helicase ortholog as well as human WS-induced pluripotent stem cells that can ultimately be differentiated into most cell lineages. Such WS models have identified anomalies related to the hallmarks of aging. Most importantly, vitamin C counteracts these age-related cellular phenotypes in these systems. Critical Issues: Vitamin C is the only antioxidant agent capable of reversing the cellular aging-related phenotypes in those biological systems. Since vitamin C is a cofactor for many hydroxylases and mono- or dioxygenase, it adds another level of complexity in deciphering the exact molecular pathways affected by this vitamin. Moreover, it is still unclear whether a short- or long-term vitamin C supplementation in human WS patients who already display aging-related phenotypes will have a beneficial impact. Future Directions: The discovery of new molecular markers specific to the modified biological pathways in WS that can be used for novel imaging techniques or as blood markers will be necessary to assess the favorable effect of vitamin C supplementation in WS. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 856-874.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aumailley
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Michel Lebel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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18
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Fani Maleki A, Cisbani G, Laflamme N, Prefontaine P, Plante MM, Baillargeon J, Rangachari M, Gosselin J, Rivest S. Selective Immunomodulatory and Neuroprotective Effects of a NOD2 Receptor Agonist on Mouse Models of Multiple Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:889-904. [PMID: 33479802 PMCID: PMC8423880 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of monocytes has been demonstrated in multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the therapeutic challenges is developing medications that induce mild immunomodulation that is solely targeting specific monocyte subsets without affecting microglia. Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) activates the NOD2 receptor, and systemic MDP administrations convert Ly6Chigh into Ly6Clow monocytes. Here, we report selective immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of MDP on cuprizone and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse models of MS. MDP treatment exerted various therapeutic effects in EAE, including delaying EAE onset and reducing infiltration of leukocytes into the CNS before EAE onset. Of great interest is the robust beneficial effect of the MDP treatment in mice already developing the disease several days after EAE onset. Finally, we found that the NOD2 receptor plays a critical role in MDP-mediated EAE resistance. Our results demonstrate that MDP is beneficial in both early and progressive phases of EAE. Based on these results, and upon comprehensive basic and clinical research, we anticipate developing NOD2 agonist-based medications for MS in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine/pharmacology
- Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine/therapeutic use
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/chemically induced
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/prevention & control
- Freund's Adjuvant/toxicity
- Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology
- Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Monocytes/drug effects
- Monocytes/immunology
- Multiple Sclerosis/chemically induced
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Multiple Sclerosis/prevention & control
- Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein/toxicity
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Nod2 Signaling Adaptor Protein/agonists
- Peptide Fragments/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Adham Fani Maleki
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Nataly Laflamme
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Paul Prefontaine
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Michele Plante
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Joanie Baillargeon
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Manu Rangachari
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jean Gosselin
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Serge Rivest
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boul., Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Abstract
Werner syndrome, also called adult progeria, is a heritable autosomal recessive human disorder characterized by the premature onset of numerous age-related diseases including juvenile cataracts, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Werner syndrome is a segmental progeroid syndrome whose presentation resembles accelerated aging. The most common causes of death for WS patients are atherosclerosis and cancer. A 40-year-old female presented with short stature, bird-like facies, canities with alopecia, scleroderma-like skin changes, and non-healing foot ulcers. The patient reported a history of delayed puberty, abortion, hypertriglyceridemia, and juvenile cataracts. A clinical diagnosis of WS was made and subsequently confirmed. We discovered two WRN gene mutations in the patient, Variant 1 was the most common WRN mutation, nonsense mutation (c.1105C>T:p.R369Ter) in exon 9, which caused a premature termination codon (PTC) at position 369. Variant 2 was a frameshift mutation (c.1134delA:p.E379KfsTer5) in exon 9, which caused a PTC at position 383 and has no published reports describing. Patients with WS can show a wide variety of clinical and biological manifestations in endocrine-metabolic systems (DM, thyroid dysfunction, and hyperlipidemia). Doctors must be cognizant of early manifestations of WS and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Maoguang Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hanqing Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Nahirney PC, Tremblay ME. Brain Ultrastructure: Putting the Pieces Together. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:629503. [PMID: 33681208 PMCID: PMC7930431 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.629503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the fine structure of the brain is important to provide a better understanding of its normal and abnormal functioning. Application of high-resolution electron microscopic techniques gives us an unprecedented opportunity to discern details of the brain parenchyma at nanoscale resolution, although identifying different cell types and their unique features in two-dimensional, or three-dimensional images, remains a challenge even to experts in the field. This article provides insights into how to identify the different cell types in the central nervous system, based on nuclear and cytoplasmic features, amongst other unique characteristics. From the basic distinction between neurons and their supporting cells, the glia, to differences in their subcellular compartments, organelles and their interactions, ultrastructural analyses can provide unique insights into the changes in brain function during aging and disease conditions, such as stroke, neurodegeneration, infection and trauma. Brain parenchyma is composed of a dense mixture of neuronal and glial cell bodies, together with their intertwined processes. Intracellular components that vary between cells, and can become altered with aging or disease, relate to the cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic density, nuclear heterochromatin pattern, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, lysosomes, neurosecretory vesicles, and cytoskeletal elements (actin, intermediate filaments, and microtubules). Applying immunolabeling techniques to visualize membrane-bound or intracellular proteins in neurons and glial cells gives an even better appreciation of the subtle differences unique to these cells across contexts of health and disease. Together, our observations reveal how simple ultrastructural features can be used to identify specific changes in cell types, their health status, and functional relationships in the brain.
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21
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Abstract
Unraveling the fine structure of the brain is important to provide a better understanding of its normal and abnormal functioning. Application of high-resolution electron microscopic techniques gives us an unprecedented opportunity to discern details of the brain parenchyma at nanoscale resolution, although identifying different cell types and their unique features in two-dimensional, or three-dimensional images, remains a challenge even to experts in the field. This article provides insights into how to identify the different cell types in the central nervous system, based on nuclear and cytoplasmic features, amongst other unique characteristics. From the basic distinction between neurons and their supporting cells, the glia, to differences in their subcellular compartments, organelles and their interactions, ultrastructural analyses can provide unique insights into the changes in brain function during aging and disease conditions, such as stroke, neurodegeneration, infection and trauma. Brain parenchyma is composed of a dense mixture of neuronal and glial cell bodies, together with their intertwined processes. Intracellular components that vary between cells, and can become altered with aging or disease, relate to the cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic density, nuclear heterochromatin pattern, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex, lysosomes, neurosecretory vesicles, and cytoskeletal elements (actin, intermediate filaments, and microtubules). Applying immunolabeling techniques to visualize membrane-bound or intracellular proteins in neurons and glial cells gives an even better appreciation of the subtle differences unique to these cells across contexts of health and disease. Together, our observations reveal how simple ultrastructural features can be used to identify specific changes in cell types, their health status, and functional relationships in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Nahirney
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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22
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Garrido A, De La Serna M, De La Fuente M, Marco EM, López-Gallardo M. Neuronal and glial region dependent changes in female mice from a model of premature aging. Exp Gerontol 2020; 146:111224. [PMID: 33388380 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adult Premature Aging Mice (PAM) show premature immunosenescence, oxidative and inflammatory stress and consequently a shorter lifespan than Exceptional Non-Prematurely Aging Mice (E-NPAM) at the same age. Indeed, adult female PAM exhibit behavioral age-related declines and abnormalities in its brain neurochemistry. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether these impairments might be accompanied by previous changes related to the neuroinflammation process in their central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the aim of the present work was to determine if adult female PAM may show brain neuroinflammation processes comparable to those observed in chronologically old female mice. Accordingly, ICR-CD1 female mice were classified in PAM, Regular Non-Prematurely Aging Mice (R-NPAM) and E-NPAM and compared to a group of chronologically old female mice (OLD) (24±1 months). Through the application of immunohistochemical techniques we evaluated changes in the expression of NeuN (a neuronal marker), Iba-1 (a microglia marker) and GFAP (an astrocyte marker) in brain areas related to the behavioral alterations previously detected in both PAM and chronologically old mice. In general, PAM showed a lower NeuN expression and a higher GFAP and Iba1 expression mainly in the Anterior Frontal Cortex and in the Medial Hippocampal Formation, when compared to E-NPAM; similar changes were observed in OLD. Other brain areas, such as the Hypothalamic Nuclei and Motor Cortex were less affected. In conclusion, adult PAM and OLD female mice share some region-dependent neuronal and glial changes that may underlie, at least in part, some of the behavioral abnormalities previously reported in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Garrido
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology Unit), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation of Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano De La Serna
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology Unit), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica De La Fuente
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology Unit), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Institute of Investigation of Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eva María Marco
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology Unit), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Lecours C, St-Pierre MK, Picard K, Bordeleau M, Bourque M, Awogbindin IO, Benadjal A, Ibanez FG, Gagnon D, Cantin L, Parent M, Di Paolo T, Tremblay ME. Levodopa partially rescues microglial numerical, morphological, and phagolysosomal alterations in a monkey model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 90:81-96. [PMID: 32755645 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder. The mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of Levodopa (L-Dopa)-induced dyskinesia (LID) during PD treatment remain elusive. Emerging evidence implicates functional modification of microglia in the development of LID. Thus, understanding the link between microglia and the development of LID may provide the knowledge required to preserve or promote beneficial microglial functions, even during a prolonged L-Dopa treatment. To provide novel insights into microglial functional alterations in PD pathophysiology, we characterized their density, morphology, ultrastructure, and degradation activity in the sensorimotor functional territory of the putamen, using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) cynomolgus monkeys. A subset of MPTP monkeys was treated orally with L-Dopa and developed LID similar to PD patients. Using a combination of light, confocal and transmission electron microscopy, our quantitative analyses revealed alterations of microglial density, morphology and phagolysosomal activity following MPTP intoxication that were partially normalized with L-Dopa treatment. In particular, microglial density, cell body and arborization areas were increased in the MPTP monkeys, whereas L-Dopa-treated MPTP animals presented a microglial phenotype similar to the control animals. At the ultrastructural level, microglia did not differ between groups in their markers of cellular stress or aging. Nevertheless, microglia from the MPTP monkeys displayed reduced numbers of endosomes, compared with control animals, that remained lower after L-Dopa treatment. Microglia from MPTP monkeys treated with L-Dopa also had increased numbers of primary lysosomes compared with non-treated MPTP animals, while secondary and tertiary lysosomes remained unchanged. Moreover, a decrease microglial immunoreactivity for CD68, considered a marker of phagocytosis and lysosomal activity, was measured in the MPTP monkeys treated with L-Dopa, compared with non-treated MPTP animals. Taken together, these findings revealed significant changes in microglia during PD pathophysiology that were partially rescued by L-Dopa treatment. Albeit, this L-Dopa treatment conferred phagolysosomal insufficiency on microglia in the dyskinetic Parkinsonian monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lecours
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Katherine Picard
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Bordeleau
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Integrated Program of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Melanie Bourque
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ifeoluwa Oluleke Awogbindin
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Neuroimmunology Group, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Amin Benadjal
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Biologie Intégrative et Physiologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris VI, France
| | | | - Dave Gagnon
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Leo Cantin
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Parent
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Therese Di Paolo
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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24
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Fani Maleki A, Cisbani G, Plante MM, Préfontaine P, Laflamme N, Gosselin J, Rivest S. Muramyl dipeptide-mediated immunomodulation on monocyte subsets exerts therapeutic effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:218. [PMID: 32698829 PMCID: PMC7376735 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01893-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is a component derived from minimal peptidoglycan motif from bacteria, and it is a ligand for the NOD2 receptor. Peripheral administration of MDP converts Ly6Chigh into Ly6Clow monocytes. Previously, we have shown that Ly6Clow monocytes play crucial roles in the pathology of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, medications with mild immunomodulatory effects that solely target specific monocyte subsets, without triggering microglial activation, are rare. Methods Three months old APPswe/PS1 transgenic male mice and age-matched C57BL/6 J mice were used for high frequency (2 times/week) over 6 months and low frequency (once a week) over 3 months of intraperitoneally MDP (10 mg/kg) administrations. Flow cytometry analysis of monocyte subsets in blood, and behavioral and postmortem analyses were performed. Results Memory tests showed mild to a strong improvement in memory function, increased expression levels of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), which are involved in synaptic plasticity and amyloid-beta (Aβ) elimination, respectively. In addition, we found monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) levels significantly increased, whereas intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) significantly decreased, and microglial marker (Iba1) did not change in the treatment group compared to the control. In parallel, we discovered elevated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression levels in the treated group, which might be a positive factor for synaptic activity. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that MDP is beneficial in both the early phase and, to some extent, later phases of the pathology in the mouse model of AD. These data open the way for potential MDP-based medications for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adham Fani Maleki
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Michèle Plante
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Paul Préfontaine
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Nataly Laflamme
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jean Gosselin
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, CHU of Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Serge Rivest
- Neuroscience Laboratory, CHU de Quebec Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Mudali D, Jeevanandam J, Danquah MK. Probing the characteristics and biofunctional effects of disease-affected cells and drug response via machine learning applications. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2020; 40:951-977. [PMID: 32633615 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2020.1789062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced transformations in disease characteristics at the cellular and molecular level offers the opportunity to predict and evaluate the efficacy of pharmaceutical ingredients whilst enabling the optimal design of new and improved drugs with enhanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Machine learning is a promising in-silico tool used to simulate cells with specific disease properties and to determine their response toward drug uptake. Differences in the properties of normal and infected cells, including biophysical, biochemical and physiological characteristics, plays a key role in developing fundamental cellular probing platforms for machine learning applications. Cellular features can be extracted periodically from both the drug treated, infected, and normal cells via image segmentations in order to probe dynamic differences in cell behavior. Cellular segmentation can be evaluated to reflect the levels of drug effect on a distinct cell or group of cells via probability scoring. This article provides an account for the use of machine learning methods to probe differences in the biophysical, biochemical and physiological characteristics of infected cells in response to pharmacokinetics uptake of drug ingredients for application in cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Mudali
- Department of Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Jaison Jeevanandam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Miri, Malaysia
| | - Michael K Danquah
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN, USA
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Forrer Charlier C, Martins RAP. Protective Mechanisms Against DNA Replication Stress in the Nervous System. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E730. [PMID: 32630049 PMCID: PMC7397197 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise replication of DNA and the successful segregation of chromosomes are essential for the faithful transmission of genetic information during the cell cycle. Alterations in the dynamics of genome replication, also referred to as DNA replication stress, may lead to DNA damage and, consequently, mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. Extensive research has revealed that DNA replication stress drives genome instability during tumorigenesis. Over decades, genetic studies of inherited syndromes have established a connection between the mutations in genes required for proper DNA repair/DNA damage responses and neurological diseases. It is becoming clear that both the prevention and the responses to replication stress are particularly important for nervous system development and function. The accurate regulation of cell proliferation is key for the expansion of progenitor pools during central nervous system (CNS) development, adult neurogenesis, and regeneration. Moreover, DNA replication stress in glial cells regulates CNS tumorigenesis and plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). Here, we review how replication stress generation and replication stress response (RSR) contribute to the CNS development, homeostasis, and disease. Both cell-autonomous mechanisms, as well as the evidence of RSR-mediated alterations of the cellular microenvironment in the nervous system, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodrigo A. P. Martins
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;
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Prinz M, Jung S, Priller J. Microglia Biology: One Century of Evolving Concepts. Cell 2020; 179:292-311. [PMID: 31585077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 750] [Impact Index Per Article: 187.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Microglia were first recognized as a distinct cell population in the CNS one century ago. For a long time, they were primarily considered to be phagocytes responsible for removing debris during CNS development and disease. More recently, advances in imaging and genetics and the advent of single-cell technologies provided new insights into the much more complex and fascinating biology of microglia. The ontogeny of microglia was identified, and their functions in health and disease were better defined. Although many questions about microglia and their roles in human diseases remain unanswered, the prospect of targeting microglia for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders is tantalizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Steffen Jung
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; DZNE and BIH, Berlin, Germany; University of Edinburgh and UK DRI, Edinburgh, UK.
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28
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Savage JC, St-Pierre MK, Carrier M, El Hajj H, Novak SW, Sanchez MG, Cicchetti F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial physiological properties and interactions with synapses are altered at presymptomatic stages in a mouse model of Huntington's disease pathology. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:98. [PMID: 32241286 PMCID: PMC7118932 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01782-9] [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] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive and motor abilities by primarily targeting the striatum and cerebral cortex. HD is caused by a mutation elongating the CAG repeats within the Huntingtin gene, resulting in HTT protein misfolding. Although the genetic cause of HD has been established, the specific susceptibility of neurons within various brain structures has remained elusive. Microglia, which are the brain's resident macrophages, have emerged as important players in neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, few studies have examined their implication in HD. METHODS To provide novel insights, we investigated the maturation and dysfunction of striatal microglia using the R6/2 mouse model of HD. This transgenic model, which presents with 120+/-5 CAG repeats, displays progressive motor deficits beginning at 6 weeks of age, with full incapacitation by 13 weeks. We studied microglial morphology, phagocytic capacity, and synaptic contacts in the striatum of R6/2 versus wild-type (WT) littermates at 3, 10, and 13 weeks of age, using a combination of light and transmission electron microscopy. We also reconstructed dendrites and determined synaptic density within the striatum of R6/2 and WT littermates, at nanoscale resolution using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS At 3 weeks of age, prior to any known motor deficits, microglia in R6/2 animals displayed a more mature morphological phenotype than WT animals. Microglia from R6/2 mice across all ages also demonstrated increased phagocytosis, as revealed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, microglial processes from 10-week-old R6/2 mice made fewer contacts with synaptic structures than microglial processes in 3-week-old R6/2 mice and age-matched WT littermates. Synaptic density was not affected by genotype at 3 weeks of age but increased with maturation in WT mice. The location of synapses was lastly modified in R6/2 mice compared with WT controls, from targeting dendritic spines to dendritic trunks at both 3 and 10 weeks of age. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that microglia may play an intimate role in synaptic alteration and loss during HD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Hassan El Hajj
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sammy Weiser Novak
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Maria Gabriela Sanchez
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Francesca Cicchetti
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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He G, Yan Z, Sun L, Lv Y, Guo W, Gang X, Wang G. Diabetes mellitus coexisted with progeria: a case report of atypical Werner syndrome with novel LMNA mutations and literature review. Endocr J 2019; 66:961-969. [PMID: 31270292 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej19-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare, adult-onset progeroid syndrome. Classic WS is caused by WRN mutation and partial atypical WS (AWS) is caused by LMNA mutation. A 19-year-old female patient with irregular menstruation and hyperglycemia was admitted. Physical examination revealed characteristic faces of progeria, graying and thinning of the hair scalp, thinner and atrophic skin over the hands and feet, as well as lipoatrophy of the extremities, undeveloped breasts at Tanner stage 3, and short stature. The patient also suffered from severe insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Possible WS was considered and both WRN and LMNA genes were analyzed. A novel missense mutation p.L140Q (c.419T>A) in the LMNA gene was identified and confirmed the diagnosis of AWS. Her father was a carrier of the same mutation. We carried out therapy for lowering blood glucose and lipid and improving insulin resistance, et al. The fasting glucose, postprandial glucose and triglyceride level was improved after treatment for 9 days. Literature review of AWS was performed to identify characteristics of the disease. Diabetes mellitus is one of the clinical manifestations of WS and attention must give to the differential diagnosis. Gene analysis is critical in the diagnosis of WS. According to the literature, classic and atypical WS differ in incidence, pathogenic gene, and clinical manifestations. Characteristic dermatological pathology may be significantly more important for the initial identification of AWS. Early detection, appropriate treatments, and regular follow-up may improve prognosis and survival of WS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu He
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Zi Yan
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Lin Sun
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - You Lv
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Weiying Guo
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Xiaokun Gang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Guixia Wang
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, 130021, China
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Stratoulias V, Venero JL, Tremblay M, Joseph B. Microglial subtypes: diversity within the microglial community. EMBO J 2019; 38:e101997. [PMID: 31373067 PMCID: PMC6717890 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019101997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are brain-resident macrophages forming the first active immune barrier in the central nervous system. They fulfill multiple functions across development and adulthood and under disease conditions. Current understanding revolves around microglia acquiring distinct phenotypes upon exposure to extrinsic cues in their environment. However, emerging evidence suggests that microglia display differences in their functions that are not exclusively driven by their milieu, rather by the unique properties these cells possess. This microglial intrinsic heterogeneity has been largely overlooked, favoring the prevailing view that microglia are a single-cell type endowed with spectacular plasticity, allowing them to acquire multiple phenotypes and thereby fulfill their numerous functions in health and disease. Here, we review the evidence that microglia might form a community of cells in which each member (or "subtype") displays intrinsic properties and performs unique functions. Distinctive features and functional implications of several microglial subtypes are considered, across contexts of health and disease. Finally, we suggest that microglial subtype categorization shall be based on function and we propose ways for studying them. Hence, we advocate that plasticity (reaction states) and diversity (subtypes) should both be considered when studying the multitasking microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Stratoulias
- Toxicology UnitInstitute of Environmental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Jose Luis Venero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de FarmaciaUniversidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla‐Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - Marie‐Ève Tremblay
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversité LavalQuebecQCCanada
- Axe NeurosciencesCentre de Recherche du CHU de Québec‐Université LavalQuebecQCCanada
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Toxicology UnitInstitute of Environmental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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31
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El Hajj H, Savage JC, Bisht K, Parent M, Vallières L, Rivest S, Tremblay MÈ. Ultrastructural evidence of microglial heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease amyloid pathology. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:87. [PMID: 30992040 PMCID: PMC6469225 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the deposition of extracellular fibrillar amyloid β (fΑβ) and the intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles. As AD progresses, Aβ drives a robust and prolonged inflammatory response via its recognition by microglia, the brain's immune cells. Microglial reactivity to fAβ plaques may impair their normal surveillance duties, facilitating synaptic loss and neuronal death, as well as cognitive decline in AD. METHODS In the current study, we performed correlative light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy to provide insights into microglial structural and functional heterogeneity. We analyzed microglial cell bodies and processes in areas containing fAβ plaques and neuronal dystrophy, dystrophy only, or appearing healthy, among the hippocampus CA1 of 14-month-old APPSwe-PS1Δe9 mice versus wild-type littermates. RESULTS Our quantitative analysis revealed that microglial cell bodies in the AD model mice were larger and displayed ultrastructural signs of cellular stress, especially nearby plaques. Microglial cell bodies and processes were overall less phagocytic in AD model mice. However, they contained increased fibrillar materials and non-empty inclusions proximal to plaques. Microglial cell bodies and processes in AD model mice also displayed reduced association with extracellular space pockets that contained debris. In addition, microglial processes in healthy subregions of AD model mice encircled synaptic elements more often compared with plaque-associated processes. These observations in mice were qualitatively replicated in post-mortem hippocampal samples from two patients with AD (Braak stage 5). CONCLUSION Together, our findings identify at the ultrastructural level distinct microglial transformations common to mouse and human in association with amyloid pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan El Hajj
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
| | - Julie C. Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
| | - Martin Parent
- Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Center, Quebec, QC Canada
| | - Luc Vallières
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC Canada
| | - Serge Rivest
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705, boulevard Laurier, T2-50, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2 Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC Canada
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32
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Abstract
Dark microglia, a recently described phenotype, are found in high numbers in nonhomeostatic conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's disease pathology, aging, chronic stress). As a specific protein marker has not yet been defined, they cannot be studied using conventional cellular biology techniques. They are recognized by their unique ultrastructural features visible under electron microscopy. This nanoscale resolution imaging technique allows the identification of cells based on their ultrastructure or immunoreactivity to certain proteins. In this protocol, we describe the steps necessary for the preparation of high-quality brain tissues for transmission electron microscopy, the imaging, the identification of dark microglia, and the ultrastructural analysis of various parameters that can be studied in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Bordeleau
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Savage JC, Carrier M, Tremblay MÈ. Morphology of Microglia Across Contexts of Health and Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2034:13-26. [PMID: 31392674 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9658-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, are incredibly plastic and dynamic cells. In this chapter, we aim to describe and classify the many morphological changes they can display in normal development, aging, and disease. Although microglia in healthy adult brain tissue are often ramified with small somas, they can undergo massive and rapid morphological shifts in response to stimuli, becoming amoeboid or hypertrophic. Older animals occasionally contain dystrophic, senescent, and gitter cell-like microglia, and brain injury can be accompanied by an increase in rod cells. By a careful study of microglial morphology, coupled with ultrastructural insights gleaned using electron microscopy, insights can be provided into the functions performed by these various morphological phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Savage
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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34
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Goto M, Chiba J, Matsuura M, Iwaki-Egawa S, Watanabe Y. Aging-associated latent herpes viral infection in normal Japanese individuals and patients with Werner syndrome. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2018; 7:229-235. [PMID: 30560014 PMCID: PMC6290841 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2018.01092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of our "inflammageing" study examining serum samples from a maximum of 217 healthy Japanese individuals aged between 1 and 100 years and mutation-proven 40 patients with Werner syndrome (WS) indicated normal aging-associated elevations of highly sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). To further study the contribution of environmental factors such as persistent herpes viral infection to inflammageing, IgG antibodies against varicella/zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were examined in the same serum samples as has been done for hsCRP and MMP-9 analyses. The mean levels of serum IgG viral antibodies were comparable between normal (mean ± SE: 31.0 ± 4.3 unit) and WS (38.6 ± 7.6) for CMV, and between normal (42.0 ± 12.2) and WS (29.8 ± 3.8) for VZV, respectively. Significant associations of aging with IgG anti-CMV antibody were in normal aging (p = 0.023) and WS (p = 0.037), but not with IgG VZV in both conditions. Aging-associated change of IgG anti-CMV antibody titer in WS increased significantly (1.32 times higher) compared with normal aging (p = 0.037). IgG anti-CMV level was significantly elevated in the male gender than female in both conditions (p = 0.006). Elevated hsCRP level was significantly associated with IgG anti-CMV (p = 0.016) and IgG anti-VZV (p = 0.008) antibodies in normal aging, but not in WS. Serum MMP-9 was significantly associated with IgG anti-CMV level (p = 0.0002) in normal aging, but not in WS. Persistent herpes viral infection may constitute a part of "inflammageing" in normal aging and WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Goto
- Division of Anti-ageing and Longevity Sciences, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rheumatology, East Medical Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Address correspondence to:Dr. Makoto Goto, Division of Rheumatology, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, 2-11-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-Ku, Tokyo 179-0072, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Junji Chiba
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rheumatology, East Medical Center, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Matsuura
- Department of Cancer Genomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Iwaki-Egawa
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Watanabe
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Japan
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