1
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Mistry H, Richardson CD, Higginbottom A, Ashford B, Ahamed SU, Moore Z, Matthews FE, Brayne C, Simpson JE, Wharton SB. Relationships of brain cholesterol and cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes to Alzheimer's pathology and dementia in the CFAS population-derived neuropathology cohort. Neurosci Res 2024; 204:22-33. [PMID: 38278219 PMCID: PMC11192635 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.01.003] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Altered cholesterol metabolism is implicated in brain ageing and Alzheimer's disease. We examined whether key genes regulating cholesterol metabolism and levels of brain cholesterol are altered in dementia and Alzheimer's disease neuropathological change (ADNC). Temporal cortex (n = 99) was obtained from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Expression of the cholesterol biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and its regulator, SREBP2, were detected using immunohistochemistry. Expression of HMGCR, SREBP2, CYP46A1 and ABCA1 were quantified by qPCR in samples enriched for astrocyte and neuronal RNA following laser-capture microdissection. Total cortical cholesterol was measured using the Amplex Red assay. HMGCR and SREBP2 proteins were predominantly expressed in pyramidal neurones, and in glia. Neuronal HMGCR did not vary with ADNC, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation or dementia status. Expression of HMGCR neuronal mRNA decreased with ADNC (p = 0.022) and increased with neuronal DNA damage (p = 0.049), whilst SREBP2 increased with ADNC (p = 0.005). High or moderate tertiles for cholesterol levels were associated with increased dementia risk (OR 1.44, 1.58). APOE ε4 allele was not associated with cortical cholesterol levels. ADNC is associated with gene expression changes that may impair cholesterol biosynthesis in neurones but not astrocytes, whilst levels of cortical cholesterol show a weak relationship to dementia status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Mistry
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Adrian Higginbottom
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Bridget Ashford
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Saif U Ahamed
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Zoe Moore
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Carol Brayne
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Institute, the University of Sheffield, UK.
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2
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Waller R, Hase Y, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Wyles M, Kalaria RN, Wharton SB. Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Discrete Poststroke Dementia Neuronal and Gliovascular Signatures. Transl Stroke Res 2023; 14:383-396. [PMID: 35639336 PMCID: PMC10160172 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01038-z] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Poststroke dementia (PSD) is associated with pathology in frontal brain regions, in particular dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) neurons and white matter, remote from the infarct. We hypothesised that PSD results from progressive DLPFC neuronal damage, associated with frontal white matter gliovascular unit (GVU) alterations. We investigated the transcriptomic profile of the neurons and white matter GVU cells previously implicated in pathology. Laser-capture microdissected neurons, astrocytes and endothelial cells were obtained from the Cognitive Function After Stroke cohort of control, PSD and poststroke non-dementia (PSND) human subjects. Gene expression was assessed using microarrays and pathway analysis to compare changes in PSD with controls and PSND. Neuronal findings were validated using NanoString technology and compared with those in the bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model. Comparing changes in PSD compared to controls with changes in PSND compared to controls identified transcriptomic changes associated specifically with dementia. DLPFC neurons showed defects in energy production (tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding and mitochondria), signalling and communication (MAPK signalling, Toll-like receptor signalling, endocytosis). Similar changes were identified in neurons isolated from BCAS mice. Neuronal findings accompanied by altered astrocyte communication and endothelium immune changes in the frontal white matter, suggesting GVU dysfunction. We propose a pathogenic model in PSD whereby neuronal changes are associated with frontal white matter GVU dysfunction leading to astrocyte failure in supporting neuronal circuits resulting in delayed cognitive decline associated with PSD. Therefore, targeting these processes could potentially ameliorate the dementia seen in PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Waller
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
| | - Yoshiki Hase
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Matthew Wyles
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Rajesh N Kalaria
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
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3
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Brandenburg C, Griswold AJ, Van Booven DJ, Kilander MBC, Frei JA, Nestor MW, Dykxhoorn DM, Pericak-Vance MA, Blatt GJ. Transcriptomic analysis of isolated and pooled human postmortem cerebellar Purkinje cells in autism spectrum disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:944837. [PMID: 36437953 PMCID: PMC9683032 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.944837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have not been established. However, studies from human postmortem ASD brains have consistently revealed disruptions in cerebellar circuitry, specifically reductions in Purkinje cell (PC) number and size. Alterations in cerebellar circuitry would have important implications for information processing within the cerebellum and affect a wide range of human motor and non-motor behaviors. Laser capture microdissection was performed to obtain pure PC populations from a cohort of postmortem control and ASD cases and transcriptional profiles were compared. The 427 differentially expressed genes were enriched for gene ontology biological processes related to developmental organization/connectivity, extracellular matrix organization, calcium ion response, immune function and PC signaling alterations. Given the complexity of PCs and their far-ranging roles in response to sensory stimuli and motor function regulation, understanding transcriptional differences in this subset of cerebellar cells in ASD may inform on convergent pathways that impact neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Brandenburg
- Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anthony J. Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Derek J. Van Booven
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | | | | | - Derek M. Dykxhoorn
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Gene J. Blatt
- Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
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4
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Almeida D, Turecki G. Profiling cell-type specific gene expression in post-mortem human brain samples through laser capture microdissection. Methods 2022; 207:3-10. [PMID: 36064002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptome of a cell constitutes an essential piece of cellular identity and contributes to the multifaceted complexity and heterogeneity of cell-types within the mammalian brain. Thus, while a wealth of studies have investigated transcriptomic alterations underlying the pathophysiology of diseases of the brain, their use of bulk-tissue homogenates makes it difficult to tease apart whether observed differences are explained by disease state or cellular composition. Cell-type-specific enrichment strategies are, therefore, crucial in the context of gene expression profiling. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is one such strategy that allows for the capture of specific cell-types, or regions of interest, under microscopic visualization. In this review, we focus on using LCM for cell-type specific gene expression profiling in post-mortem human brain samples. We begin with a discussion of various LCM systems, followed by a walk-through of each step in the LCM to gene expression profiling workflow and a description of some of the limitations associated with LCM. Throughout the review, we highlight important considerations when using LCM with post-mortem human brain samples. Whenever applicable, commercially available kits that have proven successful in the context of LCM with post-mortem human brain samples are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1A1.
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5
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Bury JJ, Chambers A, Heath PR, Ince PG, Shaw PJ, Matthews FE, Brayne C, Simpson JE, Wharton SB. Type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated transcriptome alterations in cortical neurones and associated neurovascular unit cells in the ageing brain. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:5. [PMID: 33407907 PMCID: PMC7788898 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01109-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), characterised by peripheral insulin resistance, is a risk factor for dementia. In addition to its contribution to small and large vessel disease, T2D may directly damage cells of the brain neurovascular unit. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic changes in cortical neurones, and associated astrocytes and endothelial cells of the neurovascular unit, in the ageing brain. Neurone, astrocyte, and endothelial cell-enriched mRNA, obtained by immuno-laser capture microdissection of temporal cortex (Brodmann area 21/22) from 6 cases with self-reported T2D in the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study neuropathology cohort, and an equal number of age and sex-matched controls, was assessed by microarray analysis. Integrated Molecular Pathway Level Analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes database on significantly differentially expressed genes, defined as P < 0.05 and fold-change ± 1.2. Hub genes identified from Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis were validated in neurones using the NanoString nCounter platform. The expression and cellular localisation of proteins encoded by selected candidate genes were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. 912, 2202, and 1227 genes were significantly differentially expressed between cases with self-reported T2D and controls in neurones, astrocytes, and endothelial cells respectively. Changes in cortical neurones included alterations in insulin and other signalling pathways, cell cycle, cellular senescence, inflammatory mediators, and components of the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain. Impaired insulin signalling was shared by neurovascular unit cells with, additionally, apoptotic pathway changes in astrocytes and dysregulation of advanced glycation end-product signalling in endothelial cells. Transcriptomic analysis identified changes in key cellular pathways associated with T2D that may contribute to neuronal damage and dysfunction. These effects on brain cells potentially contribute to a diabetic dementia, and may provide novel approaches for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna J Bury
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Annabelle Chambers
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Paul G Ince
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Fiona E Matthews
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carol Brayne
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Julie E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Stephen B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Road, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK.
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6
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Gatto N, Dos Santos Souza C, Shaw AC, Bell SM, Myszczynska MA, Powers S, Meyer K, Castelli LM, Karyka E, Mortiboys H, Azzouz M, Hautbergue GM, Márkus NM, Shaw PJ, Ferraiuolo L. Directly converted astrocytes retain the ageing features of the donor fibroblasts and elucidate the astrocytic contribution to human CNS health and disease. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13281. [PMID: 33314575 PMCID: PMC7811849 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly specialised cells, responsible for CNS homeostasis and neuronal activity. Lack of human in vitro systems able to recapitulate the functional changes affecting astrocytes during ageing represents a major limitation to studying mechanisms and potential therapies aiming to preserve neuronal health. Here, we show that induced astrocytes from fibroblasts donors in their childhood or adulthood display age‐related transcriptional differences and functionally diverge in a spectrum of age‐associated features, such as altered nuclear compartmentalisation, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties, oxidative stress response and DNA damage response. Remarkably, we also show an age‐related differential response of induced neural progenitor cells derived astrocytes (iNPC‐As) in their ability to support neurons in co‐culture upon pro‐inflammatory stimuli. These results show that iNPC‐As are a renewable, readily available resource of human glia that retain the age‐related features of the donor fibroblasts, making them a unique and valuable model to interrogate human astrocyte function over time in human CNS health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Gatto
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Allan C. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Simon M. Bell
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Monika A. Myszczynska
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus OH USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research institute Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus OH USA
| | - Lydia M. Castelli
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Evangelia Karyka
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Heather Mortiboys
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Guillaume M. Hautbergue
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Nóra M. Márkus
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
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7
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Immuno-Laser-Capture Microdissection for the Isolation of Enriched Glial Populations from Frozen Post-Mortem Human Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1723:273-284. [PMID: 29344867 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7558-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) has revolutionized the isolation of defined regions and specific cell populations from human tissue. This approach used in combination with immunohistochemistry (immuno-LCM) has become a valuable method for isolating individual cell-types from a complex heterogeneous population. Here, we describe the detailed methodology required for the isolation of enriched populations of GFAP+ astrocytes, OSP+ oligodendrocytes, and CD68+ microglia from frozen post-mortem human central nervous system tissue using immuno-LCM.
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8
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Garwood CJ, Ratcliffe LE, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Ince PG, Wharton SB. Review: Astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated dementias: a supporting player with a central role. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 43:281-298. [PMID: 27442752 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in the central nervous system and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Forming non-overlapping domains, astrocytes are highly complex cells. Immunohistochemistry to a variety of proteins can be used to study astrocytes in tissue, labelling different cellular components and sub-populations, including glial fibrillary acidic protein, ALDH1L1, CD44, NDRG2 and amino acid transporters, but none of these labels the entire astrocyte population. Increasing heterogeneity is recognized in the astrocyte population, a complexity that is relevant both to their normal function and pathogenic roles. They are involved in neuronal support, as active components of the tripartite synapse and in cell interactions within the neurovascular unit (NVU), where they are essential for blood-brain barrier maintenance and neurovascular coupling. Astrocytes change with age, and their responses may modulate the cellular effects of neurodegenerative pathologies, which alone do not explain all of the variance in statistical models of neurodegenerative dementias. Astrocytes respond to both the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques of Alzheimer's disease, to hyperphosphorylated tau and Aβ, eliciting an effect which may be neuroprotective or deleterious. Not only astrocyte hypertrophy, in the form of gliosis, occurs, but also astrocyte injury and atrophy. Loss of normal astrocyte functions may contribute to reduced support for neurones and dysfunction of the NVU. Understanding how astrocytes contribute to dementia requires an understanding of the underlying heterogeneity of astrocyte populations, and the complexity of their responses to pathology. Enhancing the supportive and neuroprotective components of the astrocyte response has potential translational applications in therapeutic approaches to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - L E Ratcliffe
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - J E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P G Ince
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - S B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
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9
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The Isolation of Pure Populations of Neurons by Laser Capture Microdissection: Methods and Application in Neuroscience. Methods Mol Biol 2018. [PMID: 29344863 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7558-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
In mammals, the central nervous system (CNS) is constituted of various cellular elements, posing a challenge to isolating specific cell types to investigate their expression profile. As a result, tissue homogenization is not amenable to analyses of motor neurons profiling as these represent less than 10% of the total spinal cord cell population. One way to tackle the problem of tissue heterogeneity and obtain meaningful genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic profiling is to use laser capture microdissection technology (LCM). In this chapter, we describe protocols for the capture of isolated populations of motor neurons from spinal cord tissue sections and for downstream transcriptomic analysis of motor neurons with RT-PCR. We have also included a protocol for the immunological confirmation that the captured neurons are indeed motor neurons. Although focused on spinal cord motor neurons, these protocols can be easily optimized for the isolation of any CNS neurons.
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10
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Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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11
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Khan AM, Grant AH, Martinez A, Burns GAPC, Thatcher BS, Anekonda VT, Thompson BW, Roberts ZS, Moralejo DH, Blevins JE. Mapping Molecular Datasets Back to the Brain Regions They are Extracted from: Remembering the Native Countries of Hypothalamic Expatriates and Refugees. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 21:101-193. [PMID: 30334222 PMCID: PMC6310046 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94593-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on approaches to link transcriptomic, proteomic, and peptidomic datasets mined from brain tissue to the original locations within the brain that they are derived from using digital atlas mapping techniques. We use, as an example, the transcriptomic, proteomic and peptidomic analyses conducted in the mammalian hypothalamus. Following a brief historical overview, we highlight studies that have mined biochemical and molecular information from the hypothalamus and then lay out a strategy for how these data can be linked spatially to the mapped locations in a canonical brain atlas where the data come from, thereby allowing researchers to integrate these data with other datasets across multiple scales. A key methodology that enables atlas-based mapping of extracted datasets-laser-capture microdissection-is discussed in detail, with a view of how this technology is a bridge between systems biology and systems neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M Khan
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Alice H Grant
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Pathobiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Anais Martinez
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Pathobiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Gully A P C Burns
- Information Sciences Institute, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Brendan S Thatcher
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vishwanath T Anekonda
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Thompson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zachary S Roberts
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel H Moralejo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 916] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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13
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Corgiat BA, Mueller C. Using Laser Capture Microdissection to Isolate Cortical Laminae in Nonhuman Primate Brain. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1606:115-132. [PMID: 28501997 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6990-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a technique that allows procurement of an enriched cell population from a heterogeneous tissue sample under direct microscopic visualization. Fundamentally, laser capture microdissection consists of three main steps: (1) visualizing the desired cell population by microscopy, (2) melting a thermolabile polymer onto the desired cell populations using infrared laser energy to form a polymer-cell composite (capture method) or photovolatizing a region of tissue using ultraviolet laser energy (cutting method), and (3) removing the desired cell population from the heterogeneous tissue. In this chapter, we discuss the infrared capture method only. LCM technology is compatible with a wide range of downstream applications such as mass spectrometry, DNA genotyping and RNA transcript profiling, cDNA library generation, proteomics discovery, and signal pathway mapping. This chapter profiles the ArcturusXT™ laser capture microdissection instrument, using isolation of specific cortical lamina from nonhuman primate brain regions, and sample preparation methods for downstream proteomic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Corgiat
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, MS1A9, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
| | - Claudius Mueller
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, 10920 George Mason Circle, MS1A9, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
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14
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Waller R, Woodroofe MN, Wharton SB, Ince PG, Francese S, Heath PR, Cudzich-Madry A, Thomas RH, Rounding N, Sharrack B, Simpson JE. Gene expression profiling of the astrocyte transcriptome in multiple sclerosis normal appearing white matter reveals a neuroprotective role. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 299:139-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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15
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Tagliafierro L, Bonawitz K, Glenn OC, Chiba-Falek O. Gene Expression Analysis of Neurons and Astrocytes Isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection from Frozen Human Brain Tissues. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:72. [PMID: 27587997 PMCID: PMC4988976 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Different cell types and multiple cellular connections characterize the human brain. Gene expression analysis using a specific population of cells is more accurate than conducting analysis of the whole tissue homogenate, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, where a specific subset of cells is affected by the different pathology. Due to the difficulty of obtaining homogenous cell populations, gene expression in specific cell-types (neurons, astrocytes, etc.) has been understudied. To leverage the use of archive resources of frozen human brains in studies of neurodegenerative diseases, we developed and calibrated a method to quantify cell-type specific—neuronal, astrocytes—expression profiles of genes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Archive human frozen brain tissues were used to prepare slides for rapid immunostaining using cell-specific antibodies. The immunoreactive-cells were isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM). The enrichment for a particular cell-type of interest was validated in post-analysis stage by the expression of cell-specific markers. We optimized the technique to preserve the RNA integrity, so that the RNA was suitable for downstream expression analyses. Following RNA extraction, the expression levels were determined digitally using nCounter Single Cell Gene Expression assay (NanoString Technologies®). The results demonstrated that using our optimized technique we successfully isolated single neurons and astrocytes from human frozen brain tissues and obtained RNA of a good quality that was suitable for mRNA expression analysis. We present here new advancements compared to previous reported methods, which improve the method's feasibility and its applicability for a variety of downstream molecular analyses. Our new developed method can be implemented in genetic and functional genomic research of neurodegenerative diseases and has the potential to significantly advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Tagliafierro
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Kirsten Bonawitz
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Omolara C Glenn
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
| | - Ornit Chiba-Falek
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA
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16
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Appleby-Mallinder C, Wyles MD, Simpson JE, Wharton SB, Ince PG, Heath PR. Expression microdissection isolation of enriched cell populations from archival brain tissue. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 268:125-30. [PMID: 27178137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is an established technique for the procurement of enriched cell populations that can undergo further downstream analysis, although it does have limitations. Expression microdissection (xMD) is a new technique that begins to address these pitfalls, such as operator dependence and contamination. NEW METHOD xMD utilises immunohistochemistry in conjunction with a chromogen to isolate specific cell types by extending the fundamental principles of LCM to create an operator-independent method for the procurement of specific CNS cell types. RESULTS We report how xMD enables the isolation of specific cell populations, namely neurones and astrocytes, from rat formalin fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. Subsequent reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis confirms the enrichment of these specific populations. RIN values after xMD indicate samples are sufficient to carry out further analysis. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD xMD offers a rapid method of isolating specific CNS cell types without the need for identification by an operator, reducing the amount of unintentional contamination caused by operator error, whilst also significantly reducing the time required by the current basic LCM technique. CONCLUSIONS xMD is a superior method for the procurement of enriched cell populations from post-mortem tissue, which can be utilised to create transcriptome profiles, aiding our understanding of the contribution of these cells to a range of neurological diseases. xMD also addresses the issues associated with LCM, such as reliance on an operator to identify target cells, which can cause contamination, as well as addressing the time consuming nature of LCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Appleby-Mallinder
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - M D Wyles
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - J E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - S B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - P G Ince
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - P R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK.
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17
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Mehta P, Premkumar B, Morris R. Production of high quality brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) RNA from isolated populations of rat spinal cord motor neurons obtained by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM). Neurosci Lett 2016; 627:132-8. [PMID: 27260986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is composed of multiple cellular elements, making it challenging to segregate one particular cell type to study their gene expression profile. For instance, as motor neurons represent only 5-10% of the total cell population of the spinal cord, meaningful transcriptional analysis on these neurons is almost impossible to achieve from homogenized spinal cord tissue. A major challenge faced by scientists is to obtain good quality RNA from small amounts of starting material. In this paper, we used Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) techniques to identify and isolate spinal cord motor neurons. The present analysis revealed that perfusion with paraformaldehyde (PFA) does not alter RNA quality. RNA integrity numbers (RINs) of tissue samples from rubrospinal tract (RST)-transected, intact spinal cord or from whole spinal cord homogenate were all above 8, which indicates intact, high-quality RNA. Levels of mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or for its tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) were not affected by rubrospinal tract (RST) transection, a surgical procedure that deprive motor neurons from one of their main supraspinal input. The isolation of pure populations of neurons with LCM techniques allows for robust transcriptional characterization that cannot be achieved with spinal cord homogenates. Such preparations of pure population of motor neurons will provide valuable tools to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying spinal cord injury and neuromuscular diseases. In the near future, LCM techniques might be instrumental to the success of gene therapy for these debilitating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Mehta
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Brian Premkumar
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Renée Morris
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
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18
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Walker DG, Lue LF. Immune phenotypes of microglia in human neurodegenerative disease: challenges to detecting microglial polarization in human brains. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2015; 7:56. [PMID: 26286145 PMCID: PMC4543480 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-015-0139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory responses in the brain, which can be demonstrated by changes in properties of microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are a common feature of human neurodegenerative diseases. Different monocyte/macrophage phenotypes have been defined by changes in expression of cytokines, receptors and other markers as a response to different classes of stimuli. Monocytes, macrophages and microglia can have a range of phenotypes with associated properties depending on their microenvironment. Macrophage/microglia polarization states have been defined as classical activation (M1), alternative activation (M2a), type II alternative activation (M2b) or acquired deactivation (M2c). Available markers for identifying microglial phenotypes in human brains are still limited; those available provide incomplete information on the functions or polarization states of microglia observed in tissues from diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The most widely used marker to describe activated microglia in human brains, particularly diseased brains, has been HLA-DR, the major histocompatibility complex II protein. HLA-DR-positive microglia can have a wide range of activation morphologies that are affected not only by disease pathology, but also by their differentiation states and brain regions. Two other widely used markers to identify microglia in human brains are ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 and CD68. Although their expression changes in diseased brains, these markers do not show specificity for different phenotypes. Over the years there have been studies with additional markers that attempt to further define microglial properties, particularly in Alzheimer's disease brains. Most studies have employed immunohistochemical techniques to identify microglia in tissue sections, but recent advances in this field have allowed gene expression profiling of microglia upon immediate isolation from brains. We will review which markers might better define different activation phenotypes of microglia in human brains and whether they fit into current microglial polarization schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Walker
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 West Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ, 85351, USA.
| | - Lih-Fen Lue
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 West Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ, 85351, USA.
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19
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Garwood C, Faizullabhoy A, Wharton SB, Ince PG, Heath PR, Shaw PJ, Baxter L, Gelsthorpe C, Forster G, Matthews FE, Brayne C, Simpson JE. Calcium dysregulation in relation to Alzheimer-type pathology in the ageing brain. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 39:788-99. [PMID: 23421725 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Calcium dyshomeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, much of the previous research has focused on changes in neuronal calcium signalling. In a recent microarray study we identified dysregulation of several key signalling pathways including the Ca(2+) signalling pathway in astrocytes as Alzheimer-type pathology developed. In this study we sought to determine the expression of calpain-10 and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase alpha (CamKIIα) in relation to Alzheimer-type pathology in a population-based study. METHODS Using post mortem temporal cortex samples derived from the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC-CFAS) ageing brain cohort we examined calpain-10 and CamKIIα gene and protein expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We demonstrate that astrocytic expression of calpain-10 is up-regulated, and CamKIIα down-regulated with increasing Braak stage. Using immunohistochemistry we confirm protein expression of calpain-10 in astrocytes throughout the temporal cortex and demonstrate that calpain-10 immunoreactivity is correlated with both local and global measures of Alzheimer-type pathology. In addition, we identify a subpopulation of calpain-10 immunoreactive interlaminar astrocytes that extend processes deep into the cortex. CamKIIα is predominantly neuronal in localization and is associated with the presence of diffuse plaques in the ageing brain. DISCUSSION Dysregulated expression of key calcium signalling molecules occurs with progression of Alzheimer-type pathology in the ageing brain, highlighting the need for further functional studies of astrocytic calcium signalling with respect to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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20
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Solga AC, Pong WW, Walker J, Wylie T, Magrini V, Apicelli AJ, Griffith M, Griffith OL, Kohsaka S, Wu GF, Brody DL, Mardis ER, Gutmann DH. RNA-sequencing reveals oligodendrocyte and neuronal transcripts in microglia relevant to central nervous system disease. Glia 2014; 63:531-548. [PMID: 25258010 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Expression profiling of distinct central nervous system (CNS) cell populations has been employed to facilitate disease classification and to provide insights into the molecular basis of brain pathology. One important cell type implicated in a wide variety of CNS disease states is the resident brain macrophage (microglia). In these studies, microglia are often isolated from dissociated brain tissue by flow sorting procedures [fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)] or from postnatal glial cultures by mechanic isolation. Given the highly dynamic and state-dependent functions of these cells, the use of FACS or short-term culture methods may not accurately capture the biology of brain microglia. In the current study, we performed RNA-sequencing using Cx3cr1(+/GFP) labeled microglia isolated from the brainstem of 6-week-old mice to compare the transcriptomes of FACS-sorted versus laser capture microdissection (LCM). While both isolation techniques resulted in a large number of shared (common) transcripts, we identified transcripts unique to FACS-isolated and LCM-captured microglia. In particular, ∼50% of these LCM-isolated microglial transcripts represented genes typically associated with neurons and glia. While these transcripts clearly localized to microglia using complementary methods, they were not translated into protein. Following the induction of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, increased oligodendrocyte and neuronal transcripts were detected in microglia, while only the myelin basic protein oligodendrocyte transcript was increased in microglia after traumatic brain injury. Collectively, these findings have implications for the design and interpretation of microglia transcriptome-based investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Solga
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | - Winnie W Pong
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | - Jason Walker
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Todd Wylie
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Vincent Magrini
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Anthony J Apicelli
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | | | - Obi L Griffith
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Shinichi Kohsaka
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gregory F Wu
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | - David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
| | - Elaine R Mardis
- The Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
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21
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Asi YT, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Wharton SB, Lees AJ, Revesz T, Houlden H, Holton JL. Alpha-synuclein mRNA expression in oligodendrocytes in MSA. Glia 2014; 62:964-70. [PMID: 24590631 PMCID: PMC4238782 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease presenting clinically with parkinsonian, cerebellar, and autonomic features. α-Synuclein (αsyn), encoded by the gene SNCA, is the main constituent of glial cytoplasmic inclusion (GCI) found in oligodendrocytes in MSA, but the methods of its accumulation have not been established. The aim of this study is to investigate alterations in regional and cellular SNCA mRNA expression in MSA as a possible substrate for GCI formation. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed on postmortem brain samples from 15 MSA, 5 IPD, and 5 control cases to investigate regional expression in the frontal and occipital regions, dorsal putamen, pontine base, and cerebellum. For cellular expression analysis, neurons and oligodendrocytes were isolated by laser-capture microdissection from five MSA and five control cases. SNCA mRNA expression was not significantly different between the MSA, IPD and control cases in all regions (multilevel model, P = 0.14). After adjusting for group effect, the highest expression was found in the occipital cortex while the lowest was in the putamen (multilevel model, P < 0.0001). At the cellular level, MSA oligodendrocytes expressed more SNCA than control oligodendrocytes and expression in MSA neurons was slightly lower than that in controls, however, these results did not reach statistical significance. We have demonstrated regional variations in SNCA expression, which is higher in cortical than subcortical regions. This study is the first to demonstrate SNCA mRNA expression by oligodendrocytes in human postmortem tissue using qPCR and, although not statistically significant, could suggest that this may be increased in MSA compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine T Asi
- Queen Square Brain Bank, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Boche D, Perry VH, Nicoll JAR. Review: Activation patterns of microglia and their identification in the human brain. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2013; 39:3-18. [PMID: 23252647 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 697] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Boche
- Clinical Neurosciences; Clinical and Experimental Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of Southampton; Southampton; UK
| | - V. H. Perry
- Centre for Biological Sciences; Faculty of Natural and Environmental Science; University of Southampton; Southampton; UK
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