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Żuromski D, Pacholik-Żuromska A. Socio-cultural brain reprogramming-The uniqueness of human cognition. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1331213. [PMID: 38532787 PMCID: PMC10963407 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1331213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anita Pacholik-Żuromska
- Department of Cognitive Science, Institute of Information and Communication Research, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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2
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Ciani C, Ayub M, Falcone C. Evolution of Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions Across Species. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:1-17. [PMID: 39190069 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Proper functioning of the central nervous system depends on various tightly regulated phenomena, among which astrocyte-neuron interactions are of critical importance. Various studies across the species have highlighted the diverse yet crucial roles of astrocytes in regulating the nervous system development and functions. In simpler organisms like worms or insects, astrocyte-like cells govern basic functions such as structural support to neurons or regulation of extracellular ions. As the species complexity increases, so does the functional and morphological complexity of astrocytes. For example, in fish and amphibians, these cells are involved in synaptic development and ion homeostasis, while in reptiles and birds, astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity and are reported to be involved in complex behaviors. Other species like those belonging to mammals and, in particular, primates have a heterogeneous population of astrocytes, exhibiting region-specific functional properties. In primates, these cells are responsible for proper synaptic transmission, neurotransmitter release and metabolism, and higher cognitive functions like learning, memory, or information processing. This chapter highlights the well-established and somewhat conserved roles of astrocytes and astrocyte-neuron interactions across the evolution of both invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ciani
- Neuroscience Department, Scuola Internazionale di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Ayub
- Neuroscience Department, Scuola Internazionale di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Carmen Falcone
- Neuroscience Department, Scuola Internazionale di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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3
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Meng F, Fu J, Zhang L, Guo M, Zhuang P, Yin Q, Zhang Y. Function and therapeutic value of astrocytes in diabetic cognitive impairment. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105591. [PMID: 37543309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105591] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a complex complication of diabetes in the central nervous system, and its pathological mechanism is still being explored. Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in central nervous system that perform diverse functions in health and disease. Accumulating excellent research has identified astrocyte dysfunction in many neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease, aging and Parkinson's disease), and summarized and discussed its pathological mechanisms and potential therapeutic value. However, the contribution of astrocytes to DCI has been largely overlooked. In this review, we first systematically summarized the effects and mechanisms of diabetes on brain astrocytes, and found that the diabetic environment (such as hyperglycemia, advanced glycation end products and cerebral insulin resistance) mediated brain reactive astrogliosis, which was specifically reflected in the changes of cell morphology and the remodeling of signature molecules. Secondly, we emphasized the contribution and potential targets of reactive astrogliosis to DCI, and found that reactive astrogliosis-induced increased blood-brain barrier permeability, glymphatic system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, abnormal cell communication and cholesterol metabolism dysregulation worsened cognitive function. In addition, we summarized effective strategies for treating DCI by targeting astrocytes. Finally, we discuss the application of new techniques in astrocytes, including single-cell transcriptome, in situ sequencing, and prospected new functions, new subsets and new targets of astrocytes in DCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyu Meng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jiafeng Fu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Mengqing Guo
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Pengwei Zhuang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Qingsheng Yin
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300193, China.
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4
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Nano PR, Bhaduri A. Evaluation of advances in cortical development using model systems. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:408-427. [PMID: 35644985 PMCID: PMC10924780 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22879] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Compared with that of even the closest primates, the human cortex displays a high degree of specialization and expansion that largely emerges developmentally. Although decades of research in the mouse and other model systems has revealed core tenets of cortical development that are well preserved across mammalian species, small deviations in transcription factor expression, novel cell types in primates and/or humans, and unique cortical architecture distinguish the human cortex. Importantly, many of the genes and signaling pathways thought to drive human-specific cortical expansion also leave the brain vulnerable to disease, as the misregulation of these factors is highly correlated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, creating a comprehensive understanding of human-specific cognition and disease remains challenging. Here, we review key stages of cortical development and highlight known or possible differences between model systems and the developing human brain. By identifying the developmental trajectories that may facilitate uniquely human traits, we highlight open questions in need of approaches to examine these processes in a human context and reveal translatable insights into human developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Nano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aparna Bhaduri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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5
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Maurissen TL, Pavlou G, Bichsel C, Villaseñor R, Kamm RD, Ragelle H. Microphysiological Neurovascular Barriers to Model the Inner Retinal Microvasculature. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020148. [PMID: 35207637 PMCID: PMC8876566 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020148] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-neural barriers regulate nutrient supply to neuronal tissues and prevent neurotoxicity. In particular, the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) and blood–brain barrier (BBB) share common origins in development, and similar morphology and function in adult tissue, while barrier breakdown and leakage of neurotoxic molecules can be accompanied by neurodegeneration. Therefore, pre-clinical research requires human in vitro models that elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms and support drug discovery, to add to animal in vivo modeling that poorly predict patient responses. Advanced cellular models such as microphysiological systems (MPS) recapitulate tissue organization and function in many organ-specific contexts, providing physiological relevance, potential for customization to different population groups, and scalability for drug screening purposes. While human-based MPS have been developed for tissues such as lung, gut, brain and tumors, few comprehensive models exist for ocular tissues and iBRB modeling. Recent BBB in vitro models using human cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) showed physiological morphology and permeability values, and reproduced brain neurological disorder phenotypes that could be applicable to modeling the iBRB. Here, we describe similarities between iBRB and BBB properties, compare existing neurovascular barrier models, propose leverage of MPS-based strategies to develop new iBRB models, and explore potentials to personalize cellular inputs and improve pre-clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Maurissen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Colette Bichsel
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Institute for Translational Bioengineering, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Villaseñor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave., MIT Building, Room NE47-321, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
| | - Héloïse Ragelle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Ophthalmology, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (R.D.K.); (H.R.)
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6
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Delsing L, Herland A, Falk A, Hicks R, Synnergren J, Zetterberg H. Models of the blood-brain barrier using iPSC-derived cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 107:103533. [PMID: 32717317 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) constitutes the interface between the blood and the brain tissue. Its primary function is to maintain the tightly controlled microenvironment of the brain. Models of the BBB are useful for studying the development and maintenance of the BBB as well as diseases affecting it. Furthermore, BBB models are important tools in drug development and support the evaluation of the brain-penetrating properties of novel drug molecules. Currently used in vitro models of the BBB include immortalized brain endothelial cell lines and primary brain endothelial cells of human and animal origin. Unfortunately, many cell lines and primary cells do not recreate physiological restriction of transport in vitro. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain endothelial cells have proven a promising alternative source of brain endothelial-like cells that replicate tight cell layers with low paracellular permeability. Given the possibility to generate large amounts of human iPSC-derived brain endothelial cells they are a feasible alternative when modelling the BBB in vitro. iPSC-derived brain endothelial cells form tight cell layers in vitro and their barrier properties can be enhanced through coculture with other cell types of the BBB. Currently, many different models of the BBB using iPSC-derived cells are under evaluation to study BBB formation, maintenance, disruption, drug transport and diseases affecting the BBB. This review summarizes important functions of the BBB and current efforts to create iPSC-derived BBB models in both static and dynamic conditions. In addition, it highlights key model requirements and remaining challenges for human iPSC-derived BBB models in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Delsing
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Systems Biology Research Centre, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden; Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; AIMES, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ryan Hicks
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jane Synnergren
- Systems Biology Research Centre, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
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7
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Kim B, De La Monte S, Hovanesian V, Patra A, Chen X, Chen RH, Miller MC, Pinar MH, Lim YP, Stopa EG, Stonestreet BS. Ontogeny of inter-alpha inhibitor protein (IAIP) expression in human brain. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:869-887. [PMID: 31797408 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24565] [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: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inter-alpha inhibitor proteins (IAIPs) are naturally occurring immunomodulatory molecules found in most tissues. We have reported ontogenic changes in the expression of IAIPs in brain during development in sheep and abundant expression of IAIPs in fetal and neonatal rodent brain in a variety of cellular types and brain regions. Although a few studies identified bikunin, light chain of IAIPs, in adult human brain, the presence of the complete endogenous IAIP protein complex has not been reported in human brain. In this study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of endogenous IAIPs in human cerebral cortex from early in development through the neonatal period and in adults using well-preserved postmortem brains. We examined total, nuclear, and cytoplasmic staining of endogenous IAIPs and their expression in neurofilament light polypeptide-positive neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. IAIPs were ubiquitously detected for the first time in cerebral cortical cells at 24-26, 27-28, 29-36, and 37-40 weeks of gestation and in adults. Quantitative analyses revealed that IAIPs were predominately localized in the nucleus in all age groups, but cytoplasmic IAIP expression was more abundant in adult than in the younger ages. Immunoreactivity of IAIPs was expressed in neurons and astrocytes in all age groups. In addition, IAIP co-localization with GFAP-positive astrocytes was more abundant in adults than in the developing brain. We conclude that IAIPs exhibit ubiquitous expression, and co-localize with neurons and astrocytes in the developing and adult human brain suggesting a potential role for IAIPs in development and endogenous neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Suzanne De La Monte
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Aparna Patra
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xiaodi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ray H Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Miles C Miller
- Department of Pathology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mehmet Halit Pinar
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yow-Pin Lim
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.,ProThera Biologics, Inc., Providence, RI, USA
| | - Edward G Stopa
- Department of Pathology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barbara S Stonestreet
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
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8
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Lundin A, Falk A. Quick Access to Human Astrocytic Software that Drives Neuronal Hardware. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 11:847-849. [PMID: 30304696 PMCID: PMC6178842 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.09.009] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have important functions in the brain and their deregulation may cause disease. Current ways to derive astrocytes from pluripotent stem cells are labor, time, and resource intensive, but in this issue of Stem Cell Reports, Li et al. present a faster method to produce functional astrocytes using transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Lundin
- Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Mölndal 43150, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden.
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9
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Pandey HS, Seth P. Friends Turn Foe-Astrocytes Contribute to Neuronal Damage in NeuroAIDS. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:286-297. [PMID: 31236774 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a wide variety of roles in the central nervous system (CNS). Various facets of astrocyte-neuron interplay, investigated for the past few decades, have placed these most abundant and important glial cell types to be of supreme importance for the maintenance of the healthy CNS. Interestingly, glial dysfunctions have proven to be the major contributor to neuronal loss in several CNS disorders and pathologies. Specifically, in the field of neuroAIDS, glial dysfunction-mediated neuronal stress is a major factor contributing to the HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. As there is increasing evidence that astrocytes harbor HIV-1 and serve as "safe haven" for the dormant virus in the brain, the indirect pathway of neuronal damage has taken over the direct neuronal damage in its contribution to HIV-1 neuropathogenesis. In this review, we provide a brief insight into the astrocyte functions and dysfunctions in different CNS conditions with an elaborated insight into neuroAIDS. Detailed understanding of the role of astrocytes in neuroAIDS will help in the better therapeutic management of the neurological problems associated with HIV-1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hriday Shanker Pandey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Neurovirology Section, National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Nainwal Road, NH-8, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122052, India
| | - Pankaj Seth
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Neurovirology Section, National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Nainwal Road, NH-8, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122052, India.
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10
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Scofield MD. Exploring the Role of Astroglial Glutamate Release and Association With Synapses in Neuronal Function and Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:778-786. [PMID: 29258653 PMCID: PMC5948108 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are stellate cells whose appearance can resemble a pointed star, especially when visualizing glial fibrillary acidic protein, a canonical marker for astrocytes. Accordingly, there is a commonly made connection between the points of light that shine in the night sky and the diffuse and abundant cells that buffer ions and provide support for neurons. An exceptional amount of function has been attributed to, negated for, and potentially reaffirmed for these cells, especially regarding their ability to release neuroactive molecules and influence synaptic plasticity. This makes the precise role of astrocytes in tuning neural communication seem difficult to grasp. However, data from animal models of addiction demonstrate that a variety of drug-induced molecular adaptations responsible for relapse vulnerability take place in astrocyte systems that regulate glutamate uptake and release. These findings highlight astrocytes as a critical component of the neural systems responsible for addiction, serving as a key component of the plasticity responsible for relapse and drug seeking. Here I assemble recent findings that utilize genetic tools to selectively manipulate or measure flux of internal calcium in astrocytes, focusing on G protein-coupled receptor-mediated mobilization of calcium and the induction of glutamate release. Further, I compile evidence regarding astrocyte glutamate release as well as astrocyte association with synapses with respect to the impact of these cellular phenomena in shaping synaptic transmission. I also place these findings in the context of the previous studies of Scofield et al., who explored the role of astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens in the neural mechanisms underlying cocaine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425 USA,Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425 USA
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11
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Robertson JM. The Gliocentric Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103033. [PMID: 30301132 PMCID: PMC6212929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Neuron Doctrine, the cornerstone of research on normal and abnormal brain functions for over a century, has failed to discern the basis of complex cognitive functions. The location and mechanisms of memory storage and recall, consciousness, and learning, remain enigmatic. The purpose of this article is to critically review the Neuron Doctrine in light of empirical data over the past three decades. Similarly, the central role of the synapse and associated neural networks, as well as ancillary hypotheses, such as gamma synchrony and cortical minicolumns, are critically examined. It is concluded that each is fundamentally flawed and that, over the past three decades, the study of non-neuronal cells, particularly astrocytes, has shown that virtually all functions ascribed to neurons are largely the result of direct or indirect actions of glia continuously interacting with neurons and neural networks. Recognition of non-neural cells in higher brain functions is extremely important. The strict adherence of purely neurocentric ideas, deeply ingrained in the great majority of neuroscientists, remains a detriment to understanding normal and abnormal brain functions. By broadening brain information processing beyond neurons, progress in understanding higher level brain functions, as well as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, will progress beyond the impasse that has been evident for decades.
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12
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Li X, Tao Y, Bradley R, Du Z, Tao Y, Kong L, Dong Y, Jones J, Yan Y, Harder CRK, Friedman LM, Bilal M, Hoffmann B, Zhang SC. Fast Generation of Functional Subtype Astrocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:998-1008. [PMID: 30269954 PMCID: PMC6178885 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a tedious and variable process. This hampers the study of hPSC-generated astrocytes in disease processes and drug development. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inducible expression of NFIA or NFIA plus SOX9 in hPSCs, we developed a method to efficiently generate astrocytes in 4-7 weeks. The astrocytic identity of the induced cells was verified by their characteristic molecular and functional properties as well as after transplantation. Furthermore, we developed a strategy to generate region-specific astrocyte subtypes by combining differentiation of regional progenitors and transgenic induction of astrocytes. This simple and efficient method offers a new opportunity to study the fundamental biology of human astrocytes and their roles in disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yezheng Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert Bradley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Yunlong Tao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Linghai Kong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yi Dong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jeffrey Jones
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yuanwei Yan
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Cole R K Harder
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Magd Bilal
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA; BrainXell, Inc., Madison, WI 53711, USA.
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13
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Interlaminar Glia and Other Glial Themes Revisited: Pending Answers Following Three Decades of Glial Research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/neuroglia1010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to highlight the various significant matters in glial research stemming from personal work by the author and associates at the Unit of Applied Neurobiology (UNA, CEMIC-CONICET), and some of the pending questions. A reassessment and further comments on interlaminar astrocytes—an astroglial cell type that is specific to humans and other non-human primates, and is not found in rodents, is presented. Tentative hypothesis regarding their function and future possible research lines that could contribute to further the analysis of their development and possible role(s), are suggested. The possibility that they function as a separate entity from the “territorial” astrocytes, is also considered. In addition, the potential significance of our observations on interspecies differences in in vitro glial cell dye coupling, on glial diffusible factors affecting the induction of this glial phenotype, and on their interference with the cellular toxic effects of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from l-DOPA treated patients with Parkinson´s disease, is also considered. The major differences oberved in the cerebral cortex glial layout between human and rodents—the main model for studying glial function and pathology—calls for a careful assessment of known and potential species differences in all aspects of glial cell biology. This is essential to provide a better understanding of the organization and function of human and non-human primate brain, and of the neurobiological basis of their behavior.
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14
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Chiarini A, Armato U, Gardenal E, Gui L, Dal Prà I. Amyloid β-Exposed Human Astrocytes Overproduce Phospho-Tau and Overrelease It within Exosomes, Effects Suppressed by Calcilytic NPS 2143-Further Implications for Alzheimer's Therapy. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:217. [PMID: 28473749 PMCID: PMC5397492 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The two main drivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) oligomers, cooperatively accelerate AD progression, but a hot debate is still ongoing about which of the two appears first. Here we present preliminary evidence showing that Tau and p-Tau are expressed by untransformed cortical adult human astrocytes in culture and that exposure of such cells to an Aβ42 proxy, Aβ25−35, which binds the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and activates its signaling, significantly increases intracellular p-Tau levels, an effect CaSR antagonist (calcilytic) NPS 2143 wholly hinders. The astrocytes also release both Tau and p-Tau by means of exosomes into the extracellular medium, an activity that could mediate p-Tau diffusion within the brain. Preliminary data also indicate that exosomal levels of p-Tau increase after Aβ25−35 exposure, but remain unchanged in cells pre-treated for 30-min with NPS 2143 before adding Aβ25−35. Thus, our previous and present findings raise the unifying prospect that Aβ•CaSR signaling plays a crucial role in AD development and progression by simultaneously activating (i) the amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor holoprotein, whose upshot is a surplus production and secretion of Aβ42 oligomers, and (ii) the GSK-3β-mediated increased production of p-Tau oligomers which are next released extracellularly inside exosomes. Therefore, as calcilytics suppress both effects on Aβ42 and p-Tau metabolic handling, these highly selective antagonists of pathological Aβ•CaSR signaling would effectively halt AD's progressive spread preserving patients' cognition and life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gardenal
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
| | - Li Gui
- Department of Neurology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, Medical School, University of VeronaVerona, Venetia, Italy
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15
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Muntané G, Santpere G, Verendeev A, Seeley WW, Jacobs B, Hopkins WD, Navarro A, Sherwood CC. Interhemispheric gene expression differences in the cerebral cortex of humans and macaque monkeys. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3241-3254. [PMID: 28317062 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1401-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Handedness and language are two well-studied examples of asymmetrical brain function in humans. Approximately 90% of humans exhibit a right-hand preference, and the vast majority shows left-hemisphere dominance for language function. Although genetic models of human handedness and language have been proposed, the actual gene expression differences between cerebral hemispheres in humans remain to be fully defined. In the present study, gene expression profiles were examined in both hemispheres of three cortical regions involved in handedness and language in humans and their homologues in rhesus macaques: ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, posterior superior temporal cortex (STC), and primary motor cortex. Although the overall pattern of gene expression was very similar between hemispheres in both humans and macaques, weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed gene co-expression modules associated with hemisphere, which are different among the three cortical regions examined. Notably, a receptor-enriched gene module in STC was particularly associated with hemisphere and showed different expression levels between hemispheres only in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Muntané
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
- Institut Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-CSIC, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gabriel Santpere
- Institut Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-CSIC, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrey Verendeev
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Bob Jacobs
- Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology, Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
| | - William D Hopkins
- Neuroscience Institute and the Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302, USA
| | - Arcadi Navarro
- Institut Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-CSIC, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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16
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Haarman BC'B, Riemersma-Van der Lek RF, Burger H, Drexhage HA, Nolen WA. The dysregulated brain: consequences of spatial and temporal brain complexity for bipolar disorder pathophysiology and diagnosis. Bipolar Disord 2016; 18:696-701. [PMID: 27995725 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasingly, evidence has been accumulating emphasizing the importance of looking at bipolar disorder (BD) from a neurodevelopmental and transdimensional perspective to better understand its origins and its course. In this overview article, the problems facing pathophysiological psychiatric research in BD are addressed and interpreted in the light of brain complexity. Brain complexity can be split into spatial complexity, which constitutes the physiological levels of the central nervous system (i.e., the genetic, molecular, cellular, neuronal circuit and phenomenological levels), and temporal complexity, that is, neurodevelopment. The consequences of this consideration are discussed and suggestions for clinical practice and pathophysiological psychiatric research are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartholomeus Cm 'Benno' Haarman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Radiology Morphological Solutions, Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
| | - Rixt F Riemersma-Van der Lek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert Burger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hemmo A Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Nolen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Colombo JA. The interlaminar glia: from serendipity to hypothesis. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1109-1129. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Endothelial proliferation modulates neuron-glia survival and differentiation in ischemic stress. Ann Neurosci 2015; 22:150-61. [PMID: 26130923 PMCID: PMC4481556 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.220305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown that endothelial proliferation and angiogenic response are characteristic of degenerative events, such that the magnitude of endothelial activation is reflective of the progression of neurodegeneration. Purpose This study sets out to, compare, the degenerative changes seen in the parietal cortex (PC) and periventricular zone (PVZ) after cyanide toxicity or vascular occlusion. Methods Global vascular occlusion (VO) and cyanide toxicity (CN) were induced in separate sets of male adult wistar rats for 10 days (treatment phase). Subsequently, the treatment was discontinued for another 10 days (withdrawal phase) (CN-I and VO-I). A separate group of control was maintained for 10 days and received normal saline for this duration. The animals were euthanized at day 10 (treatment and control) and day 20 (withdrawal) after which the tissue was processed for antigen retrieval immunohistochemistry to demonstrate; H&E (general histology) CD31/PECAM 1(endothelial proliferation), CD45 (monocyte/phagocyte), GFAP (glia), NSE (neuron), Ki-67 (cell proliferation) and NF (neurofilament). Total cell count, immunopositive cell counts, arterial wall thickness and lumen width were determined and plotted using ANOVA with significance set at P<0.05*. Results We observed an increase in endothelial proliferation (↑CD31), glia activation and a decrease in neuron count in vascular occlusion and cyanide toxicity after the treatment phase (degeneration). The neuron count increased (↑NSE) after withdrawal of cyanide treatment and vascular occlusion and was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in endothelial and glia activation (↓CD31/GFAP). Degenerative changes were more prominent in cyanide toxicity when compared with vascular occlusion. The increase in CD45 expression coupled with a reduced CD31/GFAP after the withdrawal phase was evident of vascular remodeling and neurosurvival. Conclusion We conclude that neuronal degeneration in cyanide toxicity or vascular occlusion is dependent on an increase in endothelial proliferation (↑CD31), glia activation (↑GFAP) and a decrease in monocyte expression (↓CD45); representing a pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, cyanide toxicity induced more prominent degenerative changes when compared with the vascular occlusion due to a higher CD31/GFAP expression. Subsequent withdrawal of the ischemia facilitated a reduction in GFAP/CD31 with a corresponding increase in monocytes (↑CD45) for vascular remodeling and neurosurvival. The VO-I showed a significant increase in vascular remodelling than the CN-I due to a more significant increase in monocytic expression (CD45) after the withdrawal of the occlusion. Generally, we found that degeneration was prominent in the parietal cortex and less in the periventricular zone for both forms of ischemia.
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