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Jia C, Gill WD, Lovins C, Brown RW, Hagg T. Astrocyte focal adhesion kinase reduces passive stress coping by inhibiting ciliary neurotrophic factor only in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 30:100621. [PMID: 38516563 PMCID: PMC10955429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been implicated in stress responses and produce ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), which we have shown in the mouse medial amygdala (MeA) to promote passive stress coping response only in females. Pharmacological inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) upregulates CNTF expression. Here, we found that inducible knockout of FAK in astrocytes or systemic treatment with an FAK inhibitor increased passive coping behavior, i.e., immobility, in an acute forced swim stress test in female, but not male, mice. Strikingly, four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) did not further increase passive coping in female astrocytic FAK knockout mice, whereas it exacerbated it in female wildtype mice and male mice of both genotypes. These data suggest that astrocyte FAK inhibition is required for chronic stress-induced passive coping in females. Indeed, CUS reduced phospho-FAK and increased CNTF in the female MeA. Progesterone treatment after ovariectomy activated amygdala FAK and alleviated ovariectomy-induced passive coping in wildtype, but not astrocytic FAK knockout females. This suggests that progesterone-mediated activation of FAK in astrocytes reduces female stress responses. Finally, astrocytic FAK knockout or FAK inhibitor treatment increased CNTF expression in the MeA of both sexes, although not in the hippocampus. As mentioned, MeA CNTF promotes stress responses only in females, which may explain the female-specific role of astrocytic FAK inhibition. Together, this study reveals a novel female-specific progesterone-astrocytic FAK pathway that counteracts CNTF-mediated stress responses and points to opportunities for developing treatments for stress-related disorders in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - W. Drew Gill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
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Czyżewski W, Mazurek M, Sakwa L, Szymoniuk M, Pham J, Pasierb B, Litak J, Czyżewska E, Turek M, Piotrowski B, Torres K, Rola R. Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38247839 PMCID: PMC10813911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association, Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jennifer Pham
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Czyżewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, 26-617 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Turek
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Bartłomiej Piotrowski
- Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Radosław Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
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Chmelova M, Androvic P, Kirdajova D, Tureckova J, Kriska J, Valihrach L, Anderova M, Vargova L. A view of the genetic and proteomic profile of extracellular matrix molecules in aging and stroke. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1296455. [PMID: 38107409 PMCID: PMC10723838 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1296455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Modification of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the major processes in the pathology of brain damage following an ischemic stroke. However, our understanding of how age-related ECM alterations may affect stroke pathophysiology and its outcome is still very limited. Methods We conducted an ECM-targeted re-analysis of our previously obtained RNA-Seq dataset of aging, ischemic stroke and their interactions in young adult (3-month-old) and aged (18-month-old) mice. The permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAo) in rodents was used as a model of ischemic stroke. Altogether 56 genes of interest were chosen for this study. Results We identified an increased activation of the genes encoding proteins related to ECM degradation, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), proteases of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with the thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family and molecules that regulate their activity, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Moreover, significant upregulation was also detected in the mRNA of other ECM molecules, such as proteoglycans, syndecans and link proteins. Notably, we identified 8 genes where this upregulation was enhanced in aged mice in comparison with the young ones. Ischemia evoked a significant downregulation in only 6 of our genes of interest, including those encoding proteins associated with the protective function of ECM molecules (e.g., brevican, Hapln4, Sparcl1); downregulation in brevican was more prominent in aged mice. The study was expanded by proteome analysis, where we observed an ischemia-induced overexpression in three proteins, which are associated with neuroinflammation (fibronectin and vitronectin) and neurodegeneration (link protein Hapln2). In fibronectin and Hapln2, this overexpression was more pronounced in aged post-ischemic animals. Conclusion Based on these results, we can conclude that the ratio between the protecting and degrading mechanisms in the aged brain is shifted toward degradation and contributes to the aged tissues' increased sensitivity to ischemic insults. Altogether, our data provide fresh perspectives on the processes underlying ischemic injury in the aging brain and serve as a freely accessible resource for upcoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chmelova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Androvic
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences – BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Denisa Kirdajova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Tureckova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kriska
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukas Valihrach
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences – BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Miroslava Anderova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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De Freitas-Suarez A, Espinosa-Ponce N, Alvarez-Roger N, Cabrera-Suarez AI, Jiménez-Jordán G, Vega-Roman R, Inyushin M, Alves JM. An Integrative Approach to the Current Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders and the Implementation of Leukemia Inhibitor Factor as a Mediator of Neurocognitive Preservation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2194. [PMID: 38004334 PMCID: PMC10672511 DOI: 10.3390/life13112194] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) continue to impact patients despite antiretroviral therapy. A combination of antiretroviral therapies can diminish the HIV viral load to near undetectable levels, but fails to preserve neurocognitive integrity. The cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has shown neuroprotective properties that could mitigate neurodegeneration in HANDs. The LIF promotes neurogenesis, neural cell differentiation, and survival. Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces severe forms of HANDs, but neurocognitive impairment persists; additionally, some antiretrovirals have additional adverse neurotoxic effects. The LIF counteracts neurotoxic viral proteins and limits neural cell damage in models of neuroinflammation. Adding the LIF as an adjuvant therapy to enhance neuroprotection merits further research for managing HANDs. The successful implementation of the LIF to current therapies would contribute to achieving a better quality of life for the affected population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Espinosa-Ponce
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA; (N.E.-P.); (A.I.C.-S.)
| | - Natalia Alvarez-Roger
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA; (N.A.-R.); (R.V.-R.)
| | - Arianna Iris Cabrera-Suarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA; (N.E.-P.); (A.I.C.-S.)
| | | | - Rocio Vega-Roman
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA; (N.A.-R.); (R.V.-R.)
| | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA;
| | - Janaina M. Alves
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR 00960, USA; (N.E.-P.); (A.I.C.-S.)
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Jiménez Peinado P, Urbach A. From Youthful Vigor to Aging Decline: Unravelling the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Determinants of Hippocampal Neural Stem Cell Aging. Cells 2023; 12:2086. [PMID: 37626896 PMCID: PMC10453598 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since Joseph Altman published his pioneering work demonstrating neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult rats, the number of publications in this field increased exponentially. Today, we know that the adult hippocampus harbors a pool of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) that are the source of life-long neurogenesis and plasticity. The functions of these NSCs are regulated by extrinsic cues arising from neighboring cells and the systemic environment. However, this tight regulation is subject to imbalance with age, resulting in a decline in adult NSCs and neurogenesis, which contributes to the progressive deterioration of hippocampus-related cognitive functions. Despite extensive investigation, the mechanisms underlying this age-related decline in neurogenesis are only incompletely understood, but appear to include an increase in NSC quiescence, changes in differentiation patterns, and NSC exhaustion. In this review, we summarize recent work that has improved our knowledge of hippocampal NSC aging, focusing on NSC-intrinsic mechanisms as well as cellular and molecular changes in the niche and systemic environment that might be involved in the age-related decline in NSC functions. Additionally, we identify future directions that may advance our understanding of NSC aging and the concomitant loss of hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Urbach
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Healthy Aging, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Aging Research Center Jena, Leibniz Institute on Aging, 07745 Jena, Germany
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6
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Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zhang R, Xia Y. Knockdown of FBLN2 suppresses TGF-β1-induced MRC-5 cell migration and fibrosis by downregulating VTN. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:102005. [PMID: 36608640 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common chronic and progressive lung disease. Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is upregulated in patients with IPF; however, its exact role in IPF remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role and the regulatory mechanism of FBLN2 in TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis using human lung fibroblast-derived MRC-5 cells. Cell transfection was performed to regulate FBLN2 expression. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of FBLN2 and vitronectin (VTN). Cell viability and migration were determined via the Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays, respectively. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cells. The STRING database was used to predict the interaction between FBLN2 and VTN, which was verified via the protein immunoprecipitation assay. The results demonstrated that inhibition of FBLN2 notably inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration, as well as downregulating the protein expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 in MRC-5 cells. In addition, inhibition of FBLN2 suppressed the expression levels of α-SMA, collagen type 1 α1 and fibronectin. FBLN2 was demonstrated to bind to VTN and negatively regulate its expression. Furthermore, overexpression of VTN partly abolished the inhibitory effects of FBLN2 knockdown on TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and fibrosis, as well as the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that FBLN2 knockdown can attenuate TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in MRC-5 cells by downregulating VTN expression via FAK signaling. Thus, FBLN2 may be a potential therapeutic target for IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Zhang
- Infection Management Office, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Weishuai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yunfei Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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7
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Jones JK, Zhang H, Lyne AM, Cavalli FMG, Hassen WE, Stevenson K, Kornahrens R, Yang Y, Li S, Dell S, Reitman ZJ, Herndon JE, Hoj J, Pendergast AM, Thompson EM. ABL1 and ABL2 promote medulloblastoma leptomeningeal dissemination. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad095. [PMID: 37781087 PMCID: PMC10540884 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, and leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) of medulloblastoma both portends a poorer prognosis at diagnosis and is incurable at recurrence. The biological mechanisms underlying LMD are unclear. The Abelson (ABL) tyrosine kinase family members, ABL1 and ABL2, have been implicated in cancer cell migration, invasion, adhesion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance, and are upstream mediators of the oncogene c-MYC in fibroblasts and lung cancer cells. However, their role in medulloblastoma has not yet been explored. The purpose of this work was to elucidate the role of ABL1/2 in medulloblastoma LMD. Methods ABL1 and ABL2 mRNA expression of patient specimens was analyzed. shRNA knockdowns of ABL1/2 and pharmacologic inhibition of ABL1/2 were used for in vitro and in vivo analyses of medulloblastoma LMD. RNA sequencing of ABL1/2 genetic knockdown versus scrambled control medulloblastoma was completed. Results ABL1/2 mRNA is highly expressed in human medulloblastoma and pharmacologic inhibition of ABL kinases resulted in cytotoxicity. Knockdown of ABL1/2 resulted in decreased adhesion of medulloblastoma cells to the extracellular matrix protein, vitronectin (P = .0013), and significantly decreased tumor burden in a mouse model of medulloblastoma LMD with improved overall survival (P = .0044). Furthermore, both pharmacologic inhibition of ABL1/2 and ABL1/2 knockdown resulted in decreased expression of c-MYC, identifying a putative signaling pathway, and genes/pathways related to oncogenesis and neurodevelopment were differentially expressed between ABL1/2 knockdown and control medulloblastoma cells. Conclusions ABL1 and ABL2 have potential roles in medulloblastoma LMD upstream of c-MYC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill K Jones
- Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hengshan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lyne
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Inserm, U900, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, CBI – Centre for Computational Biology, PL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Florence M G Cavalli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
- Inserm, U900, Paris, France
- MINES ParisTech, CBI – Centre for Computational Biology, PL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Wafa E Hassen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kevin Stevenson
- Duke University Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Reb Kornahrens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yuanfan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sean Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Samuel Dell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Duke Cancer Institute
| | - Zachary J Reitman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James E Herndon
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacob Hoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Eric M Thompson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Role of Vitronectin and Its Receptors in Neuronal Function and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012387. [PMID: 36293243 PMCID: PMC9604229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitronectin (VTN), a multifunctional glycoprotein with various physiological functions, exists in plasma and the extracellular matrix. It is known to be involved in the cell attachment, spreading and migration through binding to the integrin receptor, mainly via the RGD sequence. VTN is also widely used in the maintenance and expansion of pluripotent stem cells, but its effects go beyond that. Recent evidence shows more functions of VTN in the nervous system as it participates in neural differentiation, neuronutrition and neurogenesis, as well as in regulating axon size, supporting and guiding neurite extension. Furthermore, VTN was proved to play a key role in protecting the brain as it can reduce the permeability of the blood-brain barrier by interacting with integrin receptors in vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, evidence suggests that VTN is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, but its function has not been fully understood. This review summarizes the functions of VTN and its receptors in neurons and describes the role of VTN in the blood-brain barrier and neurodegenerative diseases.
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9
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Jia C, Lovins C, Malone HM, Keasey MP, Hagg T. Female-specific neuroprotection after ischemic stroke by vitronectin-focal adhesion kinase inhibition. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1961-1974. [PMID: 35702047 PMCID: PMC9536130 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221107871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We found that blood vitronectin (VTN) leaks into the brain and exacerbates tissue loss after stroke by increasing pro-inflammatory IL-6 expression in female, but not male, mice. VTN signals through integrins and downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Here, a two day systemic treatment with a small molecule FAK inhibitor starting 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion reduced ipsilateral brain injury size by ∼40-45% at 7 and 14 d, as well as inflammation and motor dysfunction in wild-type female, but not male, mice. FAK inhibition also reduced IL-6 expression in the injured female striatum at 24 h by 62%. Inducible selective gene deletion of FAK in astrocytes also reduced acute IL-6 expression by 72% only in females, and mitigated infarct size by ∼80% and inflammation at 14 d after stroke. Lastly, VTN-/- females had better outcomes, but FAK inhibitor treatment had no additional protective or anti-inflammatory effects. Altogether, this suggests that VTN is detrimental in females primarily through FAK and that FAK inhibition provides neuroprotection (cerebroprotection) by reducing VTN-induced IL-6 expression in astrocytes. Thus, VTN signaling can be targeted to mitigate harmful inflammation with relevance to treatments for women with ischemic stroke, who often have worse outcomes than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hannah M Malone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew P Keasey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
| | - Theo Hagg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee, USA
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10
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Keasey MP, Lovins C, Jia C, Hagg T. Liver vitronectin release into the bloodstream increases due to reduced vagal muscarinic signaling after cerebral stroke in female mice. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15301. [PMID: 35531929 PMCID: PMC9082388 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitronectin (VTN) is a glycoprotein enriched in the blood and activates integrin receptors. VTN blood levels increase only in female mice 24 h after an ischemic stroke and exacerbate brain injury through IL-6-driven inflammation, but the VTN induction mechanism is unknown. Here, a 30 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in female mice induced VTN protein in the liver (normally the main source) in concert with plasma VTN. Male mice were excluded as VTN is not induced after stroke. MCAO also increased plasma VTN levels after de novo expression of VTN in the liver of VTN-/- female mice, using a hepatocyte-specific (SERPINA1) promoter. MCAO did not affect SERPINA1 or VTN mRNA in the liver, brain, or several peripheral organs, or platelet VTN, compared to sham mice. Thus, hepatocytes are the source of stroke-induced increases in plasma VTN, which is independent of transcription. The cholinergic innervation by the parasympathetic vagus nerve is a potential source of brain-liver signaling after stroke. Right-sided vagotomy at the cervical level led to increased plasma VTN levels, suggesting that VTN release is inhibited by vagal tone. Co-culture of hepatocytes with cholinergic neurons or treatment with acetylcholine, but not noradrenaline (sympathetic transmitter), suppressed VTN expression. Hepatocytes have muscarinic receptors and the M1/M3 agonist bethanechol decreased VTN mRNA and protein release in vitro via M1 receptors. Finally, systemic bethanechol treatment blocked stroke-induced plasma VTN. Thus, VTN translation and release are inhibited by muscarinic signaling from the vagus nerve and presents a novel target for lessening detrimental VTN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Keasey
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of MedicineEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUnited States
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of MedicineEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUnited States
| | - Cuihong Jia
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of MedicineEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUnited States
| | - Theo Hagg
- Department of Biomedical SciencesQuillen College of MedicineEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennesseeUnited States
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11
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Vitronectin, a Novel Urinary Proteomic Biomarker, Promotes Cell Pyroptosis in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:8447675. [PMID: 35462789 PMCID: PMC9020974 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8447675] [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: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Identifying new markers of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is critical event to predict patient stratification and prognosis. The aim of the present study is to analyze alteration of urinary protein expression and screen potential valuable biomarkers in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Methods The urine was collected from the patients with or without JSLE and detected by mass spectrometry to analyze proteomic changes. ELISA was used to verify the Vitronectin (VTN) changes in a new set of patients. The clinical correlation was performed to analyze between VTN and clinical pathological parameters. WB and ELISA were used to analyze VTN-mediated cell pyroptosis. Results Herein, we have identified a group of 105 differentially expressed proteins with ≥1.3-fold upregulation or ≤0.77-fold downregulation in JSLE patients. These proteins were involved in several important biological processes, including acute phase inflammatory responses, complement activation, hemostasis, and immune system regulation through Gene Ontology and functional enrichment analysis. Interestingly, urinary ephrin type-A receptor 4 (EPHA4) and VTN were significantly reduced in both inactive and active JSLE patients, and VTN treatment in THP-1 derived macrophages led to a significant increased cell pyroptosis by activation of Nod-like receptor family protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, resulting in caspase-1 activation, cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), and IL-18 secretion. Most importantly, the urinary VTN was also linearly correlated with clinical characteristics of JSLE, implying that VTN could be a specific diagnostic biomarker to distinguish inactive and active JSLE. Conclusion This study provided a novel role of VTN in pyroptosis in JSLE through the urinary proteomic profile for JSLE, which could be a nonintrusive monitoring strategy in clinical diagnosis.
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12
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Quaresima S, Istiaq A, Jono H, Cacci E, Ohta K, Lupo G. Assessing the Role of Ependymal and Vascular Cells as Sources of Extracellular Cues Regulating the Mouse Ventricular-Subventricular Zone Neurogenic Niche. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:845567. [PMID: 35450289 PMCID: PMC9016221 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.845567] [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: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis persists in selected regions of the adult mouse brain; among them, the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) of the lateral ventricles represents a major experimental paradigm due to its conspicuous neurogenic output. Postnatal V-SVZ neurogenesis is maintained by a resident population of neural stem cells (NSCs). Although V-SVZ NSCs are largely quiescent, they can be activated to enter the cell cycle, self-renew and generate progeny that gives rise to olfactory bulb interneurons. These adult-born neurons integrate into existing circuits to modify cognitive functions in response to external stimuli, but cells shed by V-SVZ NSCs can also reach injured brain regions, suggesting a latent regenerative potential. The V-SVZ is endowed with a specialized microenvironment, which is essential to maintain the proliferative and neurogenic potential of NSCs, and to preserve the NSC pool from exhaustion by finely tuning their quiescent and active states. Intercellular communication is paramount to the stem cell niche properties of the V-SVZ, and several extracellular signals acting in the niche milieu have been identified. An important part of these signals comes from non-neural cell types, such as local vascular cells, ependymal and glial cells. Understanding the crosstalk between NSCs and other niche components may aid therapeutic approaches for neuropathological conditions, since neurodevelopmental disorders, age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases have been associated with dysfunctional neurogenic niches. Here, we review recent advances in the study of the complex interactions between V-SVZ NSCs and their cellular niche. We focus on the extracellular cues produced by ependymal and vascular cells that regulate NSC behavior in the mouse postnatal V-SVZ, and discuss the potential implication of these molecular signals in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Quaresima
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arif Istiaq
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Jono
- Department of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kunimasa Ohta, ; Giuseppe Lupo,
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Kunimasa Ohta, ; Giuseppe Lupo,
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13
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Wang L, Sievert D, Clark AE, Lee S, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta EV, Palecek SP, Carlin AF, Gleeson JG. A human three-dimensional neural-perivascular 'assembloid' promotes astrocytic development and enables modeling of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathology. Nat Med 2021; 27:1600-1606. [PMID: 34244682 PMCID: PMC8601037 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although the mechanisms are unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points. Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Before infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model that supports astrocytic maturation as well as SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue; thus, PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David Sievert
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alex E Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sangmoon Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Federman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.,Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aaron F Carlin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Joseph G Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Girolamo F, de Trizio I, Errede M, Longo G, d'Amati A, Virgintino D. Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:14. [PMID: 33743764 PMCID: PMC7980348 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00242-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system diseases involving the parenchymal microvessels are frequently associated with a ‘microvasculopathy’, which includes different levels of neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, including blood–brain barrier alterations. To contribute to the understanding of NVU responses to pathological noxae, we have focused on one of its cellular components, the microvascular pericytes, highlighting unique features of brain pericytes with the aid of the analyses carried out during vascularization of human developing neocortex and in human gliomas. Thanks to their position, centred within the endothelial/glial partition of the vessel basal lamina and therefore inserted between endothelial cells and the perivascular and vessel-associated components (astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)/NG2-glia, microglia, macrophages, nerve terminals), pericytes fulfil a central role within the microvessel NVU. Indeed, at this critical site, pericytes have a number of direct and extracellular matrix molecule- and soluble factor-mediated functions, displaying marked phenotypical and functional heterogeneity and carrying out multitasking services. This pericytes heterogeneity is primarily linked to their position in specific tissue and organ microenvironments and, most importantly, to their ontogeny. During ontogenesis, pericyte subtypes belong to two main embryonic germ layers, mesoderm and (neuro)ectoderm, and are therefore expected to be found in organs ontogenetically different, nonetheless, pericytes of different origin may converge and colonize neighbouring areas of the same organ/apparatus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the unusual roles played by forebrain pericytes in the processes of angiogenesis and barriergenesis by virtue of their origin from midbrain neural crest stem cells. A better knowledge of the ontogenetic subpopulations may support the understanding of specific interactions and mechanisms involved in pericyte function/dysfunction, including normal and pathological angiogenesis, thereby offering an alternative perspective on cell subtype-specific therapeutic approaches. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Girolamo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.
| | - Ignazio de Trizio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.,Intensive Care Unit, Department of Intensive Care, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Mariella Errede
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Molecular Biology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio d'Amati
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.,Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Pathology Section, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
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15
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Girolamo F, de Trizio I, Errede M, Longo G, d’Amati A, Virgintino D. Neural crest cell-derived pericytes act as pro-angiogenic cells in human neocortex development and gliomas. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00242-7 union select null--] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCentral nervous system diseases involving the parenchymal microvessels are frequently associated with a ‘microvasculopathy’, which includes different levels of neurovascular unit (NVU) dysfunction, including blood–brain barrier alterations. To contribute to the understanding of NVU responses to pathological noxae, we have focused on one of its cellular components, the microvascular pericytes, highlighting unique features of brain pericytes with the aid of the analyses carried out during vascularization of human developing neocortex and in human gliomas. Thanks to their position, centred within the endothelial/glial partition of the vessel basal lamina and therefore inserted between endothelial cells and the perivascular and vessel-associated components (astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs)/NG2-glia, microglia, macrophages, nerve terminals), pericytes fulfil a central role within the microvessel NVU. Indeed, at this critical site, pericytes have a number of direct and extracellular matrix molecule- and soluble factor-mediated functions, displaying marked phenotypical and functional heterogeneity and carrying out multitasking services. This pericytes heterogeneity is primarily linked to their position in specific tissue and organ microenvironments and, most importantly, to their ontogeny. During ontogenesis, pericyte subtypes belong to two main embryonic germ layers, mesoderm and (neuro)ectoderm, and are therefore expected to be found in organs ontogenetically different, nonetheless, pericytes of different origin may converge and colonize neighbouring areas of the same organ/apparatus. Here, we provide a brief overview of the unusual roles played by forebrain pericytes in the processes of angiogenesis and barriergenesis by virtue of their origin from midbrain neural crest stem cells. A better knowledge of the ontogenetic subpopulations may support the understanding of specific interactions and mechanisms involved in pericyte function/dysfunction, including normal and pathological angiogenesis, thereby offering an alternative perspective on cell subtype-specific therapeutic approaches.
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16
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Wang L, Sievert D, Gleeson J, Clark AE, Carlin AF, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta E, Palecek SP. A Human 3D neural assembloid model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESEARCH SQUARE 2021:rs.3.rs-214352. [PMID: 33594354 PMCID: PMC7885926 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-214352/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system (CNS) is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although mechanisms remain unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points 1 . Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Prior to infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model 2 that supports SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue, and PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - David Sievert
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA
| | - Joseph Gleeson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA; Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA; Department for Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alex E Clark
- Department of Medicine; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Aaron F Carlin
- Department of Medicine; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hannah Federman
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Eric Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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17
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Wang L, Sievert D, Clark AE, Federman H, Gastfriend BD, Shusta E, Palecek SP, Carlin AF, Gleeson J. A Human 3D neural assembloid model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33594369 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.09.430349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests the central nervous system (CNS) is frequently impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, either directly or indirectly, although mechanisms remain unclear. Pericytes are perivascular cells within the brain that are proposed as SARS-CoV-2 infection points 1 . Here we show that pericyte-like cells (PLCs), when integrated into a cortical organoid, are capable of infection with authentic SARS-CoV-2. Prior to infection, PLCs elicited astrocytic maturation and production of basement membrane components, features attributed to pericyte functions in vivo. While traditional cortical organoids showed little evidence of infection, PLCs within cortical organoids served as viral 'replication hubs', with virus spreading to astrocytes and mediating inflammatory type I interferon transcriptional responses. Therefore, PLC-containing cortical organoids (PCCOs) represent a new 'assembloid' model 2 that supports SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in neural tissue, and PCCOs serve as an experimental model for neural infection.
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18
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Song HW, Foreman KL, Gastfriend BD, Kuo JS, Palecek SP, Shusta EV. Transcriptomic comparison of human and mouse brain microvessels. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12358. [PMID: 32704093 PMCID: PMC7378255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain vasculature maintains brain homeostasis by tightly regulating ionic, molecular, and cellular transport between the blood and the brain parenchyma. These blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties are impediments to brain drug delivery, and brain vascular dysfunction accompanies many neurological disorders. The molecular constituents of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and pericytes, which share a basement membrane and comprise the microvessel structure, remain incompletely characterized, particularly in humans. To improve the molecular database of these cell types, we performed RNA sequencing on brain microvessel preparations isolated from snap-frozen human and mouse tissues by laser capture microdissection (LCM). The resulting transcriptome datasets from LCM microvessels were enriched in known brain endothelial and pericyte markers, and global comparison identified previously unknown microvessel-enriched genes. We used these datasets to identify mouse-human species differences in microvessel-associated gene expression that may have relevance to BBB regulation and drug delivery. Further, by comparison of human LCM microvessel data with existing human BMEC transcriptomic datasets, we identified novel putative markers of human brain pericytes. Together, these data improve the molecular definition of BMECs and brain pericytes, and are a resource for rational development of new brain-penetrant therapeutics and for advancing understanding of brain vascular function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Benjamin D Gastfriend
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - John S Kuo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Eric V Shusta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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19
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Zheng Z, Chopp M, Chen J. Multifaceted roles of pericytes in central nervous system homeostasis and disease. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:1381-1401. [PMID: 32208803 PMCID: PMC7308511 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20911331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pericytes, the mural cells surrounding microcirculation, are gaining increasing attention for their roles in health and disease of the central nervous system (CNS). As an essential part of the neurovascular unit (NVU), pericytes are actively engaged in interactions with neighboring cells and work in synergy with them to maintain homeostasis of the CNS, such as maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB), regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) and the glymphatic system as well as mediating immune responses. However, the dysfunction of pericytes may contribute to the progression of various pathologies. In this review, we discuss: (1) origin of pericytes and different pericyte markers; (2) interactions of pericytes with endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and neurons; (3) physiological roles of pericytes in the CNS; (4) effects of pericytes in different CNS diseases; (5) relationship of pericytes with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs (miRs); (6) recent advances in pericytes studies and future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitong Zheng
- 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
| | - Jieli Chen
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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20
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Jia C, Malone HM, Keasey MP, Lovins C, Elam J, Hagg T. Blood Vitronectin Induces Detrimental Brain Interleukin-6 and Correlates With Outcomes After Stroke Only in Female Mice. Stroke 2020; 51:1587-1595. [PMID: 32312218 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.029036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- Women have worse stroke outcomes than men, especially after menopause. Few studies have focused on female-specific mechanisms, other than hormones. We investigated the role of the blood protein VTN (vitronectin) after ischemic stroke in mice. Methods- Adult male and female VTN knockout and wild-type littermates and C57BL/6 mice received a middle cerebral artery occlusion and the injured brain tissue analyzed 24 hours to 3 weeks later for cell loss and inflammation, as well as neurological function. Blood VTN levels were measured before and after stroke. Results- Intravenously injected VTN leaked extensively from bloodstream into brain infarct and penumbra by 24 hours after stroke. Strikingly, VTN was detrimental in female, but not male, mice, as shown by reduced brain injury (26.2±2.6% versus 13.4±3.8%; P=0.018; n=6 and 5) and forelimb dysfunction in female VTN knockout mice. Stroke increased plasma VTN 2- to 8-fold at 24 hours in females (36±4 versus 145±24 μg/mL; P<0.0001; n=10 and 7), but not males (62±8 versus 68±6; P>0.99; n=10 and 7), and returned to control levels by 7 days. Individually variable VTN levels at 24 hours correlated with stroke-induced brain injury at 7 days only in females. VTN promoted stroke-induced microglia/macrophage activation and leukocyte infiltration in females. Proinflammatory IL (interleukin)-6 greatly increased in the striatum at 24 hours in wild-type mice but was increased ≈60% less in female (739±159 versus 268±111; P=0.02; n=7 and 6), but not male (889±178 versus 1179±295; P=0.73; n=10 and 11), knockout mice. In individual wild-type females, plasma VTN levels correlated with striatal IL-6 expression at 24 hours. The female-specific effect of VTN-induced IL-6 expression following stroke was not due to gonadal hormones, as shown by ovariectomy and castration. Lastly, intrastriatal injection of IL-6 in female mice immediately before stroke reversed the VTN knockout phenotypes of reduced brain injury and microglia/macrophage activation. Conclusions- VTN plays a novel sexually dimorphic detrimental pathophysiological role in females and might ultimately be a therapeutic target to improve stroke outcomes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Jia
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Hannah M Malone
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Matthew P Keasey
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Chiharu Lovins
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Jacob Elam
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
| | - Theo Hagg
- From the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City
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21
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Vitronectin mitigates stroke-increased neurogenesis only in female mice and through FAK-regulated IL-6. Exp Neurol 2019; 323:113088. [PMID: 31678139 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vitronectin (VTN) is a blood protein produced mainly by the liver. We show that VTN leaks from the bloodstream into the injury site and neighboring subventricular zone (SVZ) following ischemic stroke (middle cerebral artery occlusion, MCAO) in adult mice. MCAO is known to increase neurogenesis after stroke. VTN inhibits this response in females, but not in males, as shown by ~70% more stroke-induced SVZ neurogenesis in female VTN-/- mice at 14 d. In female VTN-/- mice, stroke-induced expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) at 24 h was reduced in the SVZ. The closely related leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or pro-neurogenic ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were not affected. The female-specific effect of VTN on IL-6 expression was not due to sex hormones, as shown by ovariectomy and castration. IL-6 injection next to the SVZ reversed the MCAO-induced increase in neurogenesis seen in VTN-/- mice. Our in vitro and vivo data suggest that plasma VTN activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the SVZ following MCAO, which reduces IL-6 expression in astrocytes but increases it in other cells such as microglia/macrophages. Inducible conditional astrocytic FAK deletion increased MCAO-induced IL-6 expression in females at 24 h and blocked MCAO-induced neurogenesis at 14 d, confirming a key detrimental role of IL-6. Collectively, these data suggest that leakage of VTN into the SVZ reduces the neurogenic response to stroke in female mice by promoting IL-6 expression. Reducing VTN or VTN signaling may be an approach to promote neurogenesis for neuroprotection and cell replacement after stroke in females.
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