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Tai NC, Shinmyo Y, Kawasaki H. Astrocyte diversity in the ferret cerebrum revealed with astrocyte-specific genetic manipulation. Glia 2024. [PMID: 38884631 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes in the cerebrum play important roles such as the regulation of synaptic functions, homeostasis, water transport, and the blood-brain barrier. It has been proposed that astrocytes in the cerebrum acquired diversity and developed functionally during evolution. Here, we show that like human astrocytes, ferret astrocytes in the cerebrum exhibit various morphological subtypes which mice do not have. We found that layer 1 of the ferret cerebrum contained not only protoplasmic astrocytes but also pial interlaminar astrocytes and subpial interlaminar astrocytes. Morphologically polarized astrocytes, which have a long unbranched process, were found in layer 6. Like human white matter, ferret white matter exhibited four subtypes of astrocytes. Furthermore, our quantification showed that ferret astrocytes had a larger territory size and a longer radius length than mouse astrocytes. Thus, our results indicate that, similar to the human cerebrum, the ferret cerebrum has a well-developed diversity of astrocytes. Ferrets should be useful for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to astrocyte diversity, the functions of each astrocyte subtype and the involvement of different astrocyte subtypes in various neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Chi Tai
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Sapiens Life Sciences, Evolution and Medicine Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Sapiens Life Sciences, Evolution and Medicine Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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2
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Lopez-Ortiz AO, Eyo UB. Astrocytes and microglia in the coordination of CNS development and homeostasis. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.16006. [PMID: 37985374 PMCID: PMC11102936 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Glia have emerged as important architects of central nervous system (CNS) development and maintenance. While traditionally glial contributions to CNS development and maintenance have been studied independently, there is growing evidence that either suggests or documents that glia may act in coordinated manners to effect developmental patterning and homeostatic functions in the CNS. In this review, we focus on astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the CNS, and microglia, the earliest glia to colonize the CNS highlighting research that documents either suggestive or established coordinated actions by these glial cells in various CNS processes including cell and/or debris clearance, neuronal survival and morphogenesis, synaptic maturation, and circuit function, angio-/vasculogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission. Some molecular mechanisms underlying these processes that have been identified are also described. Throughout, we categorize the available evidence as either suggestive or established interactions between microglia and astrocytes in the regulation of the respective process and raise possible avenues for further research. We conclude indicating that a better understanding of coordinated astrocyte-microglial interactions in the developing and mature brain holds promise for developing effective therapies for brain pathologies where these processes are perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aída Oryza Lopez-Ortiz
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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3
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Watson LA, Meharena HS. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: utilizing human stem cell models to gain insight into Down syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1198129. [PMID: 37323671 PMCID: PMC10267712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1198129] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is the most frequent aneuploidy observed in the human population and represents the most common genetic form of intellectual disability and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with DS exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical presentation, with a number of organs implicated including the neurological, immune, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal systems. Decades of DS research have illuminated our understanding of the disorder, however many of the features that limit quality of life and independence of individuals with DS, including intellectual disability and early-onset dementia, remain poorly understood. This lack of knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to neurological features of DS has caused significant roadblocks in developing effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Recent technological advances in human stem cell culture methods, genome editing approaches, and single-cell transcriptomics have provided paradigm-shifting insights into complex neurological diseases such as DS. Here, we review novel neurological disease modeling approaches, how they have been used to study DS, and what questions might be addressed in the future using these innovative tools.
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García O, Flores-Aguilar L. Astroglial and microglial pathology in Down syndrome: Focus on Alzheimer's disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:987212. [PMID: 36212691 PMCID: PMC9533652 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.987212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) arises from the triplication of human chromosome 21 and is considered the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. Glial cells, specifically astroglia and microglia, display pathological alterations that might contribute to DS neuropathological alterations. Further, in middle adulthood, people with DS develop clinical symptoms associated with premature aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene, encoded on chromosome 21, leads to increased amyloid-β (Aβ) levels and subsequent formation of Aβ plaques in the brains of individuals with DS. Amyloid-β deposition might contribute to astroglial and microglial reactivity, leading to neurotoxic effects and elevated secretion of inflammatory mediators. This review discusses evidence of astroglial and microglial alterations that might be associated with the AD continuum in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García
- Facultad de Psicología, Unidad de Investigación en Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Octavio García
| | - Lisi Flores-Aguilar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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5
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Ahmed MM, Wang ACJ, Elos M, Chial HJ, Sillau S, Solano DA, Coughlan C, Aghili L, Anton P, Markham N, Adame V, Gardiner KJ, Boyd TD, Potter H. The innate immune system stimulating cytokine GM-CSF improves learning/memory and interneuron and astrocyte brain pathology in Dp16 Down syndrome mice and improves learning/memory in wild-type mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105694. [PMID: 35307513 PMCID: PMC9045510 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, astrogliosis, imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory neuronal function, and cognitive deficits in both humans and mouse models. Suppression of inflammation has been proposed as a therapeutic approach to treating DS co-morbidities, including intellectual disability (DS/ID). Conversely, we discovered previously that treatment with the innate immune system stimulating cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which has both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, improved cognition and reduced brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), another inflammatory disorder, and improved cognition and reduced biomarkers of brain pathology in a phase II trial of humans with mild-to-moderate AD. To investigate the effects of GM-CSF treatment on DS/ID in the absence of AD, we assessed behavior and brain pathology in 12-14 month-old DS mice (Dp[16]1Yey) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, neither of which develop amyloid, and found that subcutaneous GM-CSF treatment (5 μg/day, five days/week, for five weeks) improved performance in the radial arm water maze in both Dp16 and WT mice compared to placebo. Dp16 mice also showed abnormal astrocyte morphology, increased percent area of GFAP staining in the hippocampus, clustering of astrocytes in the hippocampus, and reduced numbers of calretinin-positive interneurons in the entorhinal cortex and subiculum, and all of these brain pathologies were improved by GM-CSF treatment. These findings suggest that stimulating and/or modulating inflammation and the innate immune system with GM-CSF treatment may enhance cognition in both people with DS/ID and in the typical aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Athena Ching-Jung Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mihret Elos
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Heidi J Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - D Adriana Solano
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Leila Aghili
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paige Anton
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neil Markham
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vanesa Adame
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katheleen J Gardiner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Timothy D Boyd
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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6
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Hasina Z, Wang N, Wang CC. Developmental Neuropathology and Neurodegeneration of Down Syndrome: Current Knowledge in Humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877711. [PMID: 35676933 PMCID: PMC9168127 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) suffer from developmental delay, intellectual disability, and an early-onset of neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s-like disease, or precocious dementia due to an extra chromosome 21. Studying the changes in anatomical, cellular, and molecular levels involved may help to understand the pathogenesis and develop target treatments, not just medical, but also surgical, cell and gene therapy, etc., for individuals with DS. Here we aim to identify key neurodevelopmental manifestations, locate knowledge gaps, and try to build molecular networks to better understand the mechanisms and clinical importance. We summarize current information about the neuropathology and neurodegeneration of the brain from conception to adulthood of foetuses and individuals with DS at anatomical, cellular, and molecular levels in humans. Understanding the alterations and characteristics of developing Down syndrome will help target treatment to improve the clinical outcomes. Early targeted intervention/therapy for the manifestations associated with DS in either the prenatal or postnatal period may be useful to rescue the neuropathology and neurodegeneration in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinnat Hasina
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nicole Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong -Sichuan University Joint Laboratory in Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Chi Chiu Wang,
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7
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Stagni F, Bartesaghi R. The Challenging Pathway of Treatment for Neurogenesis Impairment in Down Syndrome: Achievements and Perspectives. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:903729. [PMID: 35634470 PMCID: PMC9130961 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.903729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by triplication of Chromosome 21. Gene triplication may compromise different body functions but invariably impairs intellectual abilities starting from infancy. Moreover, after the fourth decade of life people with DS are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Neurogenesis impairment during fetal life stages and dendritic pathology emerging in early infancy are thought to be key determinants of alterations in brain functioning in DS. Although the progressive improvement in medical care has led to a notable increase in life expectancy for people with DS, there are currently no treatments for intellectual disability. Increasing evidence in mouse models of DS reveals that pharmacological interventions in the embryonic and neonatal periods may greatly benefit brain development and cognitive performance. The most striking results have been obtained with pharmacotherapies during embryonic life stages, indicating that it is possible to pharmacologically rescue the severe neurodevelopmental defects linked to the trisomic condition. These findings provide hope that similar benefits may be possible for people with DS. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding (i) the scope and timeline of neurogenesis (and dendritic) alterations in DS, in order to delineate suitable windows for treatment; (ii) the role of triplicated genes that are most likely to be the key determinants of these alterations, in order to highlight possible therapeutic targets; and (iii) prenatal and neonatal treatments that have proved to be effective in mouse models, in order to rationalize the choice of treatment for human application. Based on this body of evidence we will discuss prospects and challenges for fetal therapy in individuals with DS as a potential means of drastically counteracting the deleterious effects of gene triplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Stagni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Renata Bartesaghi,
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8
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Garcés M, Guijarro IM, Ritchie DL, Badiola JJ, Monzón M. Novel Morphological Glial Alterations in the Spectrum of Prion Disease Types: A Focus on Common Findings. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050596. [PMID: 34068251 PMCID: PMC8153175 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human prion diseases are a group of rare fatal neurodegenerative diseases with sporadic, genetic, and acquired forms. They are neuropathologically characterized by pathological prion protein accumulation, neuronal death, and vacuolation. Classical immunological response has long been known not to play a major in prion diseases; however, gliosis is known to be a common feature although variable in extent and poorly described. In this investigation, astrogliosis and activated microglia in two brain regions were assessed and compared with non-neurologically affected patients in a representative sample across the spectrum of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) forms and subtypes in order to analyze the influence of prion strain on pathological processes. In this report, we choose to focus on features common to all CJD types rather than the diversity among them. Novel pathological changes in both glial cell types were found to be shared by all CJD types. Microglial activation correlated to astrogliosis. Spongiosis, but not pathological prion protein deposition, correlated to both astrogliosis and microgliosis. At the ultrastructural level, astrocytic glial filaments correlated with pathological changes associated with prion disease. These observations confirm that neuroglia play a prominent role in the neurodegenerative process of prion diseases, regardless of the causative prion type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Garcés
- Research Centre for Encephalopathies and Transmissible Emerging Diseases, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.G.); (I.M.G.); (J.J.B.)
| | - Isabel M. Guijarro
- Research Centre for Encephalopathies and Transmissible Emerging Diseases, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.G.); (I.M.G.); (J.J.B.)
| | - Diane L. Ritchie
- National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK;
| | - Juan J. Badiola
- Research Centre for Encephalopathies and Transmissible Emerging Diseases, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.G.); (I.M.G.); (J.J.B.)
| | - Marta Monzón
- Research Centre for Encephalopathies and Transmissible Emerging Diseases, Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS), University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.G.); (I.M.G.); (J.J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-976-762944
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9
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Ravi K, Paidas MJ, Saad A, Jayakumar AR. Astrocytes in rare neurological conditions: Morphological and functional considerations. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2676-2705. [PMID: 33496339 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of central nervous system (CNS) cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain and are widely distributed throughout the CNS. There are mainly two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, which differ in morphologic appearance and location. Astrocytes are important cells of the CNS that not only provide structural support, but also modulate synaptic activity, regulate neuroinflammatory responses, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and supply energy to neurons. As a result, astrocytic disruption can lead to widespread detrimental effects and can contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurological conditions. The characteristics of astrocytes in more common neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have significantly been described and continue to be widely studied. However, there still exist numerous rare neurological conditions in which astrocytic involvement is unknown and needs to be explored. Accordingly, this review will summarize functional and morphological changes of astrocytes in various rare neurological conditions based on current knowledge thus far and highlight remaining neuropathologies where astrocytic involvement has yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ravi
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Saad
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Arumugam R Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc, Miami, Florida, USA.,General Medical Research Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Miami, Florida, USA
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10
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Fernández-Blanco Á, Dierssen M. Rethinking Intellectual Disability from Neuro- to Astro-Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9039. [PMID: 33261169 PMCID: PMC7730506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Falcone C, Penna E, Hong T, Tarantal AF, Hof PR, Hopkins WD, Sherwood CC, Noctor SC, Martínez-Cerdeño V. Cortical Interlaminar Astrocytes Are Generated Prenatally, Mature Postnatally, and Express Unique Markers in Human and Nonhuman Primates. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:379-395. [PMID: 32930323 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interlaminar astrocytes (ILAs) are a subset of cortical astrocytes that reside in layer I, express GFAP, have a soma contacting the pia, and contain long interlaminar processes that extend through several cortical layers. We studied the prenatal and postnatal development of ILAs in three species of primates (rhesus macaque, chimpanzee, and human). We found that ILAs are generated prenatally likely from radial glial (RG) cells, that ILAs proliferate locally during gestation, and that ILAs extend interlaminar processes during postnatal stages of development. We showed that the density and morphological complexity of ILAs increase with age, and that ILAs express multiple markers that are expressed by RG cells (Pax6, Sox2, and Nestin), specific to inner and outer RG cells (Cryab and Hopx), and astrocyte markers (S100β, Aqp4, and GLAST) in prenatal stages and in adult. Finally, we demonstrated that rudimentary ILAs in mouse also express the RG markers Pax6, Sox2, and Nestin, but do not express S100β, Cryab, or Hopx, and that the density and morphological complexity of ILAs differ between primate species and mouse. Together these findings contribute new information on astrogenesis of this unique class of cells and suggest a lineal relationship between RG cells and ILAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Falcone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Elisa Penna
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Tiffany Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - William D Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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12
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Padmashri R, Ren B, Oldham B, Jung Y, Gough R, Dunaevsky A. Modeling human-specific interlaminar astrocytes in the mouse cerebral cortex. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:802-810. [PMID: 32639590 PMCID: PMC7818222 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a highly heterogeneous population of glial cells, serve as essential regulators of brain development and homeostasis. The heterogeneity of astrocyte populations underlies the diversity in their functions. In addition to the typical mammalian astrocyte architecture, the cerebral cortex of humans exhibits a radial distribution of interlaminar astrocytes in the supragranular layers. These primate‐specific interlaminar astrocytes are located in the superficial layer and project long processes traversing multiple layers of the cerebral cortex. However, due to the lack of accessible experimental models, their functional properties and their role in regulating neuronal circuits remain unclear. Here we modeled human interlaminar astrocytes in humanized glial chimeric mice by engrafting astrocytes differentiated from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells into the mouse cortex. This model provides a novel platform for understanding neuron‐glial interaction and its alterations in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragunathan Padmashri
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Baiyan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Braden Oldham
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yoosun Jung
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ryan Gough
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Anna Dunaevsky
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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13
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Ponroy Bally B, Farmer WT, Jones EV, Jessa S, Kacerovsky JB, Mayran A, Peng H, Lefebvre JL, Drouin J, Hayer A, Ernst C, Murai KK. Human iPSC-derived Down syndrome astrocytes display genome-wide perturbations in gene expression, an altered adhesion profile, and increased cellular dynamics. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:785-802. [PMID: 31943018 PMCID: PMC7104679 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21, leads to significant alterations in brain development and is a major genetic cause of intellectual disability. While much is known about changes to neurons in DS, the effects of trisomy 21 on non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes are poorly understood. Astrocytes are critical for brain development and function, and their alteration may contribute to DS pathophysiology. To better understand the impact of trisomy 21 on astrocytes, we performed RNA-sequencing on astrocytes from newly produced DS human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). While chromosome 21 genes were upregulated in DS astrocytes, we found consistent up- and down-regulation of genes across the genome with a strong dysregulation of neurodevelopmental, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix molecules. ATAC (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin)-seq also revealed a global alteration in chromatin state in DS astrocytes, showing modified chromatin accessibility at promoters of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix genes. Along with these transcriptomic and epigenomic changes, DS astrocytes displayed perturbations in cell size and cell spreading as well as modifications to cell-cell and cell-substrate recognition/adhesion, and increases in cellular motility and dynamics. Thus, triplication of chromosome 21 is associated with genome-wide transcriptional, epigenomic and functional alterations in astrocytes that may contribute to altered brain development and function in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Ponroy Bally
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - W Todd Farmer
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Emma V Jones
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Selin Jessa
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
| | - J Benjamin Kacerovsky
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Mayran
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Huashan Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Julie L Lefebvre
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Program for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jacques Drouin
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Arnold Hayer
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Bellini Life Sciences Complex, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Carl Ernst
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Douglas Hospital Research Institute, Verdun, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Keith K Murai
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
- Quantitative Life Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2A7, Canada
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14
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Silencing Trisomy 21 with XIST in Neural Stem Cells Promotes Neuronal Differentiation. Dev Cell 2020; 52:294-308.e3. [PMID: 31978324 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability of XIST to dosage compensate a trisomic autosome presents unique experimental opportunities and potentially transformative therapeutic prospects. However, it is currently thought that XIST requires the natural context surrounding pluripotency to initiate chromosome silencing. Here, we demonstrate that XIST RNA induced in differentiated neural cells can trigger chromosome-wide silencing of chromosome 21 in Down syndrome patient-derived cells. Use of this tightly controlled system revealed a deficiency in differentiation of trisomic neural stem cells to neurons, correctible by inducing XIST at different stages of neurogenesis. Single-cell transcriptomics and other analyses strongly implicate elevated Notch signaling due to trisomy 21, thereby promoting neural stem cell cycling that delays terminal differentiation. These findings have significance for illuminating the epigenetic plasticity of cells during development, the understanding of how human trisomy 21 effects Down syndrome neurobiology, and the translational potential of XIST, a unique non-coding RNA.
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15
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Sobol M, Klar J, Laan L, Shahsavani M, Schuster J, Annerén G, Konzer A, Mi J, Bergquist J, Nordlund J, Hoeber J, Huss M, Falk A, Dahl N. Transcriptome and Proteome Profiling of Neural Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Individuals with Down Syndrome Disclose Dynamic Dysregulations of Key Pathways and Cellular Functions. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7113-7127. [PMID: 30989628 PMCID: PMC6728280 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 (T21) is a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability. To gain insights into dynamics of molecular perturbations during neurogenesis in DS, we established a model using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) with transcriptome profiles comparable to that of normal fetal brain development. When applied on iPSCs with T21, transcriptome and proteome signatures at two stages of differentiation revealed strong temporal dynamics of dysregulated genes, proteins and pathways belonging to 11 major functional clusters. DNA replication, synaptic maturation and neuroactive clusters were disturbed at the early differentiation time point accompanied by a skewed transition from the neural progenitor cell stage and reduced cellular growth. With differentiation, growth factor and extracellular matrix, oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis emerged as major perturbed clusters. Furthermore, we identified a marked dysregulation of a set of genes encoded by chromosome 21 including an early upregulation of the hub gene APP, supporting its role for disturbed neurogenesis, and the transcription factors OLIG1, OLIG2 and RUNX1, consistent with deficient myelination and neuronal differentiation. Taken together, our findings highlight novel sequential and differentiation-dependent dynamics of disturbed functions, pathways and elements in T21 neurogenesis, providing further insights into developmental abnormalities of the DS brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sobol
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joakim Klar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Loora Laan
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mansoureh Shahsavani
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Solna, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Schuster
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Annerén
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne Konzer
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 599, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jia Mi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 599, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Box 599, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Nordlund
- Department of Medical Sciences and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 1432, SE-751 44, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Hoeber
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Huss
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Box 1031, SE-171 21, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Solna, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Dahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 815, SE-751 08, Uppsala, Sweden.
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16
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Clarke D, Penrose MA, Penstone T, Fuller-Carter PI, Hool LC, Harvey AR, Rodger J, Bates KA. Frequency-specific effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation on primary astrocyte cultures. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018; 35:557-569. [PMID: 29172007 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-160708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses over the cranium to induce electrical currents in underlying cortical tissue. Although rTMS has shown clinical utility for a number of neurological conditions, we have only limited understanding of how rTMS influences cellular function and cell-cell interactions. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to investigate whether repeated magnetic stimulation (rMS) can influence astrocyte biology in vitro. METHOD We tested four different rMS frequencies and measured the calcium response in primary neonatal astrocyte cultures. We also tested the effect of rMS on astrocyte migration and proliferation in vitro. We tested 3 to 4 culture replicates and 17 to 34 cells for each rMS frequency (sham, 1 Hz, cTBS, 10 Hz and biomemetic high frequency stimulation - BHFS). RESULTS Of all frequencies tested, 1 Hz stimulation resulted in a statistically significant rise in intracellular calcium in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of the cultured astrocytes. This calcium rise did not affect migration or proliferation in the scratch assay, though astrocyte hypertrophy was reduced in response to 1 Hz rMS, 24 hours post scratch injury. CONCLUSION Our results provide preliminary evidence that rMS can influence astrocyte physiology, indicating the potential for a novel mechanism by which rTMS can influence brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Clarke
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Marissa A Penrose
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Tamasin Penstone
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Paula I Fuller-Carter
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Livia C Hool
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jennifer Rodger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kristyn A Bates
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Crawley, WA, Australia
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17
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Perez-Nievas BG, Serrano-Pozo A. Deciphering the Astrocyte Reaction in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:114. [PMID: 29922147 PMCID: PMC5996928 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes were identified as a component of senile amyloid plaques in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients several decades ago. However, their role in AD pathophysiology has remained elusive ever since, in part owing to the extrapolation of the literature from primary astrocyte cultures and acute brain injury models to a chronic neurodegenerative scenario. Recent accumulating evidence supports the idea that reactive astrocytes in AD acquire neurotoxic properties, likely due to both a gain of toxic function and a loss of their neurotrophic effects. However, the diversity and complexity of this glial cell is only beginning to be unveiled, anticipating that astrocyte reaction might be heterogeneous as well. Herein we review the evidence from mouse models of AD and human neuropathological studies and attempt to decipher the main conundrums that astrocytes pose to our understanding of AD development and progression. We discuss the morphological features that characterize astrocyte reaction in the AD brain, the consequences of astrocyte reaction for both astrocyte biology and AD pathological hallmarks, and the molecular pathways that have been implicated in this reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Alzheimer's Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MIND), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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18
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Abstract
In this first issue of Neuroglia, it is highly appropriate that Professor Jorge A. Colombo at the Unit of Applied Neurobiology (UNA, CEMIC-CONICET) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, writes a perspective of idiosyncrasies of astrocytes in the human brain. Much of his work has been focused on the special case of interlaminar astrocytes, so-named because of their long straight processes that traverse the layers of the human cerebral cortex. Notably, interlaminar astrocytes are primate-specific and their evolutionary development is directly related to that of the columnar organization of the cerebral cortex in higher primates. The human brain also contains varicose projection astrocytes or polarized astrocytes which are absent in lower animals. In addition, classical protoplasmic astrocytes dwelling in the brains of humans are ≈15-times larger and immensely more complex than their rodent counterparts. Human astrocytes retain their peculiar morphology even after grafting into rodent brains; that is, they replace the host astrocytes and confer certain cognitive advantages into so-called ‘humanised’ chimeric mice. Recently, a number of innovative studies have highlighted the major differences between human and rodent astrocytes. Nonetheless, these differences are not widely recognized, and we hope that Jorge Colombo’s Perspective and our associated Commentary will help stimulate appreciation of human astrocytes by neuroscientists and glial cell biologists alike.
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19
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Interlaminar Glia and Other Glial Themes Revisited: Pending Answers Following Three Decades of Glial Research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/neuroglia1010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to highlight the various significant matters in glial research stemming from personal work by the author and associates at the Unit of Applied Neurobiology (UNA, CEMIC-CONICET), and some of the pending questions. A reassessment and further comments on interlaminar astrocytes—an astroglial cell type that is specific to humans and other non-human primates, and is not found in rodents, is presented. Tentative hypothesis regarding their function and future possible research lines that could contribute to further the analysis of their development and possible role(s), are suggested. The possibility that they function as a separate entity from the “territorial” astrocytes, is also considered. In addition, the potential significance of our observations on interspecies differences in in vitro glial cell dye coupling, on glial diffusible factors affecting the induction of this glial phenotype, and on their interference with the cellular toxic effects of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from l-DOPA treated patients with Parkinson´s disease, is also considered. The major differences oberved in the cerebral cortex glial layout between human and rodents—the main model for studying glial function and pathology—calls for a careful assessment of known and potential species differences in all aspects of glial cell biology. This is essential to provide a better understanding of the organization and function of human and non-human primate brain, and of the neurobiological basis of their behavior.
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20
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Stagni F, Giacomini A, Emili M, Guidi S, Bartesaghi R. Neurogenesis impairment: An early developmental defect in Down syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 114:15-32. [PMID: 28756311 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by brain hypotrophy and intellectual disability starting from early life stages. Accumulating evidence shows that the phenotypic features of the DS brain can be traced back to the fetal period since the DS brain exhibits proliferation potency reduction starting from the critical time window of fetal neurogenesis. This defect is worsened by the fact that neural progenitor cells exhibit reduced acquisition of a neuronal phenotype and an increase in the acquisition of an astrocytic phenotype. Consequently, the DS brain has fewer neurons in comparison with the typical brain. Although apoptotic cell death may be increased in DS, this does not seem to be the major cause of brain hypocellularity. Evidence obtained in brains of individuals with DS, DS-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and DS mouse models has provided some insight into the mechanisms underlying the developmental defects due to the trisomic condition. Although many triplicated genes may be involved, in the light of the studies reviewed here, DYRK1A, APP, RCAN1 and OLIG1/2 appear to be particularly important determinants of many neurodevelopmental alterations that characterize DS because their triplication affects both the proliferation and fate of neural precursor cells as well as apoptotic cell death. Based on the evidence reviewed here, pathways downstream to these genes may represent strategic targets, for the design of possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Stagni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacomini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Emili
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandra Guidi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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Oberheim Bush NA, Nedergaard M. Do Evolutionary Changes in Astrocytes Contribute to the Computational Power of the Hominid Brain? Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2577-2587. [PMID: 28822066 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is now well accepted that astrocytes are essential in all major nervous system functions of the rodent brain, including neurotransmission, energy metabolism, modulation of blood flow, ion and water homeostasis, and, indeed, higher cognitive functions, although the contribution of astrocytes in cognition is still in early stages of study. Here we review the most current research findings on human astrocytes, including their structure, molecular characterization, and functional properties. We also highlight novel tools that have been established for translational approaches to the comparative study of astrocytes from humans and experimental animals. Understanding the differences in astrocytes is essential to elucidate the contribution of astrocytes to normal physiology, cognitive processing and diverse pathologies of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Vasile F, Dossi E, Rouach N. Human astrocytes: structure and functions in the healthy brain. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:2017-2029. [PMID: 28280934 PMCID: PMC5504258 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1383-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Data collected on astrocytes’ physiology in the rodent have placed them as key regulators of synaptic, neuronal, network, and cognitive functions. While these findings proved highly valuable for our awareness and appreciation of non-neuronal cell significance in brain physiology, early structural and phylogenic investigations of human astrocytes hinted at potentially different astrocytic properties. This idea sparked interest to replicate rodent-based studies on human samples, which have revealed an analogous but enhanced involvement of astrocytes in neuronal function of the human brain. Such evidence pointed to a central role of human astrocytes in sustaining more complex information processing. Here, we review the current state of our knowledge of human astrocytes regarding their structure, gene profile, and functions, highlighting the differences with rodent astrocytes. This recent insight is essential for assessment of the relevance of findings using animal models and for comprehending the functional significance of species-specific properties of astrocytes. Moreover, since dysfunctional astrocytes have been described in many brain disorders, a more thorough understanding of human-specific astrocytic properties is crucial for better-adapted translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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23
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Dossi E, Vasile F, Rouach N. Human astrocytes in the diseased brain. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:139-156. [PMID: 28212850 PMCID: PMC5766741 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key active elements of the brain that contribute to information processing. They not only provide neurons with metabolic and structural support, but also regulate neurogenesis and brain wiring. Furthermore, astrocytes modulate synaptic activity and plasticity in part by controlling the extracellular space volume, as well as ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis. These findings, together with the discovery that human astrocytes display contrasting characteristics with their rodent counterparts, point to a role for astrocytes in higher cognitive functions. Dysfunction of astrocytes can thereby induce major alterations in neuronal functions, contributing to the pathogenesis of several brain disorders. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the structural and functional alterations occurring in astrocytes from the human brain in pathological conditions such as epilepsy, primary tumours, Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder and Down syndrome. Compelling evidence thus shows that dysregulations of astrocyte functions and interplay with neurons contribute to the development and progression of various neurological diseases. Targeting astrocytes is thus a promising alternative approach that could contribute to the development of novel and effective therapies to treat brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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24
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Colombo JA. The interlaminar glia: from serendipity to hypothesis. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1109-1129. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Diniz LP, Matias ICP, Garcia MN, Gomes FCA. Astrocytic control of neural circuit formation: highlights on TGF-beta signaling. Neurochem Int 2014; 78:18-27. [PMID: 25125369 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Brain function depends critically on the coordinated activity of presynaptic and postsynaptic signals derived from both neurons and non-neuronal elements such as glial cells. A key role for astrocytes in neuronal differentiation and circuitry formation has emerged within the last decade. Although the function of glial cells in synapse formation, elimination and efficacy has greatly increased, we are still very far from deeply understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying these events. The present review discusses the mechanisms driving astrocytic control of excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation in the central nervous system, especially the mechanisms mediated by soluble molecules, particularly those from the TGF-β family. Further, we discuss whether and how human astrocytes might contribute to the acquisition of human cognition. We argue that understanding how astrocytic signals regulate synaptic development might offer new insights into human perception, learning, memory, and cognition and, ultimately, provide new targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Pereira Diniz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Pereira Matias
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes Garcia
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of isocortical and hippocampal astrocytes in the human brain. J Neurosci 2014; 34:2285-98. [PMID: 24501367 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4037-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine the diversity of astrocytes in the human brain, we immunostained surgical specimens of temporal cortex and hippocampus and autopsy brains for CD44, a plasma membrane protein and extracellular matrix receptor. CD44 antibodies outline the details of astrocyte morphology to a degree not possible with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies. CD44+ astrocytes could be subdivided into two groups. First, CD44+ astrocytes with long processes were consistently found in the subpial area ("interlaminar" astrocytes), the deep isocortical layers, and the hippocampus. Many of these processes ended on blood vessels. Some were also found adjacent to large blood vessels, from which they extended long processes. We observed these CD44+, long-process astrocytes in every brain we examined, from fetal to adult. These astrocytes generally displayed high immunostaining for GFAP, S100β, and CD44, but low immunostaining for glutamine synthetase, excitatory amino-acid transporter 1 (EAAT1), and EAAT2. Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) appeared distributed all over the cell bodies and processes of the CD44+ astrocytes, while, in contrast, AQP4 localized to perivascular end feet in the CD44- protoplasmic astrocytes. Second, there were CD44+ astrocytes without long processes in the cortex. These were not present during gestation or at birth, and in adult brains varied substantially in number, shape, and immunohistochemical phenotype. Many of these displayed a "mixed" morphological and immunocytochemical phenotype between protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes. We conclude that the diversity of astrocyte populations in the isocortex and archicortex in the human brain reflects both intrinsic and acquired phenotypes, the latter perhaps representing a shift from CD44- "protoplasmic" to CD44+ "fibrous"-like astrocytes.
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Molecular and cellular alterations in Down syndrome: toward the identification of targets for therapeutics. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:171639. [PMID: 22848846 PMCID: PMC3403492 DOI: 10.1155/2012/171639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is a complex disease that has challenged molecular and cellular research for more than 50 years. Understanding the molecular bases of morphological, cellular, and functional alterations resulting from the presence of an additional complete chromosome 21 would aid in targeting specific genes and pathways for rescuing some phenotypes. Recently, progress has been made by characterization of brain alterations in mouse models of Down syndrome. This review will highlight the main molecular and cellular findings recently described for these models, particularly with respect to their relationship to Down syndrome phenotypes.
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Local and remote cellular responses following a surgical lesion in the Cebus apella cerebral cortex. Brain Struct Funct 2011; 217:485-501. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-011-0356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Abstract
Defining the microanatomic differences between the human brain and that of other mammals is key to understanding its unique computational power. Although much effort has been devoted to comparative studies of neurons, astrocytes have received far less attention. We report here that protoplasmic astrocytes in human neocortex are 2.6-fold larger in diameter and extend 10-fold more GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein)-positive primary processes than their rodent counterparts. In cortical slices prepared from acutely resected surgical tissue, protoplasmic astrocytes propagate Ca(2+) waves with a speed of 36 microm/s, approximately fourfold faster than rodent. Human astrocytes also transiently increase cystosolic Ca(2+) in response to glutamatergic and purinergic receptor agonists. The human neocortex also harbors several anatomically defined subclasses of astrocytes not represented in rodents. These include a population of astrocytes that reside in layers 5-6 and extend long fibers characterized by regularly spaced varicosities. Another specialized type of astrocyte, the interlaminar astrocyte, abundantly populates the superficial cortical layers and extends long processes without varicosities to cortical layers 3 and 4. Human fibrous astrocytes resemble their rodent counterpart but are larger in diameter. Thus, human cortical astrocytes are both larger, and structurally both more complex and more diverse, than those of rodents. On this basis, we posit that this astrocytic complexity has permitted the increased functional competence of the adult human brain.
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Lanosa XA, Reisin HD, Santacroce I, Colombo JA. Astroglial dye-coupling: An in vitro analysis of regional and interspecies differences in rodents and primates. Brain Res 2008; 1240:82-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 08/08/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Colombo JA, Reisin HD, Miguel-Hidalgo JJ, Rajkowska G. Cerebral cortex astroglia and the brain of a genius: a propos of A. Einstein's. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2006; 52:257-63. [PMID: 16675021 PMCID: PMC2935295 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2006.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2005] [Revised: 03/23/2006] [Accepted: 03/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive astroglial layout of the cerebral cortex from Albert Einstein and other four age-matched human cases lacking any known neurological disease was analyzed using quantification of geometrical features mathematically defined. Several parameters (parallelism, relative depth, tortuosity) describing the primate-specific interlaminar glial processes did not show individually distinctive characteristics in any of the samples analyzed. However, A. Einstein's astrocytic processes showed larger sizes and higher numbers of interlaminar terminal masses, reaching sizes of 15 microm in diameter. These bulbous endings are of unknown significance and they have been described occurring in Alzheimer's disease. These observations are placed in the context of the general discussion regarding the proposal--by other authors--that structural, postmortem characteristics of the aged brain of Albert Einstein may serve as markers of his cognitive performance, a proposal to which the authors of this paper do not subscribe, and argue against.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Colombo
- Unidad de Neurobiología Aplicada, UNA, CEMIC-CONICET, Av. Galván 4102, C1431FWO Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Oberheim NA, Wang X, Goldman S, Nedergaard M. Astrocytic complexity distinguishes the human brain. Trends Neurosci 2006; 29:547-53. [PMID: 16938356 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2006.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 479] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the most distinguishing features of the adult human brain is the complexity and diversity of its cortical astrocytes. Human protoplasmic astrocytes manifest a threefold larger diameter and have tenfold more primary processes than those of rodents. In all mammals, protoplasmic astrocytes are organized into spatially non-overlapping domains that encompass both neurons and vasculature. Yet unique to humans and primates are additional populations of layer 1 interlaminar astrocytes that extend long (millimeter) fibers, and layer 5-6 polarized astrocytes that also project distinctive long processes. We propose that human cortical evolution has been accompanied by increasing complexity in the form and function of astrocytes, which reflects an expansion of their functional roles in synaptic modulation and cortical circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ann Oberheim
- Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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