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Wang J, Zhu M, Sun J, Feng L, Yang M, Sun B, Mao L. Gene therapy of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3725-3740. [PMID: 37551863 PMCID: PMC10651967 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14392] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke has been associated with devastating clinical outcomes, with current treatment strategies proving largely ineffective. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative treatment options for addressing post-stroke functional deficits. Gene therapy utilizing adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as a critical gene vector delivering genes to the central nervous system (CNS) gene delivery has emerged as a promising approach for treating various CNS diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the biological characteristics of AAV vectors and the therapeutic advancements observed in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. The study further investigates the potential of manipulating AAV vectors in preclinical applications, emphasizing the challenges and prospects in the selection of viral vectors, drug delivery strategies, immune reactions, and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Medical College of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
| | - Mengna Zhu
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
| | - Jingyi Sun
- Department of Spinal SurgeryShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lina Feng
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
| | - Mingfeng Yang
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
| | - Baoliang Sun
- Medical College of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
| | - Leilei Mao
- Institute for Neurological Research, The Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical SciencesTaianChina
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2
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Molecular regulation of neuroinflammation in glaucoma: Current knowledge and the ongoing search for new treatment targets. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 87:100998. [PMID: 34348167 PMCID: PMC8803988 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation relying on the inflammatory responses of glial cells has emerged as an impactful component of the multifactorial etiology of neurodegeneration in glaucoma. It has become increasingly evident that despite early adaptive and reparative features of glial responses, prolonged reactivity of the resident glia, along with the peripheral immune cells, create widespread toxicity to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons, somas, and synapses. As much as the synchronized responses of astrocytes and microglia to glaucoma-related stress or neuron injury, their bi-directional interactions are critical to build and amplify neuroinflammation and to dictate the neurodegenerative outcome. Although distinct molecular programs regulate somatic and axonal degeneration in glaucoma, inhibition of neurodegenerative inflammation can provide a broadly beneficial treatment strategy to rescue RGC integrity and function. Since inflammatory toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction are converging etiological paths that can boost each other and feed into a vicious cycle, anti-inflammatory treatments may also offer a multi-target potential. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge on neuroinflammation in glaucoma with particular emphasis on the cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors involved in the reciprocal regulation of glial responses, the interdependence between inflammatory and mitochondrial routes of neurodegeneration, and the research aspects inspiring for prospective immunomodulatory treatments. With the advent of powerful technologies, ongoing research on molecular and functional characteristics of glial responses is expected to accumulate more comprehensive and complementary information and to rapidly move the field forward to safe and effective modulation of the glial pro-inflammatory activities, while restoring or augmenting the glial immune-regulatory and neurosupport functions.
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3
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Valori CF, Possenti A, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Challenges and Opportunities of Targeting Astrocytes to Halt Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082019. [PMID: 34440788 PMCID: PMC8395029 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders whose incidence is likely to duplicate in the next 30 years along with the progressive aging of the western population. Non-cell-specific therapeutics or therapeutics designed to tackle aberrant pathways within neurons failed to slow down or halt neurodegeneration. Yet, in the last few years, our knowledge of the importance of glial cells to maintain the central nervous system homeostasis in health conditions has increased exponentially, along with our awareness of their fundamental and multifaced role in pathological conditions. Among glial cells, astrocytes emerge as promising therapeutic targets in various neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we present the latest evidence showing the astonishing level of specialization that astrocytes display to fulfill the demands of their neuronal partners as well as their plasticity upon injury. Then, we discuss the controversies that fuel the current debate on these cells. We tackle evidence of a potential beneficial effect of cell therapy, achieved by transplanting astrocytes or their precursors. Afterwards, we introduce the different strategies proposed to modulate astrocyte functions in neurodegeneration, ranging from lifestyle changes to environmental cues. Finally, we discuss the challenges and the recent advancements to develop astrocyte-specific delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F. Valori
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
| | - Agostino Possenti
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.P.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (C.F.V.); (D.R.); Tel.: +49-7071-9254-122 (C.F.V.); +39-0382-592064 (D.R.)
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4
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Moulson AJ, Squair JW, Franklin RJM, Tetzlaff W, Assinck P. Diversity of Reactive Astrogliosis in CNS Pathology: Heterogeneity or Plasticity? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:703810. [PMID: 34381334 PMCID: PMC8349991 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.703810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for the development and homeostatic maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). They are also critical players in the CNS injury response during which they undergo a process referred to as "reactive astrogliosis." Diversity in astrocyte morphology and gene expression, as revealed by transcriptional analysis, is well-recognized and has been reported in several CNS pathologies, including ischemic stroke, CNS demyelination, and traumatic injury. This diversity appears unique to the specific pathology, with significant variance across temporal, topographical, age, and sex-specific variables. Despite this, there is limited functional data corroborating this diversity. Furthermore, as reactive astrocytes display significant environmental-dependent plasticity and fate-mapping data on astrocyte subsets in the adult CNS is limited, it remains unclear whether this diversity represents heterogeneity or plasticity. As astrocytes are important for neuronal survival and CNS function post-injury, establishing to what extent this diversity reflects distinct established heterogeneous astrocyte subpopulations vs. environmentally dependent plasticity within established astrocyte subsets will be critical for guiding therapeutic development. To that end, we review the current state of knowledge on astrocyte diversity in the context of three representative CNS pathologies: ischemic stroke, demyelination, and traumatic injury, with the goal of identifying key limitations in our current knowledge and suggesting future areas of research needed to address them. We suggest that the majority of identified astrocyte diversity in CNS pathologies to date represents plasticity in response to dynamically changing post-injury environments as opposed to heterogeneity, an important consideration for the understanding of disease pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Moulson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan W. Squair
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), NeuroRestore, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Robin J. M. Franklin
- Wellcome Trust - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfram Tetzlaff
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peggy Assinck
- Wellcome Trust - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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5
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Borodinova AA, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Salmina AB, Vlasova OL. Genetic Constructs for the Control of Astrocytes' Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071600. [PMID: 34202359 PMCID: PMC8306323 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we aim to discuss the principles and the perspectives of using the genetic constructs based on AAV vectors to regulate astrocytes’ activity. Practical applications of optogenetic approaches utilizing different genetically encoded opsins to control astroglia activity were evaluated. The diversity of astrocytic cell-types complicates the rational design of an ideal viral vector for particular experimental goals. Therefore, efficient and sufficient targeting of astrocytes is a multiparametric process that requires a combination of specific AAV serotypes naturally predisposed to transduce astroglia with astrocyte-specific promoters in the AAV cassette. Inadequate combinations may result in off-target neuronal transduction to different degrees. Potentially, these constraints may be bypassed with the latest strategies of generating novel synthetic AAV serotypes with specified properties by rational engineering of AAV capsids or using directed evolution approach by searching within a more specific promoter or its replacement with the unique enhancer sequences characterized using modern molecular techniques (ChIP-seq, scATAC-seq, snATAC-seq) to drive the selective transgene expression in the target population of cells or desired brain regions. Realizing these strategies to restrict expression and to efficiently target astrocytic populations in specific brain regions or across the brain has great potential to enable future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Borodinova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel M. Balaban
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilya B. Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga L. Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
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6
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Multifactorial Pathogenic Processes of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration in Glaucoma towards Multi-Target Strategies for Broader Treatment Effects. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061372. [PMID: 34199494 PMCID: PMC8228726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by apoptosis of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas, degeneration of axons, and loss of synapses at dendrites and axon terminals. Glaucomatous neurodegeneration encompasses multiple triggers, multiple cell types, and multiple molecular pathways through the etiological paths with biomechanical, vascular, metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory components. As much as intrinsic responses of RGCs themselves, divergent responses and intricate interactions of the surrounding glia also play decisive roles for the cell fate. Seen from a broad perspective, multitarget treatment strategies have a compelling pathophysiological basis to more efficiently manipulate multiple pathogenic processes at multiple injury sites in such a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. Despite distinct molecular programs for somatic and axonal degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction and glia-driven neuroinflammation present interdependent processes with widespread impacts in the glaucomatous retina and optic nerve. Since dysfunctional mitochondria stimulate inflammatory responses and proinflammatory mediators impair mitochondria, mitochondrial restoration may be immunomodulatory, while anti-inflammatory treatments protect mitochondria. Manipulation of these converging routes may thus allow a unified treatment strategy to protect RGC axons, somas, and synapses. This review presents an overview of recent research advancements with emphasis on potential treatment targets to achieve the best treatment efficacy to preserve visual function in glaucoma.
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Zhang X, Gou YJ, Zhang Y, Li J, Han K, Xu Y, Li H, You LH, Yu P, Chang YZ, Gao G. Hepcidin overexpression in astrocytes alters brain iron metabolism and protects against amyloid-β induced brain damage in mice. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:113. [PMID: 33298837 PMCID: PMC7603348 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive iron accumulation in the brain and iron-induced oxidative stress are considered to be one of the initial causes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and modulation of brain iron level shows promise for its treatment. Hepcidin expressed by astrocytes has been speculated to regulate iron transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and control the whole brain iron load. Whether increasing the expression of astrocyte hepcidin can reduce brain iron level and relieve AD symptoms has yet to be studied. Here, we overexpressed hepcidin in astrocytes of the mouse brain and challenged the mice with amyloid-β25–35 (Aβ25–35) by intracerebroventricular injection. Our results revealed that hepcidin overexpression in astrocytes significantly ameliorated Aβ25–35-induced cell damage in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This protective role was also attested by behavioral tests of the mice. Our data further demonstrated that astrocyte-overexpressed hepcidin could decrease brain iron level, possibly by acting on ferroportin 1 (FPN1) on the brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), which in turn reduced Aβ25–35-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and ultimately protected cells from damage. This study provided in vivo evidences of the important role of astrocyte hepcidin in the regulation of brain iron metabolism and protection against Aβ-induced cortical and hippocampal damages and implied its potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-Jing Gou
- Chengde Medical University, Shuang Qiao District, An Yuan Road, 067000, Chengde, China
| | - Yating Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kang Han
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China.,Chengde Medical University, Shuang Qiao District, An Yuan Road, 067000, Chengde, China
| | - Lin-Hao You
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Guofen Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, 050024, Shijiazhuang, China.
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8
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Xu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang JH, Han K, Zhang X, Bai X, You LH, Yu P, Shi Z, Chang YZ, Gao G. Astrocyte hepcidin ameliorates neuronal loss through attenuating brain iron deposition and oxidative stress in APP/PS1 mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 158:84-95. [PMID: 32707154 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Iron overload in the brain and iron-induced oxidative damage have been considered to play key roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hepcidin is a peptide that regulates systemic iron metabolism by interacting with iron exporter ferroportin 1 (FPN1). Studies have indicated that the astrocyte hepcidin could regulate brain iron intake at the blood-brain barrier and injection of hepcidin into brain attenuated iron deposition in the brain. However, whether overexpression of hepcidin in astrocytes of APP/PS1 transgenic mice can alleviate AD symptoms by reducing iron deposition has not been evaluated. In this study, we overexpressed hepcidin in astrocytes of APP/PS1 mice and investigated its effects on β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, neuronal loss, iron deposition and iron-induced oxidative damages. Our results showed that the elevated expression of astrocyte hepcidin in APP/PS1 mice significantly improved their cognitive decline, and partially alleviated the formation of Aβ plaques in cortex and hippocampus. Further investigations revealed that overexpression of hepcidin in astrocytes significantly reduced iron levels in cortex and hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice, especially iron content in neurons, which led to the reduction of iron accumulation-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and finally decreased neuronal cell death in the cortex and hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. This study demonstrated that overexpression of hepcidin in astrocytes of APP/PS1 mice could partially alleviate AD symptoms and delay the pathological process of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yating Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Kang Han
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Lin-Hao You
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Zhenhua Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
| | - Guofen Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Iron Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, No. 20, Nan Er Huan East Road, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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9
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Linnerbauer M, Rothhammer V. Protective Functions of Reactive Astrocytes Following Central Nervous System Insult. Front Immunol 2020; 11:573256. [PMID: 33117368 PMCID: PMC7561408 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.573256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play important roles in numerous central nervous system disorders including autoimmune inflammatory, hypoxic, and degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the spatial and temporal context, activated astrocytes may contribute to the pathogenesis, progression, and recovery of disease. Recent progress in the dissection of transcriptional responses to varying forms of central nervous system insult has shed light on the mechanisms that govern the complexity of reactive astrocyte functions. While a large body of research focuses on the pathogenic effects of reactive astrocytes, little is known about how they limit inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration. However, these protective astrocyte pathways might be of relevance for the understanding of the underlying pathology in disease and may lead to novel targeted approaches to treat autoimmune inflammatory and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In this review article, we have revisited the emerging concept of protective astrocyte functions and discuss their role in the recovery from inflammatory and ischemic disease as well as their role in degenerative disorders. Focusing on soluble astrocyte derived mediators, we aggregate the existing knowledge on astrocyte functions in the maintenance of homeostasis as well as their reparative and tissue-protective function after acute lesions and in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we give an outlook of how these mediators may guide future therapeutic strategies to tackle yet untreatable disorders of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Linnerbauer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Astrocytes: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Neurological Disorders. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:750-759. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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11
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Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain and are a crucial part of solving its mysteries. Originally assumed to be passive supporting cells, astrocyte's functions are now recognized to include active modulation and information processing at the neural synapse. The full extent of the astrocyte contribution to neural processing remains unknown. This is, in part, due to the lack of methods available for astrocyte identification and analysis. Existing strategies employ genetic tools like the astrocyte specific promoters glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or Aldh1L1 to create transgenic animals with fluorescently labeled astrocytes. Recently, small molecule targeting moieties have enabled the delivery of bright fluorescent dyes to astrocytes. Here, we review methods for targeting astrocytes, with a focus on a recently developed methylpyridinium targeting moiety's development, chemical synthesis, and elaboration to provide new features like light-based spatiotemporal control of cell labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N Preston
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Danielle A Cervasio
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Scott T Laughlin
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States; Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.
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12
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Meng C, Zhao X, Lao J. A modified immunofluorescence in situ hybridization method to detect long non-coding RNAs and proteins in frozen spinal cord sections. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4623-4628. [PMID: 29805478 PMCID: PMC5958724 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunofluorescence in situ hybridization (immuno-FISH) is widely used to co-detect RNAs and proteins in order to study their spatial distribution in cells. The present study used a modified immuno-FISH protocol for the detection of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and proteins in frozen spinal cord sections. The spinal cords of Sprague-Dawley rats were harvested, frozen and sectioned (10 µm), and oligonucleotide probes and antibodies were prepared. Following antigen retrieval, dehydration, prehybridization, hybridization, post-hybridization and immunofluorescence staining, images were captured. Antigen retrieval was performed by autoclaving or proteinase K treatment, and their effects on the hybridization signal were compared. The same sections were successfully stained by immunofluorescence. Satisfactory fluorescent signals of lncRNA and protein were obtained. The results of the present study suggest that the modified protocol of immuno-FISH for the detection of lncRNAs and proteins in frozen spinal cord sections is effective and time-efficient, and the required reagents are readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Meng
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lao
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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Hammond SL, Leek AN, Richman EH, Tjalkens RB. Cellular selectivity of AAV serotypes for gene delivery in neurons and astrocytes by neonatal intracerebroventricular injection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188830. [PMID: 29244806 PMCID: PMC5731760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-pathogenic parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), is an efficient vector for transgene expression in vivo and shows promise for treatment of brain disorders in clinical trials. Currently, there are more than 100 AAV serotypes identified that differ in the binding capacity of capsid proteins to specific cell surface receptors that can transduce different cell types and brain regions in the CNS. In the current study, multiple AAV serotypes expressing a GFP reporter (AAV1, AAV2/1, AAVDJ, AAV8, AAVDJ8, AAV9, AAVDJ9) were screened for their infectivity in both primary murine astrocyte and neuronal cell cultures. AAV2/1, AAVDJ8 and AAV9 were selected for further investigation of their tropism throughout different brain regions and cell types. Each AAV was administered to P0-neonatal mice via intracerebroventricular injections (ICV). Brains were then systematically analyzed for GFP expression at 3 or 6 weeks post-infection in various regions, including the olfactory bulb, striatum, cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra (SN) and cerebellum. Cell counting data revealed that AAV2/1 infections were more prevalent in the cortical layers but penetrated to the midbrain less than AAVDJ8 and AAV9. Additionally, there were differences in the persistence of viral transgene expression amongst the three serotypes examined in vivo at 3 and 6 weeks post-infection. Because AAV-mediated transgene expression is of interest in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, we examined the SN with microscopy techniques, such as CLARITY tissue transmutation, to identify AAV serotypes that resulted in optimal transgene expression in either astrocytes or dopaminergic neurons. AAVDJ8 displayed more tropism in astrocytes compared to AAV9 in the SN region. We conclude that ICV injection results in lasting expression of virally encoded transgene when using AAV vectors and that specific AAV serotypes are required to selectively deliver transgenes of interest to different brain regions in both astrocytes and neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Hammond
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Ashley N. Leek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Evan H. Richman
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Ronald B. Tjalkens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Destination Brain: the Past, Present, and Future of Therapeutic Gene Delivery. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2017; 12:51-83. [PMID: 28160121 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurological diseases and disorders (NDDs) present a significant societal burden and currently available drug- and biological-based therapeutic strategies have proven inadequate to alleviate it. Gene therapy is a suitable alternative to treat NDDs compared to conventional systems since it can be tailored to specifically alter select gene expression, reverse disease phenotype and restore normal function. The scope of gene therapy has broadened over the years with the advent of RNA interference and genome editing technologies. Consequently, encouraging results from central nervous system (CNS)-targeted gene delivery studies have led to their transition from preclinical to clinical trials. As we shift to an exciting gene therapy era, a retrospective of available literature on CNS-associated gene delivery is in order. This review is timely in this regard, since it analyzes key challenges and major findings from the last two decades and evaluates future prospects of brain gene delivery. We emphasize major areas consisting of physiological and pharmacological challenges in gene therapy, function-based selection of a ideal cellular target(s), available therapy modalities, and diversity of viral vectors and nanoparticles as vehicle systems. Further, we present plausible answers to key questions such as strategies to circumvent low blood-brain barrier permeability and most suitable CNS cell types for targeting. We compare and contrast pros and cons of the tested viral vectors in the context of delivery systems used in past and current clinical trials. Gene vector design challenges are also evaluated in the context of cell-specific promoters. Key challenges and findings reported for recent gene therapy clinical trials, assessing viral vectors and nanoparticles are discussed from the perspective of bench to bedside gene therapy translation. We conclude this review by tying together gene delivery challenges, available vehicle systems and comprehensive analyses of neuropathogenesis to outline future prospects of CNS-targeted gene therapies.
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Yang F, Sun X, Ding Y, Ma H, Yang TO, Ma Y, Wei D, Li W, Xu T, Jiang W. Astrocytic Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1a Contributes to the Development of Chronic Epileptogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31581. [PMID: 27526777 PMCID: PMC4985693 DOI: 10.1038/srep31581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis after brain injury is an unmet medical challenge. Although histopathological studies have revealed that reactive astrogliosis and tissue acidosis are prominent features in epileptogenic foci, their roles in epileptogenesis remain unclear. Here, we explored whether astrocytic acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) contributes to the development of chronic epilepsy. High levels of ASIC1a were measured in reactive astrocytes in the hippocampi of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and epileptic mice. Extracellular acidosis caused a significant Ca2+ influx in cultured astrocytes, and this influx was sensitive to inhibition by the ASIC1a-specific blocker psalmotoxin 1 (PcTX1). In addition, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors carrying a GFAP promoter in conjunction with ASIC1a shRNA or cDNA were generated to suppress or restore, respectively, ASIC1a expression in astrocytes. Injection of rAAV-ASIC1a-shRNA into the dentate gyrus of the wide type TLE mouse model resulted in the inhibition of astrocytic ASIC1a expression and a reduction in spontaneous seizures. By contrast, rAAV-ASIC1a-cDNA restored astrocytic ASIC1a expression in an ASIC1a knock-out TLE mouse model and increased the frequency of spontaneous seizures. Taken together, our results reveal that astrocytic ASIC1a may be an attractive new target for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiaolong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yinxiu Ding
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.,The Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tangpeng Ou Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tianle Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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El-Shamayleh Y, Ni AM, Horwitz GD. Strategies for targeting primate neural circuits with viral vectors. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:122-34. [PMID: 27052579 PMCID: PMC4961743 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00087.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the brain works requires understanding how different types of neurons contribute to circuit function and organism behavior. Progress on this front has been accelerated by optogenetics and chemogenetics, which provide an unprecedented level of control over distinct neuronal types in small animals. In primates, however, targeting specific types of neurons with these tools remains challenging. In this review, we discuss existing and emerging strategies for directing genetic manipulations to targeted neurons in the adult primate central nervous system. We review the literature on viral vectors for gene delivery to neurons, focusing on adeno-associated viral vectors and lentiviral vectors, their tropism for different cell types, and prospects for new variants with improved efficacy and selectivity. We discuss two projection targeting approaches for probing neural circuits: anterograde projection targeting and retrograde transport of viral vectors. We conclude with an analysis of cell type-specific promoters and other nucleotide sequences that can be used in viral vectors to target neuronal types at the transcriptional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine El-Shamayleh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
| | - Amy M Ni
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory D Horwitz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and
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