1
|
Chen T, Dai Y, Hu C, Lin Z, Wang S, Yang J, Zeng L, Li S, Li W. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the blood-brain barrier dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:60. [PMID: 39030617 PMCID: PMC11264766 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00557-1] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is vital for neuronal equilibrium and optimal brain function. Disruptions to BBB performance are implicated in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. MAIN BODY Early indicators of multiple neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animal models include impaired BBB stability, regional cerebral blood flow shortfalls, and vascular inflammation associated with BBB dysfunction. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BBB dysfunction in brain disorders is crucial for elucidating the sustenance of neural computations under pathological conditions and for developing treatments for these diseases. This paper initially explores the cellular and molecular definition of the BBB, along with the signaling pathways regulating BBB stability, cerebral blood flow, and vascular inflammation. Subsequently, we review current insights into BBB dynamics in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. The paper concludes by proposing a unified mechanism whereby BBB dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative disorders, highlights potential BBB-focused therapeutic strategies and targets, and outlines lessons learned and future research directions. CONCLUSIONS BBB breakdown significantly impacts the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction is vital to elucidate how neural computations are sustained under pathological conditions and to devise therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tongli Chen
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Dai
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Hu
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zihao Lin
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Linghui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Weiyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Coelho-Santos V, Shih AY. Pericytes: Unsung heroes in myelin repair after neonatal brain hypoxia. Neuron 2024; 112:2081-2083. [PMID: 38964282 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.030] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Preterm infants can face lasting neurodevelopmental challenges due to hypoxia-induced injury of the cerebral white matter. In this issue of Neuron, Ren et al.1 identify microvascular pericytes as unexpected targets for growth hormone signaling, which enhances angiogenesis and remyelination after hypoxic injury in the developing mouse brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Coelho-Santos
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Institute of Physiology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andy Y Shih
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA, 98101; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Tazearslan C, Kim S, Guo Q, Contreras D, Yang J, Hudgins AD, Suh Y. In vitro heterochronic parabiosis identifies pigment epithelium-derived factor as a systemic mediator of rejuvenation by young blood. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592258. [PMID: 38746475 PMCID: PMC11092633 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Several decades of heterochronic parabiosis (HCPB) studies have demonstrated the restorative impact of young blood, and deleterious influence of aged blood, on physiological function and homeostasis across tissues, although few of the factors responsible for these observations have been identified. Here we develop an in vitro HCPB system to identify these circulating factors, using replicative lifespan (RLS) of primary human fibroblasts as an endpoint of cellular health. We find that RLS is inversely correlated with serum donor age and sensitive to the presence or absence of specific serum components. Through in vitro HCPB, we identify the secreted protein pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) as a circulating factor that extends RLS of primary human fibroblasts and declines with age in mammals. Systemic administration of PEDF to aged mice reverses age-related functional decline and pathology across several tissues, improving cognitive function and reducing hepatic fibrosis and renal lipid accumulation. Together, our data supports PEDF as a systemic mediator of the effect of young blood on organismal health and homeostasis and establishes our in vitro HCPB system as a valuable screening platform for the identification of candidate circulating factors involved in aging and rejuvenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xizhe Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Cagdas Tazearslan
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Seungsoo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Qinghua Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Daniela Contreras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Jiping Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Adam D. Hudgins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Yousin Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pileggi S, Colombo EA, Ancona S, Quadri R, Bernardelli C, Colapietro P, Taiana M, Fontana L, Miozzo M, Lesma E, Sirchia SM. Dysfunction in IGF2R Pathway and Associated Perturbations in Autophagy and WNT Processes in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3586. [PMID: 38612397 PMCID: PMC11011696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) is an imprinting disorder characterized by overgrowth, stemming from various genetic and epigenetic changes. This study delves into the role of IGF2 upregulation in BWS, focusing on insulin-like growth factor pathways, which are poorly known in this syndrome. We examined the IGF2R, the primary receptor of IGF2, WNT, and autophagy/lysosomal pathways in BWS patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines, showing different genetic and epigenetic defects. The findings reveal a decreased expression and mislocalization of IGF2R protein, suggesting receptor dysfunction. Additionally, our results point to a dysregulation in the AKT/GSK-3/mTOR pathway, along with imbalances in autophagy and the WNT pathway. In conclusion, BWS cells, regardless of the genetic/epigenetic profiles, are characterized by alteration of the IGF2R pathway that is associated with the perturbation of the autophagy and lysosome processes. These alterations seem to be a key point of the molecular pathogenesis of BWS and potentially contribute to BWS's characteristic overgrowth and cancer susceptibility. Our study also uncovers alterations in the WNT pathway across all BWS cell lines, consistent with its role in growth regulation and cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Pileggi
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (S.P.)
| | - Elisa A. Colombo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Ancona
- Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy (E.L.)
| | - Roberto Quadri
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Bernardelli
- Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy (E.L.)
| | - Patrizia Colapietro
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Taiana
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fontana
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (S.P.)
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (S.P.)
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Lesma
- Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy (E.L.)
| | - Silvia M. Sirchia
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (S.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hase Y, Jobson D, Cheong J, Gotama K, Maffei L, Hase M, Hamdan A, Ding R, Polivkoski T, Horsburgh K, Kalaria RN. Hippocampal capillary pericytes in post-stroke and vascular dementias and Alzheimer's disease and experimental chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:29. [PMID: 38360798 PMCID: PMC10870440 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01737-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular unit mural cells called 'pericytes' maintain the blood-brain barrier and local cerebral blood flow. Pathological changes in the hippocampus predispose to cognitive impairment and dementia. The role of hippocampal pericytes in dementia is largely unknown. We investigated hippocampal pericytes in 90 post-mortem brains from post-stroke dementia (PSD), vascular dementia (VaD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and AD-VaD (Mixed) subjects, and post-stroke non-demented survivors as well as similar age controls. We used collagen IV immunohistochemistry to determine pericyte densities and a mouse model of VaD to validate the effects of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Despite increased trends in hippocampal microvascular densities across all dementias, mean pericyte densities were reduced by ~25-40% in PSD, VaD and AD subjects compared to those in controls, which calculated to 14.1 ± 0.7 per mm capillary length, specifically in the cornu ammonis (CA) 1 region (P = 0.01). In mice with chronic bilateral carotid artery occlusion, hippocampal pericyte loss was ~60% relative to controls (P < 0.001). Pericyte densities were correlated with CA1 volumes (r = 0.54, P = 0.006) but not in any other sub-region. However, mice subjected to the full-time environmental enrichment (EE) paradigm showed remarkable attenuation of hippocampal CA1 pericyte loss in tandem with CA1 atrophy. Our results suggest loss of hippocampal microvascular pericytes across common dementias is explained by a vascular aetiology, whilst the EE paradigm offers significant protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Hase
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dan Jobson
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy Cheong
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kelvin Gotama
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luciana Maffei
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mai Hase
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alhafidz Hamdan
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ren Ding
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tuomo Polivkoski
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Karen Horsburgh
- Centre for Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Raj N Kalaria
- Neurovascular Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle University, NE4 5PL, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maren S. It takes a village: Neurons partner with vascular pericytes to make memories. Neuron 2023; 111:3701-3702. [PMID: 38061328 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Neurons have a central role in memory formation, but emerging work points to the critical role that non-neuronal cells play in this process. In this issue of Neuron, Pandey and colleagues1 show that hippocampal neurons communicate with vascular pericytes during memory consolidation. Through this dialogue, pericyte-derived growth factors support long-term memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.
| |
Collapse
|