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Perales-Salinas V, Purushotham SS, Buskila Y. Curcumin as a potential therapeutic agent for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Neurochem Int 2024; 178:105790. [PMID: 38852825 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105790] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, posing a tremendous burden on health systems worldwide. Although the underlying pathological mechanisms for various neurodegenerative diseases are still unclear, a common pathological hallmark is the abundance of neuroinflammatory processes, which affect both disease onset and progression. In this review, we explore the pathways and role of neuroinflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases and further assess the potential use of curcumin, a natural spice with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been extensively used worldwide as a traditional medicine and potential therapeutic agent. Following the examination of preclinical and clinical studies that assessed curcumin as a potential therapeutic agent, we highlight the bioavailability of curcumin in the body and discuss both the challenges and benefits of using curcumin as a therapeutic compound for treating neurodegeneration. Although elucidating the involvement of curcumin in aging and neurodegeneration has great potential for developing future CNS-related therapeutic targets, further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which Curcumin affects brain physiology, especially BBB integrity, under both physiological and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia; The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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2
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Chaudhary R, Rehman M, Agarwal V, Kumar A, Kaushik AS, Srivastava S, Srivastava S, Verma R, Rajinikanth PS, Mishra V. Terra incognita of glial cell dynamics in the etiology of leukodystrophies: Broadening disease and therapeutic perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 354:122953. [PMID: 39122110 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuroglial cells, also known as glia, are primarily characterized as auxiliary cells within the central nervous system (CNS). The recent findings have shed light on their significance in numerous physiological processes and their involvement in various neurological disorders. Leukodystrophies encompass an array of rare and hereditary neurodegenerative conditions that were initially characterized by the deficiency, aberration, or degradation of myelin sheath within CNS. The primary cellular populations that experience significant alterations are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. These glial cells are either structurally or metabolically impaired due to inherent cellular dysfunction. Alternatively, they may fall victim to the accumulation of harmful by-products resulting from metabolic disturbances. In either situation, the possible replacement of glial cells through the utilization of implanted tissue or stem cell-derived human neural or glial progenitor cells hold great promise as a therapeutic strategy for both the restoration of structural integrity through remyelination and the amelioration of metabolic deficiencies. Various emerging treatment strategies like stem cell therapy, ex-vivo gene therapy, infusion of adeno-associated virus vectors, emerging RNA-based therapies as well as long-term therapies have demonstrated success in pre-clinical studies and show promise for rapid clinical translation. Here, we addressed various leukodystrophies in a comprehensive and detailed manner as well as provide prospective therapeutic interventions that are being considered for clinical trials. Further, we aim to emphasize the crucial role of different glial cells in the pathogenesis of leukodystrophies. By doing so, we hope to advance our understanding of the disease, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and facilitate the development of potential treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Siddhi Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Sukriti Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Rajkumar Verma
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 200 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - P S Rajinikanth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India.
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3
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Zhao D, Hu M, Liu S. Glial cells in the mammalian olfactory bulb. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1426094. [PMID: 39081666 PMCID: PMC11286597 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1426094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian olfactory bulb (OB), an essential part of the olfactory system, plays a critical role in odor detection and neural processing. Historically, research has predominantly focused on the neuronal components of the OB, often overlooking the vital contributions of glial cells. Recent advancements, however, underscore the significant roles that glial cells play within this intricate neural structure. This review discus the diverse functions and dynamics of glial cells in the mammalian OB, mainly focused on astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, olfactory ensheathing cells, and radial glia cells. Each type of glial contributes uniquely to the OB's functionality, influencing everything from synaptic modulation and neuronal survival to immune defense and axonal guidance. The review features their roles in maintaining neural health, their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, and their potential in therapeutic applications for neuroregeneration. By providing a comprehensive overview of glial cell types, their mechanisms, and interactions within the OB, this article aims to enhance our understanding of the olfactory system's complexity and the pivotal roles glial cells play in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaolin Liu
- Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, United States
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Yan Y, Cho AN. Human Brain In Vitro Model for Pathogen Infection-Related Neurodegeneration Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6522. [PMID: 38928228 PMCID: PMC11204318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126522] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have revolutionized the field of neurodegeneration research by enabling the development of sophisticated in vitro human brain models. These models, including 2D monolayer cultures, 3D organoids, organ-on-chips, and bioengineered 3D tissue models, aim to recapitulate the cellular diversity, structural organization, and functional properties of the native human brain. This review highlights how these in vitro brain models have been used to investigate the effects of various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites infection, particularly in the human brain cand their subsequent impacts on neurodegenerative diseases. Traditional studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of different 2D brain cell types to infection, elucidated the mechanisms underlying pathogen-induced neuroinflammation, and identified potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, current methodological improvement brought the technology of 3D models to overcome the challenges of 2D cells, such as the limited cellular diversity, incomplete microenvironment, and lack of morphological structures by highlighting the need for further technological advancements. This review underscored the significance of in vitro human brain cell from 2D monolayer to bioengineered 3D tissue model for elucidating the intricate dynamics for pathogen infection modeling. These in vitro human brain cell enabled researchers to unravel human specific mechanisms underlying various pathogen infections such as SARS-CoV-2 to alter blood-brain-barrier function and Toxoplasma gondii impacting neural cell morphology and its function. Ultimately, these in vitro human brain models hold promise as personalized platforms for development of drug compound, gene therapy, and vaccine. Overall, we discussed the recent progress in in vitro human brain models, their applications in studying pathogen infection-related neurodegeneration, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Dossi E, Zonca L, Pivonkova H, Milior G, Moulard J, Vargova L, Chever O, Holcman D, Rouach N. Astroglial gap junctions strengthen hippocampal network activity by sustaining afterhyperpolarization via KCNQ channels. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114158. [PMID: 38722742 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114158] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Throughout the brain, astrocytes form networks mediated by gap junction channels that promote the activity of neuronal ensembles. Although their inputs on neuronal information processing are well established, how molecular gap junction channels shape neuronal network patterns remains unclear. Here, using astroglial connexin-deficient mice, in which astrocytes are disconnected and neuronal bursting patterns are abnormal, we show that astrocyte networks strengthen bursting activity via dynamic regulation of extracellular potassium levels, independently of glutamate homeostasis or metabolic support. Using a facilitation-depression model, we identify neuronal afterhyperpolarization as the key parameter underlying bursting pattern regulation by extracellular potassium in mice with disconnected astrocytes. We confirm this prediction experimentally and reveal that astroglial network control of extracellular potassium sustains neuronal afterhyperpolarization via KCNQ voltage-gated K+ channels. Altogether, these data delineate how astroglial gap junctions mechanistically strengthen neuronal population bursts and point to approaches for controlling aberrant activity in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Lou Zonca
- Group of Data Modeling and Computational Biology, Institute of Biology, Ecole Normale Superieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France; ED386, Ecole Doctorale de Sciences Mathématiques Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Helena Pivonkova
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France; Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; 2(nd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Giampaolo Milior
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Julien Moulard
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; 2(nd) Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Oana Chever
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - David Holcman
- Group of Data Modeling and Computational Biology, Institute of Biology, Ecole Normale Superieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France.
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Nicholson C. Potassium seeks a role in the drama of neurodegeneration. Brain 2024; 147:1607-1609. [PMID: 38593179 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This scientific commentary refers to ‘Dysregulation of extracellular potassium distinguishes healthy ageing from neurodegeneration’ by Ding et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae075
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nicholson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
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Syvänen V, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:603-616. [PMID: 38409817 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2322988] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future. AREAS COVERED The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valtteri Syvänen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, and Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Bataveljic D, Pivonkova H, de Concini V, Hébert B, Ezan P, Briault S, Bemelmans AP, Pichon J, Menuet A, Rouach N. Astroglial Kir4.1 potassium channel deficit drives neuronal hyperexcitability and behavioral defects in Fragile X syndrome mouse model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3583. [PMID: 38678030 PMCID: PMC11055954 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47681-y] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the loss of the mRNA-binding fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FXS is characterized by neuronal hyperexcitability and behavioral defects, however the mechanisms underlying these critical dysfunctions remain unclear. Here, using male Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, we identify abnormal extracellular potassium homeostasis, along with impaired potassium channel Kir4.1 expression and function in astrocytes. Further, we reveal that Kir4.1 mRNA is a binding target of FMRP. Finally, we show that the deficit in astroglial Kir4.1 underlies neuronal hyperexcitability and several behavioral defects in Fmr1 knockout mice. Viral delivery of Kir4.1 channels specifically to hippocampal astrocytes from Fmr1 knockout mice indeed rescues normal astrocyte potassium uptake, neuronal excitability, and cognitive and social performance. Our findings uncover an important role for astrocyte dysfunction in the pathophysiology of FXS, and identify Kir4.1 channel as a potential therapeutic target for FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Bataveljic
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Helena Pivonkova
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
- Department of Physiology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vidian de Concini
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, CNRS UMR7355 and Orléans University, Orléans, France
| | - Betty Hébert
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, CNRS UMR7355 and Orléans University, Orléans, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, CNRS UMR7355 and Orléans University, Orléans, France
- Department of Genetics, Regional Hospital, Orléans, France
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, MIRCen, and CNRS UMR 9199, Université Paris-Sud, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, 92260, France
| | - Jacques Pichon
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, CNRS UMR7355 and Orléans University, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Menuet
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, CNRS UMR7355 and Orléans University, Orléans, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, Paris, France.
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Mazzitelli M, Ponomareva O, Presto P, John J, Neugebauer V. Impaired amygdala astrocytic signaling worsens neuropathic pain-associated neuronal functions and behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1368634. [PMID: 38576475 PMCID: PMC10991799 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pain is a clinically relevant health care issue with limited therapeutic options, creating the need for new and improved analgesic strategies. The amygdala is a limbic brain region critically involved in the regulation of emotional-affective components of pain and in pain modulation. The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) serves major output functions and receives nociceptive information via the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PB). While amygdala neuroplasticity has been linked causally to pain behaviors, non-neuronal pain mechanisms in this region remain to be explored. As an essential part of the neuroimmune system, astrocytes that represent about 40-50% of glia cells within the central nervous system, are required for physiological neuronal functions, but their role in the amygdala remains to be determined for pain conditions. In this study, we measured time-specific astrocyte activation in the CeA in a neuropathic pain model (spinal nerve ligation, SNL) and assessed the effects of astrocyte inhibition on amygdala neuroplasticity and pain-like behaviors in the pain condition. Methods and Results: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocytic marker) immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were increased at the chronic (4 weeks post-SNL), but not acute (1 week post-SNL), stage of neuropathic pain. In order to determine the contribution of astrocytes to amygdala pain-mechanisms, we used fluorocitric acid (FCA), a selective inhibitor of astrocyte metabolism. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed from neurons in the laterocapsular division of the CeA (CeLC) obtained from chronic neuropathic rats. Pre-incubation of brain slices with FCA (100 µM, 1 h), increased excitability through altered hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) functions, without significantly affecting synaptic responses at the PB-CeLC synapse. Intra-CeA injection of FCA (100 µM) had facilitatory effects on mechanical withdrawal thresholds (von Frey and paw pressure tests) and emotional-affective behaviors (evoked vocalizations), but not on facial grimace score and anxiety-like behaviors (open field test), in chronic neuropathic rats. Selective inhibition of astrocytes by FCA was confirmed with immunohistochemical analyses showing decreased astrocytic GFAP, but not NeuN, signal in the CeA. Discussion: Overall, these results suggest a complex modulation of amygdala pain functions by astrocytes and provide evidence for beneficial functions of astrocytes in CeA in chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Julia John
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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10
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Martínez-Gallego I, Rodríguez-Moreno A. Adenosine and Cortical Plasticity. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241236773. [PMID: 38497585 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241236773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Brain plasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its structure and functioning in response to experiences. These changes occur mainly at synaptic connections, and this plasticity is named synaptic plasticity. During postnatal development, environmental influences trigger changes in synaptic plasticity that will play a crucial role in the formation and refinement of brain circuits and their functions in adulthood. One of the greatest challenges of present neuroscience is to try to explain how synaptic connections change and cortical maps are formed and modified to generate the most suitable adaptive behavior after different external stimuli. Adenosine is emerging as a key player in these plastic changes at different brain areas. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the induction and duration of synaptic plasticity at different postnatal brain development stages in which adenosine, probably released by astrocytes, directly participates in the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity and in the control of the duration of plasticity windows at different cortical synapses. In addition, we comment on the role of the different adenosine receptors in brain diseases and on the potential therapeutic effects of acting via adenosine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martínez-Gallego
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
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11
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Li B, Yu W, Verkhratsky A. Trace metals and astrocytes physiology and pathophysiology. Cell Calcium 2024; 118:102843. [PMID: 38199057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102843] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Several trace metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc are essential for normal function of the nervous system. Both deficiency and excessive accumulation of these metals trigger neuropathological developments. The central nervous system (CNS) is in possession of dedicated homeostatic system that removes, accumulates, stores and releases these metals to fulfil nervous tissue demand. This system is mainly associated with astrocytes that act as dynamic reservoirs for trace metals, these being a part of a global system of CNS ionostasis. Here we overview physiological and pathophysiological aspects of astrocyte-cantered trace metals regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Weiyang Yu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, Ikerbasque, Bilbao 48011, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius LT-01102, Lithuania.
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12
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Manippa V, Palmisano A, Nitsche MA, Filardi M, Vilella D, Logroscino G, Rivolta D. Cognitive and Neuropathophysiological Outcomes of Gamma-tACS in Dementia: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:338-361. [PMID: 36877327 PMCID: PMC10920470 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09589-0] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the numerous pharmacological interventions targeting dementia, no disease-modifying therapy is available, and the prognosis remains unfavorable. A promising perspective involves tackling high-frequency gamma-band (> 30 Hz) oscillations involved in hippocampal-mediated memory processes, which are impaired from the early stages of typical Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Particularly, the positive effects of gamma-band entrainment on mouse models of AD have prompted researchers to translate such findings into humans using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a methodology that allows the entrainment of endogenous cortical oscillations in a frequency-specific manner. This systematic review examines the state-of-the-art on the use of gamma-tACS in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia patients to shed light on its feasibility, therapeutic impact, and clinical effectiveness. A systematic search from two databases yielded 499 records resulting in 10 included studies and a total of 273 patients. The results were arranged in single-session and multi-session protocols. Most of the studies demonstrated cognitive improvement following gamma-tACS, and some studies showed promising effects of gamma-tACS on neuropathological markers, suggesting the feasibility of gamma-tACS in these patients anyhow far from the strong evidence available for mouse models. Nonetheless, the small number of studies and their wide variability in terms of aims, parameters, and measures, make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We discuss results and methodological limitations of the studies, proposing possible solutions and future avenues to improve research on the effects of gamma-tACS on dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Manippa
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Palmisano
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marco Filardi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Vilella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Rivolta
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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13
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Tighilet B, Trico J, Marouane E, Zwergal A, Chabbert C. Histaminergic System and Vestibular Function in Normal and Pathological Conditions. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1826-1845. [PMID: 38504566 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240319123151] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Most neurotransmitter systems are represented in the central and peripheral vestibular system and are thereby involved both in normal vestibular signal processing and the pathophysiology of vestibular disorders. However, there is a special relationship between the vestibular system and the histaminergic system. The purpose of this review is to document how the histaminergic system interferes with normal and pathological vestibular function. In particular, we will discuss neurobiological mechanisms such as neuroinflammation that involve histamine to modulate and allow restoration of balance function in the situation of a vestibular insult. These adaptive mechanisms represent targets of histaminergic pharmacological compounds capable of restoring vestibular function in pathological situations. The clinical use of drugs targeting the histaminergic system in various vestibular disorders is critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahim Tighilet
- Aix Marseille Université-CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, LNC UMR 7291, Marseille, Groupe de Recherche Vertige (GDR#2074), France
| | - Jessica Trico
- Aix Marseille Université-CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, LNC UMR 7291, Marseille, Groupe de Recherche Vertige (GDR#2074), France
| | - Emna Marouane
- Aix Marseille Université-CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, LNC UMR 7291, Marseille, Groupe de Recherche Vertige (GDR#2074), France
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHU Caen, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Andreas Zwergal
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Chabbert
- Aix Marseille Université-CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, LNC UMR 7291, Marseille, Groupe de Recherche Vertige (GDR#2074), France
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14
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Ringuette D, EbrahimAmini A, Sangphosuk W, Aquilino MS, Carroll G, Ashley M, Bazzigaluppi P, Dufour S, Droguerre M, Stefanovic B, Levi O, Charveriat M, Monnier PP, Carlen PL. Spreading depolarization suppression from inter-astrocytic gap junction blockade assessed with multimodal imaging and a novel wavefront detection scheme. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00298. [PMID: 38241157 PMCID: PMC10903093 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.008] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are an enigmatic and ubiquitous co-morbidity of neural dysfunction. SDs are propagating waves of local field depolarization and increased extracellular potassium. They increase the metabolic demand on brain tissue, resulting in changes in tissue blood flow, and are associated with adverse neurological consequences including stroke, epilepsy, neurotrauma, and migraine. Their occurrence is associated with poor patient prognosis through mechanisms which are only partially understood. Here we show in vivo that two (structurally dissimilar) drugs, which suppress astroglial gap junctional communication, can acutely suppress SDs. We found that mefloquine hydrochloride (MQH), administered IP, slowed the propagation of the SD potassium waveform and intermittently led to its suppression. The hemodynamic response was similarly delayed and intermittently suppressed. Furthermore, in instances where SD led to transient tissue swelling, MQH reduced observable tissue displacement. Administration of meclofenamic acid (MFA) IP was found to reduce blood flow, both proximal and distal, to the site of SD induction, preceding a large reduction in the amplitude of the SD-associated potassium wave. We introduce a novel image processing scheme for SD wavefront localization under low-contrast imaging conditions permitting full-field wavefront velocity mapping and wavefront parametrization. We found that MQH administration delayed SD wavefront's optical correlates. These two clinically used drugs, both gap junctional blockers found to distinctly suppress SDs, may be of therapeutic benefit in the various brain disorders associated with recurrent SDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dene Ringuette
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
| | - Azin EbrahimAmini
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Weerawong Sangphosuk
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Mark S Aquilino
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Gwennyth Carroll
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Max Ashley
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Paolo Bazzigaluppi
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Suzie Dufour
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | | | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Ofer Levi
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Rd., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
| | | | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 340 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
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15
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Ko HG, Chun H, Han S, Kaang BK. Role of spinal astrocytes through the perisynaptic astrocytic process in pathological pain. Mol Brain 2023; 16:81. [PMID: 38093330 PMCID: PMC10717263 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01069-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological pain is caused by abnormal activity in the neural circuit that transmits nociceptive stimuli. Beyond homeostatic functions, astrocytes actively participate in regulating synaptic transmission as members of tripartite synapses. The perisynaptic astrocytic process (PAP) is the key structure that allows astrocytes to play these roles and not only physically supports synapse formation through cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) but also regulates the efficiency of chemical signaling. Accumulating evidence has revealed that spinal astrocytes are involved in pathological pain by modulating the efficacy of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA through transporters located in the PAP and by directly regulating synaptic transmission through various gliotransmitters. Although various CAMs contribute to pathological pain, insufficient evidence is available as to whether astrocytic CAMs also have this role. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed on how pathological pain is induced and maintained by astrocytes, especially in the PAP surrounding the synapse, and this will subsequently increase our understanding and treatment of pathological pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung-Gon Ko
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2177 Dalgubeol- daero, Daegu, 41940, South Korea
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Heejung Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei-SL Bigen Institute (YSLI), Yonsei University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Seunghyo Han
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2177 Dalgubeol- daero, Daegu, 41940, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Life Science Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
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16
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Rosenberg MF, Godoy MI, Wade SD, Paredes MF, Zhang Y, Molofsky AV. β-Adrenergic Signaling Promotes Morphological Maturation of Astrocytes in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8621-8636. [PMID: 37845031 PMCID: PMC10727121 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0357-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play essential roles in the developing nervous system, including supporting synapse function. These astrocyte support functions emerge coincident with brain maturation and may be tailored in a region-specific manner. For example, gray matter astrocytes have elaborate synapse-associated processes and are morphologically and molecularly distinct from white matter astrocytes. This raises the question of whether there are unique environmental cues that promote gray matter astrocyte identity and synaptogenic function. We previously identified adrenergic receptors as preferentially enriched in developing gray versus white matter astrocytes, suggesting that noradrenergic signaling could be a cue that promotes the functional maturation of gray matter astrocytes. We first characterized noradrenergic projections during postnatal brain development in mouse and human, finding that process density was higher in the gray matter and increased concurrently with astrocyte maturation. RNA sequencing revealed that astrocytes in both species expressed α- and β-adrenergic receptors. We found that stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors increased primary branching of rodent astrocytes in vitro Conversely, astrocyte-conditional knockout of the β1-adrenergic receptor reduced the size of gray matter astrocytes and led to dysregulated sensorimotor integration in female mice. These studies suggest that adrenergic signaling to developing astrocytes impacts their morphology and has implications for adult behavior, particularly in female animals. More broadly, they demonstrate a mechanism through which environmental cues impact astrocyte development. Given the key roles of norepinephrine in brain states, such as arousal, stress, and learning, these findings could prompt further inquiry into how developmental stressors impact astrocyte development and adult brain function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study demonstrates a role for noradrenergic signaling in the development of gray matter astrocytes. We provide new evidence that the β1-adrenergic receptor is robustly expressed by both mouse and human astrocytes, and that conditional KO of the β1-adrenergic receptor from female mouse astrocytes impairs gray matter astrocyte maturation. Moreover, female conditional KO mice exhibit behavioral deficits in two paradigms that test sensorimotor function. Given the emerging interest in moving beyond RNA sequencing to probe specific pathways that underlie astrocyte heterogeneity, this study provides a foundation for future investigation into the effect of noradrenergic signaling on astrocyte functions in conditions where noradrenergic signaling is altered, such as stress, arousal, and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marci F Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Marlesa I Godoy
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Sarah D Wade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Mercedes F Paredes
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Anna V Molofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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17
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Hjukse JB, Puebla MFDL, Vindedal GF, Sprengel R, Jensen V, Nagelhus EA, Tang W. Increased membrane Ca 2+ permeability drives astrocytic Ca 2+ dynamics during neuronal stimulation at excitatory synapses. Glia 2023; 71:2770-2781. [PMID: 37564028 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24450] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are intricately involved in the activity of neural circuits; however, their basic physiology of interacting with nearby neurons is not well established. Using two-photon imaging of neurons and astrocytes during higher frequency stimulation of hippocampal CA3-CA1 Schaffer collateral (Scc) excitatory synapses, we could show that increasing levels of released glutamate accelerated local astrocytic Ca2+ elevation. However, blockage of glutamate transporters did not abolish this astrocytic Ca2+ response, suggesting that astrocytic Ca2+ elevation is indirectly associated with an uptake of extracellular glutamate. However, during the astrocytic glutamate uptake, the Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) reverse mode was activated, and mediated extracellular Ca2+ entry, thereby triggering the internal release of Ca2+ . In addition, extracellular Ca2+ entry via membrane P2X receptors further facilitated astrocytic Ca2+ elevation via ATP binding. These findings suggest a novel mechanism of activity induced Ca2+ permeability increases of astrocytic membranes, which drives astrocytic responses during neuronal stimulation of CA3-CA1 Scc excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarand B Hjukse
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mario F D L Puebla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Neuroclinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gry Fluge Vindedal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vidar Jensen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend A Nagelhus
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Group of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wannan Tang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Neuroclinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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18
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Meyer C, Grego E, S. Vasanthi S, Rao NS, Massey N, Holtkamp C, Huss J, Showman L, Narasimhan B, Thippeswamy T. The NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor, Mitoapocynin, Mitigates DFP-Induced Reactive Astrogliosis in a Rat Model of Organophosphate Neurotoxicity. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2061. [PMID: 38136181 PMCID: PMC10740988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a primary mediator of superoxides, which promote oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation after diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) intoxication. Although orally administered mitoapocynin (MPO, 10 mg/kg), a mitochondrial-targeted NOX inhibitor, reduced oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines in the periphery, its efficacy in the brain regions of DFP-exposed rats was limited. In this study, we encapsulated MPO in polyanhydride nanoparticles (NPs) based on 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) hexane (CPH) and sebacic anhydride (SA) for enhanced drug delivery to the brain and compared with a high oral dose of MPO (30 mg/kg). NOX2 (GP91phox) regulation and microglial (IBA1) morphology were analyzed to determine the efficacy of MPO-NP vs. MPO-oral in an 8-day study in the rat DFP model. Compared to the control, DFP-exposed animals exhibited significant upregulation of NOX2 and a reduced length and number of microglial processes, indicative of reactive microglia. Neither MPO treatment attenuated the DFP effect. Neurodegeneration (FJB+NeuN) was significantly greater in DFP-exposed groups regardless of treatment. Interestingly, neuronal loss in DFP+MPO-treated animals was not significantly different from the control. MPO-oral rescued inhibitory neuronal loss in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Notably, MPO-NP and MPO-oral significantly reduced astrogliosis (absolute GFAP counts) and reactive gliosis (C3+GFAP). An analysis of inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir4.1) in astroglia revealed a significant reduction in the brain regions of the DFP+VEH group, but MPO had no effect. Overall, both NP-encapsulated and orally administered MPO had similar effects. Our findings demonstrate that MPO effectively mitigates DFP-induced reactive astrogliosis in several key brain regions and protects neurons in CA1, which may have long-term beneficial effects on spontaneous seizures and behavioral comorbidities. Long-term telemetry and behavioral studies and a different dosing regimen of MPO are required to understand its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Meyer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Elizabeth Grego
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (E.G.); (B.N.)
| | - Suraj S. Vasanthi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Nikhil S. Rao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Nyzil Massey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Claire Holtkamp
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Joselyn Huss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
| | - Lucas Showman
- W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (E.G.); (B.N.)
| | - Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (C.M.); (S.S.V.); (N.S.R.); (N.M.); (C.H.); (J.H.)
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19
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Reyner-Parra D, Bonet C, Seara TM, Huguet G. Traveling waves in a model for cortical spreading depolarization with slow-fast dynamics. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2023; 33:083154. [PMID: 38060797 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Cortical spreading depression and spreading depolarization (CSD) are waves of neuronal depolarization that spread across the cortex, leading to a temporary saturation of brain activity. They are associated with various brain disorders such as migraine and ischemia. We consider a reduced version of a biophysical model of a neuron-astrocyte network for the initiation and propagation of CSD waves [Huguet et al., Biophys. J. 111(2), 452-462, 2016], consisting of reaction-diffusion equations. The reduced model considers only the dynamics of the neuronal and astrocytic membrane potentials and the extracellular potassium concentration, capturing the instigation process implicated in such waves. We present a computational and mathematical framework based on the parameterization method and singular perturbation theory to provide semi-analytical results on the existence of a wave solution and to compute it jointly with its velocity of propagation. The traveling wave solution can be seen as a heteroclinic connection of an associated system of ordinary differential equations with a slow-fast dynamics. The presence of distinct time scales within the system introduces numerical instabilities, which we successfully address through the identification of significant invariant manifolds and the implementation of the parameterization method. Our results provide a methodology that allows to identify efficiently and accurately the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of these waves and the wave propagation velocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reyner-Parra
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Avda. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Bonet
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Avda. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa M Seara
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Avda. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC - Barcelona Tech (IMTech), Pau Gargallo 14, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Gemma Huguet
- Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Avda. Diagonal 647, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Matemàtiques de la UPC - Barcelona Tech (IMTech), Pau Gargallo 14, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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20
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Cullen PF, Sun D. Astrocytes of the eye and optic nerve: heterogeneous populations with unique functions mediate axonal resilience and vulnerability to glaucoma. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1217137. [PMID: 37829657 PMCID: PMC10569075 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1217137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The role of glia, particularly astrocytes, in mediating the central nervous system's response to injury and neurodegenerative disease is an increasingly well studied topic. These cells perform myriad support functions under physiological conditions but undergo behavioral changes - collectively referred to as 'reactivity' - in response to the disruption of neuronal homeostasis from insults, including glaucoma. However, much remains unknown about how reactivity alters disease progression - both beneficially and detrimentally - and whether these changes can be therapeutically modulated to improve outcomes. Historically, the heterogeneity of astrocyte behavior has been insufficiently addressed under both physiological and pathological conditions, resulting in a fragmented and often contradictory understanding of their contributions to health and disease. Thanks to increased focus in recent years, we now know this heterogeneity encompasses both intrinsic variation in physiological function and insult-specific changes that vary between pathologies. Although previous studies demonstrate astrocytic alterations in glaucoma, both in human disease and animal models, generally these findings do not conclusively link astrocytes to causative roles in neuroprotection or degeneration, rather than a subsequent response. Efforts to bolster our understanding by drawing on knowledge of brain astrocytes has been constrained by the primacy in the literature of findings from peri-synaptic 'gray matter' astrocytes, whereas much early degeneration in glaucoma occurs in axonal regions populated by fibrous 'white matter' astrocytes. However, by focusing on findings from astrocytes of the anterior visual pathway - those of the retina, unmyelinated optic nerve head, and myelinated optic nerve regions - we aim to highlight aspects of their behavior that may contribute to axonal vulnerability and glaucoma progression, including roles in mitochondrial turnover and energy provisioning. Furthermore, we posit that astrocytes of the retina, optic nerve head and myelinated optic nerve, although sharing developmental origins and linked by a network of gap junctions, may be best understood as distinct populations residing in markedly different niches with accompanying functional specializations. A closer investigation of their behavioral repertoires may elucidate not only their role in glaucoma, but also mechanisms to induce protective behaviors that can impede the progressive axonal damage and retinal ganglion cell death that drive vision loss in this devastating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F. Cullen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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21
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Obi MF, Cho HJ, Sharma M, Noel C, Gargiulo PR, Vega MM, Hlaing W. Beyond Syncopal Episodes: A Complicated Hyperkalemic Emergency Manifesting As Complete Heart Block and Seizure Versus Convulsive Syncope Cascade. Cureus 2023; 15:e41473. [PMID: 37546063 PMCID: PMC10404148 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a case involving an 87-year-old woman who had a hyperkalemic emergency. This condition was further complicated by complete heart block (CHB) and seizure-like activity. This case emphasizes the challenge of differentiating between seizures and convulsive syncope. Achieving an accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the appropriate medical treatment. This case report highlights the various symptoms and complications associated with hyperkalemia, emphasizing the importance of conducting a thorough examination to explore other potential causes. Additionally, it emphasizes the usefulness of the head-upright tilt test (HUTT) as a method to differentiate convulsive syncope from seizures, particularly in cases involving vagal stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukosolu F Obi
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Hyun Joon Cho
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Manjari Sharma
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Chelsea Noel
- School of Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, GRD
| | - Paul R Gargiulo
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Melissa M Vega
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
| | - Win Hlaing
- Internal Medicine, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, USA
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22
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Purushotham SS, Buskila Y. Astrocytic modulation of neuronal signalling. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1205544. [PMID: 37332623 PMCID: PMC10269688 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1205544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal signalling is a key element in neuronal communication and is essential for the proper functioning of the CNS. Astrocytes, the most prominent glia in the brain play a key role in modulating neuronal signalling at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and network levels. Over the past few decades, our knowledge about astrocytes and their functioning has evolved from considering them as merely a brain glue that provides structural support to neurons, to key communication elements. Astrocytes can regulate the activity of neurons by controlling the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular milieu, as well as releasing chemicals and gliotransmitters that modulate neuronal activity. The aim of this review is to summarise the main processes through which astrocytes are modulating brain function. We will systematically distinguish between direct and indirect pathways in which astrocytes affect neuronal signalling at all levels. Lastly, we will summarize pathological conditions that arise once these signalling pathways are impaired focusing on neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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23
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O'Neill KM, Saracino E, Barile B, Mennona NJ, Mola MG, Pathak S, Posati T, Zamboni R, Nicchia GP, Benfenati V, Losert W. Decoding Natural Astrocyte Rhythms: Dynamic Actin Waves Result from Environmental Sensing by Primary Rodent Astrocytes. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200269. [PMID: 36709481 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key regulators of brain homeostasis, equilibrating ion, water, and neurotransmitter concentrations and maintaining essential conditions for proper cognitive function. Recently, it has been shown that the excitability of the actin cytoskeleton manifests in second-scale dynamic fluctuations and acts as a sensor of chemophysical environmental cues. However, it is not known whether the cytoskeleton is excitable in astrocytes and how the homeostatic function of astrocytes is linked to the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. Here it is shown that homeostatic regulation involves the excitable dynamics of actin in certain subcellular regions of astrocytes, especially near the cell boundary. The results further indicate that actin dynamics concentrate into "hotspot" regions that selectively respond to certain chemophysical stimuli, specifically the homeostatic challenges of ion or water concentration increases. Substrate topography makes the actin dynamics of astrocytes weaker. Super-resolution images demonstrate that surface topography is also associated with the predominant perpendicular alignment of actin filaments near the cell boundary, whereas flat substrates result in an actin cortex mainly parallel to the cell boundary. Additionally, coculture with neurons increases both the probability of actin dynamics and the strength of hotspots. The excitable systems character of actin thus makes astrocytes direct participants in neural cell network dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M O'Neill
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Emanuela Saracino
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, National Research Council of Italy, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Barile
- Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicholas J Mennona
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Physics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Maria Grazia Mola
- Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Spandan Pathak
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Tamara Posati
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, National Research Council of Italy, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Zamboni
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, National Research Council of Italy, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia P Nicchia
- Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Valentina Benfenati
- Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, National Research Council of Italy, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Losert
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Physics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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24
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Long-term plasticity of astrocytic phenotypes and their control by neurons in health and disease. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:39-47. [PMID: 36695493 PMCID: PMC10011399 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The brain is a complex organ even when viewed from a cell biological perspective. Neuronal networks are embedded in a dense milieu of diverse and specialised cell types, including several types of vascular, immune, and macroglial cells. To view each cell as a small cog in a highly complex machine is itself an oversimplification. Not only are they functionally coupled to enable the brain to operate, each cell type's functions are themselves influenced by each other, in development, maturity, and also in disease. Astrocytes are a type of macroglia that occupy a significant fraction of the human forebrain. They play a critical role in sustaining functional neuronal circuits across the lifespan through myriad homeostatic functions including the maintenance of redox balance, ionic gradients, neurotransmitter clearance, and bioenergetic support. It is becoming apparent that astrocytes' capacity to carry out these and other neurosupportive roles is not fixed, but is regulated by signals coming from the neurons themselves, both in the healthy brain but also in response to neuron-derived disease pathology. Here, we review mechanisms by which neurons control the properties of astrocytes long term in order to alter their homeostatic capacity both in development and maturity. Our working hypothesis is that these signals are designed to change and maintain the homeostatic capacity of local astrocytes to suit the needs of nearby neurons. Knowledge of the external signals that can control core aspects of a healthy astrocytic phenotype are being uncovered, raising the question as to whether this knowledge can be harnessed to promote astrocyte-mediated neurosupport in brain disorders.
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25
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Heteromerization of Dopamine D2 and Oxytocin Receptor in Adult Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054677. [PMID: 36902106 PMCID: PMC10002782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of oxytocin (OT) to interact with the dopaminergic system through facilitatory D2-OT receptor (OTR) receptor-receptor interaction in the limbic system is increasingly considered to play roles in social or emotional behavior, and suggested to serve as a potential therapeutic target. Although roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of OT and dopamine in the central nervous system are well recognized, the possibility of D2-OTR receptor-receptor interaction in astrocytes has been neglected. In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OTR and dopamine D2 receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of activation of these receptors were evaluated in the processes through a neurochemical study of glutamate release evoked by 4-aminopyridine; D2-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay (PLA). The structure of the possible D2-OTR heterodimer was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. We found that both D2 and OTR were expressed on the same astrocyte processes and controlled the release of glutamate, showing a facilitatory receptor-receptor interaction in the D2-OTR heteromers. Biochemical and biophysical evidence confirmed D2-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes. The residues in the transmembrane domains four and five of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. In conclusion, roles for astrocytic D2-OTR in the control of glutamatergic synapse functioning through modulation of astrocytic glutamate release should be taken into consideration when considering interactions between oxytocinergic and dopaminergic systems in striatum.
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26
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Ozaki T, Mikami K, Toyomaki A, Hashimoto N, Ito YM, Kusumi I. Assessment of electroencephalography modification by antipsychotic drugs in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders using frontier orbital theory: A preliminary study. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2023. [PMID: 36811149 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Schizophrenia is characterized by an abnormality in electroencephalography (EEG), which can be affected by antipsychotic drugs. Recently, the mechanism underlying these EEG alterations in schizophrenia patients was reframed from the perspective of redox abnormalities. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) can be calculated using a computational method and may be useful for evaluating the antioxidant/prooxidant effect of antipsychotic drugs. Thus, we examined the association between the effects of antipsychotic monotherapy on quantitative EEG and HOMO/LUMO energy. METHODS We used medical report data including EEG results of psychiatric patients admitted to Hokkaido University Hospital. We extracted the EEG records of patients diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder undergoing antipsychotic monotherapy during the natural course of treatment (n = 37). We evaluated the HOMO/LUMO energy of all antipsychotic drugs using computational methods. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the HOMO/LUMO energy of all antipsychotic drugs and spectral band power in all patients. Statistical significance was set at p < 6.25 × 10-4 adjusted with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS We showed that the HOMO energy of all antipsychotic drugs had weak positive correlations with delta- and gamma-band power (e.g., standardized β = 0.617 for delta in the F3 channel, p = 6.6 × 10-5 ; standardized β = 0.563 for gamma in the O1 channel, p = 5.0 × 10-4 ). CONCLUSION Although there may be unexpected bias and confounding factors, our findings suggest that the effect of antipsychotic drugs on EEG may be related to their antioxidant actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of psychiatry, Koyogaoka Hospital, Abashiri, Japan
| | - Koichiro Mikami
- Department of material chemistry, Sagami Chemical Research Institute, Ayase, Japan
| | - Atsuhito Toyomaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoki Hashimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoichi M Ito
- Data Science Center, Promotion Unit, Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kusumi
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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27
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Arora Y, Dutta A. Perspective: Disentangling the effects of tES on neurovascular unit. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1038700. [PMID: 36698881 PMCID: PMC9868757 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1038700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) can modulate the neurovascular unit, including the perivascular space morphology, but the mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective article, we used an open-source "rsHRF toolbox" and an open-source functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) data set to show the effects of tDCS on the temporal profile of the haemodynamic response function (HRF). We investigated the effects of tDCS in the gray matter and at three regions of interest in the gray matter, namely, the anodal electrode (FC5), cathodal electrode (FP2), and an independent site remote from the electrodes (PZ). A "canonical HRF" with time and dispersion derivatives and a finite impulse response (FIR) model with three parameters captured the effects of anodal tDCS on the temporal profile of the HRF. The FIR model showed tDCS onset effects on the temporal profile of HRF for verum and sham tDCS conditions that were different from the no tDCS condition, which questions the validity of the sham tDCS (placebo). Here, we postulated that the effects of tDCS onset on the temporal profile of HRF are subserved by the effects on neurovascular coupling. We provide our perspective based on previous work on tES effects on the neurovascular unit, including mechanistic grey-box modeling of the effects of tES on the vasculature that can facilitate model predictive control (MPC). Future studies need to investigate grey-box modeling of online effects of tES on the neurovascular unit, including perivascular space, neurometabolic coupling, and neurovascular coupling, that can facilitate MPC of the tES dose-response to address the momentary ("state") and phenotypic ("trait") factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Arora
- Neuroimaging and Neurospectroscopy (NINS) Laboratory, National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram, India
| | - Anirban Dutta
- School of Engineering, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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28
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Neuronal hyperexcitability and ion channel dysfunction in CDKL5-deficiency patient iPSC-derived cortical organoids. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105882. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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29
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Kim SS, Bae Y, Kwon O, Kwon SH, Seo JB, Hwang EM, Park JY. β-COP Regulates TWIK1/TREK1 Heterodimeric Channel-Mediated Passive Conductance in Astrocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203322. [PMID: 36291187 PMCID: PMC9600989 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature astrocytes are characterized by a K+ conductance (passive conductance) that changes with a constant slope with voltage, which is involved in K+ homeostasis in the brain. Recently, we reported that the tandem of pore domains in a weak inward rectifying K+ channel (TWIK1 or KCNK1) and TWIK-related K+ channel 1 (TREK1 or KCNK2) form heterodimeric channels that mediate passive conductance in astrocytes. However, little is known about the binding proteins that regulate the function of the TWIK1/TREK1 heterodimeric channels. Here, we found that β-coat protein (COP) regulated the surface expression and activity of the TWIK1/TREK1 heterodimeric channels in astrocytes. β-COP binds directly to TREK1 but not TWIK1 in a heterologous expression system. However, β-COP also interacts with the TWIK1/TREK1 heterodimeric channel in a TREK1 dependent manner and enhances the surface expression of the heterodimeric channel in astrocytes. Consequently, it regulates TWIK1/TREK1 heterodimeric channel-mediated passive conductance in astrocytes in the mouse brain. Taken together, these results suggest that β-COP is a potential regulator of astrocytic passive conductance in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Seop Kim
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Yeonju Bae
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Osung Kwon
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seung-Hae Kwon
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jong Bok Seo
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Eun Mi Hwang
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3290-5637
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30
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Andreeva D, Murashova L, Burzak N, Dyachuk V. Satellite Glial Cells: Morphology, functional heterogeneity, and role in pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1019449. [PMID: 36274990 PMCID: PMC9583829 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1019449] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the somatic, sympathetic, and parasympathetic ganglia are surrounded by envelopes consisting of satellite glial cells (SGCs). Recently, it has become clear that SGCs are highly altered after nerve injury, which influences neuronal excitability and, consequently, the development and maintenance of pain in different animal models of chronic pain. However, the exact mechanism underlying chronic pain is not fully understood yet because it is assumed that SGCs in different ganglia share many common peculiarities, making the process complex. Here, we review recent data on morphological and functional heterogeneity and changes in SGCs in various pain conditions and their role in response to injury. More research is required to decipher the role of SGCs in diseases, such as chronic pain, neuropathology, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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31
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KCC2 drives chloride microdomain formation in dendritic blebbing. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111556. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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32
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Xu Y, Fan Q. Relationship between chronic hypoxia and seizure susceptibility. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1689-1705. [PMID: 35983626 PMCID: PMC9532927 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hypobaric hypoxia in high‐altitude areas is closely related to the occurrence of many neurological diseases. Among these diseases, epilepsy is a common disease of the nervous system that is difficult to diagnose and treat, with a long treatment cycle. As of 2019, there were more than 70 million epilepsy patients worldwide, including 10 million in China. Studies have shown that chronic hypoxia promotes the occurrence and development of epilepsy, and elucidation of the relationship between chronic hypoxia and epilepsy is important for studying the pathogenesis of epilepsy and exploring the potential characteristics of epilepsy and new drug targets for epilepsy. In this article, we review the factors that may cause increased seizure susceptibility in chronic hypoxia and consider the potential relationship between chronic hypobaric hypoxia and seizure susceptibility in high‐altitude areas and prospects surrounding related research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuanHang Xu
- Qinghai University Graduate School, Xining, China.,Department of Neurology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Xining, China
| | - QingLi Fan
- Department of Neurology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Xining, Xining, China
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33
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Looking to the stars for answers: Strategies for determining how astrocytes influence neuronal activity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4146-4156. [PMID: 36016711 PMCID: PMC9379862 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical components of neural circuits positioned in close proximity to the synapse, allowing them to rapidly sense and respond to neuronal activity. One repeatedly observed biomarker of astroglial activation is an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels. These astroglial Ca2+ signals are often observed spreading throughout various cellular compartments from perisynaptic astroglial processes, to major astrocytic branches and on to the soma or cell body. Here we review recent evidence demonstrating that astrocytic Ca2+ events are remarkably heterogeneous in both form and function, propagate through the astroglial syncytia, and are directly linked to the ability of astroglia to influence local neuronal activity. As many of the cellular functions of astroglia can be linked to intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and the diversity and heterogeneity of these events becomes more apparent, there is an increasing need for novel experimental strategies designed to better understand the how these signals evolve in parallel with neuronal activity. Here we review the recent advances that enable the characterization of both subcellular and population-wide astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics. Additionally, we also outline the experimental design required for simultaneous in vivo Ca2+ imaging in the context of neuronal or astroglial manipulation, highlighting new experimental strategies made possible by recent advances in viral vector, imaging, and quantification technologies. Through combined usage of these reagents and methodologies, we provide a conceptual framework to study how astrocytes functionally integrate into neural circuits and to what extent they influence and direct the synaptic activity underlying behavioral responses.
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34
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Hui KK, Chater TE, Goda Y, Tanaka M. How Staying Negative Is Good for the (Adult) Brain: Maintaining Chloride Homeostasis and the GABA-Shift in Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:893111. [PMID: 35875665 PMCID: PMC9305173 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.893111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. GABA neurotransmission, the principal inhibitory signal in the mature brain, is critically coupled to proper regulation of chloride homeostasis. During brain maturation, changes in the transport of chloride ions across neuronal cell membranes act to gradually change the majority of GABA signaling from excitatory to inhibitory for neuronal activation, and dysregulation of this GABA-shift likely contributes to multiple neurodevelopmental abnormalities that are associated with circuit dysfunction. Whilst traditionally viewed as a phenomenon which occurs during brain development, recent evidence suggests that this GABA-shift may also be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders due to the “dematuration” of affected neurons. In this review, we will discuss the cell signaling and regulatory mechanisms underlying the GABA-shift phenomenon in the context of the latest findings in the field, in particular the role of chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2, and furthermore how these regulatory processes are altered in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We will also explore the interactions between GABAergic interneurons and other cell types in the developing brain that may influence the GABA-shift. Finally, with a greater understanding of how the GABA-shift is altered in pathological conditions, we will briefly outline recent progress on targeting NKCC1 and KCC2 as a therapeutic strategy against neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with improper chloride homeostasis and GABA-shift abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin K. Hui
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Kelvin K. Hui,
| | - Thomas E. Chater
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Thomas E. Chater,
| | - Yukiko Goda
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Synapse Biology Unit, Okinawa Institute for Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
| | - Motomasa Tanaka
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
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35
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Preininger MK, Kaufer D. Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction and Astrocyte Senescence as Reciprocal Drivers of Neuropathology in Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116217. [PMID: 35682895 PMCID: PMC9180977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant cell types in the brain, astrocytes form a tissue-wide signaling network that is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating various brain activities. Here, we review some of the essential functions that astrocytes perform in supporting neurons, modulating the immune response, and regulating and maintaining the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Given their importance in brain health, it follows that astrocyte dysfunction has detrimental effects. Indeed, dysfunctional astrocytes are implicated in age-related neuropathology and participate in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review two mechanisms by which astrocytes mediate neuropathology in the aging brain. First, age-associated blood–brain barrier dysfunction (BBBD) causes the hyperactivation of TGFβ signaling in astrocytes, which elicits a pro-inflammatory and epileptogenic phenotype. Over time, BBBD-associated astrocyte dysfunction results in hippocampal and cortical neural hyperexcitability and cognitive deficits. Second, senescent astrocytes accumulate in the brain with age and exhibit a decreased functional capacity and the secretion of senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which contribute to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Both BBBD and senescence progressively increase during aging and are associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, but the relationship between the two has not yet been established. Thus, we discuss the potential relationship between BBBD, TGFβ hyperactivation, and senescence with respect to astrocytes in the context of aging and disease and identify future areas of investigation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela K. Preininger
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Daniela Kaufer
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Correspondence:
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36
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Sanchez-Conde FG, Jimenez-Vazquez EN, Auerbach DS, Jones DK. The ERG1 K+ Channel and Its Role in Neuronal Health and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:890368. [PMID: 35600076 PMCID: PMC9113952 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.890368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The ERG1 potassium channel, encoded by KCNH2, has long been associated with cardiac electrical excitability. Yet, a growing body of work suggests that ERG1 mediates physiology throughout the human body, including the brain. ERG1 is a regulator of neuronal excitability, ERG1 variants are associated with neuronal diseases (e.g., epilepsy and schizophrenia), and ERG1 serves as a potential therapeutic target for neuronal pathophysiology. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-field regarding the ERG1 channel structure and function, ERG1’s relationship to the mammalian brain and highlights key questions that have yet to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric N. Jimenez-Vazquez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - David S. Auerbach
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: David S. Auerbach,
| | - David K. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- David K. Jones,
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Eitelmann S, Stephan J, Everaerts K, Durry S, Pape N, Gerkau NJ, Rose CR. Changes in Astroglial K + upon Brief Periods of Energy Deprivation in the Mouse Neocortex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094836. [PMID: 35563238 PMCID: PMC9102782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malfunction of astrocytic K+ regulation contributes to the breakdown of extracellular K+ homeostasis during ischemia and spreading depolarization events. Studying astroglial K+ changes is, however, hampered by a lack of suitable techniques. Here, we combined results from fluorescence imaging, ion-selective microelectrodes, and patch-clamp recordings in murine neocortical slices with the calculation of astrocytic [K+]. Brief chemical ischemia caused a reversible ATP reduction and a transient depolarization of astrocytes. Moreover, astrocytic [Na+] increased by 24 mM and extracellular [Na+] decreased. Extracellular [K+] increased, followed by an undershoot during recovery. Feeding these data into the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation revealed a baseline astroglial [K+] of 146 mM, an initial K+ loss by 43 mM upon chemical ischemia, and a transient K+ overshoot of 16 mM during recovery. It also disclosed a biphasic mismatch in astrocytic Na+/K+ balance, which was initially ameliorated, but later aggravated by accompanying changes in pH and bicarbonate, respectively. Altogether, our study predicts a loss of K+ from astrocytes upon chemical ischemia followed by a net gain. The overshooting K+ uptake will promote low extracellular K+ during recovery, likely exerting a neuroprotective effect. The resulting late cation/anion imbalance requires additional efflux of cations and/or influx of anions, the latter eventually driving delayed astrocyte swelling.
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Du Y, Brennan FH, Popovich PG, Zhou M. Microglia maintain the normal structure and function of the hippocampal astrocyte network. Glia 2022; 70:1359-1379. [PMID: 35394085 PMCID: PMC9324808 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microglial control of activity‐dependent plasticity and synaptic remodeling in neuronal networks has been the subject of intense research in the past several years. Although microglia–neuron interactions have been extensively studied, less is known about how microglia influence astrocyte‐dependent control over neuronal structure and function. Here, we explored a role for microglia in regulating the structure and function of the astrocyte syncytium in mouse hippocampus. After depleting microglia using a CSF1R antagonist (PLX5622, Plexxikon), we observed severe disruption of astrocyte syncytial isopotentiality and dye coupling. A decrease in astrocyte‐specific gap junction connexin (Cx) 30 and 43 expression, at least partially accounts for these microglia‐dependent changes in astrocytes. Because neuronal function requires intact astrocyte coupling, we also evaluated the effects of microglia depletion on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Without microglia, the strength of synaptic transmission was reduced at baseline and after long‐term potentiation (LTP). Conversely, priming microglia with systemic injections of lipopolysaccharide enhanced CA3‐CA1 synaptic transmission. This microglia‐induced scaling of synaptic transmission was associated with increased expression of post‐synaptic scaffold proteins (Homer1) in CA1. However, astrocyte network function was not affected by microglia priming, indicating that microglia‐dependent effects on astrocytes and neurons vary across functional states. Through manipulation of microglia in the brain, our results reveal the importance of microglia in homeostatic regulation of the astrocyte syncytium and scaling of synaptic transmission. These novel mechanisms uncover a new direction for future studies interrogating microglia function in various physiological and pathological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Du
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Faith H Brennan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Phillip G Popovich
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Amato S, Averna M, Guidolin D, Pedrazzi M, Pelassa S, Capraro M, Passalacqua M, Bozzo M, Gatta E, Anderlini D, Maura G, Agnati LF, Cervetto C, Marcoli M. Heterodimer of A2A and Oxytocin Receptors Regulating Glutamate Release in Adult Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042326. [PMID: 35216441 PMCID: PMC8879615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of oxytocin (OT) in central nervous system are increasingly considered. Nevertheless, OT effects on gliotransmitter release have been neglected. METHODS In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OT receptor (OTR) and adenosine A2A receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of receptors activation on glutamate release from the processes were evaluated; A2A-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and PLA. Structure of the possible heterodimer of A2A and OT receptors was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. RESULTS Both A2A and OT receptors were expressed on the same astrocyte processes. Evidence for A2A-OTR receptor-receptor interaction was obtained by measuring the release of glutamate: OT inhibited the evoked glutamate release, while activation of A2A receptors, per se ineffective, abolished the OT effect. Biochemical and biophysical evidence for A2A-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes was also obtained. The residues in the transmembrane domains 4 and 5 of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. CONCLUSIONS When considering effects of OT in striatum, modulation of glutamate release from the astrocyte processes and of glutamatergic synapse functioning, and the interaction with A2A receptors on the astrocyte processes should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Simone Pelassa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Michela Capraro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Italian Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy;
| | - Deanna Anderlini
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Blair Drive, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
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Marcoli M, Cervetto C, Amato S, Fiorucci C, Maura G, Mariottini P, Cervelli M. Transgenic Mouse Overexpressing Spermine Oxidase in Cerebrocortical Neurons: Astrocyte Dysfunction and Susceptibility to Epileptic Seizures. Biomolecules 2022; 12:204. [PMID: 35204705 PMCID: PMC8961639 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are organic polycations ubiquitously present in living cells. Polyamines are involved in many cellular processes, and their content in mammalian cells is tightly controlled. Among their function, these molecules modulate the activity of several ion channels. Spermine oxidase, specifically oxidized spermine, is a neuromodulator of several types of ion channel and ionotropic glutamate receptors, and its deregulated activity has been linked to several brain pathologies, including epilepsy. The Dach-SMOX mouse line was generated using a Cre/loxP-based recombination approach to study the complex and critical functions carried out by spermine oxidase and spermine in the mammalian brain. This mouse genetic model overexpresses spermine oxidase in the neocortex and is a chronic model of excitotoxic/oxidative injury and neuron vulnerability to oxidative stress and excitotoxic, since its phenotype revealed to be more susceptible to different acute oxidative insults. In this review, the molecular mechanisms underlined the Dach-SMOX phenotype, linked to reactive astrocytosis, neuron loss, chronic oxidative and excitotoxic stress, and susceptibility to seizures have been discussed in detail. The Dach-SMOX mouse model overexpressing SMOX may help in shedding lights on the susceptibility to epileptic seizures, possibly helping to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis in vulnerable individuals and contributing to provide new molecular mechanism targets to search for novel antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Cristian Fiorucci
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (S.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Paolo Mariottini
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
| | - Manuela Cervelli
- Department of Science, University of Rome “Roma Tre”, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (P.M.)
- Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
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Wichmann C, Kuner T. Heterogeneity of glutamatergic synapses: cellular mechanisms and network consequences. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:269-318. [PMID: 34727002 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00039.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are commonly known as a structurally and functionally highly diverse class of cell-cell contacts specialized to mediate communication between neurons. They represent the smallest "computational" unit of the brain and are typically divided into excitatory and inhibitory as well as modulatory categories. These categories are subdivided into diverse types, each representing a different structure-function repertoire that in turn are thought to endow neuronal networks with distinct computational properties. The diversity of structure and function found among a given category of synapses is referred to as heterogeneity. The main building blocks for this heterogeneity are synaptic vesicles, the active zone, the synaptic cleft, the postsynaptic density, and glial processes associated with the synapse. Each of these five structural modules entails a distinct repertoire of functions, and their combination specifies the range of functional heterogeneity at mammalian excitatory synapses, which are the focus of this review. We describe synapse heterogeneity that is manifested on different levels of complexity ranging from the cellular morphology of the pre- and postsynaptic cells toward the expression of different protein isoforms at individual release sites. We attempt to define the range of structural building blocks that are used to vary the basic functional repertoire of excitatory synaptic contacts and discuss sources and general mechanisms of synapse heterogeneity. Finally, we explore the possible impact of synapse heterogeneity on neuronal network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wichmann
- Molecular Architecture of Synapses Group, Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, InnerEarLab and Institute for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
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42
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Modeling the effect of cerebral capillary blood flow on neuronal firing. J Theor Biol 2022; 537:111018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Raj A, Kaushal A, Datta I. Impact of monomeric and aggregated wild-type and A30P/A53T double-mutant α-synuclein on antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolic profile of cultured astrocytes. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:681-706. [PMID: 34904280 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Serving as a source of glutathione and up-taking and metabolizing glutamate are the primary supportive role of astrocytes for the adjacent neurons. Despite the clear physical association between astrocytes and α-synuclein, the effect of extracellular α-synuclein on these astrocytic functions has not yet been elucidated. Hence, we aim to assess the effect of various forms of α-synuclein on antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolism. Wild-type and A53T/A30P double-mutant α-synuclein, both in monomeric and aggregated forms, were added extracellularly to media of midbrain rat astrocyte culture, with their survival, oxidative, and nitrative stress, glutathione and glutamate content, expression of enzymes associated with oxidative stress and glutamate metabolism, glutamate and glutathione transporters being assessed along with the association/engulfment of these peptides by astrocytes. A30P/A53T peptide associated more with astrocytes, and low-extracellular K+ concentration showed prominent reduction in the engulfment of the monomeric forms, suggesting that the association of the aggregated forms was greater with the membrane. The peptide-associated astrocytes showed lower survival and increased oxidative stress generation, owing to the decrease in nuclear localization of Nrf2 and increase in iNOS, and further aggravated by the decrease in glutathione content and related enzymes like glutathione synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Glutamate uptake increased in aggregate-treated cells due to the increase in GLAST1 expression, de novo synthesis of glutamate by pyruvate carboxylase, and/or glutamine synthase, bolstered by the differential glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme activity. We thus show for the first time that extracellular α-synuclein exposure leads to astrocytic dysfunction with respect to the antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolic profile. The impact was higher in the case of the aggregated and mutated peptide, with the highest dysfunction for the mutant aggregated α-synuclein treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Raj
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
| | - Alka Kaushal
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
| | - Indrani Datta
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
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Beckmann A, Recktenwald J, Ferdinand A, Grißmer A, Meier C. First Responders to Hyperosmotic Stress in Murine Astrocytes: Connexin 43 Gap Junctions Are Subject to an Immediate Ultrastructural Reorganization. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121307. [PMID: 34943223 PMCID: PMC8698406 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Gap junctions are intercellular channels that provide the means for direct transport of small molecules, ions, and water between connected cells. With these functions, gap junctions are essential for the maintenance of astrocytic homeostasis and of particular importance in the context of pathophysiological disbalances. These include the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome or the pathology after brain trauma. We demonstrate that short-term hyperosmolarity reduces intercellular communication via gap junctions. These functional changes coincide with the transformation of gap junction ultrastructure as evidenced by freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling and transmission electron microscopy. The hyperosmolarity-induced immediate changes in the ultrastructural assembly of connexons, the protein constituents of gap junction channels, have not been described in astrocytes before and are revealing the coherence of structure and function in gap junctions. Phosphorylation of Connexin 43, the main gap junction protein in astrocytes, at amino acid 368 (Serine) might link the two. Abstract In a short-term model of hyperosmotic stress, primary murine astrocytes were stimulated with a hyperosmolar sucrose solution for five minutes. Astrocytic gap junctions, which are mainly composed of Connexin (Cx) 43, displayed immediate ultrastructural changes, demonstrated by freeze–fracture replica immunogold labeling: their area, perimeter, and distance of intramembrane particles increased, whereas particle numbers per area decreased. Ultrastructural changes were, however, not accompanied by changes in Cx43 mRNA expression. In contrast, transcription of the gap junction regulator zonula occludens (ZO) protein 1 significantly increased, whereas its protein expression was unaffected. Phosphorylation of Serine (S) 368 of the Cx43 C–terminus has previously been associated with gap junction disassembly and reduction in gap junction communication. Hyperosmolar sucrose treatment led to enhanced phosphorylation of Cx43S368 and was accompanied by inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication, demonstrated by a scrape loading-dye transfer assay. Taken together, Cx43 gap junctions are fast reacting elements in response to hyperosmolar challenges and can therefore be considered as one of the first responders to hyperosmolarity. In this process, phosphorylation of Cx43S368 was associated with disassembly of gap junctions and inhibition of their function. Thus, modulation of the gap junction assembly might represent a target in the treatment of brain edema or trauma.
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Toro-Fernández LF, Zuluaga-Monares JC, Saldarriaga-Cartagena AM, Cardona-Gómez GP, Posada-Duque R. Targeting CDK5 in Astrocytes Promotes Calcium Homeostasis Under Excitotoxic Conditions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:643717. [PMID: 34790098 PMCID: PMC8591049 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.643717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity triggers overactivation of CDK5 and increases calcium influx in neural cells, which promotes dendritic retraction, spine loss, increased mitochondrial calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum, and neuronal death. Our previous studies showed that CDK5 knockdown (KD) in astrocytes improves neurovascular integrity and cognitive functions and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, how CDK5-targeted astrocytes affect calcium regulation and whether this phenomenon is associated with changes in neuronal plasticity have not yet been analyzed. In this study, CDK5 KD astrocytes transplanted in CA3 remained at the injection site without proliferation, regulated calcium in the CA1 hippocampal region after excitotoxicity by glutamate in ex vivo hippocampal slices, improving synapsin and PSD95 clustering. These CDK5 KD astrocytes induced astrocyte stellation and neuroprotection after excitotoxicity induced by glutamate in vitro. Also, these effects were supported by CDK5 inhibition (CDK5i) in vitro through intracellular stabilization of calcium levels in astrocytes. Additionally, these cells in cocultures restored calcium homeostasis in neurons, redistributing calcium from somas to dendrites, accompanied by dendrite branching, higher dendritic spines and synapsin-PSD95 clustering. In summary, induction of calcium homeostasis at the CA1 hippocampal area by CDK5 KD astrocytes transplanted in the CA3 area highlights the role of astrocytes as a cell therapy target due to CDK5-KD astrocyte-mediated synaptic clustering, calcium spreading regulation between both areas, and recovery of the intracellular astrocyte-neuron calcium imbalance and plasticity impairment generated by glutamate excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fernanda Toro-Fernández
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan Camilo Zuluaga-Monares
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana María Saldarriaga-Cartagena
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gloria Patricia Cardona-Gómez
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Rafael Posada-Duque
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Liu L, Gao H, Zaikin A, Chen S. Unraveling Aβ-Mediated Multi-Pathway Calcium Dynamics in Astrocytes: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment From Simulations. Front Physiol 2021; 12:767892. [PMID: 34777023 PMCID: PMC8581622 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.767892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in the brain is hypothesized to be the major factor driving Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes are the primary target of Aβ neurotoxicity. Aβ is known to interfere with multiple calcium fluxes, thus disrupting the calcium homeostasis regulation of astrocytes, which are likely to produce calcium oscillations. Ca2+ dyshomeostasis has been observed to precede the appearance of clinical symptoms of AD; however, it is experimentally very difficult to investigate the interactions of many mechanisms. Given that Ca2+ disruption is ubiquitously involved in AD progression, it is likely that focusing on Ca2+ dysregulation may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to preventing or treating AD, while current hypotheses concerning AD have so far failed to yield curable therapies. For this purpose, we derive and investigate a concise mathematical model for Aβ-mediated multi-pathway astrocytic intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. This model accounts for how Aβ affects various fluxes contributions through voltage-gated calcium channels, Aβ-formed channels and ryanodine receptors. Bifurcation analysis of Aβ level, which reflected the corresponding progression of the disease, revealed that Aβ significantly induced the increasing [Ca2+] i and frequency of calcium oscillations. The influence of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production (IP3) is also investigated in the presence of Aβ as well as the impact of changes in resting membrane potential. In turn, the Ca2+ flux can be considerably changed by exerting specific interventions, such as ion channel blockers or receptor antagonists. By doing so, a "combination therapy" targeting multiple pathways simultaneously has finally been demonstrated to be more effective. This study helps to better understand the effect of Aβ, and our findings provide new insight into the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Langzhou Liu
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Gao
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Alexey Zaikin
- Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Institute for Women's Health and Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Shangbin Chen
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, School of Engineering Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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47
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O'Donovan B, Neugornet A, Neogi R, Xia M, Ortinski P. Cocaine experience induces functional adaptations in astrocytes: Implications for synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13042. [PMID: 33864336 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have become established as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the brain. Accumulating literature demonstrates that cocaine self-administration in rodent models induces structural changes within astrocytes that may influence their interaction with the surrounding neurons. Here, we provide evidence that cocaine impacts astrocytes at the functional level and alters neuronal sensitivity to astrocyte-derived glutamate. We report that a 14-day period of short access to cocaine (2 h/day) decreases spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ transients and precipitates changes in astrocyte network activity in the nucleus accumbens shell. This is accompanied by increased prevalence of slow inward currents, a physiological marker of neuronal activation by astrocytic glutamate, in a subset of medium spiny neurons. Within, but not outside, of this subset, we observe an increase in duration and frequency of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic events. Additionally, we find that the link between synaptic NMDA receptor plasticity and neuron sensitivity to astrocytic glutamate is maintained independent of drug exposure and is observed in both cocaine and saline control animals. Imaging analyses of neuronal Ca2+ activity show no effect of cocaine self-administration on individual cells or on neuronal network activity in brain slices. Therefore, our data indicate that cocaine self-administration promotes astrocyte-specific functional changes that can be linked to increased glutamate-mediated coupling with principal neurons in the nucleus accumbens. Such coupling may be spatially restricted as it does not result in a broad impact on network structure of local neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette O'Donovan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Austin Neugornet
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Richik Neogi
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Mengfan Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | - Pavel Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
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Zisis E, Keller D, Kanari L, Arnaudon A, Gevaert M, Delemontex T, Coste B, Foni A, Abdellah M, Calì C, Hess K, Magistretti PJ, Schürmann F, Markram H. Digital Reconstruction of the Neuro-Glia-Vascular Architecture. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5686-5703. [PMID: 34387659 PMCID: PMC8568010 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes connect the vasculature to neurons mediating the supply of nutrients and biochemicals. They are involved in a growing number of physiological and pathophysiological processes that result from biophysical, physiological, and molecular interactions in this neuro-glia-vascular ensemble (NGV). The lack of a detailed cytoarchitecture severely restricts the understanding of how they support brain function. To address this problem, we used data from multiple sources to create a data-driven digital reconstruction of the NGV at micrometer anatomical resolution. We reconstructed 0.2 mm3 of the rat somatosensory cortex with 16 000 morphologically detailed neurons, 2500 protoplasmic astrocytes, and its microvasculature. The consistency of the reconstruction with a wide array of experimental measurements allows novel predictions of the NGV organization, allowing the anatomical reconstruction of overlapping astrocytic microdomains and the quantification of endfeet connecting each astrocyte to the vasculature, as well as the extent to which they cover the latter. Structural analysis showed that astrocytes optimize their positions to provide uniform vascular coverage for trophic support and signaling. However, this optimal organization rapidly declines as their density increases. The NGV digital reconstruction is a resource that will enable a better understanding of the anatomical principles and geometric constraints, which govern how astrocytes support brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Zisis
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Keller
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Lida Kanari
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Alexis Arnaudon
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gevaert
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Delemontex
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Coste
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Foni
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Marwan Abdellah
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Calì
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kathryn Hess
- Laboratory for Topology and Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Julius Magistretti
- Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Felix Schürmann
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Henry Markram
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
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49
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Della Vecchia S, Marchese M, Santorelli FM, Sicca F. Kir4.1 Dysfunction in the Pathophysiology of Depression: A Systematic Review. Cells 2021; 10:2628. [PMID: 34685608 PMCID: PMC8534194 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A serotonergic dysfunction has been largely postulated as the main cause of depression, mainly due to its effective response to drugs that increase the serotonergic tone, still currently the first therapeutic line in this mood disorder. However, other dysfunctional pathomechanisms are likely involved in the disorder, and this may in part explain why some individuals with depression are resistant to serotonergic therapies. Among these, emerging evidence suggests a role for the astrocytic inward rectifier potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) as an important modulator of neuronal excitability and glutamate metabolism. To discuss the relationship between Kir4.1 dysfunction and depression, a systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science by two independent reviewers. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, analyzing Kir4.1 relationships with depression, through in vitro, in vivo, and post-mortem investigations. Increasing, yet not conclusive, evidence suggests a potential pathogenic role for Kir4.1 upregulation in depression. However, the actual contribution in the diverse subtypes of the disorder and in the comorbid conditions, for example, the epilepsy-depression comorbidity, remain elusive. Further studies are needed to better define the clinical phenotype associated with Kir4.1 dysfunction in humans and the molecular mechanisms by which it contributes to depression and implications for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Della Vecchia
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marchese
- Department of Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Federico Sicca
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, USL Centro Toscana, 59100 Prato, Italy
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50
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Akther S, Hirase H. Assessment of astrocytes as a mediator of memory and learning in rodents. Glia 2021; 70:1484-1505. [PMID: 34582594 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classical view of astrocytes is that they provide supportive functions for neurons, transporting metabolites and maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular milieu. This view is gradually changing with the advent of molecular genetics and optical methods allowing interrogation of selected cell types in live experimental animals. An emerging view that astrocytes additionally act as a mediator of synaptic plasticity and contribute to learning processes has gained in vitro and in vivo experimental support. Here we focus on the literature published in the past two decades to review the roles of astrocytes in brain plasticity in rodents, whereby the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are considered to be comparable to those in humans. We outline established inputs and outputs of astrocytes and discuss how manipulations of astrocytes have impacted the behavior in various learning paradigms. Multiple studies suggest that the contribution of astrocytes has a considerably longer time course than neuronal activation, indicating metabolic roles of astrocytes. We advocate that exploring upstream and downstream mechanisms of astrocytic activation will further provide insight into brain plasticity and memory/learning impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Akther
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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