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Lichterfeld Y, Kalinski L, Schunk S, Schmakeit T, Feles S, Frett T, Herrmann H, Hemmersbach R, Liemersdorf C. Hypergravity Attenuates Reactivity in Primary Murine Astrocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081966. [PMID: 36009513 PMCID: PMC9405820 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity is the key modulator of nearly every aspect of behavior, affecting cognition, learning, and memory as well as motion. Hence, disturbances of the transmission of synaptic signals are the main cause of many neurological disorders. Lesions to nervous tissues are associated with phenotypic changes mediated by astrocytes becoming reactive. Reactive astrocytes form the basis of astrogliosis and glial scar formation. Astrocyte reactivity is often targeted to inhibit axon dystrophy and thus promote neuronal regeneration. Here, we aim to understand the impact of gravitational loading induced by hypergravity to potentially modify key features of astrocyte reactivity. We exposed primary murine astrocytes as a model system closely resembling the in vivo reactivity phenotype on custom-built centrifuges for cultivation as well as for live-cell imaging under hypergravity conditions in a physiological range (2g and 10g). We revealed spreading rates, migration velocities, and stellation to be diminished under 2g hypergravity. In contrast, proliferation and apoptosis rates were not affected. In particular, hypergravity attenuated reactivity induction. We observed cytoskeletal remodeling of actin filaments and microtubules under hypergravity. Hence, the reorganization of these key elements of cell structure demonstrates that fundamental mechanisms on shape and mobility of astrocytes are affected due to altered gravity conditions. In future experiments, potential target molecules for pharmacological interventions that attenuate astrocytic reactivity will be investigated. The ultimate goal is to enhance neuronal regeneration for novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Lichterfeld
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Kalinski
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sarah Schunk
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Theresa Schmakeit
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Feles
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Timo Frett
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Harald Herrmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ruth Hemmersbach
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Liemersdorf
- Department of Gravitational Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, 51147 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-176-811-09-333
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Rose CR, Verkhratsky A. Principles of sodium homeostasis and sodium signalling in astroglia. Glia 2016; 64:1611-27. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences; Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences; the University of Manchester; Manchester United Kingdom
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED; Leioa Spain
- University of Nizhny Novgorod; Nizhny Novgorod Russia
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Rose CR, Karus C. Two sides of the same coin: sodium homeostasis and signaling in astrocytes under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Glia 2013; 61:1191-205. [PMID: 23553639 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular sodium concentration of astrocytes is classically viewed as being kept under tight homeostatic control and at a relatively stable level under physiological conditions. Indeed, the steep inwardly directed electrochemical gradient for sodium, generated by the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, contributes to maintain the electrochemical gradient of K⁺ and the highly K⁺-based negative membrane potential, and is a central element in energizing membrane transport. As such it is tightly coupled to the homeostasis of extra- and intracellular potassium, calcium or pH and to the reuptake of transmitters such as glutamate. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that this picture is far too simplistic. It is now firmly established that transmitters, most notably glutamate, and excitatory neuronal activity evoke long-lasting sodium transients in astrocytes, the properties of which are distinctly different from those of activity-related glial calcium signals. From these studies, it emerges that sodium homeostasis and signaling are two sides of the same coin: sodium-dependent transporters, primarily known for their role in ion regulation and homeostasis, also generate relevant ion signals during neuronal activity. The functional consequences of activity-related sodium transients are manifold and are just coming into view, enabling surprising and important new insights into astrocyte function and neuron-glia interaction in the brain. The present review will highlight current knowledge about the mechanisms that contribute to sodium homeostasis in astrocytes, present recent data on the spatial and temporal properties of activity-related glial sodium signals and discuss their functional consequences with a special emphasis on pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Abstract
Intercellular calcium (Ca(2+)) waves (ICWs) represent the propagation of increases in intracellular Ca(2+) through a syncytium of cells and appear to be a fundamental mechanism for coordinating multicellular responses. ICWs occur in a wide diversity of cells and have been extensively studied in vitro. More recent studies focus on ICWs in vivo. ICWs are triggered by a variety of stimuli and involve the release of Ca(2+) from internal stores. The propagation of ICWs predominately involves cell communication with internal messengers moving via gap junctions or extracellular messengers mediating paracrine signaling. ICWs appear to be important in both normal physiology as well as pathophysiological processes in a variety of organs and tissues including brain, liver, retina, cochlea, and vascular tissue. We review here the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of ICWs, the key intra- and extracellular messengers (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ATP) mediating ICWs, and the proposed physiological functions of ICWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Eugenin EA, Basilio D, Sáez JC, Orellana JA, Raine CS, Bukauskas F, Bennett MVL, Berman JW. The role of gap junction channels during physiologic and pathologic conditions of the human central nervous system. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2012; 7:499-518. [PMID: 22438035 PMCID: PMC3638201 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-012-9352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are expressed in most cell types of the nervous system, including neuronal stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, cells of the blood brain barrier (endothelial cells and astrocytes) and under inflammatory conditions in microglia/macrophages. GJs connect cells by the docking of two hemichannels, one from each cell with each hemichannel being formed by 6 proteins named connexins (Cx). Unapposed hemichannels (uHC) also can be open on the surface of the cells allowing the release of different intracellular factors to the extracellular space. GJs provide a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication between adjacent cells that enables the direct exchange of intracellular messengers, such as calcium, nucleotides, IP(3), and diverse metabolites, as well as electrical signals that ultimately coordinate tissue homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, cell survival and death. Despite their essential functions in physiological conditions, relatively little is known about the role of GJs and uHC in human diseases, especially within the nervous system. The focus of this review is to summarize recent findings related to the role of GJs and uHC in physiologic and pathologic conditions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Pathology, F727, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Yoon JJ, Nicholson LFB, Feng SX, Vis JC, Green CR. A novel method of organotypic brain slice culture using connexin-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to improve neuronal survival. Brain Res 2010; 1353:194-203. [PMID: 20624376 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Organotypic slice cultures obtained from immature brain tissue represent a well-established model system for neuroscience research. Current culture methods, however, do not allow long-term culture of mature brain slices. Slice cultures from mature animals would provide an in vitro experimental environment suitable for investigation of neuropathologies, which in human, predominate in aged individuals. We hypothesized that damage, incurred by slicing of the brain, is propagated through intercellular connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction channels and that this damage is not easily repaired in mature central nervous system (CNS) tissue that lacks the pluripotency of immature tissue. We investigated the role of Cx43 gap junctions in long-term survival of mature brain tissue using antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AsODN) technology. The application of Cx43 AsODN immediately after slicing of the mature brain led to a significant but transient knockdown of Cx43 protein. This treatment was associated with the long-term survival of hippocampal neurons with normal morphology within whole brain slices taken from 14 and 40-day-old adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinny Jung Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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Abstract
An Astrocytic Basis of Epilepsy Tian GF, Azmi H, Takano T, Xu Q, Peng W, Lin J, Oberheim N, Lou N, Wang X, Zielke HR, Kang J, Nedergaard M Nat Med 2005;11:973–981. Hypersynchronous neuronal firing is a hallmark of epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying simultaneous activation of multiple neurons remains unknown. Epileptic discharges are in part initiated by a local depolarization shift that drives groups of neurons into synchronous bursting. In an attempt to define the cellular basis for hypersynchronous bursting activity, we studied the occurrence of paroxysmal depolarization shifts after suppressing synaptic activity using tetrodotoxin (TTX) and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. Here we report that paroxysmal depolarization shifts can be initiated by release of glutamate from extrasynaptic sources or by photolysis of caged Ca2+ in astrocytes. Two-photon imaging of live exposed cortex showed that several antiepileptic agents, including valproate, gabapentin, and phenytoin, reduced the ability of astrocytes to transmit Ca2+ signaling. Our results show an unanticipated key role for astrocytes in seizure activity. As such, these findings identify astrocytes as a proximal target for the treatment of epileptic disorders.
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Abstract
Glia are increasingly appreciated as active participants in central neural processing via calcium waves, electrical coupling, and even synaptic-like release of “neuro”-transmitters. In some sensory organs (e.g., retina, olfactory bulb), glia have been shown to interact with neurons in the same manner, although their role in perception has yet to be elucidated. In the organ of Corti, synapses occur between supporting cells and neurons. In one sensory organ, the Pacinian corpuscle (fine touch), glia have been shown to play just as important a role in sensory transduction as they do in neural processing in the brain, and the functional role is quite clear; the modified Schwann cells of the capsule are responsible for the rapid adaptation process of the PCs, integral to its function as a vibration detector. This complex glial/neuronal relationship may be a recent evolutionary phenomenon and may account for much of the relative sophistication of vertebrate nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam K. Pack
- Department of Biology, Utica College, Utica, New York,
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Eikenberry SE, Sankar T, Preul MC, Kostelich EJ, Thalhauser CJ, Kuang Y. Virtual glioblastoma: growth, migration and treatment in a three-dimensional mathematical model. Cell Prolif 2009; 42:511-28. [PMID: 19489983 PMCID: PMC6760820 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2009.00613.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glioblastomas are aggressive primary brain cancers that are characterized by extensive infiltration into the brain and are highly resistant to treatment. Through mathematical modelling, we model the process of invasion and predict the relative importance of mechanisms contributing to malignant invasion. Clinically, we predict patterns of tumour recurrence following various modes of therapeutic intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our mathematical model uses a realistic three-dimensional brain geometry and considers migrating and proliferating cells as separate classes. Several mechanisms for infiltrative migration are considered. Methods are developed for simulating surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. RESULTS The model provides clinically realistic predictions of tumour growth and recurrence following therapeutic intervention. Specific results include (i) invasiveness is governed largely by the ability of glioblastoma cells to degrade and migrate through the extracellular matrix and the ability of single migrating cells to form colonies; (ii) tumours originating deeper in the brain generally grow more quickly than those of superficial origin; (iii) upon surgery, the margins and geometry of resection significantly determine the extent and pattern of postoperative recurrence; (iv) radiotherapy works synergistically with greater resection margins to reduce recurrence; (v) simulations in both two- and three-dimensional geometries give qualitatively similar results; and (vi) in an actual clinical case comprising several surgical interventions, the model provides good qualitative agreement between the simulated and observed course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The model provides a useful initial framework by which biological mechanisms of invasion and efficacy of potential treatment regimens may be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Eikenberry
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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Pawson L, Pack AK, Bolanowski SJ. Possible glutaminergic interaction between the capsule and neurite of Pacinian corpuscles. Somatosens Mot Res 2009; 24:85-95. [PMID: 17558925 DOI: 10.1080/08990220701388364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of the capsule encasing the Pacinian corpuscle's (PC's) neurite, where mechanotransduction occurs, may be more than mechanical. The inner core of the PC's capsule consists of lamellar cells that are of Schwann-cell origin. Previously, we found both voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels in these inner-core lamellae. Research on astrocytes and Schwann cells shows bidirectional signaling between glia and neurons, a major component of which is glutamate. Furthermore, Merkel cells show positive immunoreactivity for glutamate receptor mGluR5, and the glutamate-receptor antagonist kynurenate greatly decreases the static activity of the slowly adapting neurons of Merkel cell-neurite complexes. To investigate the possibility of glutaminergic interaction in PCs, we applied antibodies to glutamate, glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters, and SNARE proteins to cat mesenteric PC sections. Positive labeling was seen in the inner-core lamellae, at inter-lamellar connections, where the lamellae contact the membrane of the neurite and at the lamellar tips. The presence of these proteins on the lamellae and neurite membranes, demonstrated both with immunofluorescent light microscopy as well as immunogold electron microscopy, suggests a chemical, possibly bidirectional, interaction between the lamellar cells and the neurite. Thus, the capsule of the PC, apart from having a mechanical filtering function, may also provide an environment for lamellar-neurite interaction, perhaps acting as a neuro-modulator of the initiation, and/or continuation, of the mechanical-electrical transduction process. At the very least, the presence of the aforementioned proteins suggest some sort of "synaptic-like" activity in these mechanoreceptors, which up until now has not been considered possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Pawson
- Institute for Sensory Research, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-5290, USA.
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Abstract
Neurons have long held the spotlight as the central players of the nervous system, but we must remember that we have equal numbers of astrocytes and neurons in the brain. Are these cells only filling up the space and passively nurturing the neurons, or do they also contribute to information transfer and processing? After several years of intense research since the pioneer discovery of astrocytic calcium waves and glutamate release onto neurons in vitro, the neuronal-glial studies have answered many questions thanks to technological advances. However, the definitive in vivo role of astrocytes remains to be addressed. In addition, it is becoming clear that diverse populations of astrocytes coexist with different molecular identities and specialized functions adjusted to their microenvironment, but do they all belong to the umbrella family of astrocytes? One population of astrocytes takes on a new function by displaying both support cell and stem cell characteristics in the neurogenic niches. Here, we define characteristics that classify a cell as an astrocyte under physiological conditions. We will also discuss the well-established and emerging functions of astrocytes with an emphasis on their roles on neuronal activity and as neural stem cells in adult neurogenic zones.
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Floyd CL, Lyeth BG. Astroglia: important mediators of traumatic brain injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2007; 161:61-79. [PMID: 17618970 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(06)61005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) research to date has focused almost exclusively on the pathophysiology of injured neurons with very little attention paid to non-neuronal cells. However in the past decade, exciting discoveries have challenged this century-old view of passive glial cells and have led to a reinterpretation of the role of glial cells in central nervous system (CNS) biology and pathology. In this chapter we review several lines of evidence, indicating that glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are active partners to neurons in the brain, and summarize recent findings that detail the significance of astrocyte pathology in traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace L Floyd
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, 547 Spain Rehabilitation Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249, USA.
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