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Bonfanti L, La Rosa C, Ghibaudi M, Sherwood CC. Adult neurogenesis and "immature" neurons in mammals: an evolutionary trade-off in plasticity? Brain Struct Funct 2023:10.1007/s00429-023-02717-9. [PMID: 37833544 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity can vary remarkably in its form and degree across animal species. Adult neurogenesis, namely the capacity to produce new neurons from neural stem cells through adulthood, appears widespread in non-mammalian vertebrates, whereas it is reduced in mammals. A growing body of comparative studies also report variation in the occurrence and activity of neural stem cell niches between mammals, with a general trend of reduction from small-brained to large-brained species. Conversely, recent studies have shown that large-brained mammals host large amounts of neurons expressing typical markers of neurogenesis in the absence of cell division. In layer II of the cerebral cortex, populations of prenatally generated, non-dividing neurons continue to express molecules indicative of immaturity throughout life (cortical immature neurons; cINs). After remaining in a dormant state for a very long time, these cINs retain the potential of differentiating into mature neurons that integrate within the preexisting neural circuits. They are restricted to the paleocortex in small-brained rodents, while extending into the widely expanded neocortex of highly gyrencephalic, large-brained species. The current hypothesis is that these populations of non-newly generated "immature" neurons might represent a reservoir of developmentally plastic cells for mammalian species that are characterized by reduced stem cell-driven adult neurogenesis. This indicates that there may be a trade-off between various forms of plasticity that coexist during brain evolution. This balance may be necessary to maintain a "reservoir of plasticity" in brain regions that have distinct roles in species-specific socioecological adaptations, such as the neocortex and olfactory structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Chiara La Rosa
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Marco Ghibaudi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Amiel AR, Tsai SL, Wehner D. Embracing the diversity of model systems to deconstruct the basis of regeneration and tissue repair. Development 2023; 150:286821. [PMID: 36718794 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201579] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The eighth EMBO conference in the series 'The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Regeneration and Tissue Repair' took place in Barcelona (Spain) in September 2022. A total of 173 researchers from across the globe shared their latest advances in deciphering the molecular and cellular basis of wound healing, tissue repair and regeneration, as well as their implications for future clinical applications. The conference showcased an ever-expanding diversity of model organisms used to identify mechanisms that promote regeneration. Over 25 species were discussed, ranging from invertebrates to humans. Here, we provide an overview of the exciting topics presented at the conference, highlighting novel discoveries in regeneration and perspectives for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldine R Amiel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), 06107 Nice, France
| | - Stephanie L Tsai
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Daniel Wehner
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen 91058, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Erlangen 91058, Germany
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Yin B, Li X, Lin G, Wang H. High-resolution single-cell analysis paves the cellular path for brain regeneration in salamanders. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 11:37. [PMID: 36258096 PMCID: PMC9579219 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Salamanders are excellent models for studying vertebrate brain regeneration, with the promise of developing novel therapies for human brain lesions. Yet the molecular and cellular mechanism of salamander brain regeneration remains largely elusive. The insight into the evolution of complex brain structures that lead to advanced functions in the mammalian brain is also inadequate. With high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, three recent studies have reported the differentiation paths of cells in the salamander telencephalon in the journal Science, bringing both old and new cell types into the focus and shedding light on vertebrate brain evolution, development, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binxu Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gufa Lin
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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Czarkwiani A, Taylor J, Oliveri P. Neurogenesis during Brittle Star Arm Regeneration Is Characterised by a Conserved Set of Key Developmental Genes. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091360. [PMID: 36138839 PMCID: PMC9495562 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Injuries to the central nervous system most often lead to irreversible damage in humans. Brittle stars are marine animals related to sea stars and sea urchins, and are one of our closest evolutionary relatives among invertebrates. Extraordinarily, they can perfectly regenerate their nerves even after completely severing the nerve cord after arm amputation. Understanding what genes and cellular mechanisms are used for this natural repair process in the brittle star might lead to new insights to guide strategies for therapeutics to improve outcomes for central nervous system injuries in humans. Abstract Neural regeneration is very limited in humans but extremely efficient in echinoderms. The brittle star Amphiura filiformis can regenerate both components of its central nervous system as well as the peripheral system, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this ability is key for evolutionary comparisons not only within the echinoderm group, but also wider within deuterostomes. Here we characterise the neural regeneration of this brittle star using a combination of immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and Nanostring nCounter to determine the spatial and temporal expression of evolutionary conserved neural genes. We find that key genes crucial for the embryonic development of the nervous system in sea urchins and other animals are also expressed in the regenerating nervous system of the adult brittle star in a hierarchic and spatio-temporally restricted manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Czarkwiani
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (P.O.)
| | - Jack Taylor
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Paola Oliveri
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Center for Life’s Origins and Evolution, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (P.O.)
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Ghibaudi M, Bonfanti L. How Widespread Are the “Young” Neurons of the Mammalian Brain? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:918616. [PMID: 35733930 PMCID: PMC9207312 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.918616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After the discovery of adult neurogenesis (stem cell-driven production of new neuronal elements), it is conceivable to find young, undifferentiated neurons mixed with mature neurons in the neural networks of the adult mammalian brain. This “canonical” neurogenesis is restricted to small stem cell niches persisting from embryonic germinal layers, yet, the genesis of new neurons has also been reported in various parenchymal brain regions. Whichever the process involved, several populations of “young” neurons can be found at different locations of the brain. Across the years, further complexity emerged: (i) molecules of immaturity can also be expressed by non-dividing cells born during embryogenesis, then maintaining immature features later on; (ii) remarkable interspecies differences exist concerning the types, location, amount of undifferentiated neurons; (iii) re-expression of immaturity can occur in aging (dematuration). These twists are introducing a somewhat different definition of neurogenesis than normally assumed, in which our knowledge of the “young” neurons is less sharp. In this emerging complexity, there is a need for complete mapping of the different “types” of young neurons, considering their role in postnatal development, plasticity, functioning, and interspecies differences. Several important aspects are at stake: the possible role(s) that the young neurons may play in maintaining brain efficiency and in prevention/repair of neurological disorders; nonetheless, the correct translation of results obtained from laboratory rodents. Hence, the open question is: how many types of undifferentiated neurons do exist in the brain, and how widespread are they?
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ghibaudi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Bonfanti,
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Becker T, Becker CG. Regenerative neurogenesis: the integration of developmental, physiological and immune signals. Development 2022; 149:275248. [PMID: 35502778 PMCID: PMC9124576 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In fishes and salamanders, but not mammals, neural stem cells switch back to neurogenesis after injury. The signalling environment of neural stem cells is strongly altered by the presence of damaged cells and an influx of immune, as well as other, cells. Here, we summarise our recently expanded knowledge of developmental, physiological and immune signals that act on neural stem cells in the zebrafish central nervous system to directly, or indirectly, influence their neurogenic state. These signals act on several intracellular pathways, which leads to changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression, ultimately resulting in regenerative neurogenesis. Translational approaches in non-regenerating mammals indicate that central nervous system stem cells can be reprogrammed for neurogenesis. Understanding signalling mechanisms in naturally regenerating species show the path to experimentally promoting neurogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Science, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland
| | - Catherina G Becker
- Center for Regenerative Therapies at the TU Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Science, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland
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Bonfanti L, Charvet CJ. Brain Plasticity in Humans and Model Systems: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9358. [PMID: 34502267 PMCID: PMC8431131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity, and in particular, neurogenesis, is a promising target to treat and prevent a wide variety of diseases (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, dementia). There are different types of plasticity, which vary with age, brain region, and species. These observations stress the importance of defining plasticity along temporal and spatial dimensions. We review recent studies focused on brain plasticity across the lifespan and in different species. One main theme to emerge from this work is that plasticity declines with age but that we have yet to map these different forms of plasticity across species. As part of this effort, we discuss our recent progress aimed to identify corresponding ages across species, and how this information can be used to map temporal variation in plasticity from model systems to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bonfanti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
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Kraus A, Buckley KM, Salinas I. Sensing the world and its dangers: An evolutionary perspective in neuroimmunology. eLife 2021; 10:66706. [PMID: 33900197 PMCID: PMC8075586 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting danger is key to the survival and success of all species. Animal nervous and immune systems cooperate to optimize danger detection. Preceding studies have highlighted the benefits of bringing neurons into the defense game, including regulation of immune responses, wound healing, pathogen control, and survival. Here, we summarize the body of knowledge in neuroimmune communication and assert that neuronal participation in the immune response is deeply beneficial in each step of combating infection, from inception to resolution. Despite the documented tight association between the immune and nervous systems in mammals or invertebrate model organisms, interdependence of these two systems is largely unexplored across metazoans. This review brings a phylogenetic perspective of the nervous and immune systems in the context of danger detection and advocates for the use of non-model organisms to diversify the field of neuroimmunology. We identify key taxa that are ripe for investigation due to the emergence of key evolutionary innovations in their immune and nervous systems. This novel perspective will help define the primordial principles that govern neuroimmune communication across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Kraus
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | | | - Irene Salinas
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
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DiPietro LA, Wilgus TA, Koh TJ. Macrophages in Healing Wounds: Paradoxes and Paradigms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:950. [PMID: 33477945 PMCID: PMC7833402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are prominent cells in normally healing adult skin wounds, yet their exact functions and functional significance to healing outcomes remain enigmatic. Many functional attributes are ascribed to wound macrophages, including host defense and support of the proliferation of new tissue to replace that lost by injury. Indeed, the depletion of macrophages is unmistakably detrimental to normal skin healing in adult mammals. Yet in certain systems, dermal wounds seem to heal well with limited or even no functional macrophages, creating an apparent paradox regarding the function of this cell in wounds. Recent advances in our understanding of wound macrophage phenotypes, along with new information about cellular plasticity in wounds, may provide some explanation for the apparently contradictory findings and suggest new paradigms regarding macrophage function in wounds. Continued study of this remarkable cell is needed to develop effective therapeutic options to improve healing outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa A. DiPietro
- College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 801 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Traci A. Wilgus
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, 129 Hamilton Hall, 1645 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Timothy J. Koh
- College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
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Massoz L, Dupont MA, Manfroid I. Zebra-Fishing for Regenerative Awakening in Mammals. Biomedicines 2021; 9:65. [PMID: 33445518 PMCID: PMC7827770 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration is defined as the ability to regrow an organ or a tissue destroyed by degeneration or injury. Many human degenerative diseases and pathologies, currently incurable, could be cured if functional tissues or cells could be restored. Unfortunately, humans and more generally mammals have limited regenerative capabilities, capacities that are even further declining with age, contrary to simpler organisms. Initially thought to be lost during evolution, several studies have revealed that regenerative mechanisms are still present in mammals but are latent and thus they could be stimulated. To do so there is a pressing need to identify the fundamental mechanisms of regeneration in species able to efficiently regenerate. Thanks to its ability to regenerate most of its organs and tissues, the zebrafish has become a powerful model organism in regenerative biology and has recently engendered a number of studies attesting the validity of awakening the regenerative potential in mammals. In this review we highlight studies, particularly in the liver, pancreas, retina, heart, brain and spinal cord, which have identified conserved regenerative molecular events that proved to be beneficial to restore murine and even human cells and which helped clarify the real clinical translation potential of zebrafish research to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabelle Manfroid
- Zebrafish Development and Disease Models Laboratory, GIGA-Stem Cells, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.M.); (M.A.D.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara La Rosa
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Luca Bonfanti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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