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Crews FT, Coleman LG, Macht VA, Vetreno RP. Alcohol, HMGB1, and Innate Immune Signaling in the Brain. Alcohol Res 2024; 44:04. [PMID: 39135668 PMCID: PMC11318841 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v44.1.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Binge drinking (i.e., consuming enough alcohol to achieve a blood ethanol concentration of 80 mg/dL, approximately 4-5 drinks within 2 hours), particularly in early adolescence, can promote progressive increases in alcohol drinking and alcohol-related problems that develop into compulsive use in the chronic relapsing disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD). Over the past decade, neuroimmune signaling has been discovered to contribute to alcohol-induced changes in drinking, mood, and neurodegeneration. This review presents a mechanistic hypothesis supporting high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling as key elements of alcohol-induced neuroimmune signaling across glia and neurons, which shifts gene transcription and synapses, altering neuronal networks that contribute to the development of AUD. This hypothesis may help guide further research on prevention and treatment. SEARCH METHODS The authors used the search terms "HMGB1 protein," "alcohol," and "brain" across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to find articles published between 1991 and 2023. SEARCH RESULTS The database search found 54 references in PubMed, 47 in Scopus, and 105 in Embase. A total of about 100 articles were included. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In the brain, immune signaling molecules play a role in normal development that differs from their functions in inflammation and the immune response, although cellular receptors and signaling are shared. In adults, pro-inflammatory signals have emerged as contributing to brain adaptation in stress, depression, AUD, and neurodegenerative diseases. HMGB1, a cytokine-like signaling protein released from activated cells, including neurons, is hypothesized to activate pro-inflammatory signals through TLRs that contribute to adaptations to binge and chronic heavy drinking. HMGB1 alone and in heteromers with other molecules activates TLRs and other immune receptors that spread signaling across neurons and glia. Both blood and brain levels of HMGB1 increase with ethanol exposure. In rats, an adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) binge drinking model persistently increases brain HMGB1 and its receptors; alters microglia, forebrain cholinergic neurons, and neuronal networks; and increases alcohol drinking and anxiety while disrupting cognition. Studies of human postmortem AUD brain have found elevated levels of HMGB1 and TLRs. These signals reduce cholinergic neurons, whereas microglia, the brain's immune cells, are activated by binge drinking. Microglia regulate synapses through complement proteins that can change networks affected by AIE that increase drinking, contributing to risks for AUD. Anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, cholinesterase inhibitors, and histone deacetylase epigenetic inhibitors prevent and reverse the AIE-induced pathology. Further, HMGB1 antagonists and other anti-inflammatory treatments may provide new therapies for alcohol misuse and AUD. Collectively, these findings suggest that restoring the innate immune signaling balance is central to recovering from alcohol-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulton T. Crews
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Leon G. Coleman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Victoria A. Macht
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ryan P. Vetreno
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Pramanik S, Devi M H, Chakrabarty S, Paylar B, Pradhan A, Thaker M, Ayyadhury S, Manavalan A, Olsson PE, Pramanik G, Heese K. Microglia signaling in health and disease - Implications in sex-specific brain development and plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105834. [PMID: 39084583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105834] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Harini Devi M
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Saswata Chakrabarty
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Berkay Paylar
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Manisha Thaker
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc., 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
| | - Shamini Ayyadhury
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Arulmani Manavalan
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Gopal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India.
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133791, the Republic of Korea.
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Carrier M, Robert MÈ, St-Pierre MK, Ibáñez FG, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Laroche A, Picard K, Vecchiarelli HA, Savage JC, Boilard É, Desjardins M, Tremblay MÈ. Bone marrow-derived myeloid cells transiently colonize the brain during postnatal development and interact with glutamatergic synapses. iScience 2024; 27:110037. [PMID: 39021809 PMCID: PMC11253522 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110037] [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] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the roles of embryonic yolk sac-derived, resident microglia in neurodevelopment were extensively studied, the possible involvement of bone marrow-derived cells remains elusive. In this work, we used a fate-mapping strategy to selectively label bone marrow-derived cells and their progeny in the brain (FLT3+IBA1+). FLT3+IBA1+ cells were confirmed to be transiently present in the healthy brain during early postnatal development. FLT3+IBA1+ cells have a distinct morphology index at postnatal day(P)0, P7, and P14 compared with neighboring microglia. FLT3+IBA1+ cells also express the microglial markers P2RY12 and TMEM119 and interact with VGLUT1 synapses at P14. Scanning electron microscopy indeed showed that FLT3+ cells contact and engulf pre-synaptic elements. Our findings suggest FLT3+IBA1+ cells might assist microglia in their physiological functions in the developing brain including synaptic pruning which is performed using their purinergic sensors. Our findings stimulate further investigation on the involvement of peripheral macrophages during homeostatic and pathological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Robert
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Audrée Laroche
- Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Katherine Picard
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada
| | | | - Julie C. Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Éric Boilard
- Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michèle Desjardins
- Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Oncology Division, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 3E6, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Batorsky R, Ceasrine AM, Shook LL, Kislal S, Bordt EA, Devlin BA, Perlis RH, Slonim DK, Bilbo SD, Edlow AG. Hofbauer cells and fetal brain microglia share transcriptional profiles and responses to maternal diet-induced obesity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114326. [PMID: 38848212 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114326] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, many mediated by in utero microglial programming. As microglia remain inaccessible throughout development, identification of noninvasive biomarkers reflecting fetal brain microglial programming could permit screening and intervention. We used lineage tracing to demonstrate the shared ontogeny between fetal brain macrophages (microglia) and fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) in a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity, and single-cell RNA-seq to demonstrate shared transcriptional programs. Comparison with human datasets demonstrated conservation of placental resident macrophage signatures between mice and humans. Single-cell RNA-seq identified common alterations in fetal microglial and Hofbauer cell gene expression induced by maternal obesity, as well as sex differences in these alterations. We propose that Hofbauer cells, which are easily accessible at birth, provide insights into fetal brain microglial programs and may facilitate the early identification of offspring vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Batorsky
- Data Intensive Studies Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Alexis M Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lydia L Shook
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sezen Kislal
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evan A Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Devlin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna K Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Staci D Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea G Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wu Y, Lu Y, Kong L, Xie Y, Liu W, Yang A, Xin K, Yan X, Wu L, Liu Y, Zhu Q, Cao Y, Zhou Y, Jiang X, Tang Y, Wu F. Gender differences in plasma S100B levels of patients with major depressive disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:387. [PMID: 38783266 PMCID: PMC11112965 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low concentrations of S100B have neurotrophic effects and can promote nerve growth and repair, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiological and histopathological alterations of major depressive disorder (MDD) during disease development. Studies have shown that plasma S100B levels are altered in patients with MDD. In this study, we investigated whether the plasma S100B levels in MDD differ between genders. METHODS We studied 235 healthy controls (HCs) (90 males and 145 females) and 185 MDD patients (65 males and 120 females). Plasma S100B levels were detected via multifactor assay. The Mahalanobis distance method was used to detect the outliers of plasma S100B levels in the HC and MDD groups. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of six groups of S100B samples. The Mann-Whitney test and Scheirer-Ray-Hare test were used for the comparison of S100B between diagnoses and genders, and the presence of a relationship between plasma S100B levels and demographic details or clinical traits was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS All individuals in the HC group had plasma S100B levels that were significantly greater than those in the MDD group. In the MDD group, males presented significantly higher plasma S100B levels than females. In the male group, the plasma S100B levels in the HC group were significantly higher than those in the MDD group, while in the female group, no significant difference was found between the HC and MDD groups. In the male MDD subgroup, there was a positive correlation between plasma S100B levels and years of education. In the female MDD subgroup, there were negative correlations between plasma S100B levels and age and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS In summary, plasma S100B levels vary with gender and are decreased in MDD patients, which may be related to pathological alterations in glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Lingtao Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yu Xie
- Faculty of Public Health, China Medical University, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Anqi Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Kaiqi Xin
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Xintong Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Longhai Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Qianying Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yang Cao
- Shenyang Mental Health Center, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yifang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Jiang
- Brain Function Research Section, Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, 110001, Liaoning, P.R. China.
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Michaelovsky E, Carmel M, Gothelf D, Weizman A. Lymphoblast transcriptome analysis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2024; 25:242-254. [PMID: 38493364 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2024.2327030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 22q11.2 deletion is the most prominent risk factor for schizophrenia (SZ). The aim of the present study was to identify unique transcriptome profile for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS)-related SZ-spectrum disorder (SZ-SD). METHODS We performed RNA-Seq screening in lymphoblasts collected from 20 individuals with 22q11.2DS (10 men and 10 women, four of each sex with SZ-SD and six with no psychotic disorders (Np)). RESULTS Sex effect in RNA-Seq descriptive analysis led to separating the analyses between men and women. In women, only one differentially expressed gene (DEG), HLA-DQA2, was associated with SZ-SD. In men, 48 DEGs (adjp < 0.05) were found to be associated with SZ-SD. Ingenuity pathway analysis of top 85 DEGs (p < 4.66E - 04) indicated significant enrichment for immune-inflammatory response (IIR) and neuro-inflammatory signalling pathways. Additionally, NFATC2, IFNG, IFN-alpha, STAT1 and IL-4 were identified as upstream regulators. Co-expression network analysis revealed the contribution of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and N-Glycan biosynthesis. These findings indicate dysregulation of IIR and post-translational protein modification processes in individuals with 22q11.2DS-related SZ-SD. CONCLUSIONS Candidate pathways and upstream regulators may serve as novel biomarkers and treatment targets for SZ. Future transcriptome studies, including larger samples and proteomic analysis, are needed to substantiate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Michaelovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Miri Carmel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Doron Gothelf
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Carrier M, Hui CW, Watters V, Šimončičová E, Picard K, González Ibáñez F, Vernoux N, Droit A, Desjardins M, Tremblay MÈ. Behavioral as well as hippocampal transcriptomic and microglial responses differ across sexes in adult mouse offspring exposed to a dual genetic and environmental challenge. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:126-139. [PMID: 38016491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A wide range of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms compose the clinical presentation of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder in which genetic and environmental risk factors interact for a full emergence of the disorder. Infectious challenges during pregnancy are a well-known environmental risk factor for schizophrenia. Also, genetic variants affecting the function of fractalkine signaling between neurons and microglia were linked to schizophrenia. Translational animal models recapitulating these complex gene-environment associations have a great potential to untangle schizophrenia neurobiology and propose new therapeutic strategies. METHODS Given that genetic variants affecting the function of fractalkine signaling between neurons and microglia were linked to schizophrenia, we compared the outcomes of a well-characterized model of maternal immune activation induced using the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) in wild-type versus fractalkine receptor knockout mice. Possible behavioral and immune alterations were assessed in male and female offspring during adulthood. Considering the role of the hippocampus in schizophrenia, microglial analyses and bulk RNA sequencing were performed within this region to assess the neuroimmune dynamics at play. Males and females were examined separately. RESULTS Offspring exposed to the dual challenge paradigm exhibited symptoms relevant to schizophrenia and unpredictably to mood disorders. Males displayed social and cognitive deficits related to schizophrenia, while females mainly presented anxiety-like behaviors related to mood disorders. Hippocampal microglia in females exposed to the dual challenge were hypertrophic, indicative of an increased surveillance, whereas those in males showed on the other end of the spectrum blunted morphologies with a reduced phagocytosis. Hippocampal bulk-RNA sequencing further revealed a downregulation in females of genes related to GABAergic transmission, which represents one of the main proposed causes of mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS Building on previous results, we identified in the current study distinctive behavioral phenotypes in female mice exposed to a dual genetic and environmental challenge, thus proposing a new model of neurodevelopmentally-associated mood and affective symptoms. This paves the way to future sex-specific investigations into the susceptibility to developmental challenges using animal models based on genetic and immune vulnerability as presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Chin W Hui
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Watters
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Katherine Picard
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Desjardins
- Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Oncology Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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Bou Sader Nehme S, Sanchez-Sarasua S, Adel R, Tuifua M, Ali A, Essawy AE, Abdel Salam S, Hleihel W, Boué-Grabot E, Landry M. P2X4 signalling contributes to hyperactivity but not pain sensitization comorbidity in a mouse model of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1288994. [PMID: 38239187 PMCID: PMC10794506 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1288994] [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] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity that often persist until adulthood. Frequent comorbid disorders accompany ADHD and two thirds of children diagnosed with ADHD also suffer from behavioural disorders and from alteration of sensory processing. We recently characterized the comorbidity between ADHD-like symptoms and pain sensitisation in a pharmacological mouse model of ADHD, and we demonstrated the implication of the anterior cingulate cortex and posterior insula. However, few studies have explored the causal mechanisms underlying the interactions between ADHD and pain. The implication of inflammatory mechanisms has been suggested but the signalling pathways involved have not been explored. Methods: We investigated the roles of purinergic signalling, at the crossroad of pain and neuroinflammatory pathways, by using a transgenic mouse line that carries a total deletion of the P2X4 receptor. Results: We demonstrated that P2X4 deletion prevents hyperactivity in the mouse model of ADHD. In contrast, the absence of P2X4 lowered thermal pain thresholds in sham conditions and did not affect pain sensitization in ADHD-like conditions. We further analysed microglia reactivity and the expression of inflammatory markers in wild type and P2X4KO mice. Our results revealed that P2X4 deletion limits microglia reactivity but at the same time exerts proinflammatory effects in the anterior cingulate cortex and posterior insula. Conclusion: This dual role of P2X4 could be responsible for the differential effects noted on ADHD-like symptoms and pain sensitization and calls for further studies to investigate the therapeutic benefit of targeting the P2X4 receptor in ADHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bou Sader Nehme
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sandra Sanchez-Sarasua
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
| | - Ramy Adel
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marie Tuifua
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Awatef Ali
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amina E. Essawy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sherine Abdel Salam
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Walid Hleihel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Eric Boué-Grabot
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Landry
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
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9
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Reverte I, Marchetti C, Pezza S, Zenoni SF, Scaringi G, Ferrucci L, D'Ottavio G, Pignataro A, Andolina D, Raspa M, Scavizzi F, Venniro M, Ramsey LA, Gross C, Caprioli D, Ragozzino D. Microglia-mediated calcium-permeable AMPAR accumulation in the nucleus accumbens drives hyperlocomotion during cocaine withdrawal. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:535-542. [PMID: 37967660 PMCID: PMC10915906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During withdrawal from cocaine, calcium permeable-AMPA receptors (CP-AMPAR) progressively accumulate in nucleus accumbens (NAc) synapses, a phenomenon linked to behavioral sensitization and drug-seeking. Recently, it has been suggested that neuroimmune alterations might promote aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity, thus contributing to substance abuse-related behaviors. Here, we investigated the role of microglia in NAc neuroadaptations after withdrawal from cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). We depleted microglia using PLX5622-supplemented diet during cocaine withdrawal, and after the place preference test, we measured dendritic spine density and the presence of CP-AMPAR in the NAc shell. Microglia depletion prevented cocaine-induced changes in dendritic spines and CP-AMPAR accumulation. Furthermore, microglia depletion prevented conditioned hyperlocomotion without affecting drug-context associative memory. Microglia displayed fewer number of branches, resulting in a reduced arborization area and microglia control domain at late withdrawal. Our results suggest that microglia are necessary for the synaptic adaptations in NAc synapses during cocaine withdrawal and therefore represent a promising therapeutic target for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Reverte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Marchetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pezza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Soami F Zenoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scaringi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra D'Ottavio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Annabella Pignataro
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Raspa
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), International Campus "A. Buzzati-Traverso", Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Ferdinando Scavizzi
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), International Campus "A. Buzzati-Traverso", Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Marco Venniro
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Leslie A Ramsey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore NIDA, NIH, USA
| | - Cornelius Gross
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Daniele Caprioli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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10
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Visco DB, Manhães-de-Castro R, da Silva MM, Costa-de-Santana BJR, Pereira Dos Santos Junior J, Saavedra LM, de Lemos MDTB, Valdéz-Alarcón JJ, Lagranha CJ, Guzman-Quevedo O, Torner L, Toscano AE. Neonatal kaempferol exposure attenuates impact of cerebral palsy model on neuromotor development, cell proliferation, microglia activation, and antioxidant enzyme expression in the hippocampus of rats. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:20-41. [PMID: 36576161 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2022.2156034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the effect of neonatal treatment with kaempferol on neuromotor development, proliferation of neural precursor cells, the microglia profile, and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the hippocampus. METHODS A rat model of cerebral palsy was established using perinatal anoxia and sensorimotor restriction of hindlimbs during infancy. Kaempferol (1 mg/ kg) was intraperitoneally administered during the neonatal period. RESULTS Neonatal treatment with kaempferol reduces the impact of the cerebral palsy model on reflex ontogeny and on the maturation of physical features. Impairment of locomotor activity development and motor coordination was found to be attenuated by kaempferol treatment during the neonatal period in rats exposed to cerebral palsy. Neonatal treatment of kaempferol in cerebral palsy rats prevents a substantial reduction in the number of neural precursor cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, an activated microglia profile, and increased proliferation of microglia in the sub-granular zone and in the granular cell layer. Neonatal treatment with kaempferol increases gene expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the hippocampus of rats submitted to the cerebral palsy model. DISCUSSION Kaempferol attenuates the impact of cerebral palsy on neuromotor behavior development, preventing altered hippocampal microglia activation and mitigating impaired cell proliferation in a neurogenic niche in these rats. Neonatal treatment with kaempferol also increases antioxidant defense gene expression in the hippocampus of rats submitted to the cerebral palsy model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Bulcão Visco
- Laboratory of Neurofunctional, Department of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Nutrition (Posnutri), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Raul Manhães-de-Castro
- Graduate Program in Nutrition (Posnutri), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Márcia Maria da Silva
- Graduate Program in Nutrition (Posnutri), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Bárbara J R Costa-de-Santana
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Posneuro), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Joaci Pereira Dos Santos Junior
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Luís Miguel Saavedra
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Mexico
| | | | - Juan José Valdéz-Alarcón
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología - Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Tarímbaro, Mexico
| | - Claudia Jacques Lagranha
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Physiology (PGBqF), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Posneuro), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Omar Guzman-Quevedo
- Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Tacámbaro, Tacámbaro, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Mexico
- Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Posneuro), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Luz Torner
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Michoacán, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Ana Elisa Toscano
- Graduate Program in Nutrition (Posnutri), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Studies in Nutrition and Phenotypic Plasticity Unit, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Posneuro), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Nursing Unit, Vitória Academic Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
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11
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Batorsky R, Ceasrine AM, Shook LL, Kislal S, Bordt EA, Devlin BA, Perlis RH, Slonim DK, Bilbo SD, Edlow AG. Hofbauer cells and fetal brain microglia share transcriptional profiles and responses to maternal diet-induced obesity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.16.571680. [PMID: 38187648 PMCID: PMC10769274 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.16.571680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, many mediated by in utero microglial programming. As microglia remain inaccessible throughout development, identification of noninvasive biomarkers reflecting fetal brain microglial programming could permit screening and intervention. We used lineage tracing to demonstrate the shared ontogeny between fetal brain macrophages (microglia) and fetal placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells) in a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity, and single-cell RNA-seq to demonstrate shared transcriptional programs. Comparison with human datasets demonstrated conservation of placental resident macrophage signatures between mice and humans. Single-cell RNA-seq identified common alterations in fetal microglial and Hofbauer cell gene expression induced by maternal obesity, as well as sex differences in these alterations. We propose that Hofbauer cells, which are easily accessible at birth, provide novel insights into fetal brain microglial programs, and may facilitate the early identification of offspring vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders in the setting of maternal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexis M. Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lydia L. Shook
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sezen Kislal
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Evan A. Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Devlin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Roy H. Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donna K. Slonim
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA
| | - Staci D. Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Vecchiarelli HA, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial Transcriptional Signatures in the Central Nervous System: Toward A Future of Unraveling Their Function in Health and Disease. Annu Rev Genet 2023; 57:65-86. [PMID: 37384734 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-022223-093643] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are primarily derived from the embryonic yolk sac and make their way to the CNS during early development. They play key physiological and immunological roles across the life span, throughout health, injury, and disease. Recent transcriptomic studies have identified gene transcript signatures expressed by microglia that may provide the foundation for unprecedented insights into their functions. Microglial gene expression signatures can help distinguish them from macrophage cell types to a reasonable degree of certainty, depending on the context. Microglial expression patterns further suggest a heterogeneous population comprised of many states that vary according to the spatiotemporal context. Microglial diversity is most pronounced during development, when extensive CNS remodeling takes place, and following disease or injury. A next step of importance for the field will be to identify the functional roles performed by these various microglial states, with the perspective of targeting them therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley A Vecchiarelli
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; ,
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; ,
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology and Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire and Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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Cornil CA, Balthazart J. Contribution of birds to the study of sexual differentiation of brain and behavior. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105410. [PMID: 37567061 PMCID: PMC10543621 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral neuroendocrinology has largely relied on mammalian models to understand the relationship between hormones and behavior, even if this discipline has historically used a larger diversity of species than other fields. Recent advances revealed the potential of avian models in elucidating the neuroendocrine bases of behavior. This paper provides a review focused mainly on the contributions of our laboratory to the study of sexual differentiation in Japanese quail and songbirds. Quail studies have firmly established the role of embryonic estrogens in the sexual differentiation of male copulatory behavior. While most sexually differentiated features identified in brain structure and physiology result from the different endocrine milieu of adults, a few characteristics are organized by embryonic estrogens. Among them, a sex difference was identified in the number and morphology of microglia which is not associated with sex differences in the concentration/expression of neuroinflammatory molecules. The behavioral role of microglia and neuroinflammatory processes requires further investigations. Sexual differentiation of singing in zebra finches is not mediated by the same endocrine mechanisms as male copulatory behavior and "direct" genetic effect, i.e., not mediated by gonadal steroids have been identified. Epigenetic contributions have also been considered. Finally sex differences in specific aspects of singing behavior have been identified in canaries after treatment of adults with exogenous testosterone suggesting that these aspects of song are differentiated during ontogeny. Integration of quail and songbirds as alternative models has thus expanded understanding of the interplay between hormones and behavior in the control of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, 15 Avenue Hippocrate (Bat. B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, 15 Avenue Hippocrate (Bat. B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium
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14
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Woods R, Lorusso J, Fletcher J, ElTaher H, McEwan F, Harris I, Kowash H, D'Souza SW, Harte M, Hager R, Glazier JD. Maternal immune activation and role of placenta in the prenatal programming of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220064. [PMID: 37332846 PMCID: PMC10273029 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy, leading to maternal immune activation (mIA) and cytokine release, increases the offspring risk of developing a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including schizophrenia. Animal models have provided evidence to support these mechanistic links, with placental inflammatory responses and dysregulation of placental function implicated. This leads to changes in fetal brain cytokine balance and altered epigenetic regulation of key neurodevelopmental pathways. The prenatal timing of such mIA-evoked changes, and the accompanying fetal developmental responses to an altered in utero environment, will determine the scope of the impacts on neurodevelopmental processes. Such dysregulation can impart enduring neuropathological changes, which manifest subsequently in the postnatal period as altered neurodevelopmental behaviours in the offspring. Hence, elucidation of the functional changes that occur at the molecular level in the placenta is vital in improving our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of NDDs. This has notable relevance to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where inflammatory responses in the placenta to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and NDDs in early childhood have been reported. This review presents an integrated overview of these collective topics and describes the possible contribution of prenatal programming through placental effects as an underlying mechanism that links to NDD risk, underpinned by altered epigenetic regulation of neurodevelopmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Woods
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jarred M. Lorusso
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jennifer Fletcher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Heidi ElTaher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Francesca McEwan
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Isabella Harris
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Hager M. Kowash
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Stephen W. D'Souza
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Michael Harte
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jocelyn D. Glazier
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
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15
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Guez-Barber D, Colon LM, Raphael D, Wragan MA, Yun S, Eisch AJ. Female and male microglia are not different in the dentate gyrus of postnatal day 10 mice. Neurosci Lett 2023; 803:137171. [PMID: 36898652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137171] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, support normal brain function and the brain's response to disease and injury. The hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) is important for microglial study due to its central role in many behavioral and cognitive functions. Interestingly, microglia and related cells are distinct in female vs. male rodents, even in early life. Indeed, postnatal day (P)-dependent sex differences in number, density, and morphology of microglia have been reported in certain hippocampal subregions at specific ages. However, sex differences in the DG have not yet been assessed at P10, a translationally relevant time point as the rodent neuroanatomical eqivalent of human term gestation. To address this knowledge gap, Iba1+ cells in the DG (which are enriched in the Hilus and Molecular Layer) in female and male C57BL/6J mice were analyzed for their number (via stereology) and density (via stereology and via sampling). Next, Iba1+ cells were classified into morphology categories previously established in the literature. Finally, the percent of Iba1+ cells in each morphology category was multiplied by total cell number to generate a total number of Iba1+ cells in each category. Results show no sex difference in Iba1+ cell number, density, or morphology in the P10 Hilus or Molecular Layer. The lack of sex difference in Iba1+ cells in P10 DG using commonly-employed methodologies (sampling, stereology, morphology classification) provides a baseline from which to interpret microglia changes seen after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Guez-Barber
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lorianna M Colon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, CHOP Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dana Raphael
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Max A Wragan
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sanghee Yun
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, CHOP Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amelia J Eisch
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, CHOP Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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16
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Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L. Daytime Light Deficiency Leads to Sex- and Brain Region-Specific Neuroinflammatory Responses in a Diurnal Rodent. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1369-1384. [PMID: 35864429 PMCID: PMC10635710 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01256-x] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in peripheral inflammation are well documented in both humans and animal models, but seasonal changes in neuroinflammation, especially the impact of seasonal lighting environment on neuroinflammation remain unclear. To address this question, the present study examined the effects of environmental lighting conditions on neuroinflammation in a diurnal rodent model, Nile grass rats (Arvicanthis niloticus). Male and female grass rats were housed in either bright (brLD) or dim (dimLD) light during the day to simulate a summer or winter light condition, respectively. After 4 weeks, microglia markers Iba-1 and CD11b, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, were examined in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and dorsal hippocampus (dHipp). The results revealed that winter-like dim light during the day leads to indicators of increased neuroinflammation in a brain site- and sex-specific manner. Specifically, relatively few changes in the neuroinflammatory markers were observed in the ACC, while numerous changes were found in the BLA and dHipp. In the BLA, winter-like dimLD resulted in hyper-ramified microglia morphology and increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, but only in males. In the dHipp, dimLD led to a higher number and hyper-ramified morphology of microglia as well as increased expression of CD11b and TNF-α, but only in females. Neuroinflammatory state is thus influenced by environmental light, differently in males and females, and could play a role in sex differences in the prevalence and symptoms of psychiatric or neurological disorders that are influenced by season or other environmental light conditions. Diurnal Nile grass rats were housed under bright or dim light during the day for 4 weeks, simulating seasonal fluctuations in daytime lighting environment. Dim light housing resulted in hyper-ramified morphology of microglia (scale bar, 15 μm) and altered expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) in a sex- and brain region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Costello
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Katrina Linning-Duffy
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Carleigh Vandenbrook
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Lily Yan
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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17
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β-Adrenoceptor Blockade Moderates Neuroinflammation in Male and Female EAE Rats and Abrogates Sexual Dimorphisms in the Major Neuroinflammatory Pathways by Being More Efficient in Males. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1237-1265. [PMID: 35798933 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in male compared with female adult rats, and moderating effect of propranolol-induced β-adrenoceptor blockade on EAE in females, the effect associated with transcriptional stimulation of Nrf2/HO-1 axis in spinal cord microglia. This study examined putative sexual dimorphism in propranolol action on EAE severity. Propranolol treatment beginning from the onset of clinical EAE mitigated EAE severity in rats of both sexes, but to a greater extent in males exhibiting higher noradrenaline levels and myeloid cell β2-adrenoceptor expression in spinal cord. This correlated with more prominent stimulatory effects of propranolol not only on CX3CL1/CX3CR1/Nrf2/HO-1 cascade, but also on Stat3/Socs3 signaling axis in spinal cord microglia/myeloid cells (mirrored in the decreased Stat3 and the increased Socs3 expression) from male rats compared with their female counterparts. Propranolol diminished the frequency of activated cells among microglia, increased their phagocyting/endocyting capacity, and shifted cytokine secretory profile of microglia/blood-borne myeloid cells towards an anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective phenotype. Additionally, it downregulated the expression of chemokines (CCL2, CCL19/21) driving T-cell/monocyte trafficking into spinal cord. Consequently, in propranolol-treated rats fewer activated CD4+ T cells and IL-17+ T cells, including CD4+IL17+ cells coexpressing IFN-γ/GM-CSF, were recovered from spinal cord of propranolol-treated rats compared with sex-matched saline-injected controls. All the effects of propranolol were more prominent in males. The study as a whole disclosed that sexual dimorphism in multiple molecular mechanisms implicated in EAE development may be responsible for greater severity of EAE in male rats and sexually dimorphic action of substances affecting them. Propranolol moderated EAE severity more effectively in male rats, exhibiting greater spinal cord noradrenaline (NA) levels and myeloid cell β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) expression than females. Propranolol affected CX3CR1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Stat3/Socs3 signaling axes in myeloid cells, favored their anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective phenotype and, consequently, reduced Th cell reactivation and differentiation into highly pathogenic IL-17/IFN-γ/GM-CSF-producing cells.
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18
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McLeod RM, Rosenkrantz TS, Fitch RH, Koski RR. Sex Differences in Microglia Activation in a Rodent Model of Preterm Hypoxic Ischemic Injury with Caffeine Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010185. [PMID: 36672692 PMCID: PMC9855625 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants are often treated with caffeine as a respiratory stimulant. However, follow-up data shows caffeine may also have neuroprotective potential. There are several theories as to how caffeine might protect the brain, but none have been proven. This study looked at caffeine effects on microglial activation in rodent brains post hypoxic ischemic (HI) injury. Rat pups underwent either sham or HI surgery on P6, followed by treatment with either caffeine or saline. Forty-eight hours post-injury, brains were collected and underwent paraffin embedding and sectioning followed by immunofluorescence staining. Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) was used to label microglia, and 4',6-diamindino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was used to label DNA. Cell size measurements of microglia were obtained to gauge microglia activation, and chromatin condensation (DAPI optical density) was used as an index of neuronal cell death. Results suggest that caffeine does offer protective effects, based on significantly increased levels of cell death in HI-saline animals not seen in caffeine-treated HI males and females. However, the mechanism of action may be different. Male HI animals showed marginally reduced microglial activation following caffeine treatment, whereas females did not. Results indicate that though caffeine may act protectively in both sexes by reducing cell death, the benefits may be mediated by different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Mae McLeod
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Ted S. Rosenkrantz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center and Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Roslyn Holly Fitch
- Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Rachel R. Koski
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
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19
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Carroll JB, Hamidi S, Gabriele ML. Microglial heterogeneity and complement component 3 elimination within emerging multisensory midbrain compartments during an early critical period. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1072667. [PMID: 36685243 PMCID: PMC9846048 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1072667] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral cortex of the inferior colliculus (LCIC) is a midbrain shell region that receives multimodal inputs that target discrete zones of its compartmental (modular-matrix) framework. This arrangement emerges perinatally in mice (postnatal day, P0-P12) as somatosensory and auditory inputs segregate into their respective modular and matrix terminal patterns. Microglial cells (MGCs) perform a variety of critical functions in the developing brain, among them identifying areas of active circuit assembly and selectively pruning exuberant or underutilized connections. Recent evidence in other brain structures suggest considerable MGC heterogeneity across the lifespan, particularly during established developmental critical periods. The present study examines the potential involvement of classical complement cascade signaling (C3-CR3/CD11b) in refining early multisensory networks, and identifies several microglial subsets exhibiting distinct molecular signatures within the nascent LCIC. Immunostaining was performed in GAD67-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and CX3CR1-GFP mice throughout and after the defined LCIC critical period. GAD labeling highlights the emerging LCIC modularity, while CX3CR1 labeling depicts MGCs expressing the fractalkine receptor. C3 expression is widespread throughout the LCIC neuropil early on, prior to its conspicuous absence from modular zones at P8, and more global disappearance following critical period closure. CD11b-expressing microglia while homogeneously distributed at birth, are biased to modular fields at P8 and then the surrounding matrix by P12. Temporal and spatial matching of the disappearance of C3 by LCIC compartment (i.e., modules then matrix) with CD11b-positive MGC occupancy implicates complement signaling in the selective refinement of early LCIC connectivity. Multiple-labeling studies for a variety of established MGC markers (CD11b, CX3CR1, Iba1, TMEM119) indicate significant MGC heterogeneity in the LCIC as its compartments and segregated multisensory maps emerge. Marker colocalization was the exception rather than the rule, suggesting that unique MGC subpopulations exist in the LCIC and perhaps serve distinct developmental roles. Potential mechanisms whereby microglia sculpt early multisensory LCIC maps and how such activity/inactivity may underlie certain neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark L. Gabriele
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
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20
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Hilz EN, Lee HJ. Estradiol and progesterone in female reward-learning, addiction, and therapeutic interventions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 68:101043. [PMID: 36356909 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones like estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) guide the sexual organization and activation of the developing brain and control female reproductive behavior throughout the lifecycle; importantly, these hormones modulate functional activity of not just the endocrine system, but most of the nervous system including the brain reward system. The effects of E2 and P4 can be seen in the processing of and memory for rewarding stimuli and in the development of compulsive reward-seeking behaviors like those seen in substance use disorders. Women are at increased risk of developing substance use disorders; however, the origins of this sex difference are not well understood and therapeutic interventions targeting ovarian hormones have produced conflicting results. This article reviews the contribution of the E2 and P4 in females to functional modulation of the brain reward system, their possible roles in origins of addiction vulnerability, and the development and treatment of compulsive reward-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Hilz
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Pharmacology, USA.
| | - Hongjoo J Lee
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychology, USA; The University of Texas at Austin, Institute for Neuroscience, USA
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21
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Rodrigues-Neves AC, Ambrósio AF, Gomes CA. Microglia sequelae: brain signature of innate immunity in schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:493. [PMID: 36443303 PMCID: PMC9705537 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder with significant impact on individuals and society. The current pharmacologic treatment, which principally alleviates psychosis, is focused on neurotransmitters modulation, relying on drugs with severe side effects and ineffectiveness in a significant percentage of cases. Therefore, and due to difficulties inherent to diagnosis and treatment, it is vital to reassess alternative cellular and molecular drug targets. Distinct risk factors - genetic, developmental, epigenetic, and environmental - have been associated with disease onset and progression, giving rise to the proposal of different pathophysiological mechanisms and putative pharmacological targets. Immunity is involved and, particularly microglia - innate immune cells of the central nervous system, critically involved in brain development - have captured attention as cellular players. Microglia undergo marked morphologic and functional alterations in the human disease, as well as in animal models of schizophrenia, as reported in several original papers. We cluster the main findings of clinical studies by groups of patients: (1) at ultra-high risk of psychosis, (2) with a first episode of psychosis or recent-onset schizophrenia, and (3) with chronic schizophrenia; in translational studies, we highlight the time window of appearance of particular microglia alterations in the most well studied animal model in the field (maternal immune activation). The organization of clinical and translational findings based on schizophrenia-associated microglia changes in different phases of the disease course may help defining a temporal pattern of microglia changes and may drive the design of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Catarina Rodrigues-Neves
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António. F. Ambrósio
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina A. Gomes
- grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal ,grid.8051.c0000 0000 9511 4342Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Coimbra, Portugal
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22
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Microglia involvement in sex-dependent behaviors and schizophrenia occurrence in offspring with maternal dexamethasone exposure. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:71. [PMID: 36075925 PMCID: PMC9458670 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal microglia that are particularly sensitive cells to the changes in utero environment might be involved in the sex-biased onset and vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. To address this issue, we administered a 50 µg/kg dexamethasone (DEX) to dams subcutaneously from gestational days 16 to 18 and a series of behavioral assessments were performed in the offspring. Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (PN-DEX) induced schizophrenia (SCZ)-relevant behaviors in male mice and depressive-like behavior in female mice. SCZ-relevant behavioral patterns occurred in 10-week-old (10 W) male mice but not in 4-week-old (4 W) male mice. Microglia in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the striatum (STR) of 10 W males prenatally treated with dexamethasone (10 W PN-DEX-M) showed hyper-ramified morphology and dramatically reduced spine density in mPFC. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that microglia in the mPFC of the 10 W PN-DEX-M group interacted with pre-synaptic Bassoon and post-synaptic density 95 (PSD95) puncta. PN-DEX-M also showed significantly changed dopamine system proteins. However, a testosterone surge during adolescence was not a trigger on SCZ-relevant behavior occurrence in 10 W PN-DEX-M. Furthermore, females prenatally treated with dexamethasone (PN-DEX-F) displayed depressive-like behavior, in addition to HPA-axis activation and inflammatory microglial phenotypes in their hippocampus (HPC). We propose that altered microglial function, such as increased synaptic pruning, may be involved in the occurrence of SCZ-relevant behavior in PN-DEX-M and sex-biased abnormal behavior in the PN-DEX model.
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23
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Maternal immune activation in rats induces dysfunction of placental leucine transport and alters fetal brain growth. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1117-1137. [PMID: 35852150 PMCID: PMC9366863 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy increases the offspring risk of developing a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including schizophrenia. While the mechanisms remain unclear, dysregulation of placental function is implicated. We hypothesised that maternal infection, leading to maternal immune activation and stimulated cytokine production, alters placental and yolk sac amino acid transport, affecting fetal brain development and thus NDD risk. Using a rat model of maternal immune activation induced by the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), we investigated placental and yolk sac expression of system L amino acid transporter subtypes which transport several essential amino acids including branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), maternal and fetal BCAA concentration, placental 14C-leucine transport activity and associated impacts on fetal growth and development. Poly(I:C) treatment increased acutely maternal IL-6 and TNFα concentration, contrasting with IL-1β. Transcriptional responses for these pro-inflammatory cytokines were found in placenta and yolk sac following poly(I:C) treatment. Placental and yolk sac weights were reduced by poly(I:C) treatment, yet fetal body weight was unaffected, while fetal brain weight was increased. Maternal plasma BCAA concentration was reduced 24 h post-poly(I:C) treatment, yet placental, but not yolk sac, BCAA concentration was increased. Placental and yolk sac gene expression of Slc7a5, Slc7a8 and Slc43a2 encoding LAT1, LAT2 and LAT4 transporter subtypes respectively, was altered by poly(I:C) treatment. Placental 14C-leucine transport was significantly reduced 24 h post-treatment, contrasting with a significant increase six days following poly(I:C) treatment. Maternal immune activation induces dysregulated placental transport of amino acids affecting fetal brain development, and NDD risk potential in offspring.
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24
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Gonçalves de Andrade E, González Ibáñez F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia as a Hub for Suicide Neuropathology: Future Investigation and Prevention Targets. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:839396. [PMID: 35663424 PMCID: PMC9158339 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.839396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a complex public health challenge associated worldwide with one death every 40 s. Research advances in the neuropathology of suicidal behaviors (SB) have defined discrete brain changes which may hold the key to suicide prevention. Physiological differences in microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are present in post-mortem tissue samples of individuals who died by suicide. Furthermore, microglia are mechanistically implicated in the outcomes of important risk factors for SB, including early-life adversity, stressful life events, and psychiatric disorders. SB risk factors result in inflammatory and oxidative stress activities which could converge to microglial synaptic remodeling affecting susceptibility or resistance to SB. To push further this perspective, in this Review we summarize current areas of opportunity that could untangle the functional participation of microglia in the context of suicide. Our discussion centers around microglial state diversity in respect to morphology, gene and protein expression, as well as function, depending on various factors, namely brain region, age, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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25
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Maternal high-fat diet in mice induces cerebrovascular, microglial and long-term behavioural alterations in offspring. Commun Biol 2022; 5:26. [PMID: 35017640 PMCID: PMC8752761 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02947-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Various environmental exposures during pregnancy, like maternal diet, can compromise, at critical periods of development, the neurovascular maturation of the offspring. Foetal exposure to maternal high-fat diet (mHFD), common to Western societies, has been shown to disturb neurovascular development in neonates and long-term permeability of the neurovasculature. Nevertheless, the effects of mHFD on the offspring’s cerebrovascular health remains largely elusive. Here, we sought to address this knowledge gap by using a translational mouse model of mHFD exposure. Three-dimensional and ultrastructure analysis of the neurovascular unit (vasculature and parenchymal cells) in mHFD-exposed offspring revealed major alterations of the neurovascular organization and metabolism. These alterations were accompanied by changes in the expression of genes involved in metabolism and immunity, indicating that neurovascular changes may result from abnormal brain metabolism and immune regulation. In addition, mHFD-exposed offspring showed persisting behavioural alterations reminiscent of neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically an increase in stereotyped and repetitive behaviours into adulthood. In order to advance our understanding of the effects of maternal high-fat diet (mHFD) on the cerebrovascular health of offspring, Bordeleau et al. use a translational mouse model of mHFD exposure. They demonstrate that mHFD induces cerebrovascular and microglial changes in the offspring as well as behavioural alterations that are reminiscent of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with repetitive behaviours at adulthood.
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26
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Šimončičová E, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Vecchiarelli HA, Awogbindin IO, Delage CI, Tremblay MÈ. Present and future of microglial pharmacology. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:669-685. [PMID: 35031144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, brain resident immune cells, modulate development, activity, and plasticity of the central nervous system. Mechanistically implicated in numerous neurological pathologies, microglia emerge as strong contenders for novel neurotherapies. Shifting away from merely an attenuation of excessive microglial inflammatory and phagocytic activities, current therapies aim toward targeting the complex context-dependent microglial heterogeneity, unveiled by large-scale genetic studies and emerging single-cell analyses. Although lacking the necessary selectivity, initial therapies attempting to target specific state-associated microglial properties and functions (e.g., inflammatory activity, phagocytosis, proliferation, metabolism, or surveillance) are currently under pre- or even clinical (Phase I-IV) investigation. Here, we provide an update on current microglial therapeutic research and discuss what the future in the field might look like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Šimončičová
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ifeoluwa O Awogbindin
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Neuroimmunology Group, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Charlotte I Delage
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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27
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Lopez-Lee C, Kodama L, Gan L. Sex Differences in Neurodegeneration: The Role of the Immune System in Humans. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:72-80. [PMID: 33715827 PMCID: PMC8263798 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence supports significant involvement of immune dysfunction in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, several of which also display prominent sex differences across prevalence, pathology, and symptomology. In this review, we summarize evidence from human studies of established and recent findings of sex differences in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and discuss how sex-specific central nervous system innate immune activity could contribute to downstream sex differences in these diseases. We examine human genomic and transcriptomics studies in each neurodegenerative disease through the lens of sex differences in the neuroimmune system and highlight the importance of stratifying sex in clinical and translational research studies. Finally, we discuss the limitations of the existing studies and outline recommendations for further advancing sex-based analyses to uncover novel disease mechanisms that could ultimately help treat both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Lopez-Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lay Kodama
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Li Gan
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
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28
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Carrier M, Šimončičová E, St-Pierre MK, McKee C, Tremblay MÈ. Psychological Stress as a Risk Factor for Accelerated Cellular Aging and Cognitive Decline: The Involvement of Microglia-Neuron Crosstalk. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:749737. [PMID: 34803607 PMCID: PMC8599581 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.749737] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and microglia is lifelong. Microglia originate in the embryonic yolk sac during development and populate the CNS before the blood-brain barrier forms. In the CNS, they constitute a self-renewing population. Although they represent up to 10% of all brain cells, we are only beginning to understand how much brain homeostasis relies on their physiological functions. Often compared to a double-edged sword, microglia hold the potential to exert neuroprotective roles that can also exacerbate neurodegeneration once compromised. Microglia can promote synaptic growth in addition to eliminating synapses that are less active. Synaptic loss, which is considered one of the best pathological correlates of cognitive decline, is a distinctive feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and cognitive aging. Long-term psychological stress accelerates cellular aging and predisposes to various diseases, including MDD, and cognitive decline. Among the underlying mechanisms, stress-induced neuroinflammation alters microglial interactions with the surrounding parenchymal cells and exacerbates oxidative burden and cellular damage, hence inducing changes in microglia and neurons typical of cognitive aging. Focusing on microglial interactions with neurons and their synapses, this review discusses the disrupted communication between these cells, notably involving fractalkine signaling and the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM). Overall, chronic stress emerges as a key player in cellular aging by altering the microglial sensome, notably via fractalkine signaling deficiency. To study cellular aging, novel positron emission tomography radiotracers for TREM and the purinergic family of receptors show interest for human study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Chloe McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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29
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Van Acker ZP, Perdok A, Bretou M, Annaert W. The microglial lysosomal system in Alzheimer's disease: Guardian against proteinopathy. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101444. [PMID: 34391945 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the brain-resident immune cells, play an essential role in the upkeep of brain homeostasis. They actively adapt into specific activation states based on cues from the microenvironment. One of these encompasses the activated response microglia (ARMs) phenotype. It arises along a healthy aging process and in a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the phenotype is characterized by an increased lipid metabolism, phagocytosis rate, lysosomal protease content and secretion of neuroprotective agents, it leaves to reason that the phenotype is adapted in an attempt to restore homeostasis. This is important to the conundrum of inflammatory processes. Inflammation per se may not be deleterious; it is only when microglial reactions become chronic or the microglial subtype is made dysfunctional by (multiple) risk proteins with single-nucleotide polymorphisms that microglial involvement becomes deleterious instead of beneficial. Interestingly, the ARMs up- and downregulate many late-onset AD-associated risk factor genes, the products of which are particularly active in the endolysosomal system. Hence, in this review, we focus on how the endolysosomal system is placed at the crossroad of inflammation and microglial capacity to keep pace with degradation.
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30
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Tremblay MÈ. Microglial functional alteration and increased diversity in the challenged brain: Insights into novel targets for intervention. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100301. [PMID: 34589793 PMCID: PMC8474548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma, which perform beneficial physiological roles across life. These immune cells actively maintain CNS health by clearing toxic debris and removing dysfunctional or degenerating cells. They also modify the wiring of neuronal circuits, by acting on the formation, modification, and elimination of synapses-the connections between neurons. Microglia furthermore recently emerged as highly diverse cells comprising several structural and functional states, indicating a far more critical involvement in orchestrating brain development, plasticity, behaviour, and cognition. Various environmental factors, together with the individual genetic predispositions, confer an increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as neurodegenerative diseases that include autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, across life. Microglia are highly sensitive to chronic psychological stress, inadequate diet, viral/bacterial infection, pollution, and insufficient or altered sleep, especially during critical developmental periods, but also throughout life. These environmental challenges can compromise microglial physiological functions, resulting notably in defective neuronal circuit wiring, altered brain functional connectivity, and the onset of behavioral deficits into adolescence, adulthood, and aging. This short review provides a historical and technical perspective, notably focused on my contribution to the field, on how environmental challenges affect microglia, particularly their physiological functions, and increase their diversity, which provides novel targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Molecular Medicine Department, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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31
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Bordeleau M, Fernández de Cossío L, Lacabanne C, Savage JC, Vernoux N, Chakravarty M, Tremblay MÈ. Maternal high-fat diet modifies myelin organization, microglial interactions, and results in social memory and sensorimotor gating deficits in adolescent mouse offspring. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 15:100281. [PMID: 34589781 PMCID: PMC8474164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal high-fat diet (mHFD) acts as a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental alterations in the progeny. Recent studies in mice revealed that mHFD results in both neuroinflammation and hypomyelination in the exposed offspring. Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, play crucial roles during brain development, notably by modulating oligodendrocyte populations and performing phagocytosis of myelin sheaths. Previously, we reported that mHFD modifies microglial phenotype (i.e., morphology, interactions with their microenvironment, transcripts) in the hippocampus of male and female offspring. In the current study, we further explored whether mHFD may induce myelination changes among the hippocampal-corpus callosum-prefrontal cortex pathway, and result in behavioral outcomes in adolescent offspring of the two sexes. To this end, female mice were fed with control chow or HFD for 4 weeks before mating, during gestation, and until weaning of their litter. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed an increased density of myelin associated with a reduced area of cytosolic myelin channels in the corpus callosum of mHFD-exposed male compared to female offspring. Transcripts of myelination-associated genes including Igf1 -a growth factor released by microglia- were also lower, specifically in the hippocampus (without changes in the prefrontal cortex) of adolescent male mouse offspring. These changes in myelin were not related to an altered density, distribution, or maturation of oligodendrocytes, instead we found that microglia within the corpus callosum of mHFD-exposed offspring showed reduced numbers of mature lysosomes and increased synaptic contacts, suggesting microglial implication in the modified myelination. At the behavioral level, both male and female mHFD-exposed adolescent offspring presented loss of social memory and sensorimotor gating deficits. These results together highlight the importance of studying oligodendrocyte-microglia crosstalk and its involvement in the long-term brain alterations that result from prenatal mHFD in offspring across sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Bordeleau
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Chloé Lacabanne
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie C Savage
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mallar Chakravarty
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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32
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Arnold ML, Saijo K. Estrogen Receptor β as a Candidate Regulator of Sex Differences in the Maternal Immune Activation Model of ASD. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:717411. [PMID: 34531723 PMCID: PMC8438209 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.717411] [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: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Interestingly, more males are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than females, yet the mechanism behind this difference is unclear. Genes on the sex chromosomes and differential regulation by sex steroid hormones and their receptors are both candidate mechanisms to explain this sex-dependent phenotype. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a large family of transcription factors, including sex hormone receptors, that mediate ligand-dependent transcription and may play key roles in sex-specific regulation of immunity and brain development. Infection during pregnancy is known to increase the probability of developing ASD in humans, and a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), which is induced by injecting innate immune stimulants into pregnant wild-type mice, is commonly used to study ASD. Since this model successfully recaptures the behavioral phenotypes and male bias observed in ASD, we will discuss the potential role of sex steroid hormones and their receptors, especially focusing on estrogen receptor (ER)β, in MIA and how this signaling may modulate transcription and subsequent inflammation in myeloid-lineage cells to contribute to the etiology of this neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline L Arnold
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Kaoru Saijo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States.,Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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33
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Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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34
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Zheng J, Ru W, Adolacion JR, Spurgat MS, Liu X, Yuan S, Liang RX, Dong J, Potter AS, Potter SS, Chen K, Chen R, Varadarajan N, Tang SJ. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis reveals compartment-specific heterogeneity and plasticity of microglia. iScience 2021; 24:102186. [PMID: 33718838 PMCID: PMC7921843 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are ubiquitous central nervous system (CNS)-resident macrophages that maintain homeostasis of neural tissues and protect them from pathogen attacks. Yet, their differentiation in different compartments remains elusive. We performed single-cell RNA-seq to compare microglial subtypes in the cortex and the spinal cord. A multi-way comparative analysis was carried out on samples from C57/BL and HIV gp120 transgenic mice at two, four, and eight months of age. The results revealed overlapping but distinct microglial populations in the cortex and the spinal cord. The differential heterogeneity of microglia in these CNS regions was further suggested by their disparity of plasticity in response to life span progression and HIV-1 pathogenic protein gp120. Our findings indicate that microglia in different CNS compartments are adapted to their local environments to fulfill region-specific biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Wenjuan Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jay R. Adolacion
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Michael S. Spurgat
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Subo Yuan
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rommel X. Liang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jianli Dong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew S. Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - S Steven Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Division of Quantitative Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, TX, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston 77030, TX, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Shao-Jun Tang
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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35
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Han J, Fan Y, Zhou K, Blomgren K, Harris RA. Uncovering sex differences of rodent microglia. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:74. [PMID: 33731174 PMCID: PMC7972194 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There are inherent structural and functional differences in the central nervous systems (CNS) of females and males. It has been gradually established that these sex-specific differences are due to a spectrum of genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors which actively contribute to the differential incidences, disease courses, and even outcomes of CNS diseases between sexes. Microglia, as principle resident macrophages in the CNS, play a crucial role in both CNS physiology and pathology. However, sex differences of microglia have been relatively unexplored until recently. Emerging data has convincingly demonstrated the existence of sex-dependent structural and functional differences of rodent microglia, consequently changing our current understanding of these versatile cells. In this review, we attempt to comprehensively outline the current advances revealing microglial sex differences in rodent and their potential implications for specific CNS diseases with a stark sex difference. A detailed understanding of molecular processes underlying microglial sex differences is of major importance in design of translational sex- and microglia-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Han
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yueshan Fan
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Klas Blomgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert A Harris
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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36
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Gonçalves de Andrade E, Šimončičová E, Carrier M, Vecchiarelli HA, Robert MÈ, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia Fighting for Neurological and Mental Health: On the Central Nervous System Frontline of COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:647378. [PMID: 33737867 PMCID: PMC7961561 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.647378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is marked by cardio-respiratory alterations, with increasing reports also indicating neurological and psychiatric symptoms in infected individuals. During COVID-19 pathology, the central nervous system (CNS) is possibly affected by direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invasion, exaggerated systemic inflammatory responses, or hypoxia. Psychosocial stress imposed by the pandemic further affects the CNS of COVID-19 patients, but also the non-infected population, potentially contributing to the emergence or exacerbation of various neurological or mental health disorders. Microglia are central players of the CNS homeostasis maintenance and inflammatory response that exert their crucial functions in coordination with other CNS cells. During homeostatic challenges to the brain parenchyma, microglia modify their density, morphology, and molecular signature, resulting in the adjustment of their functions. In this review, we discuss how microglia may be involved in the neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses against CNS insults deriving from COVID-19. We examine how these responses may explain, at least partially, the neurological and psychiatric manifestations reported in COVID-19 patients and the general population. Furthermore, we consider how microglia might contribute to increased CNS vulnerability in certain groups, such as aged individuals and people with pre-existing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Ève Robert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Science, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université de Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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37
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Baumgartner JE, Baumgartner LS, Baumgartner ME, Moore EJ, Messina SA, Seidman MD, Shook DR. Progenitor cell therapy for acquired pediatric nervous system injury: Traumatic brain injury and acquired sensorineural hearing loss. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:164-180. [PMID: 33034162 PMCID: PMC7848325 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While cell therapies hold remarkable promise for replacing injured cells and repairing damaged tissues, cell replacement is not the only means by which these therapies can achieve therapeutic effect. For example, recent publications show that treatment with varieties of adult, multipotent stem cells can improve outcomes in patients with neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury and hearing loss without directly replacing damaged or lost cells. As the immune system plays a central role in injury response and tissue repair, we here suggest that multipotent stem cell therapies achieve therapeutic effect by altering the immune response to injury, thereby limiting damage due to inflammation and possibly promoting repair. These findings argue for a broader understanding of the mechanisms by which cell therapies can benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Baumgartner
- Advent Health for ChildrenOrlandoFloridaUSA
- Department of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of Central Florida College of MedicineOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | | | | | - Ernest J. Moore
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language PathologyUniversity of North TexasDentonTexasUSA
| | | | - Michael D. Seidman
- Advent Health CelebrationCelebrationFloridaUSA
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologyUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
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38
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Carrier M, Guilbert J, Lévesque JP, Tremblay MÈ, Desjardins M. Structural and Functional Features of Developing Brain Capillaries, and Their Alteration in Schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:595002. [PMID: 33519380 PMCID: PMC7843388 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.595002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia affects more than 1% of the world's population and shows very high heterogeneity in the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms experienced by patients. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying this neurodevelopmental disorder are largely unknown, although it is proposed to emerge from multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. In this work, we explore the potential alterations in the developing blood vessel network which could contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Specifically, we discuss how the vascular network evolves during early postnatal life and how genetic and environmental risk factors can lead to detrimental changes. Blood vessels, capillaries in particular, constitute a dynamic and complex infrastructure distributing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. During postnatal development, capillaries undergo many structural and anatomical changes in order to form a fully functional, mature vascular network. Advanced technologies like magnetic resonance imaging and near infrared spectroscopy are now enabling to study how the brain vasculature and its supporting features are established in humans from birth until adulthood. Furthermore, the contribution of the different neurovascular unit elements, including pericytes, endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, to proper brain function and behavior, can be dissected. This investigation conducted among different brain regions altered in schizophrenia, such as the prefrontal cortex, may provide further evidence that schizophrenia can be considered a neurovascular disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jérémie Guilbert
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Lévesque
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Desjardins
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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39
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Bordeleau M, Fernández de Cossío L, Chakravarty MM, Tremblay MÈ. From Maternal Diet to Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Story of Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:612705. [PMID: 33536875 PMCID: PMC7849357 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.612705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing the appropriate quantity and quality of food needed for both the mother's well-being and the healthy development of the offspring is crucial during pregnancy. However, the macro- and micronutrient intake also impacts the body's regulatory supersystems of the mother, such as the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, which ultimately influence the overall development of the offspring. Of particular importance is the association between unhealthy maternal diet and neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Epidemiological studies have linked neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia, to maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation. While the deleterious consequences of diet-induced MIA on offspring neurodevelopment are increasingly revealed, neuroinflammation is emerging as a key underlying mechanism. In this review, we compile the evidence available on how the mother and offspring are both impacted by maternal dietary imbalance. We specifically explore the various inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of dietary components and discuss how changes in inflammatory status can prime the offspring brain development toward neurodevelopmental disorders. Lastly, we discuss research evidence on the mechanisms that sustain the relationship between maternal dietary imbalance and offspring brain development, involving altered neuroinflammatory status in the offspring, as well as genetic to cellular programming notably of microglia, and the evidence that the gut microbiome may act as a key mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Bordeleau
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - M. Mallar Chakravarty
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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40
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Hemonnot-Girard AL, Valverde AJ, Hua J, Delaygue C, Linck N, Maurice T, Rassendren F, Hirbec H. Analysis of CX3CR1 haplodeficiency in male and female APP swe/PSEN1 dE9 mice along Alzheimer disease progression. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:404-417. [PMID: 33190798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, have recently emerged as key players in Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathogenesis, but their roles in AD remain largely elusive and require further investigation. Microglia functions are readily altered when isolated from their brain environment, and microglia reporter mice thus represent valuable tools to study the contribution of these cells to neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. The CX3CR1+/eGFP mice is one of the most popular microglia reporter mice, and has been used in numerous studies to investigate in vivo microglial functions, including in the context of AD research. However, until now, the impact of CX3CR1 haplodeficiency on the typical features of Alzheimer Disease has not been studied in depth. To fill this gap, we generated APPswe/PSEN1dE9:CX3CR1+/eGFP mice and analyzed these mice for Alzheimer's like pathology and neuroinflammation hallmarks. More specifically, using robust multifactorial statistical and multivariate analyses, we investigated the impact of CX3CR1 deficiency in both males and females, at three typical stages of the pathology progression: at early stage when Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition just starts, at intermediate stage during Aβ accumulation phase and at more advanced stages when Aβ plaque number stabilizes. We found that CX3CR1 haplodeficiency had little impact on the progression of the pathology in the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 model and demonstrated that the APPswe/PSEN1dE9:CX3CR1+/eGFP line is a relevant and useful model to study the role of microglia in Alzheimer Disease. In addition, although Aβ plaques density is higher in females compared to age-matched males, we show that their glial reaction, inflammation status and memory deficits are not different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Hemonnot-Girard
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Audrey J Valverde
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Jennifer Hua
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Charlene Delaygue
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Linck
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MNDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - François Rassendren
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France
| | - Helene Hirbec
- IGF, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; Labex ICST, Montpellier, France.
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41
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Delage CI, Cornil CA. Estrogen‐dependent sex difference in microglia in the developing brain of Japanese quail (
Coturnix japonica
). Dev Neurobiol 2020; 80:239-262. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Anne Cornil
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology GIGA Neurosciences University of Liège Liège Belgium
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42
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Reddaway J, Brydges NM. Enduring neuroimmunological consequences of developmental experiences: From vulnerability to resilience. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 109:103567. [PMID: 33068720 PMCID: PMC7556274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is crucial for normal neuronal development and function (neuroimmune system). Both immune and neuronal systems undergo significant postnatal development and are sensitive to developmental programming by environmental experiences. Negative experiences from infection to psychological stress at a range of different time points (in utero to adolescence) can permanently alter the function of the neuroimmune system: given its prominent role in normal brain development and function this dysregulation may increase vulnerability to psychiatric illness. In contrast, positive experiences such as exercise and environmental enrichment are protective and can promote resilience, even restoring the detrimental effects of negative experiences on the neuroimmune system. This suggests the neuroimmune system is a viable therapeutic target for treatment and prevention of psychiatric illnesses, especially those related to stress. In this review we will summarise the main cells, molecules and functions of the immune system in general and with specific reference to central nervous system development and function. We will then discuss the effects of negative and positive environmental experiences, especially during development, in programming the long-term functioning of the neuroimmune system. Finally, we will review the sparse but growing literature on sex differences in neuroimmune development and response to environmental experiences. The immune system is essential for development and function of the central nervous system (neuroimmune system) Environmental experiences can permanently alter neuroimmune function and associated brain development Altered neuroimmune function following negative developmental experiences may play a role in psychiatric illnesses Positive experiences can promote resilience and rescue the effects of negative experiences on the neuroimmune system The neuroimmune system is therefore a viable therapeutic target for preventing and treating psychiatric illnesses
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Reddaway
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Nichola M Brydges
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
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43
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Hui CW, Vecchiarelli HA, Gervais É, Luo X, Michaud F, Scheefhals L, Bisht K, Sharma K, Topolnik L, Tremblay MÈ. Sex Differences of Microglia and Synapses in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Adult Mouse Offspring Exposed to Maternal Immune Activation. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:558181. [PMID: 33192308 PMCID: PMC7593822 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.558181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder affecting ∼1% of humans worldwide. It is earlier and more frequently diagnosed in men than woman, and men display more pronounced negative symptoms together with greater gray matter reductions. Our previous findings utilizing a maternal immune activation (mIA) mouse model of schizophrenia revealed exacerbated anxiety-like behavior and sensorimotor gating deficits in adult male offspring that were associated with increased microglial reactivity and inflammation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). However, both male and female adult offspring displayed stereotypy and impairment of sociability. We hypothesized that mIA may lead to sex-specific alterations in microglial pruning activity, resulting in abnormal synaptic connectivity in the DG. Using the same mIA model, we show in the current study sex-specific differences in microglia and synapses within the DG of adult offspring. Specifically, microglial levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)68 and CD11b were increased in mIA-exposed females. Sex-specific differences in excitatory and inhibitory synapse densities were also observed following mIA. Additionally, inhibitory synaptic tone was increased in DG granule cells of both males and females, while changes in excitatory synaptic transmission occurred only in females with mIA. These findings suggest that phagocytic and complement pathways may together contribute to a sexual dimorphism in synaptic pruning and neuronal dysfunction in mIA, and may propose sex-specific therapeutic targets to prevent schizophrenia-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Wai Hui
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Étienne Gervais
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Xiao Luo
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Félix Michaud
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Scheefhals
- Master Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kaushik Sharma
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Lisa Topolnik
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Qu-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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44
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Carrier M, Robert MÈ, González Ibáñez F, Desjardins M, Tremblay MÈ. Imaging the Neuroimmune Dynamics Across Space and Time. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:903. [PMID: 33071723 PMCID: PMC7539119 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is essential for maintaining homeostasis, as well as promoting growth and healing throughout the brain and body. Considering that immune cells respond rapidly to changes in their microenvironment, they are very difficult to study without affecting their structure and function. The advancement of non-invasive imaging methods greatly contributed to elucidating the physiological roles performed by immune cells in the brain across stages of the lifespan and contexts of health and disease. For instance, techniques like two-photon in vivo microscopy were pivotal for studying microglial functional dynamics in the healthy brain. Through these observations, their interactions with neurons, astrocytes, blood vessels and synapses were uncovered. High-resolution electron microscopy with immunostaining and 3D-reconstruction, as well as super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, provided complementary insights by revealing microglial interventions at synapses (phagocytosis, trogocytosis, synaptic stripping, etc.). In addition, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy has provided the first 3D reconstruction of a microglial cell at nanoscale resolution. This review will discuss the technical toolbox that currently allows to study microglia and other immune cells in the brain, as well as introduce emerging methods that were developed and could be used to increase the spatial and temporal resolution of neuroimmune imaging. A special attention will also be placed on positron emission tomography and the development of selective functional radiotracers for microglia and peripheral macrophages, considering their strong potential for research translation between animals and humans, notably when paired with other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Robert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Desjardins
- Axe Oncologie, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
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45
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Bordeleau M, Lacabanne C, Fernández de Cossío L, Vernoux N, Savage JC, González-Ibáñez F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglial and peripheral immune priming is partially sexually dimorphic in adolescent mouse offspring exposed to maternal high-fat diet. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:264. [PMID: 32891154 PMCID: PMC7487673 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal nutrition is critical for proper fetal development. While increased nutrient intake is essential during pregnancy, an excessive consumption of certain nutrients, like fat, can lead to long-lasting detrimental consequences on the offspring. Animal work investigating the consequences of maternal high-fat diet (mHFD) revealed in the offspring a maternal immune activation (MIA) phenotype associated with increased inflammatory signals. This inflammation was proposed as one of the mechanisms causing neuronal circuit dysfunction, notably in the hippocampus, by altering the brain-resident macrophages—microglia. However, the understanding of mechanisms linking inflammation and microglial activities to pathological brain development remains limited. We hypothesized that mHFD-induced inflammation could prime microglia by altering their specific gene expression signature, population density, and/or functions. Methods We used an integrative approach combining molecular (i.e., multiplex-ELISA, rt-qPCR) and cellular (i.e., histochemistry, electron microscopy) techniques to investigate the effects of mHFD (saturated and unsaturated fats) vs control diet on inflammatory priming, as well as microglial transcriptomic signature, density, distribution, morphology, and ultrastructure in mice. These analyses were performed on the mothers and/or their adolescent offspring at postnatal day 30. Results Our study revealed that mHFD results in MIA defined by increased circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in the mothers. This phenotype was associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response to peripheral lipopolysaccharide in mHFD-exposed offspring of both sexes. Microglial morphology was also altered, and there were increased microglial interactions with astrocytes in the hippocampus CA1 of mHFD-exposed male offspring, as well as decreased microglia-associated extracellular space pockets in the same region of mHFD-exposed offspring of the two sexes. A decreased mRNA expression of the inflammatory-regulating cytokine Tgfb1 and microglial receptors Tmem119, Trem2, and Cx3cr1 was additionally measured in the hippocampus of mHFD-exposed offspring, especially in males. Conclusions Here, we described how dietary habits during pregnancy and nurturing, particularly the consumption of an enriched fat diet, can influence peripheral immune priming in the offspring. We also found that microglia are affected in terms of gene expression signature, morphology, and interactions with the hippocampal parenchyma, in a partially sexually dimorphic manner, which may contribute to the adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Bordeleau
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Cerebral Imaging Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Chloé Lacabanne
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie C Savage
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando González-Ibáñez
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada. .,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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46
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Yanguas‐Casás N, Crespo‐Castrillo A, Arevalo M, Garcia‐Segura LM. Aging and sex: Impact on microglia phagocytosis. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13182. [PMID: 32725944 PMCID: PMC7431836 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia dysfunction and activation are important hallmarks of the aging brain and are concomitant with age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Age-associated changes in microglia migration and phagocytic capacity result in maladaptive responses, chronic neuroinflammation, and worsened outcomes in neurodegenerative disorders. Given the sex bias in the incidence, prevalence, and therapy response of most neurological disorders, we have here examined whether the phagocytic activity of aged microglia is different in males and females. With this aim, the phagocytosis activity of male and female cells was compared in an in vitro aged microglia model and in microglia isolated from adult (5-month-old) or aged (18-month-old) mice. In both models, the phagocytosis of neural debris increased with aging in male and female cells and was higher in aged female microglia than in aged male cells. However, female aged microglia lost its ability to adapt its phagocytic activity to inflammatory conditions. These findings suggest that microglia phagocytosis of neural debris may represent a previously unexplored neuroprotective characteristic of aged microglia that may contribute to the generation of sex differences in the manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Yanguas‐Casás
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Instituto Cajal Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | | | - Maria‐Angeles Arevalo
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Instituto Cajal Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia‐Segura
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Instituto Cajal Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid Spain
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47
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Antel JP, Becher B, Ludwin SK, Prat A, Quintana FJ. Glial Cells as Regulators of Neuroimmune Interactions in the Central Nervous System. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:251-255. [PMID: 31907266 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack P Antel
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada;
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel K Ludwin
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Center for Excellence in Neuromics, Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3E4, Canada
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115; and.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
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48
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Ewald AC, Kiernan EA, Roopra AS, Radcliff AB, Timko RR, Baker TL, Watters JJ. Sex- and Region-Specific Differences in the Transcriptomes of Rat Microglia from the Brainstem and Cervical Spinal Cord. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 375:210-222. [PMID: 32661056 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.266171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural control system underlying breathing is sexually dimorphic with males being more vulnerable to dysfunction. Microglia also display sex differences, and their role in the architecture of brainstem respiratory rhythm circuitry and modulation of cervical spinal cord respiratory plasticity is becoming better appreciated. To further understand the molecular underpinnings of these sex differences, we performed RNA sequencing of immunomagnetically isolated microglia from brainstem and cervical spinal cord of adult male and female rats. We used various bioinformatics tools (Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Reactome, STRING, MAGICTRICKS) to functionally categorize identified gene sets, as well as to pinpoint common transcriptional gene drivers that may be responsible for the observed transcriptomic differences. We found few sex differences in the microglial transcriptomes derived from the brainstem, but several hundred genes were differentially expressed by sex in cervical spinal microglia. Comparing brainstem and spinal microglia within and between sexes, we found that the major factor guiding transcriptomic differences was central nervous system (CNS) location rather than sex. We further identified key transcriptional drivers that may be responsible for the transcriptomic differences observed between sexes and CNS regions; enhancer of zeste homolog 2 emerged as the predominant driver of the differentially downregulated genes. We suggest that functional gene alterations identified in metabolism, transcription, and intercellular communication underlie critical microglial heterogeneity and sex differences in CNS regions that contribute to respiratory disorders categorized by dysfunction in neural control. These data will also serve as an important resource data base to advance our understanding of innate immune cell contributions to sex differences and the field of respiratory neural control. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The contributions of central nervous system (CNS) innate immune cells to sexually dimorphic differences in the neural circuitry controlling breathing are poorly understood. We identify key transcriptomic differences, and their transcriptional drivers, in microglia derived from the brainstem and the C3-C6 cervical spinal cord of healthy adult male and female rats. Gene alterations identified in metabolism, gene transcription, and intercellular communication likely underlie critical microglial heterogeneity and sex differences in these key CNS regions that contribute to the neural control of breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Ewald
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Elizabeth A Kiernan
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Avtar S Roopra
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Abigail B Radcliff
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Rebecca R Timko
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Tracy L Baker
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jyoti J Watters
- Departments of Comparative Biosciences (A.C.E., E.A.K., A.B.R., R.R.T., T.L.B., J.J.W.) and Neuroscience (A.S.R.), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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49
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Guerrero BL, Sicotte NL. Microglia in Multiple Sclerosis: Friend or Foe? Front Immunol 2020; 11:374. [PMID: 32265902 PMCID: PMC7098953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia originate from myeloid progenitors in the embryonic yolk sac and play an integral role in central nervous system (CNS) development, immune surveillance and repair. The role of microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been complex and controversial, with evidence suggesting that these cells play key roles in both active inflammation and remyelination. Here we will review the most recent histological classification of MS lesions as well as the evidence supporting both inflammatory and reparative functions of these cells. We will also review how microglia may yield new biomarkers for MS activity and serve as a potential target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke L Guerrero
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nancy L Sicotte
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program, Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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50
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Microglial Function in the Effects of Early-Life Stress on Brain and Behavioral Development. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020468. [PMID: 32046333 PMCID: PMC7074320 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative effects of early-life stress (ELS) on later behavior and neurobiology have been widely investigated. Recently, microglia have been implicated in mediating some of the effects of ELS on behavior. In this review, findings from preclinical and clinical literature with a specific focus on microglial alterations induced by the exposure to ELS (i.e., exposure to behavioral stressors or environmental agents and infection) are summarized. These studies were utilized to interpret changes in developmental trajectories based on the time at which the stress occurred, as well as the paradigm used. ELS and microglial alterations were found to be associated with a wide array of deficits including cognitive performance, memory, reward processing, and processing of social stimuli. Four general conclusions emerged: (1) ELS interferes with microglial developmental programs, including their proliferation and death and their phagocytic activity; (2) this can affect neuronal and non-neuronal developmental processes, which are dynamic during development and for which microglial activity is instrumental; (3) the effects are extremely dependent on the time point at which the investigation is carried out; and (4) both pre- and postnatal ELS can prime microglial reactivity, indicating a long-lasting alteration, which has been implicated in behavioral abnormalities later in life.
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