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Islam R, Ahlfors JE, Siu R, Noman H, Akbary R, Morshead CM. Inhibition of Apoptosis in a Model of Ischemic Stroke Leads to Enhanced Cell Survival, Endogenous Neural Precursor Cell Activation and Improved Functional Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1786. [PMID: 38339065 PMCID: PMC10855341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031786] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke results in neuronal cell death, which causes long-term disabilities in adults. Treatment options are limited and rely on a narrow window of opportunity. Apoptosis inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in improving neuronal cell survival in animal models of stroke. However, many inhibitors non-specifically target apoptosis pathways and high doses are needed for treatment. We explored the use of a novel caspase-3/7 inhibitor, New World Laboratories (NWL) 283, with a lower IC50 than current caspase-3/7 inhibitors. We performed in vitro and in vivo assays to determine the efficacy of NWL283 in modulating cell death in a preclinical model of stroke. In vitro and in vivo assays show that NWL283 enhances cell survival of neural precursor cells. Delivery of NWL283 following stroke enhances endogenous NPC migration and leads to increased neurogenesis in the stroke-injured cortex. Furthermore, acute NWL283 administration is neuroprotective at the stroke injury site, decreasing neuronal cell death and reducing microglia activation. Coincident with NWL283 delivery for 8 days, stroke-injured mice exhibited improved functional outcomes that persisted following cessation of the drug. Therefore, we propose that NWL283 is a promising therapeutic warranting further investigation to enhance stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehnuma Islam
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Jan-Eric Ahlfors
- New World Laboratories, 275 Boul. Armand-Frappier, Laval, QC H7V 4A7, Canada
| | - Ricky Siu
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Humna Noman
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Roya Akbary
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
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2
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Williamson MR, Le SP, Franzen RL, Donlan NA, Rosow JL, Nicot-Cartsonis MS, Cervantes A, Deneen B, Dunn AK, Jones TA, Drew MR. Subventricular zone cytogenesis provides trophic support for neural repair in a mouse model of stroke. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6341. [PMID: 37816732 PMCID: PMC10564905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke enhances proliferation of neural precursor cells within the subventricular zone (SVZ) and induces ectopic migration of newborn cells towards the site of injury. Here, we characterize the identity of cells arising from the SVZ after stroke and uncover a mechanism through which they facilitate neural repair and functional recovery. With genetic lineage tracing, we show that SVZ-derived cells that migrate towards cortical photothrombotic stroke in mice are predominantly undifferentiated precursors. We find that ablation of neural precursor cells or conditional knockout of VEGF impairs neuronal and vascular reparative responses and worsens recovery. Replacement of VEGF is sufficient to induce neural repair and recovery. We also provide evidence that CXCL12 from peri-infarct vasculature signals to CXCR4-expressing cells arising from the SVZ to direct their ectopic migration. These results support a model in which vasculature surrounding the site of injury attracts cells from the SVZ, and these cells subsequently provide trophic support that drives neural repair and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Williamson
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Stephanie P Le
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ronald L Franzen
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicole A Donlan
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jill L Rosow
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Alexis Cervantes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience and Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience and Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew K Dunn
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Theresa A Jones
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael R Drew
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Learning and Memory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Singh SK, Wang Y, Habib A, Priyadarshini M, Kodavali CV, Chen A, Ma W, Wang J, Hameed NUF, Hu B, Fuller GN, Kulich SM, Amankulor N, Colen RR, Edwards LA, Zinn PO. TP53-PTEN-NF1 depletion in human brain organoids produces a glioma phenotype in vitro. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1279806. [PMID: 37881491 PMCID: PMC10597663 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1279806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is fatal and the study of therapeutic resistance, disease progression, and drug discovery in GBM or glioma stem cells is often hindered by limited resources. This limitation slows down progress in both drug discovery and patient survival. Here we present a genetically engineered human cerebral organoid model with a cancer-like phenotype that could provide a basis for GBM-like models. Specifically, we engineered a doxycycline-inducible vector encoding shRNAs enabling depletion of the TP53, PTEN, and NF1 tumor suppressors in human cerebral organoids. Designated as inducible short hairpin-TP53-PTEN-NF1 (ish-TPN), doxycycline treatment resulted in human cancer-like cerebral organoids that effaced the entire organoid cytoarchitecture, while uninduced ish-TPN cerebral organoids recapitulated the normal cytoarchitecture of the brain. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a proneural GBM subtype. This proof-of-concept study offers a valuable resource for directly investigating the emergence and progression of gliomas within the context of specific genetic alterations in normal cerebral organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K. Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ahmed Habib
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Mamindla Priyadarshini
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Chowdari V. Kodavali
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Apeng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wencai Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - N. U. Farrukh Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Baoli Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregory N. Fuller
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Scott M. Kulich
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Nduka Amankulor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rivka R. Colen
- Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lincoln A. Edwards
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Pascal O. Zinn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Gillis HL, Kalinina A, Xue Y, Yan K, Turcotte-Cardin V, Todd MAM, Young KG, Lagace D, Picketts DJ. VGF is required for recovery after focal stroke. Exp Neurol 2023; 362:114326. [PMID: 36682400 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114326] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The high incidence of ischemic stroke worldwide and poor efficacy of neuroprotective drugs has increased the need for novel therapies in stroke recovery. Transcription of the neurosecretory protein VGF (non-acronym) is enhanced following ischemic stroke and proposed to be important for stroke recovery. To determine the requirement for VGF in recovery, we created Vgffl/fl:Nestin-Cre conditional knockout (Vgf cKO) mice and induced a photothrombotic focal ischemic stroke. Naïve Vgf cKO mice had significant less body weight in the absence of gross defects in brain size, cortical lamination, or deficits in locomotor activity compared to wildtype controls. Following a focal stroke, the Vgf cKO mice had greater deficits including impaired recovery of forepaw motor deficits at 2- and 4-weeks post stroke. The increase in deficits occurred in the absence of any difference in lesion size and was accompanied by a striking loss of stroke-induced migration of SVZ-derived immature neurons to the peri-infarct region. Importantly, exogenous adenoviral delivery of VGF (AdVGF) significantly improved recovery in the Vgf cKO mice and was able to rescue the immature neuron migration defect observed. Taken together, our results define a requirement for VGF in post stroke recovery and identify VGF peptides as a potential future therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Gillis
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Alena Kalinina
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yingben Xue
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Keqin Yan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Valérie Turcotte-Cardin
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Matthew A M Todd
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Kevin G Young
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Diane Lagace
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David J Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, K1H 8M5, Canada; Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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5
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Datta A, Saha C, Godse P, Sharma M, Sarmah D, Bhattacharya P. Neuroendocrine regulation in stroke. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:260-277. [PMID: 36922255 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system, a crosstalk between the central nervous system and endocrine glands, balances and controls hormone secretion and their functions. Neuroendocrine pathways and mechanisms often get dysregulated following stroke, leading to altered hormone secretion and aberrant receptor expression. Dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis often led to severe stroke outcomes. Post-stroke complications such as cognitive impairment, depression, infection etc. are directly or indirectly influenced by the altered neuroendocrine activity that plays a crucial role in stroke vulnerability and susceptibility. Therefore, it is imperative to explore various neurohormonal inter-relationships in regulating stroke, its outcome, and prognosis. Here, we review the biology of different hormones associated with stroke and explore their regulation with a view towards prospective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishika Datta
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Chandrima Saha
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Pratiksha Godse
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Muskaan Sharma
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Deepaneeta Sarmah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382355, India.
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6
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Cellerino M, Schiavi S, Lapucci C, Sbragia E, Boffa G, Rolla-Bigliani C, Tonelli S, Boccia D, Bruschi N, Tazza F, Franciotta D, Inglese M. In-vivo characterization of macro- and microstructural injury of the subventricular zone in relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1112199. [PMID: 37113155 PMCID: PMC10126477 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1112199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The subventricular zone (SVZ) represents one of the main adult brain neurogenesis niche. In-vivo imaging of SVZ is very challenging and little is known about MRI correlates of SVZ macro- and micro-structural injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods The aim of the present study is to evaluate differences in terms of volume and microstructural changes [as assessed with the novel Spherical Mean Technique (SMT) model, evaluating: Neurite Signal fraction (INTRA); Extra-neurite transverse (EXTRATRANS) and mean diffusivity (EXTRAMD)] in SVZ between relapsing-remitting (RR) or progressive (P) MS patients and healthy controls (HC). We are also going to explore whether SVZ microstructural injury correlate with caudate (a nucleus that is in the vicinity of the SVZ) or thalamus (another well-defined grey matter area which is further from SVZ than caudate) volume and clinical disability. Clinical and brain MRI data were prospectively acquired from 20 HC, 101 RRMS, and 50 PMS patients. Structural and diffusion metrics inside the global SVZ, normal appearing (NA-) SVZ, caudate and thalamus were collected. Results We found a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of NA-SVZ EXTRAMD (PMS>RRMS>HC; p = 0.002), EXTRATRANS (PMS>RRMS>HC; p<0.0001), and INTRA (HC>RRMS>PMS; p = 0.009). Multivariable models showed that NA-SVZ metrics significantly predicted caudate (R 2 = 0.21, p < 0.0001), but not thalamus, atrophy. A statistically significant correlation between EXTRAMD and EXTRATRANS of the NA-SVZ and EDSS (r=0.25, p=0.003 and r=0.24, p = 0.003, respectively) was found. These findings were confirmed in analyses restricted to RRMS, but not to PMS patients. Discussion In conclusion, the microstructural damage we observed within the NA-SVZ of MS patients - reflecting higher free water content (higher EXTRAMD), cytoarchitecture disruption and astrogliosis (higher EXTRATRANS and lower INTRA) - was more evident in the progressive as compared to the relapsing phases of MS. These abnormalities were significantly associated with a more pronounced caudate atrophy and higher clinical disability scores. Our findings may support the neuroprotective role of SVZ in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cellerino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Lapucci
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elvira Sbragia
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Boffa
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Serena Tonelli
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Boccia
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicolò Bruschi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Tazza
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Diego Franciotta
- Neuroimmunology Research Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Matilde Inglese,
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7
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Buckley MT, Sun ED, George BM, Liu L, Schaum N, Xu L, Reyes JM, Goodell MA, Weissman IL, Wyss-Coray T, Rando TA, Brunet A. Cell-type-specific aging clocks to quantify aging and rejuvenation in neurogenic regions of the brain. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:121-137. [PMID: 37118510 PMCID: PMC10154228 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of cell types is a challenge for quantifying aging and its reversal. Here we develop 'aging clocks' based on single-cell transcriptomics to characterize cell-type-specific aging and rejuvenation. We generated single-cell transcriptomes from the subventricular zone neurogenic region of 28 mice, tiling ages from young to old. We trained single-cell-based regression models to predict chronological age and biological age (neural stem cell proliferation capacity). These aging clocks are generalizable to independent cohorts of mice, other regions of the brains, and other species. To determine if these aging clocks could quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation, we generated single-cell transcriptomic datasets of neurogenic regions for two interventions-heterochronic parabiosis and exercise. Aging clocks revealed that heterochronic parabiosis and exercise reverse transcriptomic aging in neurogenic regions, but in different ways. This study represents the first development of high-resolution aging clocks from single-cell transcriptomic data and demonstrates their application to quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Buckley
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Genetics Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric D Sun
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Biomedical Informatics Graduate Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benson M George
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Schaum
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucy Xu
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jaime M Reyes
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Irving L Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tony Wyss-Coray
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Rando
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Neurology Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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8
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Regulating Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation to Promote Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050846. [PMID: 35269466 PMCID: PMC8909806 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, and treatment options to promote neural recovery are limited. An innovative approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the recruitment of endogenous populations of neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs can be isolated from the neuroaxis of the central nervous system (CNS), with brain and spinal cord populations sharing common characteristics (as well as regionally distinct phenotypes). Within the spinal cord, a number of NSC sub-populations have been identified which display unique protein expression profiles and proliferation kinetics. Collectively, the potential for NSCs to impact regenerative medicine strategies hinges on their cardinal properties, including self-renewal and multipotency (the ability to generate de novo neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes). Accordingly, endogenous NSCs could be harnessed to replace lost cells and promote structural repair following SCI. While studies exploring the efficacy of this approach continue to suggest its potential, many questions remain including those related to heterogeneity within the NSC pool, the interaction of NSCs with their environment, and the identification of factors that can enhance their response. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding populations of endogenous spinal cord NSCs, their niche, and the factors that regulate their behavior. In an attempt to move towards the goal of enhancing neural repair, we highlight approaches that promote NSC activation following injury including the modulation of the microenvironment and parenchymal cells, pharmaceuticals, and applied electrical stimulation.
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9
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Differential effects of the cell cycle inhibitor, olomoucine, on functional recovery and on responses of peri-infarct microglia and astrocytes following photothrombotic stroke in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:168. [PMID: 34332596 PMCID: PMC8325288 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02208-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following stroke, changes in neuronal connectivity in tissue surrounding the infarct play an important role in both spontaneous recovery of neurological function and in treatment-induced improvements in function. Microglia and astrocytes influence this process through direct interactions with the neurons and as major determinants of the local tissue environment. Subpopulations of peri-infarct glia proliferate early after stroke providing a possible target to modify recovery. Treatment with cell cycle inhibitors can reduce infarct volume and improve functional recovery. However, it is not known whether these inhibitors can influence neurological function or alter the responses of peri-infarct glia without reducing infarction. The present study aimed to address these issues by testing the effects of the cell cycle inhibitor, olomoucine, on recovery and peri-infarct changes following photothrombotic stroke. Methods Stroke was induced by photothrombosis in the forelimb sensorimotor cortex in Sprague-Dawley rats. Olomoucine was administered at 1 h and 24 h after stroke induction. Forelimb function was monitored up to 29 days. The effects of olomoucine on glial cell responses in peri-infarct tissue were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results Olomoucine treatment did not significantly affect maximal infarct volume. Recovery of the affected forelimb on a placing test was impaired in olomoucine-treated rats, whereas recovery in a skilled reaching test was substantially improved. Olomoucine treatment produced small changes in aspects of Iba1 immunolabelling and in the number of CD68-positive cells in cerebral cortex but did not selectively modify responses in peri-infarct tissue. The content of the astrocytic protein, vimentin, was reduced by 30% in the region of the lesion in olomoucine-treated rats. Conclusions Olomoucine treatment modified functional recovery in the absence of significant changes in infarct volume. The effects on recovery were markedly test dependent, adding to evidence that skilled tasks requiring specific training and general measures of motor function can be differentially modified by some interventions. The altered recovery was not associated with specific changes in key responses of peri-infarct microglia, even though these cells were considered a likely target for early olomoucine treatment. Changes detected in peri-infarct reactive astrogliosis could contribute to the altered patterns of functional recovery. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02208-w.
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10
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Williamson MR, Fuertes CJA, Dunn AK, Drew MR, Jones TA. Reactive astrocytes facilitate vascular repair and remodeling after stroke. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109048. [PMID: 33910014 PMCID: PMC8142687 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain injury causes astrocytes to assume a reactive state that is essential for early tissue protection, but how reactive astrocytes affect later reparative processes is incompletely understood. In this study, we show that reactive astrocytes are crucial for vascular repair and remodeling after ischemic stroke in mice. Analysis of astrocytic gene expression data reveals substantial activation of transcriptional programs related to vascular remodeling after stroke. In vivo two-photon imaging provides evidence of astrocytes contacting newly formed vessels in cortex surrounding photothrombotic infarcts. Chemogenetic ablation of a subset of reactive astrocytes after stroke dramatically impairs vascular and extracellular matrix remodeling. This disruption of vascular repair is accompanied by prolonged blood flow deficits, exacerbated vascular permeability, ongoing cell death, and worsened motor recovery. In contrast, vascular structure in the non-ischemic brain is unaffected by focal astrocyte ablation. These findings position reactive astrocytes as critical cellular mediators of functionally important vascular remodeling during neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Williamson
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | | | - Andrew K Dunn
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Michael R Drew
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Center for Learning and Memory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Theresa A Jones
- Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Tissue-Specific Ferritin- and GFP-Based Genetic Vectors Visualize Neurons by MRI in the Intact and Post-Ischemic Rat Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238951. [PMID: 33255702 PMCID: PMC7728074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Neurogenesis is considered to be a potential brain repair mechanism and is enhanced in stroke. It is difficult to reconstruct the neurogenesis process only from the histological sections taken from different animals at different stages of brain damage and restoration. Study of neurogenesis would greatly benefit from development of tissue-specific visualization probes. (2) Purpose: The study aimed to explore if overexpression of ferritin, a nontoxic iron-binding protein, under a doublecortin promoter can be used for non-invasive visualization of neurogenesis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (3) Methods: Ferritin heavy chain (FerrH) was expressed in the adeno-associated viral backbone (AAV) under the doublecortin promoter (pDCX), specific for young neurons, in the viral construct AAV-pDCX-FerrH. Expression of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) was used as an expression control (AAV-pDCX-eGFP). The viral vectors or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were injected intracerebrally into 18 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Three days before injection, rats underwent transient middle-cerebral-artery occlusion or sham operation. Animals were subjected to In vivo MRI study before surgery and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injection using a Bruker BioSpec 11.7 T scanner. Brain sections obtained on day 28 after injection were immunostained for ferritin, young (DCX) and mature (NeuN) neurons, and activated microglia/macrophages (CD68). Additionally, RT-PCR was performed to confirm ferritin expression. (4) Results: T2* images in post-ischemic brains of animals injected with AAV-pDCX-FerrH showed two distinct zones of MRI signal hypointensity in the ipsilesioned hemisphere starting from 14 days after viral injection—in the ischemic lesion and near the lateral ventricle and subventricular zone (SVZ). In sham-operated animals, only one zone of hypointensity near the lateral ventricle and SVZ was revealed. Immunochemistry showed that ferritin-expressing cells in ischemic lesions were macrophages (88.1%), while ferritin-expressing cells near the lateral ventricle in animals both after ischemia and sham operation were mostly mature (55.7% and 61.8%, respectively) and young (30.6% and 7.1%, respectively) neurons. RT-PCR confirmed upregulated expression of ferritin in the caudoputamen and corpus callosum. Surprisingly, in animals injected with AAV-pDCX-eGFP we similarly observed two zones of hypointensity on T2* images. Cellular studies also showed the presence of mature (81.5%) and young neurons (6.1%) near the lateral ventricle in both postischemic and sham-operated animals, while macrophages in ischemic lesions were ferritin-positive (98.2%). (5) Conclusion: Ferritin overexpression induced by injection of AAV-pDCX-FerrH was detected by MRI using T2*-weighted images, which was confirmed by immunochemistry showing ferritin in young and mature neurons. Expression of eGFP also caused a comparable reduced MR signal intensity in T2*-weighted images. Additional studies are needed to investigate the potential and tissue-specific features of the use of eGFP and ferritin expression in MRI studies.
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Snyder JS, Drew MR. Functional neurogenesis over the years. Behav Brain Res 2020; 382:112470. [PMID: 31917241 PMCID: PMC7769695 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been interest in the function of adult neurogenesis since its discovery, by Joseph Altman, nearly 60 years ago. While controversy curtailed follow up studies, in the 1990s a second wave of research validated many of Altman's original claims and revealed that factors such as stress and environmental stimulation altered the production of new neurons in the hippocampus. However, only with the advent of tools for manipulating neurogenesis did it become possible to perform causal tests of the function of newborn neurons. Here, we identify approximately 100 studies in which adult neurogenesis was manipulated to study its function. A majority of these studies demonstrate functions for adult neurogenesis in classic hippocampal behaviors such as context learning and spatial memory, as well as emotional behaviors related to stress, anxiety and depression. However, a closer look reveals a number of other, arguably understudied, functions in decision making, temporal association memory, and addiction. In this special issue, we present 16 new studies and review articles that continue to address and clarify the function of adult neurogenesis in behaviors as diverse as memory formation, consolidation and forgetting, pattern separation and discrimination behaviors, addiction, and attention. Reviews of stem cell dynamics and regenerative properties provide insights into the mechanisms by which neurogenesis may be controlled to offset age- and disease-related brain injury. Finally, translation-oriented reviews identify next steps for minimizing the gap between discoveries made in animals and applications for human health. The articles in this issue synthesize and extend what we have learned in the last half century of functional neurogenesis research and identify themes that will define its future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Snyder
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Michael R Drew
- Center for Learning and Memory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
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