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Jensen BK. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions Contributing to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:285-318. [PMID: 39190080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_12] [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
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease impacting motor neurons of the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Disease etiology is quite heterogeneous with over 40 genes causing the disease and a vast ~90% of patients having no prior family history. Astrocytes are major contributors to ALS, particularly through involvement in accelerating disease progression. Through study of genetic forms of disease including SOD1, TDP43, FUS, C9orf72, VCP, TBK1, and more recently patient-derived cells from sporadic individuals, many biological mechanisms have been identified to cause intrinsic or glial-mediated neurotoxicity to motor neurons. Overall, many of the normally supportive and beneficial roles that astrocytes contribute to neuronal health and survival instead switch to become deleterious and neurotoxic. While the exact pathways may differ based on disease-origin, altered astrocyte-neuron communication is a common feature of ALS. Within this chapter, distinct genetic forms are examined in detail, along with what is known from sporadic patient-derived cells. Overall, this chapter highlights the interplay between astrocytes and neurons in this complex disease and describes the key features underlying: astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity, excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, protein dyshomeostasis, metabolic imbalance, inflammation, trophic factor withdrawal, blood-brain/blood-spinal cord barrier involvement, disease spreading, and the extracellular matrix/cell adhesion/TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid K Jensen
- Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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de Lima IBQ, Cardozo PL, Fahel JS, Lacerda JPS, Miranda AS, Teixeira AL, Ribeiro FM. Blockade of mGluR5 in astrocytes derived from human iPSCs modulates astrocytic function and increases phagocytosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1283331. [PMID: 38146365 PMCID: PMC10749358 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1283331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
TNF-α is essential for induction and maintenance of inflammatory responses and its dysregulation is associated with susceptibility to various pathogens that infect the central nervous system. Activation of both microglia and astrocytes leads to TNF-α production, which in turn triggers further activation of these cells. Astrocytes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases with either harmful or protective roles, as these cells are capable of secreting several inflammatory factors and also promote synapse elimination and remodeling. These responses are possible because they sense their surroundings via several receptors, including the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Under neuroinflammatory conditions, mGluR5 activation in astrocytes can be neuroprotective or have the opposite effect. In the current study, we investigated the role of mGluR5 in hiPSC-derived astrocytes subjected to pro-inflammatory stimulation by recombinant TNF-α (rTNF-α). Our results show that mGluR5 blockade by CTEP decreases the secreted levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) following short rTNF-α stimulation, although this effect subsides with time. Additionally, CTEP enhances synaptoneurosome phagocytosis by astrocytes in both non-stimulated and rTNF-α-stimulated conditions, indicating that mGluR5 blockade alone is enough to drive synaptic material engulfment. Finally, mGluR5 antagonism as well as rTNF-α stimulation augment the expression of the reactivity marker SERPINA3 and reduces the expression of synaptogenic molecules. Altogether, these data suggest a complex role for mGluR5 in human astrocytes, since its blockade may have beneficial and detrimental effects under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B. Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo L. Cardozo
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Julia S. Fahel
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juliana P. S. Lacerda
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Aline S. Miranda
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antônio L. Teixeira
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fabiola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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3
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Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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4
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Jin D, Chen H, Zhou MH, Chen SR, Pan HL. mGluR5 from Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Tolerance by Interacting with and Potentiating Synaptic NMDA Receptors. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5593-5607. [PMID: 37451981 PMCID: PMC10401648 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0601-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of presynaptic NMDARs in the spinal dorsal horn is integral to opioid-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. However, the signaling mechanisms responsible for opioid-induced NMDAR hyperactivity remain poorly identified. Here, we show that repeated treatment with morphine or fentanyl reduced monomeric mGluR5 protein levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) but increased levels of mGluR5 monomers and homodimers in the spinal cord in mice and rats of both sexes. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis revealed that monomeric and dimeric mGluR5 in the spinal cord, but not monomeric mGluR5 in the DRG, directly interacted with GluN1. By contrast, mGluR5 did not interact with μ-opioid receptors in the DRG or spinal cord. Repeated morphine treatment markedly increased the mGluR5-GluN1 interaction and protein levels of mGluR5 and GluN1 in spinal synaptosomes. The mGluR5 antagonist MPEP reversed morphine treatment-augmented mGluR5-GluN1 interactions, GluN1 synaptic expression, and dorsal root-evoked monosynaptic EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9-induced conditional mGluR5 knockdown in DRG neurons normalized mGluR5 levels in spinal synaptosomes and NMDAR-mediated EPSCs of dorsal horn neurons increased by morphine treatment. Correspondingly, intrathecal injection of MPEP or conditional mGluR5 knockdown in DRG neurons not only potentiated the acute analgesic effect of morphine but also attenuated morphine treatment-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. Together, our findings suggest that opioid treatment promotes mGluR5 trafficking from primary sensory neurons to the spinal dorsal horn. Through dimerization and direct interaction with NMDARs, presynaptic mGluR5 potentiates and/or stabilizes NMDAR synaptic expression and activity at primary afferent central terminals, thereby maintaining opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Opioids are essential analgesics for managing severe pain caused by cancer, surgery, and tissue injury. However, these drugs paradoxically induce pain hypersensitivity and tolerance, which can cause rapid dose escalation and even overdose mortality. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that opioids promote trafficking of mGluR5, a G protein-coupled glutamate receptor, from peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord; there, mGluR5 proteins dimerize and physically interact with NMDARs to augment their synaptic expression and activity. Through dynamic interactions, the two distinct glutamate receptors mutually amplify and sustain nociceptive input from peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord. Thus, inhibiting mGluR5 activity or disrupting mGluR5-NMDAR interactions could reduce opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance and potentiate opioid analgesic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daozhong Jin
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Meng-Hua Zhou
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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Torazza C, Provenzano F, Gallia E, Cerminara M, Balbi M, Bonifacino T, Tessitore S, Ravera S, Usai C, Musante I, Puliti A, Van Den Bosch L, Jafar-nejad P, Rigo F, Milanese M, Bonanno G. Genetic Downregulation of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Dampens the Reactive and Neurotoxic Phenotype of Adult ALS Astrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:1952. [PMID: 37566031 PMCID: PMC10416852 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151952] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Astrocytes display a toxic phenotype in ALS, which results in MN damage. Glutamate (Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a pathological role in the disease progression. We previously demonstrated that in vivo genetic ablation or pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 reduced astrocyte activation and MN death, prolonged survival and ameliorated the clinical progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. This study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of mGluR5 downregulation on the reactive spinal cord astrocytes cultured from adult late symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We observed that mGluR5 downregulation in SOD1G93A astrocytes diminished the cytosolic Ca2+ overload under resting conditions and after mGluR5 simulation and reduced the expression of the reactive glial markers GFAP, S100β and vimentin. In vitro exposure to an anti-mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotide or to the negative allosteric modulator CTEP also ameliorated the altered reactive astrocyte phenotype. Downregulating mGluR5 in SOD1G93A mice reduced the synthesis and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and ameliorated the cellular bioenergetic profile by improving the diminished oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis and by lowering the excessive lactate dehydrogenase activity. Most relevantly, mGluR5 downregulation hampered the neurotoxicity of SOD1G93A astrocytes co-cultured with spinal cord MNs. We conclude that selective reduction in mGluR5 expression in SOD1G93A astrocytes positively modulates the astrocyte reactive phenotype and neurotoxicity towards MNs, further supporting mGluR5 as a promising therapeutic target in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Cerminara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Tessitore
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Musante
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- VIB-Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA; (P.J.-n.); (F.R.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
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6
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Tan S, Faull RLM, Curtis MA. The tracts, cytoarchitecture, and neurochemistry of the spinal cord. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:777-819. [PMID: 36099279 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The human spinal cord can be described using a range of nomenclatures with each providing insight into its structure and function. Here we have comprehensively reviewed the key literature detailing the general structure, configuration of tracts, the cytoarchitecture of Rexed's laminae, and the neurochemistry at the spinal segmental level. The purpose of this review is to detail current anatomical understanding of how the spinal cord is structured and to aid researchers in identifying gaps in the literature that need to be studied to improve our knowledge of the spinal cord which in turn will improve the potential of therapeutic intervention for disorders of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Tan
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Balbi M, Bonanno G, Bonifacino T, Milanese M. The Physio-Pathological Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Expressed by Microglia in Health and Disease with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5240. [PMID: 36982315 PMCID: PMC10048889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065240] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They act as the first-line immune guardians of nervous tissue and central drivers of neuroinflammation. Any homeostatic alteration that can compromise neuron and tissue integrity could activate microglia. Once activated, microglia exhibit highly diverse phenotypes and functions related to either beneficial or harmful consequences. Microglia activation is associated with the release of protective or deleterious cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that can in turn determine defensive or pathological outcomes. This scenario is complicated by the pathology-related specific phenotypes that microglia can assume, thus leading to the so-called disease-associated microglia phenotypes. Microglia express several receptors that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory features, sometimes exerting opposite actions on microglial functions according to specific conditions. In this context, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are molecular structures that may contribute to the modulation of the reactive phenotype of microglia cells, and this is worthy of exploration. Here, we summarize the role of group I mGluRs in shaping microglia cells' phenotype in specific physio-pathological conditions, including some neurodegenerative disorders. A significant section of the review is specifically focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since it represents an entirely unexplored topic of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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8
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de Lima IB, Ribeiro FM. The Implication of Glial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:164-182. [PMID: 34951388 PMCID: PMC10190153 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223140303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) was first identified more than 100 years ago, yet aspects pertaining to its origin and the mechanisms underlying disease progression are not well known. To this date, there is no therapeutic approach or disease-modifying drug that could halt or at least delay disease progression. Until recently, glial cells were seen as secondary actors in brain homeostasis. Although this view was gradually refuted and the relevance of glial cells for the most diverse brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission was vastly proved, many aspects of its functioning, as well as its role in pathological conditions, remain poorly understood. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells were shown to be involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Besides its relevance for glial function, glutamatergic receptors are also central in the pathology of AD, and recent studies have shown that glial mGluRs play a role in the establishment and progression of AD. AD-related alterations in Ca2+ signalling, APP processing, and Aβ load, as well as AD-related neurodegeneration, are influenced by glial mGluRs. However, different types of mGluRs play different roles, depending on the cell type and brain region that is being analysed. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the current understanding of glial mGluRs and their implication in AD, providing an insight for future therapeutics and identifying existing research gaps worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B.Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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9
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Li SH, Abd-Elrahman KS, Ferguson SS. Targeting mGluR2/3 for treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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10
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Budgett RF, Bakker G, Sergeev E, Bennett KA, Bradley SJ. Targeting the Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases? Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893422. [PMID: 35645791 PMCID: PMC9130574 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893422] [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: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGlu5, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. In preclinical neurodegenerative disease models, novel allosteric modulators have been shown to improve cognitive performance and reduce disease-related pathology. A common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases is a chronic neuroinflammatory response, involving glial cells such as astrocytes and microglia. Since mGlu5 is expressed in astrocytes, targeting this receptor could provide a potential mechanism by which neuroinflammatory processes in neurodegenerative disease may be modulated. This review will discuss current evidence that highlights the potential of mGlu5 allosteric modulators to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, this review will explore the role of mGlu5 in neuroinflammatory responses, and the potential for this G protein-coupled receptor to modulate neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Budgett
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Sophie J Bradley
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Sosei Heptares, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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11
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Lalo U, Koh W, Lee CJ, Pankratov Y. The tripartite glutamatergic synapse. Neuropharmacology 2021; 199:108758. [PMID: 34433089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial cells were long considered as structural and metabolic supporting cells are which do not directly participate in information processing in the brain. Discoveries of responsiveness of astrocytes to synaptically-released glutamate and their capability to release agonists of glutamate receptors awakened extensive studies of glia-neuron communications and led to the revolutionary changes in our understanding of brain cellular networks. Nowadays, astrocytes are widely acknowledged as inseparable element of glutamatergic synapses and role for glutamatergic astrocyte-neuron interactions in the brain computation is emerging. Astroglial glutamate receptors, in particular of NMDA, mGluR3 and mGluR5 types, can activate a variety of molecular cascades leading astroglial-driven modulation of extracellular levels of glutamate and activity of neuronal glutamate receptors. Their preferential location to the astroglial perisynaptic processes facilitates interaction of astrocytes with individual excitatory synapses. Bi-directional glutamatergic communication between astrocytes and neurons underpins a complex, spatially-distributed modulation of synaptic signalling thus contributing to the enrichment of information processing by the neuronal networks. Still, further research is needed to bridge the substantial gaps in our understanding of mechanisms and physiological relevance of astrocyte-neuron glutamatergic interactions, in particular ability of astrocytes directly activate neuronal glutamate receptors by releasing glutamate and, arguably, d-Serine. An emerging roles for aberrant changes in glutamatergic astroglial signalling, both neuroprotective and pathogenic, in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases also require further investigation. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Glutamate Receptors - The Glutamatergic Synapse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulyana Lalo
- School of Life Sciences, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Wuhyun Koh
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, South Korea
| | - Yuriy Pankratov
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
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12
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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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13
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Milanese M, Bonifacino T, Torazza C, Provenzano F, Kumar M, Ravera S, Zerbo AR, Frumento G, Balbi M, Nguyen TPN, Bertola N, Ferrando S, Viale M, Profumo A, Bonanno G. Blocking glutamate mGlu 5 receptors with the negative allosteric modulator CTEP improves disease course in SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3747-3764. [PMID: 33931856 PMCID: PMC8457068 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not fully clarified, although excessive glutamate (Glu) transmission and the downstream cytotoxic cascades are major mechanisms for motor neuron death. Two metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5 ) are overexpressed in ALS and regulate cellular disease processes. Expression and function of mGlu5 receptors are altered at early symptomatic stages in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS and knockdown of mGlu5 receptors in SOD1G93A mice improved disease progression. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We treated male and female SOD1G93A mice with 2-chloro-4-((2,5-dimethyl-1-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine (CTEP), an orally available mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator (NAM), using doses of 2 mg·kg-1 per 48 h or 4 mg·kg-1 per 24 h from Day 90, an early symptomatic disease stage. Disease progression was studied by behavioural and histological approaches. KEY RESULTS CTEP dose-dependently ameliorated clinical features in SOD1G93A mice. The lower dose increased survival and improved motor skills in female mice, with barely positive effects in male mice. Higher doses significantly ameliorated disease symptoms and survival in both males and females, females being more responsive. CTEP also reduced motor neuron death, astrocyte and microglia activation, and abnormal glutamate release in the spinal cord, with equal effects in male and female mice. No differences were also observed in CTEP access to the brain. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggest that mGlu5 receptors are promising targets for the treatment of ALS and highlight mGlu5 receptor NAMs as effective pharmacological tools with translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Genoa, Italy
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mandeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Arianna Roberta Zerbo
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Frumento
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - T P Nhung Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nadia Bertola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sara Ferrando
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Profumo
- IRCCS Ospedale policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Selective activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 blocks paclitaxel-induced acute neuropathic pain and suppresses spinal glial reactivity in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:107-119. [PMID: 33089875 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05662-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Paclitaxel-induced acute pain syndrome (P-APS), characterized by deep muscle aches and arthralgia, occurs in more than 70% of patients who receive paclitaxel. P-APS can be debilitating for patients and lead to reductions and discontinuation of potentially curable therapy. Despite being relatively common in clinical practice, no clear treatment exists for P-APS and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Regulation of glutamatergic transmission by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) has received growing attention with respect to its role in neuropathic pain. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted on alterations and functions of group III mGluR7 signaling in P-APS. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we determined whether a single administration of paclitaxel induces glutamatergic alterations and whether mGluR7 activation blocks paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by suppressing glial reactivity in the spinal cord. RESULTS A single paclitaxel injection dose-dependently induced acute mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, and was associated with increased glutamate level accompanied by reduction in mGluR7 expression in the spinal cord. Selective activation of mGluR7 by its positive allosteric modulator, AMN082, blocked the development of paclitaxel-induced acute mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, without affecting the normal pain behavior of control rats. Moreover, activation of mGluR7 by AMN082 inhibited glial reactivity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine release during P-APS. Abortion of spinal glial reaction to paclitaxel alleviated paclitaxel-induced acute mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS There results support the hypothesis that spinal mGluR7 signaling plays an important role in P-APS; Selective activation of mGluR7 by its positive allosteric modulator, AMN082, blocks P-APS in part by reducing spinal glial reactivity and neuroinflammatory process.
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15
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Nizzardo M, Taiana M, Rizzo F, Aguila Benitez J, Nijssen J, Allodi I, Melzi V, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Hedlund E, Corti S. Synaptotagmin 13 is neuroprotective across motor neuron diseases. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 139:837-853. [PMID: 32065260 PMCID: PMC7181443 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), spinal and lower brainstem motor neurons degenerate, but some motor neuron subtypes are spared, including oculomotor neurons (OMNs). The mechanisms responsible for this selective degeneration are largely unknown, but the molecular signatures of resistant and vulnerable motor neurons are distinct and offer clues to neuronal resilience and susceptibility. Here, we demonstrate that healthy OMNs preferentially express Synaptotagmin 13 (SYT13) compared to spinal motor neurons. In end-stage ALS patients, SYT13 is enriched in both OMNs and the remaining relatively resilient spinal motor neurons compared to controls. Overexpression of SYT13 in ALS and SMA patient motor neurons in vitro improves their survival and increases axon lengths. Gene therapy with Syt13 prolongs the lifespan of ALS mice by 14% and SMA mice by 50% by preserving motor neurons and delaying muscle denervation. SYT13 decreases endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis of motor neurons, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, SYT13 is a resilience factor that can protect motor neurons and a candidate therapeutic target across motor neuron diseases.
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16
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Bursch F, Kalmbach N, Naujock M, Staege S, Eggenschwiler R, Abo-Rady M, Japtok J, Guo W, Hensel N, Reinhardt P, Boeckers TM, Cantz T, Sterneckert J, Van Den Bosch L, Hermann A, Petri S, Wegner F. Altered calcium dynamics and glutamate receptor properties in iPSC-derived motor neurons from ALS patients with C9orf72, FUS, SOD1 or TDP43 mutations. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2835-2850. [PMID: 31108504 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fatal neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a profound loss of motor neurons (MNs). Until now only riluzole minimally extends life expectancy in ALS, presumably by inhibiting glutamatergic neurotransmission and calcium overload of MNs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the glutamate receptor properties and key aspects of intracellular calcium dynamics in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs from ALS patients with C9orf72 (n = 4 cell lines), fused in sarcoma (FUS) (n = 9), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) (n = 3) or transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) (n = 3) mutations as well as healthy (n = 7 cell lines) and isogenic controls (n = 3). Using calcium imaging, we most frequently observed spontaneous transients in mutant C9orf72 MNs. Basal intracellular calcium levels and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-induced signal amplitudes were elevated in mutant TDP43 MNs. Besides, a majority of mutant TDP43 MNs responded to 3.5-dihydroxyphenylglycine as metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated significantly increased expression levels of AMPA and kainate receptors in mutant FUS cells compared to healthy and isogenic controls. Furthermore, the expression of kainate receptors and voltage gated calcium channels in mutant C9orf72 MNs as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors in mutant SOD1 cells was markedly elevated compared to controls. Our data of iPSC-derived MNs from familial ALS patients revealed several mutation-specific alterations in glutamate receptor properties and calcium dynamics that could play a role in ALS pathogenesis and may lead to future translational strategies with individual stratification of neuroprotective ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norman Kalmbach
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Selma Staege
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reto Eggenschwiler
- Research Group Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Julia Japtok
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wenting Guo
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB-Center for Brain & Disease Research, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niko Hensel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Cantz
- Research Group Translational Hepatology and Stem Cell Biology, Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, VIB-Center for Brain & Disease Research, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.,Center of Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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17
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Planas-Fontánez TM, Dreyfus CF, Saitta KS. Reactive Astrocytes as Therapeutic Targets for Brain Degenerative Diseases: Roles Played by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:541-550. [PMID: 31983009 PMCID: PMC7058558 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-02968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are well known to play critical roles in the development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, recent reports indicate that these cells are heterogeneous with respect to the molecules they express and the functions they exhibit in the quiescent or activated state. Because astrocytes also contribute to pathology, promising new results raise the possibility of manipulating specific astroglial populations for therapeutic roles. In this mini-review, we highlight the function of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), in particular mGluR3 and mGluR5, in reactive astrocytes and relate these to three degenerative CNS diseases: multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Previous studies demonstrate that effects of these receptors may be beneficial, but this varies depending on the subtype of receptor, the state of the astrocytes, and the specific disease to which they are exposed. Elucidating the role of mGluRs on astrocytes at specific times during development and disease will provide novel insights in understanding how to best use these to serve as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia M. Planas-Fontánez
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ USA ,grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ USA
| | - Cheryl F. Dreyfus
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ USA ,grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 683 Hoes Lane West, Room 361, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Kyle S. Saitta
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ USA ,grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ USA
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18
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Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are highly debilitating and mostly fatal conditions for which only limited therapeutic options are available. To overcome this limitation and develop more effective therapeutic strategies, it is critical to discover the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger and sustain motor neuron degeneration with the greatest accuracy and detail. In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), several genes have been associated with familial forms of the disease, whilst the vast majority of cases develop sporadically and no defined cause can be held responsible. On the contrary, the huge majority of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) occurrences are caused by loss-of-function mutations in a single gene, SMN1. Although the typical hallmark of both diseases is the loss of motor neurons, there is increasing awareness that pathological lesions are also present in the neighbouring glia, whose dysfunction clearly contributes to generating a toxic environment in the central nervous system. Here, ALS and SMA are sequentially presented, each disease section having a brief introduction, followed by a focussed discussion on the role of the astrocytes in the disease pathogenesis. Such a dissertation is substantiated by the findings that built awareness on the glial involvement and how the glial-neuronal interplay is perturbed, along with the appraisal of this new cellular site for possible therapeutic intervention.
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19
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Bonifacino T, Rebosio C, Provenzano F, Torazza C, Balbi M, Milanese M, Raiteri L, Usai C, Fedele E, Bonanno G. Enhanced Function and Overexpression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors 1 and 5 in the Spinal Cord of the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis during Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184552. [PMID: 31540330 PMCID: PMC6774337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity is a major cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and our previous work highlighted that abnormal Glu release may represent a leading mechanism for excessive synaptic Glu. We demonstrated that group I metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluR1, mGluR5) produced abnormal Glu release in SOD1G93A mouse spinal cord at a late disease stage (120 days). Here, we studied this phenomenon in pre-symptomatic (30 and 60 days) and early-symptomatic (90 days) SOD1G93A mice. The mGluR1/5 agonist (S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG) concentration dependently stimulated the release of [3H]d-Aspartate ([3H]d-Asp), which was comparable in 30- and 60-day-old wild type mice and SOD1G93A mice. At variance, [3H]d-Asp release was significantly augmented in 90-day-old SOD1G93A mice and both mGluR1 and mGluR5 were involved. The 3,5-DHPG-induced [3H]d-Asp release was exocytotic, being of vesicular origin and mediated by intra-terminal Ca2+ release. mGluR1 and mGluR5 expression was increased in Glu spinal cord axon terminals of 90-day-old SOD1G93A mice, but not in the whole axon terminal population. Interestingly, mGluR1 and mGluR5 were significantly augmented in total spinal cord tissue already at 60 days. Thus, function and expression of group I mGluRs are enhanced in the early-symptomatic SOD1G93A mouse spinal cord, possibly participating in excessive Glu transmission and supporting their implication in ALS. Please define all abbreviations the first time they appear in the abstract, the main text, and the first figure or table caption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy.
| | - Claudia Rebosio
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy.
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy.
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy.
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy.
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Luca Raiteri
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), 16149 Genova, Italy.
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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20
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Bonifacino T, Provenzano F, Gallia E, Ravera S, Torazza C, Bossi S, Ferrando S, Puliti A, Van Den Bosch L, Bonanno G, Milanese M. In-vivo genetic ablation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 slows down disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 129:79-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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21
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Spampinato SF, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Sortino MA, Caraci F. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Glial Cells: A New Potential Target for Neuroprotection? Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:414. [PMID: 30483053 PMCID: PMC6243036 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation that finally lead to slow neuronal degeneration and death. Although neurons are the principal target, glial cells are important players as they contribute by either exacerbating or dampening the events that lead to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. A dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is a common event in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors belong to a large family of G protein-coupled receptors largely expressed in neurons as well as in glial cells. They often appear overexpressed in areas involved in neurodegeneration, where they can modulate glutamatergic transmission. Of note, mGlu receptor upregulation may involve microglia or, even more frequently, astrocytes, where their activation causes release of factors potentially able to influence neuronal death. The expression of mGlu receptors has been also reported on oligodendrocytes, a glial cell type specifically involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. Here we will provide a general overview on the possible involvement of mGlu receptors expressed on glial cells in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative disorders and the potential use of subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands as candidate drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of mGlu5 receptors might represent a relevant pharmacological tool to develop new neuroprotective strategies in these diseases. Recent evidence suggests that targeting astrocytes and microglia with positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of mGlu3 receptor or oligodendrocytes with mGlu4 PAMS might represent novel pharmacological approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuromed, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Troina, Italy
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22
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Dalley CB, Wroblewska B, Wolfe BB, Wroblewski JT. The Role of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1 Dependent Signaling in Glioma Viability. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 367:59-70. [PMID: 30054311 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.250159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma refers to malignant central nervous system tumors that have histologic characteristics in common with glial cells. The most prevalent type, glioblastoma multiforme, is associated with a poor prognosis and few treatment options. On the basis of reports of aberrant expression of mGluR1 mRNA in glioma, evidence that melanoma growth is directly influenced by glutamate metabotropic receptor 1 (mGluR1), and characterization of β-arrestin-dependent prosurvival signaling by this receptor, this study investigated the hypothesis that glioma cell lines aberrantly express mGluR1 and depend on mGluR1-mediated signaling to maintain viability and proliferation. Three glioma cell lines (Hs683, A172, and U87) were tested to confirm mGluR1 mRNA expression and the dependence of glioma cell viability on glutamate. Pharmacologic and genetic evidence is presented that suggests mGluR1 signaling specifically supports glioma proliferation and viability. For example, selective noncompetitive antagonists of mGluR1, CPCCOEt and JNJ16259685, decreased the viability of these cells in a dose-dependent manner, and glutamate metabotropic receptor 1 gene silencing significantly reduced glioma cell proliferation. Also, results of an anchorage-independent growth assay suggested that noncompetitive antagonism of mGluR1 may decrease the tumorigenic potential of Hs683 glioma cells. Finally, data are provided that support the hypothesis that a β-arrestin-dependent signaling cascade may be involved in glutamate-stimulated viability in glioma cells and that ligand bias may exist at mGluR1 expressed in these cells. Taken together, the results strongly suggest that mGluR1 may act as a proto-oncogene in glioma and be a viable drug target in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Bowman Dalley
- The Wroblewski Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (C.B.D., B.W., B.B.W., J.T.W.) and School of Nursing and Health Studies (C.B.D.), Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Barbara Wroblewska
- The Wroblewski Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (C.B.D., B.W., B.B.W., J.T.W.) and School of Nursing and Health Studies (C.B.D.), Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Barry B Wolfe
- The Wroblewski Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (C.B.D., B.W., B.B.W., J.T.W.) and School of Nursing and Health Studies (C.B.D.), Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jarda T Wroblewski
- The Wroblewski Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (C.B.D., B.W., B.B.W., J.T.W.) and School of Nursing and Health Studies (C.B.D.), Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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23
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Merighi A. The histology, physiology, neurochemistry and circuitry of the substantia gelatinosa Rolandi (lamina II) in mammalian spinal cord. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:91-134. [PMID: 29981393 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The substantia gelatinosa Rolandi (SGR) was first described about two centuries ago. In the following decades an enormous amount of information has permitted us to understand - at least in part - its role in the initial processing of pain and itch. Here, I will first provide a comprehensive picture of the histology, physiology, and neurochemistry of the normal SGR. Then, I will analytically discuss the SGR circuits that have been directly demonstrated or deductively envisaged in the course of the intensive research on this area of the spinal cord, with particular emphasis on the pathways connecting the primary afferent fibers and the intrinsic neurons. The perspective existence of neurochemically-defined sets of primary afferent neurons giving rise to these circuits will be also discussed, with the proposition that a cross-talk between different subsets of peptidergic fibers may be the structural and functional substrate of additional gating mechanisms in SGR. Finally, I highlight the role played by slow acting high molecular weight modulators in these gating mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, I-10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
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24
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Delic V, Kurien C, Cruz J, Zivkovic S, Barretta J, Thomson A, Hennessey D, Joseph J, Ehrhart J, Willing AE, Bradshaw P, Garbuzova-Davis S. Discrete mitochondrial aberrations in the spinal cord of sporadic ALS patients. J Neurosci Res 2018; 96:1353-1366. [PMID: 29732581 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration in the brain and spinal cord leading to muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to motor neuron degeneration associated with ALS progression. Mitochondrial abnormalities have been determined in spinal cords of animal disease models and ALS patients. However, molecular mechanisms leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in sporadic ALS (sALS) patients remain unclear. Also, segmental or regional variation in mitochondrial activity in the spinal cord has not been extensively examined in ALS. In our study, the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex IV was examined in post-mortem gray and white matter of the cervical and lumbar spinal cords from male and female sALS patients and controls. Mitochondrial distribution and density in spinal cord motor neurons, lateral funiculus, and capillaries in gray and white matter were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that complex IV activity was significantly decreased only in gray matter in both cervical and lumbar spinal cords from ALS patients. In ALS cervical and lumbar spinal cords, significantly increased mitochondrial density and altered distribution were observed in motor neurons, lateral funiculus, and cervical white matter capillaries. Discrete decreased complex IV activity in addition to changes in mitochondria distribution and density determined in the spinal cord in sALS patients are novel findings. These explicit mitochondrial defects in the spinal cord may contribute to ALS pathogenesis and should be considered in development of therapeutic approaches for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedad Delic
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Crupa Kurien
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Josean Cruz
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sandra Zivkovic
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Barretta
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Avery Thomson
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Daniel Hennessey
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jaheem Joseph
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jared Ehrhart
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Alison E Willing
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Patrick Bradshaw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University College of Medicine, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Morsani College of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
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25
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Battaglia G, Bruno V. Metabotropic glutamate receptor involvement in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new potential drug targets for therapeutic applications. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Rose CR, Felix L, Zeug A, Dietrich D, Reiner A, Henneberger C. Astroglial Glutamate Signaling and Uptake in the Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:451. [PMID: 29386994 PMCID: PMC5776105 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have long been regarded as essentially unexcitable cells that do not contribute to active signaling and information processing in the brain. Contrary to this classical view, it is now firmly established that astrocytes can specifically respond to glutamate released from neurons. Astrocyte glutamate signaling is initiated upon binding of glutamate to ionotropic and/or metabotropic receptors, which can result in calcium signaling, a major form of glial excitability. Release of so-called gliotransmitters like glutamate, ATP and D-serine from astrocytes in response to activation of glutamate receptors has been demonstrated to modulate various aspects of neuronal function in the hippocampus. In addition to receptors, glutamate binds to high-affinity, sodium-dependent transporters, which results in rapid buffering of synaptically-released glutamate, followed by its removal from the synaptic cleft through uptake into astrocytes. The degree to which astrocytes modulate and control extracellular glutamate levels through glutamate transporters depends on their expression levels and on the ionic driving forces that decrease with ongoing activity. Another major determinant of astrocytic control of glutamate levels could be the precise morphological arrangement of fine perisynaptic processes close to synapses, defining the diffusional distance for glutamate, and the spatial proximity of transporters in relation to the synaptic cleft. In this review, we will present an overview of the mechanisms and physiological role of glutamate-induced ion signaling in astrocytes in the hippocampus as mediated by receptors and transporters. Moreover, we will discuss the relevance of astroglial glutamate uptake for extracellular glutamate homeostasis, focusing on how activity-induced dynamic changes of perisynaptic processes could shape synaptic transmission at glutamatergic synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Lisa Felix
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Andre Zeug
- Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Dietrich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Reiner
- Cellular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Degenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Vergouts M, Doyen PJ, Peeters M, Opsomer R, Hermans E. Constitutive downregulation protein kinase C epsilon in hSOD1 G93A astrocytes influences mGluR5 signaling and the regulation of glutamate uptake. Glia 2017; 66:749-761. [PMID: 29266405 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a non-cell-autonomous process and that impaired glutamate clearance by astrocytes, leading to excitotoxicity, could participate in progression of the disease. In astrocytes derived from an animal model of ALS (hSOD1G93A rats), activation of type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5) fails to increase glutamate uptake, impeding a putative dynamic neuroprotective mechanism involving astrocytes. Using astrocyte cultures from hSOD1G93A rats, we have demonstrated that the typical Ca2+ oscillations associated with mGluR5 activation were reduced, and that the majority of cells responded with a sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Since the expression of protein kinase C epsilon isoform (PKCɛ) has been found to be considerably reduced in astrocytes from hSOD1G93A rats, the consequences of manipulating its activity and expression on mGluR5 signaling and on the regulation of glutamate uptake have been examined. Increasing PKCɛ expression was found to restore Ca2+ oscillations induced by mGluR5 activation in hSOD1G93A -expressing astrocytes. This was also associated with an increase in glutamate uptake capacity in response to mGluR5 activation. Conversely, reducing PKCɛ expression in astrocytes from wild-type animals with specific PKCɛ-shRNAs was found to alter the mGluR5 associated oscillatory signaling profile, and consistently reduced the regulation of the glutamate uptake-mediated by mGluR5 activation. These results suggest that PKCɛ is required to generate Ca2+ oscillations following mGluR5 activation, which support the regulation of astrocytic glutamate uptake. Reduced expression of astrocytic PKCɛ could impair this neuroprotective process and participate in the progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Vergouts
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Pierre J Doyen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Michael Peeters
- De Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate VIRO B1.74.07, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Remi Opsomer
- Alzheimer Dementia Group, Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier B1.53.02, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate B1.54.10, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
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28
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Al-Suwailem E, Abdi S, El-Ansary A. Sex differences in the glutamate signaling pathway in juvenile rats. J Neurosci Res 2017; 96:459-466. [PMID: 28861894 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Females have been found to be at lower risk for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders than males. The greater neuroprotection in females is mostly due to female sex hormones. Estrogen is hypothesized to provide neuroprotection by suppressing the neuro-excitotoxicity induced by glutamate (Glu). This study was conducted to understand the effect of sex in modulating Glu signaling in juvenile rats. Brain tissue homogenate of 15 Wistar albino rats (9 males, 6 females) weighing 60 to 80 g and aged approximately 28 days was used. Biochemical parameters related to Glu signaling, such as the absolute and relative concentrations of Glu, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamine, as well as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutaminase (GLN), and glutamate decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67), were measured by ELISA. The data obtained demonstrated that compared with the levels in males, female rats exhibited significantly lower levels of Glu (p = .001) and GLN/GS (p = .021). The Glu/GABA and Glu/GLT1 ratios as well as the levels of GAD-67 were also lower in female rats, although the difference was not significant. The GLN/GAD-67 ratio (p = .027) and levels of GS (p = .019) were significantly higher in female rats than in males. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the role of GLN/GS, together with the much higher affinity of GLT1 to Glu, in avoiding excitotoxicity in females. In conclusion, there was a significant difference in Glu signaling between female and male rats. The females exhibited a lower susceptibility to develop Glu-induced excitotoxicity, an etiological mechanism for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etidal Al-Suwailem
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saba Abdi
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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29
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Bonifacino T, Cattaneo L, Gallia E, Puliti A, Melone M, Provenzano F, Bossi S, Musante I, Usai C, Conti F, Bonanno G, Milanese M. In-vivo effects of knocking-down metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropharmacology 2017. [PMID: 28645622 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder due to loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). The mechanisms of neuronal death are largely unknown, thus prejudicing the successful pharmacological treatment. One major cause for MN degeneration in ALS is represented by glutamate(Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity. We have previously reported that activation of Group I metabotropic Glu receptors (mGluR1 and mGluR5) at glutamatergic spinal cord nerve terminals produces abnormal Glu release in the widely studied SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. We also demonstrated that halving mGluR1 expression in the SOD1G93A mouse had a positive impact on survival, disease onset, disease progression, and on a number of cellular and biochemical readouts of ALS. We generated here SOD1G93A mice with reduced expression of mGluR5 (SOD1G93AGrm5-/+) by crossing the SOD1G93A mutant mouse with the mGluR5 heterozigous Grm5-/+ mouse. SOD1G93AGrm5-/+ mice showed prolonged survival probability and delayed pathology onset. These effects were associated to enhanced number of preserved MNs, decreased astrocyte and microglia activation, reduced cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, and regularization of abnormal Glu release in the spinal cord of SOD1G93AGrm5-/+ mice. Unexpectedly, only male SOD1G93AGrm5-/+ mice showed improved motor skills during disease progression vs. SOD1G93A mice, while SOD1G93AGrm5-/+ females did not. These results demonstrate that a lower constitutive level of mGluR5 has a significant positive impact in mice with ALS and support the idea that blocking Group I mGluRs may represent a potentially effective pharmacological approach to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy; Medical Genetics Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini, 5 - 16147, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 9 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/a - 60126, Torrette di Ancona, Ancona, Italy; Centre for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Via S.Margherita, 5 - 60124, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Bossi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, L.go P. Daneo, 3 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, L.go P. Daneo, 3 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Via Darini, 6 - Torre di Francia, 16149, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/a - 60126, Torrette di Ancona, Ancona, Italy; Centre for Neurobiology of Aging, INRCA IRCCS, Via S.Margherita, 5 - 60124, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 9 - 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa Viale Cembrano, 4 - 16148, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 9 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
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30
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CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene correction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient iPSCs. Protein Cell 2017; 8:365-378. [PMID: 28401346 PMCID: PMC5413600 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-017-0397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with cellular and molecular mechanisms yet to be fully described. Mutations in a number of genes including SOD1 and FUS are associated with familial ALS. Here we report the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from fibroblasts of familial ALS patients bearing SOD1+/A272C and FUS+/G1566A mutations, respectively. We further generated gene corrected ALS iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9 system. Genome-wide RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of motor neurons derived from SOD1+/A272C and corrected iPSCs revealed 899 aberrant transcripts. Our work may shed light on discovery of early biomarkers and pathways dysregulated in ALS, as well as provide a basis for novel therapeutic strategies to treat ALS.
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31
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Positron emission tomography in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Towards targeting of molecular pathological hallmarks. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 44:533-547. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3587-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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32
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Staats KA, Humblet-Baron S, Bento-Abreu A, Scheveneels W, Nikolaou A, Deckers K, Lemmens R, Goris A, Van Ginderachter JA, Van Damme P, Hisatsune C, Mikoshiba K, Liston A, Robberecht W, Van Den Bosch L. Genetic ablation of IP3 receptor 2 increases cytokines and decreases survival of SOD1G93A mice. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3491-3499. [PMID: 27378687 PMCID: PMC5179944 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective death of motor neurons. Disease pathophysiology is complex and not yet fully understood. Higher gene expression of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 2 gene (ITPR2), encoding the IP3 receptor 2 (IP3R2), was detected in sporadic ALS patients. Here, we demonstrate that IP3R2 gene expression was also increased in spinal cords of ALS mice. Moreover, an increase of IP3R2 expression was observed in other models of chronic and acute neurodegeneration. Upregulation of IP3R2 gene expression could be induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine astrocytes, murine macrophages and human fibroblasts indicating that it may be a compensatory response to inflammation. Preventing this response by genetic deletion of ITPR2 from SOD1G93A mice had a dose-dependent effect on disease duration, resulting in a significantly shorter lifespan of these mice. In addition, the absence of IP3R2 led to increased innate immunity, which may contribute to the decreased survival of the SOD1G93A mice. Besides systemic inflammation, IP3R2 knockout mice also had increased IFNγ, IL-6 and IL1α expression. Altogether, our data indicate that IP3R2 protects against the negative effects of inflammation, suggesting that the increase in IP3R2 expression in ALS patients is a protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Staats
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | | | - Andre Bento-Abreu
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | - Wendy Scheveneels
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
| | - Alexandros Nikolaou
- Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Inflammation Research Center.,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kato Deckers
- Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University of Leuven
| | - Robin Lemmens
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - An Goris
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB, Inflammation Research Center.,Cellular and Molecular Immunology Unit, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - Chihiro Hisatsune
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND).,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND) .,VIB, Vesalius Research Center, Laboratory of Neurobiology
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33
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Capani F, Quarracino C, Caccuri R, Sica REP. Astrocytes As the Main Players in Primary Degenerative Disorders of the Human Central Nervous System. Front Aging Neurosci 2016; 8:45. [PMID: 26973519 PMCID: PMC4777729 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2016.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Along the last years it has been demonstrated that non-neural cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of the primary degenerative disorders (PDDs) of the human central nervous system. Among them, astrocytes coordinate and participate in many different and complex metabolic processes, in close interaction with neurons. Moreover, increasing experimental evidence hints an early astrocytic dysfunction in these diseases. In this mini review we summarize the astrocytic behavior in PDDs, with special consideration to the experimental observations where astrocytic pathology precedes the development of neuronal dysfunction. We also suggest a different approach that could be consider in human investigations in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. We believe that the study of PDDs with human brain samples may hold the key of a paradigmatic physiopathological process in which astrocytes might be the main players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Capani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiologicas ININCA UBA CONICETBuenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de ChileTemuco, Chile
| | - Cecilia Quarracino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiologicas ININCA UBA CONICET Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Caccuri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiologicas ININCA UBA CONICET Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto E P Sica
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cardiologicas ININCA UBA CONICET Buenos Aires, Argentina
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34
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Intracellular mGluR5 plays a critical role in neuropathic pain. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10604. [PMID: 26837579 PMCID: PMC4742982 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal mGluR5 is a key mediator of neuroplasticity underlying persistent pain. Although brain mGluR5 is localized on cell surface and intracellular membranes, neither the presence nor physiological role of spinal intracellular mGluR5 is established. Here we show that in spinal dorsal horn neurons >80% of mGluR5 is intracellular, of which ∼60% is located on nuclear membranes, where activation leads to sustained Ca(2+) responses. Nerve injury inducing nociceptive hypersensitivity also increases the expression of nuclear mGluR5 and receptor-mediated phosphorylated-ERK1/2, Arc/Arg3.1 and c-fos. Spinal blockade of intracellular mGluR5 reduces neuropathic pain behaviours and signalling molecules, whereas blockade of cell-surface mGluR5 has little effect. Decreasing intracellular glutamate via blocking EAAT-3, mimics the effects of intracellular mGluR5 antagonism. These findings show a direct link between an intracellular GPCR and behavioural expression in vivo. Blockade of intracellular mGluR5 represents a new strategy for the development of effective therapies for persistent pain.
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35
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Boadas-Vaello P, Castany S, Homs J, Álvarez-Pérez B, Deulofeu M, Verdú E. Neuroplasticity of ascending and descending pathways after somatosensory system injury: reviewing knowledge to identify neuropathic pain therapeutic targets. Spinal Cord 2016; 54:330-40. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 – a promising target in drug development and neuroimaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 43:1151-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-015-3301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Brownell AL, Kuruppu D, Kil KE, Jokivarsi K, Poutiainen P, Zhu A, Maxwell M. PET imaging studies show enhanced expression of mGluR5 and inflammatory response during progressive degeneration in ALS mouse model expressing SOD1-G93A gene. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:217. [PMID: 26597638 PMCID: PMC4657381 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative motor neuron disorder. Genetic studies have linked mutation of the gene SOD1 to ALS pathology as well as several other pathological processes including modulation of glutamatergic function and inflammatory processes. Since therapeutic approaches for ALS are focused on glutamatergic function, we investigated modulation of glutamate transport based on its receptor function as well as excitotoxicity-induced inflammatory response. Methods In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) using [18F]FPEB ([18F]3-fluoro-5-(2-pyridylethynyl)benzonitrile) and inflammatory response using [11C]PBR28 (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand 28) were done in an early and a late phase of neurodegeneration in four ALS mice expressing SOD1-G93A gene and four control base mice (C57/BL6). Accumulation of [18F]FPEB and [11C]PBR28 were quantitated in several brain areas and spinal cord to determine degeneration-induced modulation. The studies were completed with immunohistochemical analyses of mGluR5 and inflammatory response. Results These studies showed enhanced binding potential of [18F]FPEB in several brain areas including striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. In the whole brain, the binding potential increased 49 ± 9 % from base mice to ALS-type mice and further enhanced 23 ± 4 % during disease progression. Also, in the spinal cord 6–22 %, enhanced accumulation of [18F]FPEB was observed during progression of the disease. The accumulation of [11C]PBR28 increased by 110 ± 33 % in the whole brain during progression of the disease indicating significant inflammatory process. [11C]PBR28 accumulation enhanced 89–264 % in the spinal cord and 204 % in the lungs. The end point immunohistochemical analyses verified the enhanced mGluR5 expression and inflammation. Conclusions These results confirm the role of glutamate and inflammation in ALS-type pathology. These data also support the hypothesis that excessive glutamate may contribute to inflammation in the chronic neurodegenerative processes in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Liisa Brownell
- Athinoula A Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center, Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Darshini Kuruppu
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusett, USA.
| | - Kun-Eek Kil
- Athinoula A Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center, Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Kimmo Jokivarsi
- Athinoula A Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center, Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Pekka Poutiainen
- Athinoula A Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center, Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Aijun Zhu
- Athinoula A Martinos Biomedical Imaging Center, Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Michelle Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusett, USA.
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Astrocyte-mediated metaplasticity in the hippocampus: Help or hindrance? Neuroscience 2015; 309:113-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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mGluR5 protect astrocytes from ischemic damage in postnatal CNS white matter. Cell Calcium 2015; 58:423-30. [PMID: 26189008 PMCID: PMC4634333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform essential neuron-supporting functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and their disruption has devastating effects on neuronal integrity in multiple neuropathologies. Although astrocytes are considered resistant to most pathological insults, ischemia can result in astrocyte injury and astrocytes in postnatal white matter are particularly vulnerable. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are neuroprotective in ischemia and are widely expressed by astrocytes throughout CNS grey matter, but their potential cytoprotective role in astrocytes had not been determined. Here, we identify functional expression of group I mGluR in white matter astrocytes and demonstrate their activation protects astrocytes from ischemic damage in the postnatal mouse optic nerve. Optic nerve astrocytes are shown to express mGluR5 using immunolabelling of sections and explant cultures from transgenic reporter mice in which GFAP drives expression of EGFP. In addition, using Fluo-4 calcium imaging in isolated intact optic nerves, we show that the group I/II mGluR agonist ACPD and the specific group I mGluR agonist DHPG evoke glial Ca(2+) signals that were significantly inhibited by the group I mGluR antagonist AIDA. A key finding is that activation of group I mGluR protects astrocytes against oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in situ, in isolated intact optic nerves from GFAP-EGFP mice. This study identifies a role for group I mGluR in protecting astrocytes against ischemia in postnatal white matter and suggests this may be a strategy for limiting damage in neuropathologies involving excitotoxity.
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Battaglia G, Riozzi B, Bucci D, Di Menna L, Molinaro G, Pallottino S, Nicoletti F, Bruno V. Activation of mGlu3 metabotropic glutamate receptors enhances GDNF and GLT-1 formation in the spinal cord and rescues motor neurons in the SOD-1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 74:126-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Haulcomb MM, Mesnard NA, Batka RJ, Alexander TD, Sanders VM, Jones KJ. Axotomy-induced target disconnection promotes an additional death mechanism involved in motoneuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis transgenic mice. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2349-76. [PMID: 24424947 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The target disconnection theory of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis suggests that disease onset is initiated by a peripheral pathological event resulting in neuromuscular junction loss and motoneuron (MN) degeneration. Presymptomatic mSOD1(G93A) mouse facial MN (FMN) are more susceptible to axotomy-induced cell death than wild-type (WT) FMN, which suggests additional CNS pathology. We have previously determined that the mSOD1 molecular response to facial nerve axotomy is phenotypically regenerative and indistinguishable from WT, whereas the surrounding microenvironment shows significant dysregulation in the mSOD1 facial nucleus. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced mSOD1 FMN loss after axotomy, we superimposed the facial nerve axotomy model on presymptomatic mSOD1 mice and investigated gene expression for death receptor pathways after target disconnection by axotomy vs. disease progression. We determined that the TNFR1 death receptor pathway is involved in axotomy-induced FMN death in WT and is partially responsible for the mSOD1 FMN death. In contrast, an inherent mSOD1 CNS pathology resulted in a suppressed glial reaction and an upregulation in the Fas death pathway after target disconnection. We propose that the dysregulated mSOD1 glia fail to provide support the injured MN, leading to Fas-induced FMN death. Finally, we demonstrate that, during disease progression, the mSOD1 facial nucleus displays target disconnection-induced gene expression changes that mirror those induced by axotomy. This validates the use of axotomy as an investigative tool in understanding the role of peripheral target disconnection in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Haulcomb
- Neuroscience Program, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, 60153; Research and Development Service, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Hines, Illinois, 60141
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Sephton SM, Herde AM, Mu L, Keller C, Rüdisühli S, Auberson Y, Schibli R, Krämer SD, Ametamey SM. Preclinical evaluation and test-retest studies of [(18)F]PSS232, a novel radioligand for targeting metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5). Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2014; 42:128-37. [PMID: 25139517 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-014-2883-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A novel, (18)F-labelled metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) derivative of [(11)C]ABP688 ([(11)C]1), [(18)F]PSS232 ([(18)F] ]5), was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for its potential as a PET agent and was used in test-retest reliability studies METHODS The radiosynthesis of [(18)F]5 was accomplished via a one-step reaction using a mesylate precursor. In vitro stability was determined in PBS and plasma, and with liver microsomal enzymes. Metabolite studies were performed using rat brain extracts, blood and urine. In vitro autoradiography was performed on horizontal slices of rat brain using 1 and 8, antagonists for mGlu5 and mGlu1, respectively. Small-animal PET, biodistribution, and test-retest studies were performed in Wistar rats. In vivo, dose-dependent displacement studies were performed using 6 and blocking studies with 7. RESULTS [(18)F]5 was obtained in decay-corrected maximal radiochemical yield of 37 % with a specific activity of 80 - 400 GBq/μmol. Treatment with rat and human microsomal enzymes in vitro for 60 min resulted in 20 % and 4 % of hydrophilic radiometabolites, respectively. No hydrophilic decomposition products or radiometabolites were found in PBS or plasma. In vitro autoradiography on rat brain slices showed a heterogeneous distribution consistent with the known distribution of mGlu5 with high binding to hippocampal and cortical regions, and negligible radioactivity in the cerebellum. Similar distribution of radioactivity was found in PET images. Under displacement conditions with 6, reduced [(18)F]5 binding was found in all brain regions except the cerebellum. 7 reduced binding in the striatum by 84 % on average. Test-retest studies were reproducible with a variability ranging from 6.8 % to 8.2 %. An extended single-dose toxicity study in Wistar rats showed no compound-related adverse effects. CONCLUSION The new mGlu5 radiotracer, [(18)F]5, showed specific and selective in vitro and in vivo properties and is a promising radioligand for PET imaging of mGlu5 in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Milicevic Sephton
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences of ETH, PSI and USZ, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
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Common mechanisms in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation: a BrainNet Europe gene expression microarray study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 122:1055-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1293-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Astrocyte-derived BDNF supports myelin protein synthesis after cuprizone-induced demyelination. J Neurosci 2014; 34:8186-96. [PMID: 24920623 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4267-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that BDNF may enhance oligodendrocyte differentiation following a demyelinating lesion, however, the endogenous sources of BDNF that may be harnessed to reverse deficits associated with such lesions are poorly defined. Here, we investigate roles of astrocytes in synthesizing and releasing BDNF. These cells are known to express BDNF following injury in vivo. In culture, they increase BDNF synthesis and release in response to glutamate metabotropic stimulation. Following cuprizone-elicited demyelination in mice, astrocytes contain BDNF and increase levels of metabotropic receptors. The metabotropic agonist, trans-(1S,3R)-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (ACPD), was therefore injected into the demyelinating lesion. Increases in BDNF, as well as myelin proteins, were observed. Effects of ACPD were eliminated by coinjection of trkB-Fc to locally deplete BDNF and by deletion of astrocyte-derived BDNF. The data indicate that astrocyte-derived BDNF may be a source of trophic support that can be used to reverse deficits elicited following demyelination.
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Ruiz M, Martínez-Vidal AF, Morales JM, Monleón D, Giménez Y Ribotta M. Neurodegenerative changes are prevented by Erythropoietin in the pmn model of motoneuron degeneration. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:137-53. [PMID: 24769002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Motoneuron diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a progressive loss of motoneurons, muscle weakness and premature death. The progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn) mutant mouse has been considered a good model for the autosomal recessive childhood form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Erythropoietin (Epo) on this mutant mouse. Symptomatic or pre-symptomatic treatment with Epo significantly prolongs lifespan by 84.6% or 87.2% respectively. Epo preserves muscle strength and significantly attenuates behavioural motor deficits of mutant pmn mice. Histological and metabolic changes in the spinal cord evaluated by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and high-resolution (1)H-NMR spectroscopy were also greatly prevented by Epo-treatment. Our results illustrate the efficacy of Epo in improving quality of life of mutant pmn mice and open novel therapeutic pathways for motoneuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ruiz
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Fe Martínez-Vidal
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - José Manuel Morales
- Unidad Central de Investigación en Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Monleón
- Fundación de Investigación del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia (FIHCUV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Minerva Giménez Y Ribotta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Av. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
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Neuronal matrix metalloproteinase-9 is a determinant of selective neurodegeneration. Neuron 2014; 81:333-48. [PMID: 24462097 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Selective neuronal loss is the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), most motor neurons die but those innervating extraocular, pelvic sphincter, and slow limb muscles exhibit selective resistance. We identified 18 genes that show >10-fold differential expression between resistant and vulnerable motor neurons. One of these, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), is expressed only by fast motor neurons, which are selectively vulnerable. In ALS model mice expressing mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1), reduction of MMP-9 function using gene ablation, viral gene therapy, or pharmacological inhibition significantly delayed muscle denervation. In the presence of mutant SOD1, MMP-9 expressed by fast motor neurons themselves enhances activation of ER stress and is sufficient to trigger axonal die-back. These findings define MMP-9 as a candidate therapeutic target for ALS. The molecular basis of neuronal diversity thus provides significant insights into mechanisms of selective vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
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Arsenault D, Zhu A, Gong C, Kil KE, Kura S, Choi JK, Brownell AL. Hypo-anxious phenotype of adolescent offspring prenatally exposed to LPS is associated with reduced mGluR5 expression in hippocampus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 3:202-211. [PMID: 25419490 DOI: 10.4236/ojmp.2014.33022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have reported long-term modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) by inflammatory processes and a pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 is known to regulate anxiety level. However, it is not known if non-pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 by inflammation impaired the unconditional level of anxiety. In this study, we investigated this relation in LPS prenatal immune challenge (120μg/kg, 3x i.p. injection in late gestation), a developmental model of neuroinflammation in which some studies have reported hypo-anxious phenotype. Using positron emission tomographic imaging (PET) approaches, we have demonstrated a decrease in the binding potential of [18F]fluoro-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB, a radioligand for mGluR5) in hippocampus of adolescent offspring prenatally exposed to LPS, without significant change in the binding of [11C]peripheral benzodiazepine receptor 28 ([11C]PBR28), an inflammatory marker. In addition, dark-light box emergence test revealed a lower level of anxiety in LPS-exposed offspring and this behavioural phenotype was associated with the binding potential of [18F]FPEB in hippocampus. These results confirm that neuroinflammation during developmental phase modulates the physiology of mGluR5 and this alteration can be associated with behavioural phenotype related to anxiety. In addition, this study supports a hypotheses that mGluR5 could be used as a diagnostic target in anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Arsenault
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Aijun Zhu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Chunyu Gong
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Kun-Eek Kil
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Sreekanth Kura
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Ji-Kyung Choi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Anna-Liisa Brownell
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13 Street, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
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Wang Q, Zhang M, Ding Y, Wang Q, Zhang W, Song P, Zou MH. Activation of NAD(P)H oxidase by tryptophan-derived 3-hydroxykynurenine accelerates endothelial apoptosis and dysfunction in vivo. Circ Res 2013; 114:480-92. [PMID: 24281189 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.114.302113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The kynurenine (Kyn) pathway is the major route for tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in mammals. The Trp-Kyn pathway is reported to regulate several fundamental biological processes, including cell death. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate the contributions and molecular mechanism of Trp-Kyn pathway to endothelial cell death. METHODS AND RESULTS Endogenous reactive oxygen species, endothelial cell apoptosis, and endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation were measured in aortas of wild-type mice or mice deficient for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase subunits (p47(phox) or gp91(phox)) or indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase 1 with or without angiotensin (Ang) II infusion. As expected, AngII increased plasma levels of Kyn- and 3-hydroxykynurenine-modified proteins in endothelial cells in vivo. Consistent with this, AngII markedly increased the expression of indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase in parallel with increased expression of interferon-γ. Furthermore, in wild-type mice, AngII significantly increased oxidative stress, endothelial cell apoptosis, and endothelial dysfunction. These effects of AngII infusion were significantly suppressed in mice deficient for p47(phox), gp91(phox), or indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase 1, suggesting that AngII-induced enhancement of Kynurenines via NAD(P)H oxidase-derived oxidants causes endothelial cell apoptosis and dysfunction in vivo. Furthermore, interferon-γ neutralization eliminates AngII-increased superoxide products and endothelial apoptosis by inhibiting AngII-induced Kynurenines generation, suggesting that AngII-activated Kyn pathway is interferon-γ-dependent. Mechanistically, we found that AngII-enhanced 3-hydroxykynurenine promoted the generation of NAD(P)H oxidase-mediated superoxide anions by increasing the translocation and membrane assembly of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits in endothelial cells, resulting in accelerated apoptosis and consequent endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Kyn pathway activation accelerates apoptosis and dysfunction of the endothelium by upregulating NAD(P)H-derived superoxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongxin Wang
- From Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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Shrivastava AN, Kowalewski JM, Renner M, Bousset L, Koulakoff A, Melki R, Giaume C, Triller A. β-amyloid and ATP-induced diffusional trapping of astrocyte and neuronal metabotropic glutamate type-5 receptors. Glia 2013; 61:1673-86. [PMID: 23922225 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
β-Amyloid (Aβ) oligomers initiate synaptotoxicity following their interaction with the plasma membrane. Several proteins including metabotropic glutamate type 5 receptors (mGluR5s) contribute to this process. We observed an overexpression of mGluR5s in reactive astrocytes surrounding Aβ plaques in brain sections from an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. In a simplified cell culture system, using immunocytochemistry and single molecule imaging, we demonstrated a rapid binding of Aβ oligomers on the plasma membrane of astrocytes. The resulting aggregates of Aβ oligomers led to the diffusional trapping and clustering of mGluR5s. Further, Aβ oligomers induced an increase in ATP release following activation of astroglial mGluR5s by its agonist. ATP slowed mGluR5s diffusion in astrocytes as well as in neurons co-cultured with astrocytes. This effect, which is purinergic receptor-dependent, was not observed in pure neuronal cultures. Thus, Aβ oligomer- and mGluR5-dependent ATP release by astrocytes may contribute to the overall deleterious effect of mGluR5s in Alzheimer's disease. GLIA 2013;61:1673-1686.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Nidhi Shrivastava
- Biologie Cellulaire de la Synapse, Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024-CNRS 8197, Paris 75005, France
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Limpert AS, Mattmann ME, Cosford NDP. Recent progress in the discovery of small molecules for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Beilstein J Org Chem 2013; 9:717-32. [PMID: 23766784 PMCID: PMC3678841 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.9.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with few therapeutic options. While several gene mutations have been implicated in ALS, the exact cause of neuronal dysfunction is unknown and motor neurons of affected individuals display numerous cellular abnormalities. Ongoing efforts to develop novel ALS treatments involve the identification of small molecules targeting specific mechanisms of neuronal pathology, including glutamate excitotoxicity, mutant protein aggregation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, loss of trophic factors, oxidative stress, or neuroinflammation. Herein, we review recent advances in the discovery and preclinical characterization of lead compounds that may ultimately provide novel drugs to treat patients suffering from ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Limpert
- Apoptosis and Cell Death Research Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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