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Junior MSO, Reiche L, Daniele E, Kortebi I, Faiz M, Küry P. Star power: harnessing the reactive astrocyte response to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:578-582. [PMID: 37721287 PMCID: PMC10581572 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380879] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are indispensable for central nervous system development and homeostasis. In response to injury and disease, astrocytes are integral to the immunological- and the, albeit limited, repair response. In this review, we will examine some of the functions reactive astrocytes play in the context of multiple sclerosis and related animal models. We will consider the heterogeneity or plasticity of astrocytes and the mechanisms by which they promote or mitigate demyelination. Finally, we will discuss a set of biomedical strategies that can stimulate astrocytes in their promyelinating response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markley Silva Oliveira Junior
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration laboratory, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration laboratory, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emerson Daniele
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ines Kortebi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maryam Faiz
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration laboratory, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Kipp M. Astrocytes: Lessons Learned from the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16420. [PMID: 38003609 PMCID: PMC10671869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216420] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia, exhibit distinct myelin abnormalities at both the molecular and histological levels. These aberrations are closely linked to dysfunction of oligodendrocytes and alterations in myelin structure, which may be pivotal factors contributing to the disconnection of brain regions and the resulting characteristic clinical impairments observed in these conditions. Astrocytes, which significantly outnumber neurons in the central nervous system by a five-to-one ratio, play indispensable roles in the development, maintenance, and overall well-being of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Consequently, they emerge as potential key players in the onset and progression of a myriad of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, targeting astrocytes represents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in such disorders. To gain deeper insights into the functions of astrocytes in the context of myelin-related disorders, it is imperative to employ appropriate in vivo models that faithfully recapitulate specific aspects of complex human diseases in a reliable and reproducible manner. One such model is the cuprizone model, wherein metabolic dysfunction in oligodendrocytes initiates an early response involving microglia and astrocyte activation, culminating in multifocal demyelination. Remarkably, following the cessation of cuprizone intoxication, a spontaneous process of endogenous remyelination occurs. In this review article, we provide a historical overview of studies investigating the responses and putative functions of astrocytes in the cuprizone model. Following that, we list previously published works that illuminate various aspects of the biology and function of astrocytes in this multiple sclerosis model. Some of the studies are discussed in more detail in the context of astrocyte biology and pathology. Our objective is twofold: to provide an invaluable overview of this burgeoning field, and, more importantly, to inspire fellow researchers to embark on experimental investigations to elucidate the multifaceted functions of this pivotal glial cell subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kipp
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Wang Z, Nie X, Gao F, Tang Y, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Yang C, Ding J, Wang X. Increasing brain N-acetylneuraminic acid alleviates hydrocephalus-induced neurological deficits. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3183-3198. [PMID: 37222223 PMCID: PMC10580356 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS This metabolomic study aimed to evaluate the role of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) in the neurological deficits of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and its potential therapeutic effect. METHODS We analyzed the metabolic profiles of NPH using cerebrospinal fluid with multivariate and univariate statistical analyses in a set of 42 NPH patients and 38 controls. We further correlated the levels of differential metabolites with severity-related clinical parameters, including the normal pressure hydrocephalus grading scale (NPHGS). We then established kaolin-induced hydrocephalus in mice and treated them using N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc), a precursor of Neu5Ac. We examined brain Neu5Ac, astrocyte polarization, demyelination, and neurobehavioral outcomes to explore its therapeutic effect. RESULTS Three metabolites were significantly altered in NPH patients. Only decreased Neu5Ac levels were correlated with NPHGS scores. Decreased brain Neu5Ac levels have been observed in hydrocephalic mice. Increasing brain Neu5Ac by ManNAc suppressed the activation of astrocytes and promoted their transition from A1 to A2 polarization. ManNAc also attenuated the periventricular white matter demyelination and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in hydrocephalic mice. CONCLUSION Increasing brain Neu5Ac improved the neurological outcomes associated with the regulation of astrocyte polarization and the suppression of demyelination in hydrocephalic mice, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for NPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoqun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)ShanghaiChina
| | - Fang Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)ShanghaiChina
| | - Yanmin Tang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanqin Gao
- Department of the State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chen Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)ShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of the State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain ScienceFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Gruchot J, Lewen I, Dietrich M, Reiche L, Sindi M, Hecker C, Herrero F, Charvet B, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Hartung HP, Albrecht P, Perron H, Meyer U, Küry P. Transgenic expression of the HERV-W envelope protein leads to polarized glial cell populations and a neurodegenerative environment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308187120. [PMID: 37695891 PMCID: PMC10515160 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308187120] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) has been identified and repeatedly confirmed as human-specific pathogenic entity affecting many cell types in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our recent contributions revealed the encoded envelope (ENV) protein to disturb myelin repair by interfering with oligodendroglial precursor differentiation and by polarizing microglial cells toward an axon-damage phenotype. Indirect proof of ENV's antiregenerative and degenerative activities has been gathered recently in clinical trials using a neutralizing anti-ENV therapeutic antibody. Yet direct proof of its mode of action can only be presented here based on transgenic ENV expression in mice. Upon demyelination, we observed myelin repair deficits, neurotoxic microglia and astroglia, and increased axon degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis activity progressed faster in mutant mice equally accompanied by activated glial cells. This study therefore provides direct evidence on HERV-W ENV's contribution to the overall negative impact of this activated viral entity in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabel Lewen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mustafa Sindi
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, NSW 2050Sydney, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, 77146Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich-Vetsuisse, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, CH-8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bern, CH-3010Bern, Switzerland
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Göttle P, Groh J, Reiche L, Gruchot J, Rychlik N, Werner L, Samper Agrelo I, Akkermann R, Zink A, Prigione A, Hartung HP, Martini R, Küry P. Teriflunomide as a therapeutic means for myelin repair. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:7. [PMID: 36611185 PMCID: PMC9826576 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02686-6] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promotion of myelin repair in the context of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) still represents a clinical unmet need, given that this disease is not only characterized by autoimmune activities but also by impaired regeneration processes. Hence, this relates to replacement of lost oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths-the primary targets of autoimmune attacks. Endogenous remyelination is mainly mediated via activation and differentiation of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs), whereas its efficiency remains limited and declines with disease progression and aging. Teriflunomide has been approved as a first-line treatment for relapsing remitting MS. Beyond its role in acting via inhibition of de novo pyrimidine synthesis leading to a cytostatic effect on proliferating lymphocyte subsets, this study aims to uncover its potential to foster myelin repair. METHODS Within the cuprizone mediated de-/remyelination model teriflunomide dependent effects on oligodendroglial homeostasis and maturation, related to cellular processes important for myelin repair were analyzed in vivo. Teriflunomide administration was performed either as pulse or continuously and markers specific for oligodendroglial maturation and mitochondrial integrity were examined by means of gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, axon myelination was determined using electron microscopy. RESULTS Both pulse and constant teriflunomide treatment efficiently boosted myelin repair activities in this model, leading to accelerated generation of oligodendrocytes and restoration of myelin sheaths. Moreover, teriflunomide restored mitochondrial integrity within oligodendroglial cells. CONCLUSIONS The link between de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibition, oligodendroglial rescue, and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis appears as a key for successful myelin repair and hence for protection of axons from degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Göttle
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Janos Groh
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joel Gruchot
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole Rychlik
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Luisa Werner
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iria Samper Agrelo
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rainer Akkermann
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Annika Zink
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alessandro Prigione
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XBrain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia ,grid.10979.360000 0001 1245 3953Department of Neurology, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Rudolf Martini
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Neurology, Section of Developmental Neurobiology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Leo H, Kipp M. Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings in the Cuprizone Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416093. [PMID: 36555733 PMCID: PMC9783537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Remyelination therapies, which are currently under development, have a great potential to delay, prevent or even reverse disability in multiple sclerosis patients. Several models are available to study the effectiveness of novel compounds in vivo, among which is the cuprizone model. This model is characterized by toxin-induced demyelination, followed by endogenous remyelination after cessation of the intoxication. Due to its high reproducibility and ease of use, this model enjoys high popularity among various research and industrial groups. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings using this model and discuss the potential of some of the identified compounds to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Kipp
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-381-494-8400
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