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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Chopp M, Millman M, Li Y, Cepparulo P, Kemper A, Li C, Zhang L, Zhang ZG. Small extracellular vesicles derived from cerebral endothelial cells with elevated microRNA 27a promote ischemic stroke recovery. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:224-233. [PMID: 38767487 PMCID: PMC11246145 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-22-01292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202501000-00030/figure1/v/2024-05-14T021156Z/r/image-tiff Axonal remodeling is a critical aspect of ischemic brain repair processes and contributes to spontaneous functional recovery. Our previous in vitro study demonstrated that exosomes/small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) isolated from cerebral endothelial cells (CEC-sEVs) of ischemic brain promote axonal growth of embryonic cortical neurons and that microRNA 27a (miR-27a) is an elevated miRNA in ischemic CEC-sEVs. In the present study, we investigated whether normal CEC-sEVs engineered to enrich their levels of miR-27a (27a-sEVs) further enhance axonal growth and improve neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke when compared with treatment with non-engineered CEC-sEVs. 27a-sEVs were isolated from the conditioned medium of healthy mouse CECs transfected with a lentiviral miR-27a expression vector. Small EVs isolated from CECs transfected with a scramble vector (Scra-sEVs) were used as a control. Adult male mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and then were randomly treated with 27a-sEVs or Scra-sEVs. An array of behavior assays was used to measure neurological function. Compared with treatment of ischemic stroke with Scra-sEVs, treatment with 27a-sEVs significantly augmented axons and spines in the peri-infarct zone and in the corticospinal tract of the spinal grey matter of the denervated side, and significantly improved neurological outcomes. In vitro studies demonstrated that CEC-sEVs carrying reduced miR-27a abolished 27a-sEV-augmented axonal growth. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that 27a-sEVs systemically administered preferentially localized to the pre-synaptic active zone, while quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot analysis showed elevated miR-27a, and reduced axonal inhibitory proteins Semaphorin 6A and Ras Homolog Family Member A in the peri-infarct zone. Blockage of the Clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathway substantially reduced neuronal internalization of 27a-sEVs. Our data provide evidence that 27a-sEVs have a therapeutic effect on stroke recovery by promoting axonal remodeling and improving neurological outcomes. Our findings also suggest that suppression of axonal inhibitory proteins such as Semaphorin 6A may contribute to the beneficial effect of 27a-sEVs on axonal remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zhongwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Michael Millman
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Amy Kemper
- Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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Uekawa K, Anfray A, Ahn SJ, Casey N, Seo J, Zhou P, Iadecola C, Park L. tPA supplementation preserves neurovascular and cognitive function in Tg2576 mice. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:4572-4582. [PMID: 38899570 PMCID: PMC11247712 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyloid beta (Aβ) impairs the cerebral blood flow (CBF) increase induced by neural activity (functional hyperemia). Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is required for functional hyperemia, and in mouse models of Aβ accumulation tPA deficiency contributes to neurovascular and cognitive impairment. However, it remains unknown if tPA supplementation can rescue Aβ-induced neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction. METHODS Tg2576 mice and wild-type littermates received intranasal tPA (0.8 mg/kg/day) or vehicle 5 days a week starting at 11 to 12 months of age and were assessed 3 months later. RESULTS Treatment of Tg2576 mice with tPA restored resting CBF, prevented the attenuation in functional hyperemia, and improved nesting behavior. These effects were associated with reduced cerebral atrophy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, but not parenchymal amyloid. DISCUSSION These findings highlight the key role of tPA deficiency in the neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction associated with amyloid pathology, and suggest potential therapeutic strategies involving tPA reconstitution. HIGHLIGHTS Amyloid beta (Aβ) induces neurovascular dysfunction and impairs the increase of cerebral blood flow induced by neural activity (functional hyperemia). Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) deficiency contributes to the neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction caused by Aβ. In mice with florid amyloid pathology intranasal administration of tPA rescues the neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction and reduces brain atrophy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. tPA deficiency plays a crucial role in neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction induced by Aβ and tPA reconstitution may be of therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Uekawa
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Antoine Anfray
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Sung Ji Ahn
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Nicole Casey
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - James Seo
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Ping Zhou
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Costantino Iadecola
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Laibaik Park
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Fang J, Chopp M, Xin H, Zhang L, Wang F, Golembieski W, Zhang ZG, He L, Liu Z. Plasminogen deficiency causes reduced angiogenesis and behavioral recovery after stroke in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:2583-2592. [PMID: 33853408 PMCID: PMC8504962 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211007958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Plasminogen is involved in the process of angiogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigated the potential contribution of plasmin/plasminogen in mediating angiogenesis and thereby contributing to functional recovery post-stroke. Wild-type plasminogen naive (Plg+/+) mice and plasminogen knockout (Plg-/-) mice were subjected to unilateral permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Blood vessels were labeled with FITC-dextran. Functional outcomes, and cerebral vessel density were compared between Plg+/+ and Plg-/- mice at different time points after stroke. We found that Plg-/- mice exhibited significantly reduced functional recovery, associated with significantly decreased vessel density in the peri-infarct area in the ipsilesional cortex compared with Plg+/+ mice. In vitro, cerebral endothelial cells harvested from Plg-/- mice exhibited significantly reduced angiogenesis assessed using tube formation assay, and migration, as evaluated using Scratch assays, compared to endothelial cells harvested from Plg+/+ mice. In addition, using Western blots, expression of thrombospondin (TSP)-1 and TSP-2 were increased after MCAo in the Plg-/- group compared to Plg+/+ mice, especially in the ipsilesional side of brain. Taken together, our data suggest that plasmin/plasminogen down-regulates the expression level of TSP-1 and TSP-2, and thereby promotes angiogenesis in the peri-ischemic brain tissue, which contributes to functional recovery after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghuan Fang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Hongqi Xin
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Fengjie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Li He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhongwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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Liu Z, Xin H, Chopp M. Axonal remodeling of the corticospinal tract during neurological recovery after stroke. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:939-943. [PMID: 33229733 PMCID: PMC8178784 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.297060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability. Hemiparesis is one of the most common post-stroke motor deficits and is largely attributed to loss or disruption of the motor signals from the affected motor cortex. As the only direct descending motor pathway, the corticospinal tract (CST) is the primary pathway to innervate spinal motor neurons, and thus, forms the neuroanatomical basis to control the peripheral muscles for voluntary movements. Here, we review evidence from both experimental animals and stroke patients, regarding CST axonal damage, functional contribution of CST axonal integrity and remodeling to neurological recovery, and therapeutic approaches aimed to enhance CST axonal remodeling after stroke. The new insights gleaned from preclinical and clinical studies may encourage the development of more rational therapeutics with a strategy targeted to promote axonal rewiring for corticospinal innervation, which will significantly impact the current clinical needs of subacute and chronic stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hongqi Xin
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
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Gan X, Chopp M, Xin H, Wang F, Golembieski W, Lu M, He L, Liu Z. Targeted tPA overexpression in denervated spinal motor neurons promotes stroke recovery in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:92-104. [PMID: 31987011 PMCID: PMC7747163 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20901686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies demonstrated that axonal remodeling of the corticospinal tract (CST) contributes to neurological recovery after stroke in rodents. The present study employed a novel non-invasive peripheral approach, to over-express tPA in denervated spinal motor neurons via recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) intramuscular injection in transgenic mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), in which the CST axons are specifically and completely labeled with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). One day after surgery, mice were randomly selected to receive saline, AAV5-RFP, or tPA (1 × 1010 viral particles) injected into the stroke-impaired forelimb muscles (n = 10/group). Functional deficits and recovery were monitored with foot-fault and single pellet reaching tests. At day 28 after MCAo, mice received intramuscular injection of PRV-614-mRFP (1.52 × 107 pfu) as above, and were euthanized four days later. Compared with saline or AAV-RFP-treated mice, AAV-tPA significantly enhanced behavioral recovery (p < 0.01, both tests), as well as increased CST axonal density in the denervated gray matter of the cervical cord (p < 0.001), and RFP-positive pyramidal neurons in both ipsilesional and contralesional cortices (p < 0.001). Behavioral outcomes were significantly correlated to neural remodeling (p < 0.05). Our results provide a fundamental basis for the development of therapeutic approaches aimed at promoting corticospinal innervation for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinling Gan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.,Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Hongqi Xin
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Fengjie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Mei Lu
- Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Li He
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhongwu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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Sequential Transcriptome Changes in the Penumbra after Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246349. [PMID: 31888302 PMCID: PMC6940916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the changes in the expression of specific genes that occur during the acute-to-chronic post-stroke phase, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between naive cortical tissues and peri-infarct tissues at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after photothrombotic stroke. The profiles of DEGs were subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology analyses, followed by string analysis of the protein-protein interactions (PPI) of the products of these genes. We found 3771, 536, and 533 DEGs at 1, 4, and 8 weeks after stroke, respectively. A marked decrease in biological-process categories, such as brain development and memory, and a decrease in neurotransmitter synaptic and signaling pathways were observed 1 week after stroke. The PPI analysis showed the downregulation of Dlg4, Bdnf, Gria1, Rhoa, Mapk8, and glutamatergic receptors. An increase in biological-process categories, including cell population proliferation, cell adhesion, and inflammatory responses, was detected at 4 and 8 weeks post-stroke. The KEGG pathways of complement and coagulation cascades, phagosomes, antigen processing, and antigen presentation were also altered. CD44, C1, Fcgr2b, Spp1, and Cd74 occupied a prominent position in network analyses. These time-dependent changes in gene profiles reveal the unique pathophysiological characteristics of stroke and suggest new therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Protease-independent action of tissue plasminogen activator in brain plasticity and neurological recovery after ischemic stroke. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9115-9124. [PMID: 30996120 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821979116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), currently the only FDA-approved medication for ischemic stroke, exerts important biological actions on the CNS besides its well-known thrombolytic effect. In this study, we investigated the role of tPA on primary neurons in culture and on brain recovery and plasticity after ischemic stroke in mice. Treatment with recombinant tPA stimulated axonal growth in culture, an effect independent of its protease activity and achieved through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. After permanent focal cerebral ischemia, tPA knockout mice developed more severe sensorimotor and cognitive deficits and greater axonal and myelin injury than wild-type mice, suggesting that endogenously expressed tPA promotes long-term neurological recovery after stroke. In tPA knockout mice, intranasal administration of recombinant tPA protein 6 hours poststroke and 7 more times at 2 d intervals mitigated white matter injury, improved axonal conduction, and enhanced neurological recovery. Consistent with the proaxonal growth effects observed in vitro, exogenous tPA delivery increased poststroke axonal sprouting of corticobulbar and corticospinal tracts, which might have contributed to restoration of neurological functions. Notably, recombinant mutant tPA-S478A lacking protease activity (but retaining the EGF-like domain) was as effective as wild-type tPA in rescuing neurological functions in tPA knockout stroke mice. These findings demonstrate that tPA improves long-term functional outcomes in a clinically relevant stroke model, likely by promoting brain plasticity through EGFR signaling. Therefore, treatment with the protease-dead recombinant tPA-S478A holds particular promise as a neurorestorative therapy, as the risk for triggering intracranial hemorrhage is eliminated and tPA-S478A can be delivered intranasally hours after stroke.
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Guennoun R, Fréchou M, Gaignard P, Liere P, Slama A, Schumacher M, Denier C, Mattern C. Intranasal administration of progesterone: A potential efficient route of delivery for cerebroprotection after acute brain injuries. Neuropharmacology 2018; 145:283-291. [PMID: 29885423 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone has been shown to be cerebroprotective in different experimental models of brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The preclinical data provided great hope for its use in humans. The failure of Phase 3 clinical trials to demonstrate the cerebroprotective efficiency of progesterone in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients emphasizes that different aspects of the design of both experimental and clinical studies should be reviewed and refined. One important aspect to consider is to test different routes of delivery of therapeutic agents. Several studies have shown that the intranasal delivery of drugs could be used in different experimental models of central nervous system diseases. In this review, we will summarize the pharmacokinetic characteristics and practical advantages of intranasal delivery of progesterone. A special emphasis will be placed on describing and discussing our recent findings showing that intranasal delivery of progesterone after transient focal cerebral ischemia: 1) improved motor functions; 2) reduced infarct volume, neuronal loss, blood brain barrier disruption; and 3) reduced brain mitochondrial dysfunctions. Our data suggest that intranasal delivery of progesterone is a potential efficient, safe and non-stressful mode of administration that warrants evaluation for cerebroprotection in patients with brain injuries. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Novel Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury".
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachida Guennoun
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Magalie Fréchou
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Pauline Gaignard
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Biochemistry Laboratory, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Abdelhamid Slama
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Bicêtre Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Christian Denier
- U1195 Inserm, University Paris-Sud and University Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Bicêtre Hospital, 94276, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Claudia Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Schynweg 7, P.O. Box 138, 6376, Emmetten, Switzerland; Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USA
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