1
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Bale R, Doshi G. Deciphering the role of siRNA in anxiety and depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176868. [PMID: 39128805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176868] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are central nervous system illnesses that are among the most prevalent medical concerns of the twenty-first century. Patients with this condition and their families bear psychological, financial, and societal hardship. There are currently restrictions when utilizing the conventional course of treatment. RNA interference is expected to become an essential approach in anxiety and depression due to its potent and targeted gene silencing. Silencing of genes by post-transcriptional modification is the mechanism of action of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The suppression of genes linked to disease is typically accomplished by siRNA molecules in an efficient and targeted manner. Unfavourable immune responses, off-target effects, naked siRNA instability, nuclease vulnerability, and the requirement to create an appropriate delivery method are some of the challenges facing the clinical application of siRNA. This review focuses on the use of siRNA in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Bale
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V L M Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V L M Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India.
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2
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Soto JS, Neupane C, Kaur M, Pandey V, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. Astrocyte Gi-GPCR signaling corrects compulsive-like grooming and anxiety-related behaviors in Sapap3 knockout mice. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00541-5. [PMID: 39163865 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.07.019] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically complex cells that serve essential roles. They are widely implicated in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with changes in astrocyte morphology and gene expression accompanying disease. In the Sapap3 knockout (KO) mouse model of compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), striatal astrocytes display reduced morphology and altered actin cytoskeleton and Gi-G-protein-coupled receptor (Gi-GPCR) signaling proteins. Here, we show that normalizing striatal astrocyte morphology, actin cytoskeleton, and essential homeostatic support functions by targeting the astrocyte Gi-GPCR pathway using chemogenetics corrected phenotypes in Sapap3 KO mice, including anxiety-related and compulsive behaviors. Our data portend an astrocytic pharmacological strategy for rescuing phenotypes in brain disorders that include compromised astrocyte morphology and tissue support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn S Soto
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA.
| | - Chiranjivi Neupane
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Muskan Kaur
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Vijaya Pandey
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA.
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3
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Amato S, Averna M, Farsetti E, Guidolin D, Pedrazzi M, Gatta E, Candiani S, Maura G, Agnati LF, Cervetto C, Marcoli M. Control of Dopamine Signal in High-Order Receptor Complex on Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8610. [PMID: 39201299 PMCID: PMC11354247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The receptor-receptor interaction (RRI) of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to new functional entities that are conceptually distinct from the simple addition of signals mediated by the activation of the receptors that form the heteromers. Focusing on astrocytes, there is evidence for the existence of inhibitory and facilitatory RRIs, including the heteromers formed by the adenosine A2A and the dopamine D2 receptors, by A2A and the oxytocin receptor (OTR), and the D2-OTR heteromers. The possible involvement of these receptors in mosaicism has never been investigated in striatal astrocytes. By biophysical and functional approaches, we focused our attention on the existence of an A2A-D2-OTR high-order receptor complex and its role in modulating cytosolic calcium levels and endogenous glutamate release, when striatal astrocyte processes were stimulated with 4-aminopyridine. Functional data indicate a permissive role of OTR on dopamine signaling in the regulation of the glutamatergic transmission, and an inhibitory control mediated by A2A on both the D2-mediated signaling and on the OTR-facilitating effect on D2. Imaging biochemical and bioinformatic evidence confirmed the existence of the A2A-D2-OTR complex and its ternary structure in the membrane. In conclusion, the D2 receptor appears to be a hotspot in the control of the glutamate release from the astrocytic processes and may contribute to the regulation and integration of different neurotransmitter-mediated signaling in the striatum by the A2A-D2-OTR heterotrimers. Considering the possible selectivity of allosteric interventions on GPCRs organized as receptor mosaics, A2A-D2-OTR heterotrimers may offer selective pharmacological targets in neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Farsetti
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Via Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi Francesco Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Via Largo Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
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4
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Nentwig TB, Obray JD, Kruyer A, Wilkes ET, Vaughan DT, Scofield MD, Chandler LJ. Central Amygdala Astrocyte Plasticity Underlies GABAergic Dysregulation in Ethanol Dependence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.11.598470. [PMID: 38915577 PMCID: PMC11195260 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.11.598470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Dependence is a hallmark of alcohol use disorder characterized by excessive alcohol intake and withdrawal symptoms. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key brain structure underlying the synaptic and behavioral consequences of ethanol dependence. While accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and behavior, there is a limited understanding of the role astrocytes play in ethanol dependence. The present study used a combination of viral labeling, super resolution confocal microscopy, 3D image analysis, and slice electrophysiology to determine the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. During withdrawal from CIE exposure, we observed increased GABA transmission, an upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels, and an increased proximity of astrocyte processes near CeA synapses. Furthermore, GAT3 levels and synaptic proximity were positively associated with voluntary ethanol drinking in dependent rats. Slice electrophysiology confirmed that the upregulation in astrocytic GAT3 levels was functional, as CIE exposure unmasked a GAT3-sensitive tonic GABA current in the CeA. A causal role for astrocytic GAT3 in ethanol dependence was assessed using viral-mediated GAT3 overexpression and knockdown approaches. However, GAT3 knockdown or overexpression had no effect on somatic withdrawal symptoms, dependence-escalated ethanol intake, aversion-resistant drinking, or post-dependent ethanol drinking in male or female rats. Moreover, intra-CeA pharmacological inhibition of GAT3 also did not alter dependent ethanol drinking. Together, these findings indicate that ethanol dependence induces GABAergic dysregulation and astrocyte plasticity in the CeA. However, astrocytic GAT3 does not appear necessary for the drinking related phenotypes associated with dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd B. Nentwig
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - J. Daniel Obray
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erik T Wilkes
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - Dylan T. Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
- Current affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael D. Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
| | - L. Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC 29425, United States
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Barsanti S, Viana JF, Veiga A, Machado JL, Abreu DS, Dias JD, Monteiro S, Silva NA, Pinto L, Oliveira JF. Assessing Different Histological Preparations for Reconstruction of Astrocyte Tridimensional Structure. Cells 2024; 13:969. [PMID: 38891101 PMCID: PMC11171983 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are ubiquitous in the brain and spinal cord and display a complex morphology important for the local interactions with neighboring cells, resulting in the modulation of circuit function. Thus, studies focusing on astrocyte physiology in the healthy and diseased brain generally present analyses of astrocytic structure. The labeling method used to visualize the astrocytic structure defines the morphological level to observe and may vary depending on the anatomical sub-regions. The method choice may significantly affect our understanding of their structural diversity. The main goal of this work was to identify a straightforward and efficient protocol for labeling and reconstructing a detailed astrocytic structure to apply and validate in different brain tissue preparations across laboratories. For that, we explored different tissue processing protocols before GFAP labeling to determine the most effective method for reconstructing astrocytic backbones in the mouse hippocampus. Our results show that the reconstruction of astrocytic structure in vibratome sections labeled by free-floating immunofluorescence protocol provides a more practical method to achieve a higher level of detail and arbor complexity in astrocyte backbone reconstruction. Free-floating immunofluorescence labeling is the most reliable method for obtaining better antibody penetration and more detailed astrocyte structure. Finally, we also show that introducing an antigen retrieval step appears useful for visualizing more complete structural details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barsanti
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Viana
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Veiga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Luís Machado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sofia Abreu
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - José Duarte Dias
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Campus of IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
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6
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Kakogiannis D, Kourla M, Dimitrakopoulos D, Kazanis I. Reversal of Postnatal Brain Astrocytes and Ependymal Cells towards a Progenitor Phenotype in Culture. Cells 2024; 13:668. [PMID: 38667283 PMCID: PMC11049274 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080668] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and ependymal cells have been reported to be able to switch from a mature cell identity towards that of a neural stem/progenitor cell. Astrocytes are widely scattered in the brain where they exert multiple functions and are routinely targeted for in vitro and in vivo reprogramming. Ependymal cells serve more specialized functions, lining the ventricles and the central canal, and are multiciliated, epithelial-like cells that, in the spinal cord, act as bi-potent progenitors in response to injury. Here, we isolate or generate ependymal cells and post-mitotic astrocytes, respectively, from the lateral ventricles of the mouse brain and we investigate their capacity to reverse towards a progenitor-like identity in culture. Inhibition of the GSK3 and TGFβ pathways facilitates the switch of mature astrocytes to Sox2-expressing, mitotic cells that generate oligodendrocytes. Although this medium allows for the expansion of quiescent NSCs, isolated from live rats by "milking of the brain", it does not fully reverse astrocytes towards the bona fide NSC identity; this is a failure correlated with a concomitant lack of neurogenic activity. Ependymal cells could be induced to enter mitosis either via exposure to neuraminidase-dependent stress or by culturing them in the presence of FGF2 and EGF. Overall, our data confirm that astrocytes and ependymal cells retain a high capacity to reverse to a progenitor identity and set up a simple and highly controlled platform for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate this reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kakogiannis
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Kourla
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitrakopoulos
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilias Kazanis
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
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7
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Gao Z, Wu L, Zhao X, Wei Z, Lu L, Yi M. Random fluctuations and synaptic plasticity enhance working memory activities in the neuron-astrocyte network. Cogn Neurodyn 2024; 18:503-518. [PMID: 38699624 PMCID: PMC11061073 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-023-10002-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Random fluctuations are inescapable feature in biological systems, but appropriate intensity of randomness can effectively facilitate information transfer and memory encoding within the nervous system. In the study, a modified spiking neuron-astrocyte network model with excitatory-inhibitory balance and synaptic plasticity is established. This model considers external input noise, and allows investigating the effects of intrinsic random fluctuations on working memory tasks. It is found that the astrocyte network, acting as a low-pass filter, reduces the noise component of the total input currents and improves the recovered images. The memory performance is enhanced by selecting appropriate intensity of random fluctuations, while excessive intensity can inhibit signal transmission of network. As the intensity of random fluctuations gradually increases, there exists a maximum value of the working memory performance. The cued recall of the network markedly decreases excessive input noise relative to test images. Meanwhile, a greater contrast effect is observed as the external input noise increases. In addition, synaptic plasticity reduces the firing rates and firing peaks of neurons, thus stabilizing the working memory activity during the test. The outcomes of this study may provide some inspirations for comprehending the role of random fluctuations in working memory mechanisms and neural information processing within the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoheng Gao
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Liqing Wu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Xin Zhao
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Zhuochao Wei
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Lulu Lu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
| | - Ming Yi
- School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074 China
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8
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Kosuge A, Kunisawa K, Iida T, Wulaer B, Kawai T, Tanabe M, Saito K, Nabeshima T, Mouri A. Chronic social defeat stress induces the down-regulation of the Nedd4L-GLT-1 ubiquitination pathway in the prefrontal cortex of mice. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38497582 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Stressful life events contribute to the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD). We recently demonstrated abnormalities in ubiquitination in the pathophysiology of MDD. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the involvement of the ubiquitination system-mediated glutamatergic dysfunction in social impairment induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Adult C57BL/6J mice were exposed to aggressor ICR male mice for 10 consecutive days. Social impairment was induced by CSDS in the social interaction test 1 days after the last stress exposure. In terms of brain microdialysis, CSDS reduced depolarization-evoked glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which was reversed by a glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) inhibitor. Interestingly, the expression of ubiquitinated, but not total GLT-1, was decreased in the PFC of mice exposed to CSDS. The expression of neural precursor cells expressing developmentally downregulated gene 4-like (Nedd4L: E3 ligase for GLT-1), and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2D2 (Ube2d2: E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme for Nedd4L) was also reduced in CSDS mice. Furthermore, the downregulation of the Nedd4L-GLT-1 ubiquitination pathway decreased SIT ratio, but up-regulation increased it even in non-CSDS mice. Taken together, the decrease in GLT-1 ubiquitination may reduce the release of extracellular glutamate induced by high-potassium stimulation, which may lead to social impairment, while we could not find differences in GLT-1 ubiquitination between susceptible and resistant CSDS mice. In conclusion, GLT-1 ubiquitination could play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of MDD and is an attractive target for the development of novel antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aika Kosuge
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Iida
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kawai
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Moeka Tanabe
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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9
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Comas M, De Pietri Tonelli D, Berdondini L, Astiz M. Ontogeny of the circadian system: a multiscale process throughout development. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:36-46. [PMID: 38071123 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The 24 h (circadian) timing system develops in mammals during the perinatal period. It carries out the essential task of anticipating daily recurring environmental changes to identify the best time of day for each molecular, cellular, and systemic process. Although significant knowledge has been acquired about the organization and function of the adult circadian system, relatively little is known about its ontogeny. During the perinatal period, the circadian system progressively gains functionality under the influence of the early environment. This review explores current evidence on the development of the circadian clock in mammals, highlighting the multilevel complexity of the process and the importance of gaining a better understanding of its underlying biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Comas
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Luca Berdondini
- Microtechnology for Neuroelectronics, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Circadian Physiology of Neurons and Glia Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany.
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10
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Wulaer B, Holtz MA, Nagai J. Homeostasis to Allostasis: Prefrontal Astrocyte Roles in Cognitive Flexibility and Stress Biology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:137-163. [PMID: 39190074 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
In the intricate landscape of neurophysiology, astrocytes have been traditionally cast as homeostatic cells; however, their mechanistic involvement in allostasis-particularly how they modulate the adaptive response to stress and its accumulative impact that disrupts cognitive functions and precipitates psychiatric disorders-is now starting to be unraveled. Here, we address the gap by positing astrocytes as crucial allostatic players whose molecular adaptations underlie cognitive flexibility in stress-related neuropsychiatric conditions. We review how astrocytes, responding to stress mediators such as glucocorticoid and epinephrine/norepinephrine, undergo morphological and functional transformations that parallel the maladaptive changes. Our synthesis of recent findings reveals that these glial changes, especially in the metabolically demanding prefrontal cortex, may underlie some of the neuropsychiatric mechanisms characterized by the disruption of energy metabolism and astrocytic networks, compromised glutamate clearance, and diminished synaptic support. We argue that astrocytes extend beyond their homeostatic role, actively participating in the brain's allostatic response, especially by modulating energy substrates critical for cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolati Wulaer
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mika A Holtz
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Jun Nagai
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
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11
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Thompson A, Arano R, Saleem U, Preciado R, Munoz L, Nelson I, Ramos K, Kim Y, Li Y, Xu W. Brain-wide circuit-specific targeting of astrocytes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100653. [PMID: 38052209 PMCID: PMC10753298 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are integral components of brain circuitry. They enwrap synapses, react to neuronal activity, and regulate synaptic transmission. Astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit distinct features and functions in different circuits. Selectively targeting the astrocytes associated with a given neuronal circuit would enable elucidation of their circuit-specific functions but has been technically challenging to date. Recently, we constructed anterograde transneuronal viral vectors based on yellow fever vaccine YFV-17D. Among them, the replication-incompetent YFVΔNS1-Cre can selectively turn on reporter genes in postsynaptic neurons if the viral gene NS1 is expressed in postsynaptic neurons. Here we show that without exogenous expression of NS1 at the postsynaptic sites, locally injected YFVΔNS1-Cre selectively turns on reporter genes in astrocytes in downstream brain regions. The targeting of astrocytes can occur across the whole brain but is specific for the neuronal circuits traced. Therefore, YFVΔNS1-Cre provides a tool for selective genetic targeting of astrocytes to reveal their circuit-specific roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rachel Arano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Uzair Saleem
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rebecca Preciado
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lizbeth Munoz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ian Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katarina Ramos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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12
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Jorstad NL, Song JH, Exposito-Alonso D, Suresh H, Castro-Pacheco N, Krienen FM, Yanny AM, Close J, Gelfand E, Long B, Seeman SC, Travaglini KJ, Basu S, Beaudin M, Bertagnolli D, Crow M, Ding SL, Eggermont J, Glandon A, Goldy J, Kiick K, Kroes T, McMillen D, Pham T, Rimorin C, Siletti K, Somasundaram S, Tieu M, Torkelson A, Feng G, Hopkins WD, Höllt T, Keene CD, Linnarsson S, McCarroll SA, Lelieveldt BP, Sherwood CC, Smith K, Walsh CA, Dobin A, Gillis J, Lein ES, Hodge RD, Bakken TE. Comparative transcriptomics reveals human-specific cortical features. Science 2023; 382:eade9516. [PMID: 37824638 PMCID: PMC10659116 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade9516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive abilities of humans are distinctive among primates, but their molecular and cellular substrates are poorly understood. We used comparative single-nucleus transcriptomics to analyze samples of the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) from adult humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets to understand human-specific features of the neocortex. Human, chimpanzee, and gorilla MTG showed highly similar cell-type composition and laminar organization as well as a large shift in proportions of deep-layer intratelencephalic-projecting neurons compared with macaque and marmoset MTG. Microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes had more-divergent expression across species compared with neurons or oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and neuronal expression diverged more rapidly on the human lineage. Only a few hundred genes showed human-specific patterning, suggesting that relatively few cellular and molecular changes distinctively define adult human cortical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet H.T. Song
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David Exposito-Alonso
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hamsini Suresh
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | | | - Fenna M. Krienen
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Jennie Close
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Emily Gelfand
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Brian Long
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Soumyadeep Basu
- LKEB, Dept of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden, The Netherlands
- Computer Graphics and Visualization Group, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Marc Beaudin
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Megan Crow
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Song-Lin Ding
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jeroen Eggermont
- LKEB, Dept of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jeff Goldy
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Katelyn Kiick
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Kroes
- LKEB, Dept of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Kimberly Siletti
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Michael Tieu
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Amy Torkelson
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 78602, USA
| | - Thomas Höllt
- Computer Graphics and Visualization Group, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 981915, USA
| | - Sten Linnarsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Steven A. McCarroll
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Boudewijn P. Lelieveldt
- LKEB, Dept of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center; Leiden, The Netherlands
- Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics group, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Chet C. Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Kimberly Smith
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Christopher A. Walsh
- Allen Discovery Center for Human Brain Evolution, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexander Dobin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jesse Gillis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ed S. Lein
- Allen Institute for Brain Science; Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
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13
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González-Arias C, Sánchez-Ruiz A, Esparza J, Sánchez-Puelles C, Arancibia L, Ramírez-Franco J, Gobbo D, Kirchhoff F, Perea G. Dysfunctional serotonergic neuron-astrocyte signaling in depressive-like states. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3856-3873. [PMID: 37773446 PMCID: PMC10730416 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02269-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes play crucial roles in brain homeostasis and are regulatory elements of neuronal and synaptic physiology. Astrocytic alterations have been found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients; however, the consequences of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in MDD are poorly understood. Here, we found that corticosterone-treated juvenile mice (Cort-mice) showed altered astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in mPFC both in resting conditions and during social interactions, in line with altered mice behavior. Additionally, Cort-mice displayed reduced serotonin (5-HT)-mediated Ca2+ signaling in mPFC astrocytes, and aberrant 5-HT-driven synaptic plasticity in layer 2/3 mPFC neurons. Downregulation of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in naïve animals mimicked the synaptic deficits found in Cort-mice. Remarkably, boosting astrocyte Ca2+ signaling with Gq-DREADDS restored to the control levels mood and cognitive abilities in Cort-mice. This study highlights the important role of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling for homeostatic control of brain circuits and behavior, but also reveals its potential therapeutic value for depressive-like states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela González-Arias
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, 28002, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University-Cajal Institute, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Andrea Sánchez-Ruiz
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, 28002, Madrid, Spain
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University-Cajal Institute, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Jorge Ramírez-Franco
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) & CNRS, UMR7289, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
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14
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Lines J, Baraibar AM, Nanclares C, Martin E, Aguilar JDLR, Kofuji P, Navarrete M, Araque A. A spatial threshold for astrocyte calcium surge. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.18.549563. [PMID: 37503130 PMCID: PMC10370153 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.18.549563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are active cells involved in brain function through the bidirectional communication with neurons, in which the astrocyte calcium signal plays a crucial role. Synaptically-evoked calcium increases can be localized to independent subcellular domains or expand to the entire cell, i.e., calcium surge. In turn, astrocytes may regulate individual synapses by calcium-dependent release of gliotransmitters. Because a single astrocyte may contact ~100,000 synapses, the control of the intracellular calcium signal propagation may have relevant consequences on brain function by regulating the spatial range of astrocyte neuromodulation of synapses. Yet, the properties governing the spatial dynamics of the astrocyte calcium signal remains poorly defined. Imaging subcellular responses of cortical astrocytes to sensory stimulation in mice, we show that sensory-evoked astrocyte calcium responses originated and remained localized in domains of the astrocytic arborization, but eventually propagated to the entire cell if a spatial threshold of >23% of the arborization being activated was surpassed. Using transgenic IP3R2-/- mice, we found that type-2 IP3 receptors were necessary for the generation of the astrocyte calcium surge. We finally show using in situ electrophysiological recordings that the spatial threshold of the astrocyte calcium signal consequently determined the gliotransmitter release. Present results reveal a fundamental property of astrocyte calcium physiology, i.e., a spatial threshold for the astrocyte intracellular calcium signal propagation, which depends on astrocyte intrinsic properties and governs the astrocyte integration of local synaptic activity and the subsequent neuromodulation.
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15
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Sardar D, Cheng YT, Woo J, Choi DJ, Lee ZF, Kwon W, Chen HC, Lozzi B, Cervantes A, Rajendran K, Huang TW, Jain A, Arenkiel B, Maze I, Deneen B. Induction of astrocytic Slc22a3 regulates sensory processing through histone serotonylation. Science 2023; 380:eade0027. [PMID: 37319217 PMCID: PMC10874521 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal activity drives alterations in gene expression within neurons, yet how it directs transcriptional and epigenomic changes in neighboring astrocytes in functioning circuits is unknown. We found that neuronal activity induces widespread transcriptional up-regulation and down-regulation in astrocytes, highlighted by the identification of Slc22a3 as an activity-inducible astrocyte gene that encodes neuromodulator transporter Slc22a3 and regulates sensory processing in the mouse olfactory bulb. Loss of astrocytic Slc22a3 reduced serotonin levels in astrocytes, leading to alterations in histone serotonylation. Inhibition of histone serotonylation in astrocytes reduced the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthetic genes and GABA release, culminating in olfactory deficits. Our study reveals that neuronal activity orchestrates transcriptional and epigenomic responses in astrocytes while illustrating new mechanisms for how astrocytes process neuromodulatory input to gate neurotransmitter release for sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debosmita Sardar
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Yi-Ting Cheng
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Dong-Joo Choi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Zhung-Fu Lee
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Program in Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Wookbong Kwon
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- The Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Brittney Lozzi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Alexis Cervantes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Kavitha Rajendran
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Teng-Wei Huang
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Antrix Jain
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
| | - Benjamin Arenkiel
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston TX
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York NY 10029
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Program in Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX 77030
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16
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Cervetto C, Maura G, Guidolin D, Amato S, Ceccoli C, Agnati LF, Marcoli M. Striatal astrocytic A2A-D2 receptor-receptor interactions and their role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023:109636. [PMID: 37321323 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109636] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It is now generally accepted that astrocytes are active players in synaptic transmission, so that a neurocentric perspective of the integrative signal communication in the central nervous system is shifting towards a neuro-astrocentric perspective. Astrocytes respond to synaptic activity, release chemical signals (gliotransmitters) and express neurotransmitter receptors (G protein-coupled and ionotropic receptors), thus behaving as co-actors with neurons in signal communication in the central nervous system. The ability of G protein-coupled receptors to physically interact through heteromerization, forming heteromers and receptor mosaics with new distinct signal recognition and transduction pathways, has been intensively studied at neuronal plasma membrane, and has changed the view of the integrative signal communication in the central nervous system. One of the best-known examples of receptor-receptor interaction through heteromerization, with relevant consequences for both the physiological and the pharmacological points of view, is given by adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors on the plasma membrane of striatal neurons. Here we review evidence that native A2A and D2 receptors can interact through heteromerization at the plasma membrane of astrocytes as well. Astrocytic A2A-D2 heteromers were found able to control the release of glutamate from the striatal astrocyte processes. A2A-D2 heteromers on striatal astrocytes and astrocyte processes are discussed as far as their potential relevance in the control of glutamatergic transmission in striatum is concerned, including potential roles in glutamatergic transmission dysregulation in pathological conditions including schizophrenia or the Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy.
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ceccoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Luigi F Agnati
- Department of Biochemical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Center for Promotion of 3Rs in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy; Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Italy.
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17
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Gau YTA, Hsu E, Cha J, Pak RW, Looger LL, Kang JU, Bergles DE. Multicore fiber optic imaging reveals that astrocyte calcium activity in the cerebral cortex is modulated by internal motivational state. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541390. [PMID: 37292710 PMCID: PMC10245653 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a direct target of neuromodulators and can influence neuronal activity on broad spatial and temporal scales through their close proximity to synapses. However, our knowledge about how astrocytes are functionally recruited during different animal behaviors and their diverse effects on the CNS remains limited. To enable measurement of astrocyte activity patterns in vivo during normative behaviors, we developed a high-resolution, long working distance, multi-core fiber optic imaging platform that allows visualization of cortical astrocyte calcium transients through a cranial window in freely moving mice. Using this platform, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocytes during diverse behaviors, ranging from circadian fluctuations to novelty exploration, showing that astrocyte activity patterns are more variable and less synchronous than apparent in head-immobilized imaging conditions. Although the activity of astrocytes in visual cortex was highly synchronized during quiescence to arousal transitions, individual astrocytes often exhibited distinct thresholds and activity patterns during explorative behaviors, in accordance with their molecular diversity, allowing temporal sequencing across the astrocyte network. Imaging astrocyte activity during self-initiated behaviors revealed that noradrenergic and cholinergic systems act synergistically to recruit astrocytes during state transitions associated with arousal and attention, which was profoundly modulated by internal state. The distinct activity patterns exhibited by astrocytes in the cerebral cortex may provide a means to vary their neuromodulatory influence in response to different behaviors and internal states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Tian A. Gau
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Eric Hsu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Jaepyeong Cha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
| | - Rebecca W. Pak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Loren L. Looger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jin U. Kang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Dwight E. Bergles
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
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18
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Delgado L, Navarrete M. Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles. Cells 2023; 12:1253. [PMID: 37174653 PMCID: PMC10177371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091253] [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] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Navarrete
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Delepine C, Shih J, Li K, Gaudeaux P, Sur M. Differential Effects of Astrocyte Manipulations on Learned Motor Behavior and Neuronal Ensembles in the Motor Cortex. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2696-2713. [PMID: 36894315 PMCID: PMC10089242 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1982-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although motor cortex is crucial for learning precise and reliable movements, whether and how astrocytes contribute to its plasticity and function during motor learning is unknown. Here, we report that astrocyte-specific manipulations in primary motor cortex (M1) during a lever push task alter motor learning and execution, as well as the underlying neuronal population coding. Mice that express decreased levels of the astrocyte glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) show impaired and variable movement trajectories, whereas mice with increased astrocyte Gq signaling show decreased performance rates, delayed response times, and impaired trajectories. In both groups, which include male and female mice, M1 neurons have altered interneuronal correlations and impaired population representations of task parameters, including response time and movement trajectories. RNA sequencing further supports a role for M1 astrocytes in motor learning and shows changes in astrocytic expression of glutamate transporter genes, GABA transporter genes, and extracellular matrix protein genes in mice that have acquired this learned behavior. Thus, astrocytes coordinate M1 neuronal activity during motor learning, and our results suggest that this contributes to learned movement execution and dexterity through mechanisms that include regulation of neurotransmitter transport and calcium signaling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We demonstrate for the first time that in the M1 of mice, astrocyte function is critical for coordinating neuronal population activity during motor learning. We demonstrate that knockdown of astrocyte glutamate transporter GLT1 affects specific components of learning, such as smooth trajectory formation. Altering astrocyte calcium signaling by activation of Gq-DREADD upregulates GLT1 and affects other components of learning, such as response rates and reaction times as well as trajectory smoothness. In both manipulations, neuronal activity in motor cortex is dysregulated, but in different ways. Thus, astrocytes have a crucial role in motor learning via their influence on motor cortex neurons, and they do so by mechanisms that include regulation of glutamate transport and calcium signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Delepine
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Jennifer Shih
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Keji Li
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Pierre Gaudeaux
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Mriganka Sur
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
- Simons Center for the Social Brain, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
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20
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Lim D, Tapella L, Dematteis G, Talmon M, Genazzani AA. Calcineurin Signalling in Astrocytes: From Pathology to Physiology and Control of Neuronal Functions. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1077-1090. [PMID: 36083398 PMCID: PMC10030417 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN), a Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase, acts as a Ca2+-sensitive switch regulating cellular functions through protein dephosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. In astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells in the CNS, over-activation of CaN is known to drive pathological transcriptional remodelling, associated with neuroinflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and brain trauma. Recent reports suggest that, in physiological conditions, the activity of CaN in astrocytes is transcription-independent and is required for maintenance of basal protein synthesis rate and activation of astrocytic Na+/K+ pump thereby contributing to neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and memory formation. In this contribution we overview the role of Ca2+ and CaN signalling in astroglial pathophysiology focusing on the emerging physiological role of CaN in astrocytes. We propose a model for the context-dependent switch of CaN activity from the post-transcriptional regulation of cell proteostasis in healthy astrocytes to the CaN-dependent transcriptional activation in neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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21
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Manninen T, Aćimović J, Linne ML. Analysis of Network Models with Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions. Neuroinformatics 2023; 21:375-406. [PMID: 36959372 PMCID: PMC10085960 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-023-09622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Neural networks, composed of many neurons and governed by complex interactions between them, are a widely accepted formalism for modeling and exploring global dynamics and emergent properties in brain systems. In the past decades, experimental evidence of computationally relevant neuron-astrocyte interactions, as well as the astrocytic modulation of global neural dynamics, have accumulated. These findings motivated advances in computational glioscience and inspired several models integrating mechanisms of neuron-astrocyte interactions into the standard neural network formalism. These models were developed to study, for example, synchronization, information transfer, synaptic plasticity, and hyperexcitability, as well as classification tasks and hardware implementations. We here focus on network models of at least two neurons interacting bidirectionally with at least two astrocytes that include explicitly modeled astrocytic calcium dynamics. In this study, we analyze the evolution of these models and the biophysical, biochemical, cellular, and network mechanisms used to construct them. Based on our analysis, we propose how to systematically describe and categorize interaction schemes between cells in neuron-astrocyte networks. We additionally study the models in view of the existing experimental data and present future perspectives. Our analysis is an important first step towards understanding astrocytic contribution to brain functions. However, more advances are needed to collect comprehensive data about astrocyte morphology and physiology in vivo and to better integrate them in data-driven computational models. Broadening the discussion about theoretical approaches and expanding the computational tools is necessary to better understand astrocytes' roles in brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Manninen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Jugoslava Aćimović
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja-Leena Linne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 3, FI-33720, Tampere, Finland.
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22
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Effects of High-Fat and High-Fat High-Sugar Diets in the Anxiety, Learning and Memory, and in the Hippocampus Neurogenesis and Neuroinflammation of Aged Rats. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061370. [PMID: 36986100 PMCID: PMC10053405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
High-caloric diets induce several deleterious alterations in the human body, including the brain. However, information on the effects of these diets on the elderly brain is scarce. Therefore, we studied the effects of 2 months of treatment with high-fat (HF) and high-fat-high-sugar (HFHS) diets on aged male Wistar rats at 18 months. Anxiety levels were analyzed using the open-field and plus-maze tests, while learning and memory processes were analyzed using the Morris water maze test. We also analyzed neurogenesis using doublecortin (DCX) and neuroinflammation using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In aged rats, the HFHS diet impaired spatial learning, memory, and working memory and increased anxiety levels, associated with a reduction in the number of DCX cells and an increase in GFAP cells in the hippocampus. In contrast, the effects of the HF diet were lighter, impairing spatial memory and working memory, and associated with a reduction in DCX cells in the hippocampus. Thus, our results suggest that aged rats are highly susceptible to high-caloric diets, even if they only started in the elderly, with an impact on cognition and emotions. Furthermore, diets rich in saturated fats and sugar are more detrimental to aged rats than high-fat diets are.
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23
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Cross-talk between energy and redox metabolism in astrocyte-neuron functional cooperation. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:17-26. [PMID: 36805653 PMCID: PMC10011404 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes show unique anatomical, morphological, and metabolic features to take up substrates from the blood and metabolize them for local delivery to active synapses to sustain neuron function. In the present review, we specifically focus on key molecular aspects of energy and redox metabolism that facilitate this astrocyte-neuronal coupling in a controlled manner. Basal glycolysis is co-ordinated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C)-Cdh1, a ubiquitin ligase that targets the proglycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructokinase-2,6-bisphosphastate-3 (PFKFB3) for degradation. APC/C-Cdh1 activity is more robust in neurons than in astrocytes, which determine that PFKFB3 abundance and glycolytic rate are weaker in neurons. The low PFKFB3 activity in neurons facilitates glucose-6-phosphate oxidation via the pentose-phosphate pathway, which promotes antioxidant protection. Conversely, the high PFKFB3 activity in astrocytes allows the production and release of glycolytic lactate, which is taken up by neurons that use it as an oxidizable substrate. Importantly, the mitochondrial respiratory chain is tighter assembled in neurons than in astrocytes, thus the bioenergetic efficiency of mitochondria is higher in neurons. Because of this, the production of reactive oxygen species (mROS) by mitochondrial complex I is very low in neurons and very high in astrocytes. Such a naturally occurring high abundance of mROS in astrocytes physiologically determines a specific transcriptional fingerprint that contributes to sustaining cognitive performance. We conclude that the energy and redox metabolism of astrocytes must complementarily match that of neurons to regulate brain function and animal welfare.
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24
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Heteromerization of Dopamine D2 and Oxytocin Receptor in Adult Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054677. [PMID: 36902106 PMCID: PMC10002782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of oxytocin (OT) to interact with the dopaminergic system through facilitatory D2-OT receptor (OTR) receptor-receptor interaction in the limbic system is increasingly considered to play roles in social or emotional behavior, and suggested to serve as a potential therapeutic target. Although roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of OT and dopamine in the central nervous system are well recognized, the possibility of D2-OTR receptor-receptor interaction in astrocytes has been neglected. In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OTR and dopamine D2 receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of activation of these receptors were evaluated in the processes through a neurochemical study of glutamate release evoked by 4-aminopyridine; D2-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay (PLA). The structure of the possible D2-OTR heterodimer was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. We found that both D2 and OTR were expressed on the same astrocyte processes and controlled the release of glutamate, showing a facilitatory receptor-receptor interaction in the D2-OTR heteromers. Biochemical and biophysical evidence confirmed D2-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes. The residues in the transmembrane domains four and five of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. In conclusion, roles for astrocytic D2-OTR in the control of glutamatergic synapse functioning through modulation of astrocytic glutamate release should be taken into consideration when considering interactions between oxytocinergic and dopaminergic systems in striatum.
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25
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Sardar D, Cheng YT, Woo J, Choi DJ, Lee ZF, Kwon W, Chen HC, Lozzi B, Cervantes A, Rajendran K, Huang TW, Jain A, Arenkiel B, Maze I, Deneen B. Activity-dependent induction of astrocytic Slc22a3 regulates sensory processing through histone serotonylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529904. [PMID: 36909526 PMCID: PMC10002681 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal activity drives global alterations in gene expression within neurons, yet how it directs transcriptional and epigenomic changes in neighboring astrocytes in functioning circuits is unknown. Here we show that neuronal activity induces widespread transcriptional upregulation and downregulation in astrocytes, highlighted by the identification of a neuromodulator transporter Slc22a3 as an activity-inducible astrocyte gene regulating sensory processing in the olfactory bulb. Loss of astrocytic Slc22a3 reduces serotonin levels in astrocytes, leading to alterations in histone serotonylation. Inhibition of histone serotonylation in astrocytes reduces expression of GABA biosynthetic genes and GABA release, culminating in olfactory deficits. Our study reveals that neuronal activity orchestrates transcriptional and epigenomic responses in astrocytes, while illustrating new mechanisms for how astrocytes process neuromodulatory input to gate neurotransmitter release for sensory processing.
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26
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Shigetomi E, Koizumi S. The role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:21-39. [PMID: 36181908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.015] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are present throughout the brain and intimately interact with neurons and blood vessels. Three decades of research have shown that astrocytes reciprocally communicate with neurons and other non-neuronal cells in the brain and dynamically regulate cell function. Astrocytes express numerous receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and cytokines and receive information from neurons, other astrocytes, and other non-neuronal cells. Among those receptors, the main focus has been G-protein coupled receptors. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors leads to dramatic changes in intracellular signaling (Ca2+ and cAMP), which is considered a form of astrocyte activity. Methodological improvements in measurement and manipulation of astrocytes have advanced our understanding of the role of astrocytes in circuits and have begun to reveal unexpected functions of astrocytes in behavior. Recent studies have suggested that astrocytic activity regulates behavior flexibility, such as coping strategies for stress exposure, and plays an important role in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Preclinical evidence suggests that impairment of astrocytic function contributes to psychiatric diseases, especially major depression. Here, we review recent progress on the role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
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27
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Petrelli F, Zehnder T, Laugeray A, Mondoloni S, Calì C, Pucci L, Molinero Perez A, Bondiolotti BM, De Oliveira Figueiredo E, Dallerac G, Déglon N, Giros B, Magrassi L, Mothet JP, Mameli M, Simmler LD, Bezzi P. Disruption of Astrocyte-Dependent Dopamine Control in the Developing Medial Prefrontal Cortex Leads to Excessive Grooming in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 93:966-975. [PMID: 36958999 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes control synaptic activity by modulating perisynaptic concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters including dopamine (DA) and, as such, could be involved in the modulating aspects of mammalian behavior. METHODS We produced a conditional deletion of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) specifically in astrocytes (aVMTA2cKO mice) and studied the effects of the lack of VMAT2 in prefrontal cortex (PFC) astrocytes on the regulation of DA levels, PFC circuit functions, and behavioral processes. RESULTS We found a significant reduction of medial PFC (mPFC) DA levels and excessive grooming and compulsive repetitive behaviors in aVMAT2cKO mice. The mice also developed a synaptic pathology, expressed through increased relative AMPA versus NMDA receptor currents in synapses of the dorsal striatum receiving inputs from the mPFC. Importantly, behavioral and synaptic phenotypes were rescued by re-expression of mPFC VMAT2 and L-DOPA treatment, showing that the deficits were driven by mPFC astrocytes that are critically involved in developmental DA homeostasis. By analyzing human tissue samples, we found that VMAT2 is expressed in human PFC astrocytes, corroborating the potential translational relevance of our observations in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that impairment of the astrocytic control of DA in the mPFC leads to symptoms resembling obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders such as trichotillomania and has a profound impact on circuit function and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrelli
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Zehnder
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anthony Laugeray
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Mondoloni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Calì
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Pucci
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Molinero Perez
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Glenn Dallerac
- Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université UMR7286 CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Nicole Déglon
- Neurosciences Research Center, Laboratory of Neurotherapies and Neuromodulation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Giros
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Hospital Research Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche e Pediatriche, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jean-Pierre Mothet
- Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université UMR7286 CNRS, Marseille, France; "Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology" Team, UMR9188 CNRS - ENS Paris Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Manuel Mameli
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linda D Simmler
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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28
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Spatial and Temporal Diversity of Astrocyte Phenotypes in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Mice. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203323. [PMID: 36291186 PMCID: PMC9599982 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While astrocyte heterogeneity is an important feature of the healthy brain, less is understood about spatiotemporal heterogeneity of astrocytes in brain disease. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene Ataxin1 (ATXN1). We characterized astrocytes across disease progression in the four clinically relevant brain regions, cerebellum, brainstem, hippocampus, and motor cortex, of Atxn1154Q/2Q mice, a knock-in mouse model of SCA1. We found brain region-specific changes in astrocyte density and GFAP expression and area, early in the disease and prior to neuronal loss. Expression of astrocytic core homeostatic genes was also altered in a brain region-specific manner and correlated with neuronal activity, indicating that astrocytes may compensate or exacerbate neuronal dysfunction. Late in disease, expression of astrocytic homeostatic genes was reduced in all four brain regions, indicating loss of astrocyte functions. We observed no obvious correlation between spatiotemporal changes in microglia and spatiotemporal astrocyte alterations, indicating a complex orchestration of glial phenotypes in disease. These results support spatiotemporal diversity of glial phenotypes as an important feature of the brain disease that may contribute to SCA1 pathogenesis in a brain region and disease stage-specific manner.
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29
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Blum Moyse L, Berry H. Modelling the modulation of cortical Up-Down state switching by astrocytes. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010296. [PMID: 35862433 PMCID: PMC9345492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Up-Down synchronization in neuronal networks refers to spontaneous switches between periods of high collective firing activity (Up state) and periods of silence (Down state). Recent experimental reports have shown that astrocytes can control the emergence of such Up-Down regimes in neural networks, although the molecular or cellular mechanisms that are involved are still uncertain. Here we propose neural network models made of three populations of cells: excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons and astrocytes, interconnected by synaptic and gliotransmission events, to explore how astrocytes can control this phenomenon. The presence of astrocytes in the models is indeed observed to promote the emergence of Up-Down regimes with realistic characteristics. Our models show that the difference of signalling timescales between astrocytes and neurons (seconds versus milliseconds) can induce a regime where the frequency of gliotransmission events released by the astrocytes does not synchronize with the Up and Down phases of the neurons, but remains essentially stable. However, these gliotransmission events are found to change the localization of the bifurcations in the parameter space so that with the addition of astrocytes, the network enters a bistability region of the dynamics that corresponds to Up-Down synchronization. Taken together, our work provides a theoretical framework to test scenarios and hypotheses on the modulation of Up-Down dynamics by gliotransmission from astrocytes. Neural networks in many brain regions can display synchronized activities. During the so-called “Up-Down” synchronization regimes for instance, the whole local population of neurons switches in a spontaneous and synchronized fashion between phases of high activity (Up states) and phases of low activity (Down states). The mechanisms responsible for this behaviour are still not well understood, but recent experimental reports have suggested that another type of brain cells, the astrocytes, at least partly control these oscillations. Astrocytes are increasingly believed to play a role in the propagation of signals between neurons, via their connections to neuronal synapses, but how this mechanism could control Up-Down regimes is not understood. To address this issue we present here simple mathematical models of neuronal networks that incorporate astrocytes in addition to neurons according to various levels of description. Using bifurcation analysis and numerical simulations we explore how astrocytes control Up-Down synchronization of the neuronal networks. In particular, astrocytes in the model are found to change the localization of the bifurcation points in the parameter space, so that the neurons enter the region of Up-Down regime when astrocytes are present. We also give some theoretical predictions that can be tested experimentally to test the validity of our models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Blum Moyse
- Inria, Villeurbanne, France
- LIRIS UMR5205, University of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hugues Berry
- Inria, Villeurbanne, France
- LIRIS UMR5205, University of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
- * E-mail:
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30
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Lawal O, Ulloa Severino FP, Eroglu C. The role of astrocyte structural plasticity in regulating neural circuit function and behavior. Glia 2022; 70:1467-1483. [PMID: 35535566 PMCID: PMC9233050 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain circuits undergo substantial structural changes during development, driven by the formation, stabilization, and elimination of synapses. Synaptic connections continue to undergo experience‐dependent structural rearrangements throughout life, which are postulated to underlie learning and memory. Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, are physically in contact with synaptic circuits through their structural ensheathment of synapses. Astrocytes strongly contribute to the remodeling of synaptic structures in healthy and diseased central nervous systems by regulating synaptic connectivity and behaviors. However, whether structural plasticity of astrocytes is involved in their critical functions at the synapse is unknown. This review will discuss the emerging evidence linking astrocytic structural plasticity to synaptic circuit remodeling and regulation of behaviors. Moreover, we will survey possible molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating the structural plasticity of astrocytes and their non‐cell‐autonomous effects on neuronal plasticity. Finally, we will discuss how astrocyte morphological changes in different physiological states and disease conditions contribute to neuronal circuit function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola Lawal
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco Paolo Ulloa Severino
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Psychology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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31
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Linne ML, Aćimović J, Saudargiene A, Manninen T. Neuron-Glia Interactions and Brain Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1359:87-103. [PMID: 35471536 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89439-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that glial cells take an active role in a number of brain functions that were previously attributed solely to neurons. For example, astrocytes, one type of glial cells, have been shown to promote coordinated activation of neuronal networks, modulate sensory-evoked neuronal network activity, and influence brain state transitions during development. This reinforces the idea that astrocytes not only provide the "housekeeping" for the neurons, but that they also play a vital role in supporting and expanding the functions of brain circuits and networks. Despite this accumulated knowledge, the field of computational neuroscience has mostly focused on modeling neuronal functions, ignoring the glial cells and the interactions they have with the neurons. In this chapter, we introduce the biology of neuron-glia interactions, summarize the existing computational models and tools, and emphasize the glial properties that may be important in modeling brain functions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja-Leena Linne
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Jugoslava Aćimović
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ausra Saudargiene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Informatics, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Tiina Manninen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Oliveira JF, Araque A. Astrocyte regulation of neural circuit activity and network states. Glia 2022; 70:1455-1466. [PMID: 35460131 PMCID: PMC9232995 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are known to influence neuronal activity through different mechanisms, including the homeostatic control of extracellular levels of ions and neurotransmitters and the exchange of signaling molecules that regulate synaptic formation, structure, and function. While a great effort done in the past has defined many molecular mechanisms and cellular processes involved in astrocyte-neuron interactions at the cellular level, the consequences of these interactions at the network level in vivo have only relatively recently been identified. This review describes and discusses recent findings on the regulatory effects of astrocytes on the activity of neuronal networks in vivo. Accumulating but still limited, evidence indicates that astrocytes regulate neuronal network rhythmic activity and synchronization as well as brain states. These studies demonstrate a critical contribution of astrocytes to brain activity and are paving the way for a more thorough understanding of the cellular bases of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal.,IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Campus of IPCA, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Ramon-Duaso C, Conde-Moro AR, Busquets-Garcia A. Astroglial cannabinoid signaling and behavior. Glia 2022; 71:60-70. [PMID: 35293647 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24171] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In neuroscience, the explosion of innovative and advanced technical accomplishments is fundamental to understanding brain functioning. For example, the possibility to distinguish glial and neuronal activities at the synaptic level and/or the appearance of new genetic tools to specifically monitor and manipulate astroglial functions revealed that astrocytes are involved in several facets of behavioral control. In this sense, the discovery of functional presence of type-1 cannabinoid receptors in astrocytes has led to identify important behavioral responses mediated by this specific pool of cannabinoid receptors. Thus, astroglial type-1 cannabinoid receptors are in the perfect place to play a role in a complex scenario in which astrocytes sense neuronal activity, release gliotransmitters and modulate the activity of other neurons, ultimately controlling behavioral responses. In this review, we will describe the known behavioral implications of astroglial cannabinoid signaling and highlight exciting unexplored research avenues on how astroglial cannabinoid signaling could affect behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ramon-Duaso
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Rocio Conde-Moro
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Busquets-Garcia
- Cell-Type Mechanisms in Normal and Pathological Behavior Research Group, Neuroscience Programme, IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
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Amato S, Averna M, Guidolin D, Pedrazzi M, Pelassa S, Capraro M, Passalacqua M, Bozzo M, Gatta E, Anderlini D, Maura G, Agnati LF, Cervetto C, Marcoli M. Heterodimer of A2A and Oxytocin Receptors Regulating Glutamate Release in Adult Striatal Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042326. [PMID: 35216441 PMCID: PMC8879615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roles of astrocytes in the modulatory effects of oxytocin (OT) in central nervous system are increasingly considered. Nevertheless, OT effects on gliotransmitter release have been neglected. METHODS In purified astrocyte processes from adult rat striatum, we assessed OT receptor (OTR) and adenosine A2A receptor expression by confocal analysis. The effects of receptors activation on glutamate release from the processes were evaluated; A2A-OTR heteromerization was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and PLA. Structure of the possible heterodimer of A2A and OT receptors was estimated by a bioinformatic approach. RESULTS Both A2A and OT receptors were expressed on the same astrocyte processes. Evidence for A2A-OTR receptor-receptor interaction was obtained by measuring the release of glutamate: OT inhibited the evoked glutamate release, while activation of A2A receptors, per se ineffective, abolished the OT effect. Biochemical and biophysical evidence for A2A-OTR heterodimers on striatal astrocytes was also obtained. The residues in the transmembrane domains 4 and 5 of both receptors are predicted to be mainly involved in the heteromerization. CONCLUSIONS When considering effects of OT in striatum, modulation of glutamate release from the astrocyte processes and of glutamatergic synapse functioning, and the interaction with A2A receptors on the astrocyte processes should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35122 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marco Pedrazzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Simone Pelassa
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Michela Capraro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.A.); (M.P.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Italian Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Elena Gatta
- DIFILAB, Department of Physics, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy;
| | - Deanna Anderlini
- Centre for Sensorimotor Performance, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Blair Drive, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi F. Agnati
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (S.A.); (S.P.); (G.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 9, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
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Astrocytes mediate analogous memory in a multi-layer neuron–astrocyte network. Neural Comput Appl 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00521-022-06936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractModeling the neuronal processes underlying short-term working memory remains the focus of many theoretical studies in neuroscience. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model of a spiking neural network (SNN) which simulates the way a fragment of information is maintained as a robust activity pattern for several seconds and the way it completely disappears if no other stimuli are fed to the system. Such short-term memory traces are preserved due to the activation of astrocytes accompanying the SNN. The astrocytes exhibit calcium transients at a time scale of seconds. These transients further modulate the efficiency of synaptic transmission and, hence, the firing rate of neighboring neurons at diverse timescales through gliotransmitter release. We demonstrate how such transients continuously encode frequencies of neuronal discharges and provide robust short-term storage of analogous information. This kind of short-term memory can store relevant information for seconds and then completely forget it to avoid overlapping with forthcoming patterns. The SNN is inter-connected with the astrocytic layer by local inter-cellular diffusive connections. The astrocytes are activated only when the neighboring neurons fire synchronously, e.g., when an information pattern is loaded. For illustration, we took grayscale photographs of people’s faces where the shades of gray correspond to the level of applied current which stimulates the neurons. The astrocyte feedback modulates (facilitates) synaptic transmission by varying the frequency of neuronal firing. We show how arbitrary patterns can be loaded, then stored for a certain interval of time, and retrieved if the appropriate clue pattern is applied to the input.
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Machado-Santos AR, Loureiro-Campos E, Patrício P, Araújo B, Alves ND, Mateus-Pinheiro A, Correia JS, Morais M, Bessa JM, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ, Oliveira JF, Pinto L. Beyond New Neurons in the Adult Hippocampus: Imipramine Acts as a Pro-Astrogliogenic Factor and Rescues Cognitive Impairments Induced by Stress Exposure. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030390. [PMID: 35159199 PMCID: PMC8834148 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a prevalent, socially burdensome disease. Different studies have demonstrated the important role of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of depression as modulators of neurotransmission and neurovascular coupling. This is evidenced by astrocyte impairments observed in brains of depressed patients and the appearance of depressive-like behaviors upon astrocytic dysfunctions in animal models. However, little is known about the importance of de novo generated astrocytes in the mammalian brain and in particular its possible involvement in the precipitation of depression and in the therapeutic actions of current antidepressants (ADs). Therefore, we studied the modulation of astrocytes and adult astrogliogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of rats exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) protocol, untreated and treated for two weeks with antidepressants—fluoxetine and imipramine. Our results show that adult astrogliogenesis in the DG is modulated by stress and imipramine. This study reveals that distinct classes of ADs impact differently in the astrogliogenic process, showing different cellular mechanisms relevant to the recovery from behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress exposure. As such, in addition to those resident, the newborn astrocytes in the hippocampal DG might also be promising therapeutic targets for future therapies in the neuropsychiatric field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Machado-Santos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Loureiro-Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Patrício
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bruna Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Dinis Alves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António Mateus-Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Sofia Correia
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mónica Morais
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João M Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana J Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Campus of IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Antonelli F, Casciati A, Belles M, Serra N, Linares-Vidal MV, Marino C, Mancuso M, Pazzaglia S. Long-Term Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Hippocampus: Linking Effects of the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Activation with Radiation Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212605. [PMID: 34830484 PMCID: PMC8624704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212605] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy represents one of the primary treatment modalities for primary and metastatic brain tumors. Although recent advances in radiation techniques, that allow the delivery of higher radiation doses to the target volume, reduce the toxicity to normal tissues, long-term neurocognitive decline is still a detrimental factor significantly affecting quality of life, particularly in pediatric patients. This imposes the need for the development of prevention strategies. Based on recent evidence, showing that manipulation of the Shh pathway carries therapeutic potential for brain repair and functional recovery after injury, here we evaluate how radiation-induced hippocampal alterations are modulated by the constitutive activation of the Shh signaling pathway in Patched 1 heterozygous mice (Ptch1+/-). Our results show, for the first time, an overall protective effect of constitutive Shh pathway activation on hippocampal radiation injury. This activation, through modulation of the proneural gene network, leads to a long-term reduction of hippocampal deficits in the stem cell and new neuron compartments and to the mitigation of radio-induced astrogliosis, despite some behavioral alterations still being detected in Ptch1+/- mice. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the neural decline following irradiation is essential for identifying prevention measures to contain the harmful consequences of irradiation. Our data have important translational implications as they suggest a role for Shh pathway manipulation to provide the therapeutic possibility of improving brain repair and functional recovery after radio-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Antonelli
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.A.); (S.P.)
| | - Arianna Casciati
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Montserrat Belles
- Physiology Unit, School of Medicine, Rovira I Virgili University (URV), 43007 Reus, Spain; (M.B.); (N.S.); (M.V.L.-V.)
| | - Noemi Serra
- Physiology Unit, School of Medicine, Rovira I Virgili University (URV), 43007 Reus, Spain; (M.B.); (N.S.); (M.V.L.-V.)
| | - Maria Victoria Linares-Vidal
- Physiology Unit, School of Medicine, Rovira I Virgili University (URV), 43007 Reus, Spain; (M.B.); (N.S.); (M.V.L.-V.)
| | - Carmela Marino
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Simonetta Pazzaglia
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy; (A.C.); (C.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.A.); (S.P.)
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A human iPSC-astroglia neurodevelopmental model reveals divergent transcriptomic patterns in schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:554. [PMID: 34716291 PMCID: PMC8556332 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While neurodevelopmental abnormalities have been associated with schizophrenia (SCZ), the role of astroglia in disease pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In the present study, we used a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocyte model to investigate the temporal patterns of astroglia differentiation during developmental stages critical for SCZ using RNA sequencing. The model generated astrocyte-specific gene expression patterns during differentiation that corresponded well to astroglia-specific expression signatures of in vivo cortical fetal development. Using this model we identified SCZ-specific expression dynamics, and found that SCZ-associated differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and temporal lobe, targeting VWA5A and ADAMTS19. In addition, SCZ astrocytes displayed alterations in calcium signaling, and significantly decreased glutamate uptake and metalloproteinase activity relative to controls. These results implicate novel transcriptional dynamics in astrocyte differentiation in SCZ together with functional changes that are potentially important biological components of SCZ pathology.
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Entrainment of Astrocytic and Neuronal Ca 2+ Population Dynamics During Information Processing of Working Memory in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2021; 38:474-488. [PMID: 34699030 PMCID: PMC9106780 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00782-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognized to play an active role in learning and memory, but whether neural inputs can trigger event-specific astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in real time to participate in working memory remains unclear due to the difficulties in directly monitoring astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in animals performing tasks. Here, using fiber photometry, we showed that population astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in the hippocampus were gated by sensory inputs (centered at the turning point of the T-maze) and modified by the reward delivery during the encoding and retrieval phases. Notably, there was a strong inter-locked and antagonistic relationship between the astrocytic and neuronal Ca2+ dynamics with a 3-s phase difference. Furthermore, there was a robust synchronization of astrocytic Ca2+ at the population level among the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and striatum. The inter-locked, bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons at the population level may contribute to the modulation of information processing in working memory.
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Martins-Macedo J, Salgado AJ, Gomes ED, Pinto L. Adult brain cytogenesis in the context of mood disorders: From neurogenesis to the emergent role of gliogenesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:411-428. [PMID: 34555383 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders severely impact patients' lives. Motivational, cognitive and emotional deficits are the most common symptoms observed in these patients and no effective treatment is still available, either due to the adverse side effects or the low rate of efficacy of currently available drugs. Neurogenesis recovery has been one important focus in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, which undeniably contributes to the therapeutic action of antidepressants. However, glial plasticity is emerging as a new strategy to explore the deficits observed in mood disorders and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Thus, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind glio- and neurogenesis to better define treatments and preventive therapies, once adult cytogenesis is of pivotal importance to cognitive and emotional components of behavior, both in healthy and pathological contexts, including in psychiatric disorders. Here, we review the concepts and history of neuro- and gliogenesis, providing as well a reflection on the functional importance of cytogenesis in the context of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Martins-Macedo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Eduardo D Gomes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Wang Q, Kong Y, Lin S, Wu DY, Hu J, Huang L, Zang WS, Li XW, Yang JM, Gao TM. The ATP Level in the mPFC Mediates the Antidepressant Effect of Calorie Restriction. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1303-1313. [PMID: 34089507 PMCID: PMC8423953 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00726-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Food deprivation can rescue obesity and overweight-induced mood disorders, and promote mood performance in normal subjects. Animal studies and clinical research have revealed the antidepressant-like effect of calorie restriction, but little is known about the mechanism of calorie restriction-induced mood modification. Previous studies have found that astrocytes modulate depressive-like behaviors. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (IP3R2) is the predominant isoform in mediating astrocyte Ca2+ signals and its genetic knockout mice are widely used to study astrocyte function in vivo. In this study, we showed that deletion of IP3R2 blocked the antidepressant-like effect induced by calorie restriction. In vivo microdialysis experiments demonstrated that calorie restriction induced an increase in ATP level in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in naïve mice but this effect disappeared in IP3R2-knockout mice, suggesting a role of astrocytic ATP in the calorie restriction-induced antidepressant effect. Further experiments showed that systemic administration and local infusion of ATP into the mPFC induced an antidepressant effect, whereas decreasing ATP by Apyrase in the mPFC blocked calorie restriction-induced antidepressant regulation. Together, these findings support a role for astrocytic ATP in the antidepressant-like effect caused by calorie restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Song Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ding-Yu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wen-Si Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brian Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Turk AZ, SheikhBahaei S. Morphometric analysis of astrocytes in vocal production circuits of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). J Comp Neurol 2021; 530:574-589. [PMID: 34387357 PMCID: PMC8716418 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the star-shaped glial cells, are the most abundant non-neuronal cell population in the central nervous system. They play a key role in modulating activities of neural networks, including those involved in complex motor behaviors. Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), the most vocal non-human primate (NHP), have been used to study the physiology of vocalization and social vocal production. However, the neural circuitry involved in vocal production is not fully understood. In addition, even less is known about the involvement of astrocytes in this circuit. To understand the role, that astrocytes may play in the complex behavior of vocalization, the initial step may be to study their structural properties in the cortical and subcortical regions that are known to be involved in vocalization. Here, in the common marmoset, we identify all astrocytic subtypes seen in other primate's brains, including intralaminar astrocytes. In addition, we reveal detailed structural characteristics of astrocytes and perform morphometric analysis of astrocytes residing in the cortex and midbrain regions that are associated with vocal production. We found that cortical astrocytes in these regions illustrate a higher level of complexity when compared to those in the midbrain. We hypothesize that this complexity that is expressed in cortical astrocytes may reflect their functions to meet the metabolic/structural needs of these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Z Turk
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shahriar SheikhBahaei
- Neuron-Glia Signaling and Circuits Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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43
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Zanfardino P, Doccini S, Santorelli FM, Petruzzella V. Tackling Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8325. [PMID: 34361091 PMCID: PMC8348117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is the basic function of mitochondria, although the landscape of mitochondrial functions is continuously growing to include more aspects of cellular homeostasis. Thanks to the application of -omics technologies to the study of the OxPhos system, novel features emerge from the cataloging of novel proteins as mitochondrial thus adding details to the mitochondrial proteome and defining novel metabolic cellular interrelations, especially in the human brain. We focussed on the diversity of bioenergetics demand and different aspects of mitochondrial structure, functions, and dysfunction in the brain. Definition such as 'mitoexome', 'mitoproteome' and 'mitointeractome' have entered the field of 'mitochondrial medicine'. In this context, we reviewed several genetic defects that hamper the last step of aerobic metabolism, mostly involving the nervous tissue as one of the most prominent energy-dependent tissues and, as consequence, as a primary target of mitochondrial dysfunction. The dual genetic origin of the OxPhos complexes is one of the reasons for the complexity of the genotype-phenotype correlation when facing human diseases associated with mitochondrial defects. Such complexity clinically manifests with extremely heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from organ-specific to multisystemic dysfunction with different clinical courses. Finally, we briefly discuss the future directions of the multi-omics study of human brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zanfardino
- Department of Medical Basic Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Stefano Doccini
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | | | - Vittoria Petruzzella
- Department of Medical Basic Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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Durkee C, Kofuji P, Navarrete M, Araque A. Astrocyte and neuron cooperation in long-term depression. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:837-848. [PMID: 34334233 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Activity-dependent long-term changes in synaptic transmission known as synaptic plasticity are fundamental processes in brain function and are recognized as the cellular basis of learning and memory. While the neuronal mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity have been largely identified, the involvement of astrocytes in these processes has been less recognized. However, astrocytes are emerging as important cells that regulate synaptic function by interacting with neurons at tripartite synapses. In this review, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that astrocytes are necessary elements in long-term synaptic depression (LTD). We highlight the mechanistic heterogeneity of astrocyte contribution to this form of synaptic plasticity and propose that astrocytes are integral participants in LTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Durkee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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45
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Nanclares C, Baraibar AM, Araque A, Kofuji P. Dysregulation of Astrocyte-Neuronal Communication in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7887. [PMID: 34360652 PMCID: PMC8346080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies implicate astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, their role in pathogenesis is poorly understood. Astrocytes have well-established functions in supportive functions such as extracellular ionic homeostasis, structural support, and neurovascular coupling. However, emerging research on astrocytic function in the healthy brain also indicates their role in regulating synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability via the release of neuroactive substances named gliotransmitters. Here, we review how this "active" role of astrocytes at synapses could contribute to synaptic and neuronal network dysfunction and cognitive impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.N.); (A.M.B.); (A.A.)
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46
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Yu X, Moye SL, Khakh BS. Local and CNS-Wide Astrocyte Intracellular Calcium Signaling Attenuation In Vivo with CalEx flox Mice. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4556-4574. [PMID: 33903221 PMCID: PMC8260243 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0085-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes exist throughout the CNS and affect neural circuits and behavior through intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Studying the function(s) of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling has proven difficult because of the paucity of tools to achieve selective attenuation. Based on recent studies, we generated and used male and female knock-in mice for Cre-dependent expression of mCherry-tagged hPMCA2w/b to attenuate astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in genetically defined cells in vivo (CalExflox mice for Calcium Extrusion). We characterized CalExflox mice following local AAV-Cre microinjections into the striatum and found reduced astrocyte Ca2+ signaling (∼90%) accompanied with repetitive self-grooming behavior. We also crossed CalExflox mice to astrocyte-specific Aldh1l1-Cre/ERT2 mice to achieve inducible global CNS-wide Ca2+ signaling attenuation. Within 6 d of induction in the bigenic mice, we observed significantly altered ambulation in the open field, disrupted motor coordination and gait, and premature lethality. Furthermore, with histologic, imaging, and transcriptomic analyses, we identified cellular and molecular alterations in the cerebellum following mCherry-tagged hPMCA2w/b expression. Our data show that expression of mCherry-tagged hPMCA2w/b with CalExflox mice throughout the CNS resulted in substantial attenuation of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and significant behavioral alterations in adult mice. We interpreted these findings candidly in relation to the ability of CalEx to attenuate astrocyte Ca2+ signaling, with regards to additional mechanistic interpretations of the data, and their relation to past studies that reduced astrocyte Ca2+ signaling throughout the CNS. The data and resources provide complementary ways to interrogate the function(s) of astrocytes in multiple experimental scenarios.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytes represent a significant fraction of all brain cells and tile the entire central nervous system. Unlike neurons, astrocytes lack propagated electrical signals. Instead, astrocytes are proposed to use diverse and dynamic intracellular Ca2+ signals to communicate with other cells. An open question concerns if and how astrocyte Ca2+ signaling regulates behavior in adult mice. We approached this problem by generating a new transgenic mouse line to achieve inducible astrocyte Ca2+ signaling attenuation in vivo We report our data with this mouse line and we interpret the findings candidly in relation to past studies and within the framework of different mechanistic interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhu Yu
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801-3704
| | | | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1751
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Bowles SN, Johnson CM. Inferences of glia-mediated control in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1191-1206. [PMID: 33559247 PMCID: PMC8005477 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes modulate synaptic transmission; yet, it remains unclear how glia influence complex behaviors. Here, we explore the effects of Caenorhabditis elegans astrocyte-like cephalic glia (CEPglia ) and the glia-specific bHLH transcription factor HLH-17 on mating behavior and the defecation motor program (DMP). In C. elegans, male mating has been explicitly described through the male tail circuit and is characterized by coordination of multiple independent behaviors to ensure that copulation is achieved. Furthermore, the sex-specific male mating circuitry shares similar components with the DMP, which is complex and rhythmic, and requires a fixed sequence of behaviors to be activated periodically. We found that loss of CEPglia reduced persistence in executing mating behaviors and hindered copulation, while males that lacked HLH-17 demonstrated repetitive prodding behavior that increased the time spent in mating but did not hinder copulation. During the DMP, we found that posterior body wall contractions (pBocs) and enteric muscle contractions (EMCs) were differentially affected by loss of HLH-17 or CEPglia in males and hermaphrodites. pBocs and EMCs required HLH-17 activity in both sexes, whereas loss of CEPglia alone did not affect DMP in males. Our data suggest that CEPglia mediate complex behaviors by signaling to the GABAergic DVB neuron, and that HLH-17 activity influences those discrete steps within those behaviors. Collectively, these data provide evidence of glia as a link in cooperative regulation of complex and rhythmic behavior that, in C. elegans links circuitry in the head and the tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N. Bowles
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States
| | - Casonya M. Johnson
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, 22807
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Mancini A, Ghiglieri V, Parnetti L, Calabresi P, Di Filippo M. Neuro-Immune Cross-Talk in the Striatum: From Basal Ganglia Physiology to Circuit Dysfunction. Front Immunol 2021; 12:644294. [PMID: 33953715 PMCID: PMC8091963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.644294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The basal ganglia network is represented by an interconnected group of subcortical nuclei traditionally thought to play a crucial role in motor learning and movement execution. During the last decades, knowledge about basal ganglia physiology significantly evolved and this network is now considered as a key regulator of important cognitive and emotional processes. Accordingly, the disruption of basal ganglia network dynamics represents a crucial pathogenic factor in many neurological and psychiatric disorders. The striatum is the input station of the circuit. Thanks to the synaptic properties of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and their ability to express synaptic plasticity, the striatum exerts a fundamental integrative and filtering role in the basal ganglia network, influencing the functional output of the whole circuit. Although it is currently established that the immune system is able to regulate neuronal transmission and plasticity in specific cortical areas, the role played by immune molecules and immune/glial cells in the modulation of intra-striatal connections and basal ganglia activity still needs to be clarified. In this manuscript, we review the available evidence of immune-based regulation of synaptic activity in the striatum, also discussing how an abnormal immune activation in this region could be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and degenerative central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancini
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Section of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Lim D, Semyanov A, Genazzani A, Verkhratsky A. Calcium signaling in neuroglia. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 362:1-53. [PMID: 34253292 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glial cells exploit calcium (Ca2+) signals to perceive the information about the activity of the nervous tissue and the tissue environment to translate this information into an array of homeostatic, signaling and defensive reactions. Astrocytes, the best studied glial cells, use several Ca2+ signaling generation pathways that include Ca2+ entry through plasma membrane, release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and from mitochondria. Activation of metabotropic receptors on the plasma membrane of glial cells is coupled to an enzymatic cascade in which a second messenger, InsP3 is generated thus activating intracellular Ca2+ release channels in the ER endomembrane. Astrocytes also possess store-operated Ca2+ entry and express several ligand-gated Ca2+ channels. In vivo astrocytes generate heterogeneous Ca2+ signals, which are short and frequent in distal processes, but large and relatively rare in soma. In response to neuronal activity intracellular and inter-cellular astrocytic Ca2+ waves can be produced. Astrocytic Ca2+ signals are involved in secretion, they regulate ion transport across cell membranes, and are contributing to cell morphological plasticity. Therefore, astrocytic Ca2+ signals are linked to fundamental functions of the central nervous system ranging from synaptic transmission to behavior. In oligodendrocytes, Ca2+ signals are generated by plasmalemmal Ca2+ influx, or by release from intracellular stores, or by combination of both. Microglial cells exploit Ca2+ permeable ionotropic purinergic receptors and transient receptor potential channels as well as ER Ca2+ release. In this contribution, basic morphology of glial cells, glial Ca2+ signaling toolkit, intracellular Ca2+ signals and Ca2+-regulated functions are discussed with focus on astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Armando Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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50
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Sensing and Regulating Synaptic Activity by Astrocytes at Tripartite Synapse. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2580-2585. [PMID: 33837868 PMCID: PMC10159683 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03317-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are recognized as more important cells than historically thought in synaptic function through the reciprocal exchange of signaling with the neuronal synaptic elements. The idea that astrocytes are active elements in synaptic physiology is conceptualized in the Tripartite Synapse concept. This review article presents and discusses recent representative examples that highlight the heterogeneity of signaling in tripartite synapse function and its consequences on neural network function and animal behavior.
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