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Zhang Y, Mu BR, Ran Z, Zhu T, Huang X, Yang X, Wang DM, Ma QH, Lu MH. Pericytes in Alzheimer's disease: Key players and therapeutic targets. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114825. [PMID: 38777251 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114825] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive cognitive decline and neuropathological changes. Pericytes, which are vessel mural cells on the basement membrane of capillaries, play a crucial role in regulating cerebrovascular functions and maintaining neurovascular unit integrity. Emerging research substantiates the involvement of pericytes in AD. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pericytes, including their structure, origin, and markers and various functions within the central nervous system. Emphatically, the review explores the intricate mechanisms through which pericytes contribute to AD, including their interactions with amyloid beta and apolipoprotein E, as well as various signaling pathways. The review also highlights potential for targeted pericyte therapy for AD, with a focus on stem cell therapy and drug treatments. Future research directions include the classification of pericyte subtypes, studies related to aging, and the role of pericytes in exosome-related mechanisms in AD pathology. In conclusion, this review consolidates current knowledge on the pivotal roles of pericytes in AD and their potential as therapeutic targets, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical interventions aimed at addressing the impact of AD on patients' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ben-Rong Mu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhao Ran
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Xiong Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dong-Mei Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China.
| | - Mei-Hong Lu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Lin J, Yu Z, Gao X. Advanced Noninvasive Strategies for the Brain Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides. ACS NANO 2024; 18:22752-22779. [PMID: 39133564 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06851] [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
Recent years have witnessed rapid progress in the discovery of therapeutic proteins and peptides for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, their clinical applications have been considerably hindered by challenges such as low biomembrane permeability, poor stability, short circulation time, and the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, substantial improvements have been made in understanding the dynamics of the BBB and developing efficient approaches for delivering proteins and peptides to the CNS, especially by using various nanoparticles. Herein, we present an overview of the up-to-date understanding of the BBB under physiological and pathological conditions, emphasizing their effects on brain drug delivery. We summarize advanced strategies and elucidate the underlying mechanisms for delivering proteins and peptides to the brain. We highlight the developments and applications of nanocarriers in treating CNS diseases via BBB crossing. We also provide critical opinions on the limitations and obstacles of the current strategies and put forward prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Clinical and Translational Science by Chinese Ministry of Education & Shanghai, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhihua Yu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Clinical and Translational Science by Chinese Ministry of Education & Shanghai, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaoling Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Clinical and Translational Science by Chinese Ministry of Education & Shanghai, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
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3
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Min W, Qin L, Zhang H, López-Giráldez F, Jiang N, Kim Y, Mohan VK, Su M, Murray KN, Grutzendler J, Zhou JH. mTORC1 Signaling in Brain Endothelial Progenitors Contributes to CCM Pathogenesis. Circ Res 2024; 135:e94-e113. [PMID: 38957991 PMCID: PMC11293987 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral vascular malformations (CCMs) are primarily found within the brain, where they result in increased risk for stroke, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The unique feature of the brain vasculature is the blood-brain barrier formed by the brain neurovascular unit. Recent studies suggest that loss of CCM genes causes disruptions of blood-brain barrier integrity as the inciting events for CCM development. CCM lesions are proposed to be initially derived from a single clonal expansion of a subset of angiogenic venous capillary endothelial cells (ECs) and respective resident endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the critical signaling events in the subclass of brain ECs/EPCs for CCM lesion initiation and progression are unclear. METHODS Brain EC-specific CCM3-deficient (Pdcd10BECKO) mice were generated by crossing Pdcd10fl/fl mice with Mfsd2a-CreERT2 mice. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses were performed by the chromium single-cell platform (10× genomics). Cell clusters were annotated into EC subtypes based on visual inspection and GO analyses. Cerebral vessels were visualized by 2-photon in vivo imaging and tissue immunofluorescence analyses. Regulation of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling by CCM3 and Cav1 (caveolin-1) was performed by cell biology and biochemical approaches. RESULTS Single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses from P10 Pdcd10BECKO mice harboring visible CCM lesions identified upregulated CCM lesion signature and mitotic EC clusters but decreased blood-brain barrier-associated EC clusters. However, a unique EPC cluster with high expression levels of stem cell markers enriched with mTOR signaling was identified from early stages of the P6 Pdcd10BECKO brain. Indeed, mTOR signaling was upregulated in both mouse and human CCM lesions. Genetic deficiency of Raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR), but not of Rictor (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR), prevented CCM lesion formation in the Pdcd10BECKO model. Importantly, the mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) pharmacological inhibitor rapamycin suppressed EPC proliferation and ameliorated CCM pathogenesis in Pdcd10BECKO mice. Mechanistic studies suggested that Cav1/caveolae increased in CCM3-depleted EPC-mediated intracellular trafficking and complex formation of the mTORC1 signaling proteins. CONCLUSIONS CCM3 is critical for maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity and CCM3 loss-induced mTORC1 signaling in brain EPCs initiates and facilitates CCM pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Min
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Cardiovascular Medical Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Francesc López-Giráldez
- Yale Center for Genomic Analysis, Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ning Jiang
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yeaji Kim
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Varsha K. Mohan
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Minhong Su
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Katie N Murray
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jaime Grutzendler
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jenny Huanjiao Zhou
- Interdepartmental Program in Vascular Biology and Therapeutics, Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Pramotton FM, Spitz S, Kamm RD. Challenges and Future Perspectives in Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Organ-on-a-Chip Technology. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2403892. [PMID: 38922799 PMCID: PMC11348103 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect more than 50 million people worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge as well as a high socioeconomic burden. With aging constituting one of the main risk factors for some NDDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), this societal toll is expected to rise considering the predicted increase in the aging population as well as the limited progress in the development of effective therapeutics. To address the high failure rates in clinical trials, legislative changes permitting the use of alternatives to traditional pre-clinical in vivo models are implemented. In this regard, microphysiological systems (MPS) such as organ-on-a-chip (OoC) platforms constitute a promising tool, due to their ability to mimic complex and human-specific tissue niches in vitro. This review summarizes the current progress in modeling NDDs using OoC technology and discusses five critical aspects still insufficiently addressed in OoC models to date. Taking these aspects into consideration in the future MPS will advance the modeling of NDDs in vitro and increase their translational value in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Michela Pramotton
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Sarah Spitz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Roger D. Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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5
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Xue X, Wu X, Fan Y, Han S, Zhang H, Sun Y, Yin Y, Yin M, Chen B, Sun Z, Zhao S, Zhang Q, Liu W, Zhang J, Li J, Shi Y, Xiao Z, Dai J, Zhao Y. Heterogeneous fibroblasts contribute to fibrotic scar formation after spinal cord injury in mice and monkeys. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6321. [PMID: 39060269 PMCID: PMC11282111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to fibrotic scar formation at the lesion site, yet the heterogeneity of fibrotic scar remains elusive. Here we show the heterogeneity in distribution, origin, and function of fibroblasts within fibrotic scars after SCI in mice and female monkeys. Utilizing lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we found that perivascular fibroblasts (PFs), and meningeal fibroblasts (MFs), rather than pericytes/vascular smooth cells (vSMCs), primarily contribute to fibrotic scar in both transection and crush SCI. Crabp2 + /Emb+ fibroblasts (CE-F) derived from meninges primarily localize in the central region of fibrotic scars, demonstrating enhanced cholesterol synthesis and secretion of type I collagen and fibronectin. In contrast, perivascular/pial Lama1 + /Lama2+ fibroblasts (LA-F) are predominantly found at the periphery of the lesion, expressing laminin and type IV collagen and functionally involved in angiogenesis and lipid transport. These findings may provide a comprehensive understanding for remodeling heterogeneous fibrotic scars after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xianming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanyun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Man Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shuaijing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiayin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Chen T, Dai Y, Hu C, Lin Z, Wang S, Yang J, Zeng L, Li S, Li W. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the blood-brain barrier dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:60. [PMID: 39030617 PMCID: PMC11264766 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is vital for neuronal equilibrium and optimal brain function. Disruptions to BBB performance are implicated in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. MAIN BODY Early indicators of multiple neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animal models include impaired BBB stability, regional cerebral blood flow shortfalls, and vascular inflammation associated with BBB dysfunction. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BBB dysfunction in brain disorders is crucial for elucidating the sustenance of neural computations under pathological conditions and for developing treatments for these diseases. This paper initially explores the cellular and molecular definition of the BBB, along with the signaling pathways regulating BBB stability, cerebral blood flow, and vascular inflammation. Subsequently, we review current insights into BBB dynamics in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. The paper concludes by proposing a unified mechanism whereby BBB dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative disorders, highlights potential BBB-focused therapeutic strategies and targets, and outlines lessons learned and future research directions. CONCLUSIONS BBB breakdown significantly impacts the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction is vital to elucidate how neural computations are sustained under pathological conditions and to devise therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongli Chen
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Dai
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Hu
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zihao Lin
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Linghui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Weiyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
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7
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Inoue Y, Ren Y, Zhang S, Bamkole M, Islam NN, Selvaraj M, Lu W, Caulfield TR, Li Y, Kanekiyo T. A novel histone deacetylase inhibitor W2A-16 improves the barrier integrity in brain vascular endothelial cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1368018. [PMID: 39100897 PMCID: PMC11294206 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1368018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation of brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to the formation of a tightly sealed monolayer, known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB damage is associated with the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases including vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Growing knowledge in the field of epigenetics can enhance the understanding of molecular profile of the BBB and has great potential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies or targets to repair a disrupted BBB. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are epigenetic regulators that can induce acetylation of histones and induce open chromatin conformation, promoting gene expression by enhancing the binding of DNA with transcription factors. We investigated how HDAC inhibition influences the barrier integrity using immortalized human endothelial cells (HCMEC/D3) and the human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain vascular endothelial cells. The endothelial cells were treated with or without a novel compound named W2A-16. W2A-16 not only activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling but also functions as a class I HDAC inhibitor. We demonstrated that the administration with W2A-16 sustained barrier properties of the monolayer of endothelial cells, as evidenced by increased trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The BBB-related genes and protein expression were also increased compared with non-treated controls. Analysis of transcript profiles through RNA-sequencing in hCMEC/D3 cells indicated that W2A-16 potentially enhances BBB integrity by influencing genes associated with the regulation of the extracellular microenvironment. These findings collectively propose that the HDAC inhibition by W2A-16 plays a facilitating role in the formation of the BBB. Pharmacological approaches to inhibit HDAC may be a potential therapeutic strategy to boost and/or restore BBB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuteru Inoue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Yingxue Ren
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Michael Bamkole
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Naeyma N. Islam
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Wenyan Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
- Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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8
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Petralla S, Panayotova M, Franchina E, Fricker G, Puris E. Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:948. [PMID: 39065645 PMCID: PMC11279518 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide. The formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plagues in the brain is the main pathological hallmark of AD. The Aβ deposits are formed due to the imbalance between the production and Aβ clearance in the brain and across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this respect, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a significant role by mediating both brain Aβ production and clearance. Due to its important role in AD pathogenesis, LRP1 is considered an attractive drug target for AD therapies. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of LRP1 in AD pathogenesis as well as recent findings on changes in LRP1 expression and function in AD. Finally, we discuss the advances in utilizing LRP1 as a drug target for AD treatments as well as future perspectives on LRP1 research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.P.); (M.P.); (E.F.); (G.F.)
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9
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Barbaresi P, Fabri M, Lorenzi T, Sagrati A, Morroni M. Intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1393000. [PMID: 39035452 PMCID: PMC11259024 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1393000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The corpus callosum-the largest commissural fiber system connecting the two cerebral hemispheres-is considered essential for bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions. Most studies exploring the corpus callosum have examined either the anatomical, physiological, and neurochemical organization of callosal projections or the functional and/or behavioral aspects of the callosal connections after complete/partial callosotomy or callosal lesion. There are no works that address the intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. We review the existing information on the activities that take place in the commissure in three sections: I) the topographical and neurochemical organization of the intracallosal fibers, II) the role of glia in the corpus callosum, and III) the role of the intracallosal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Barbaresi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mara Fabri
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Teresa Lorenzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Sagrati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manrico Morroni
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ancona, Italy
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10
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Lindhardt TB, Skoven CS, Bordoni L, Østergaard L, Liang Z, Hansen B. Anesthesia-related brain microstructure modulations detected by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5033. [PMID: 37712335 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown significant changes to brain microstructure during sleep and anesthesia. In vivo optical microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have attributed these changes to anesthesia and sleep-related modulation of the brain's extracellular space (ECS). Isoflurane anesthesia is widely used in preclinical diffusion MRI (dMRI) and it is therefore important to investigate if the brain's microstructure is affected by anesthesia to an extent detectable with dMRI. Here, we employ diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) to assess brain microstructure in the awake and anesthetized mouse brain (n = 22). We find both mean diffusivity (MD) and mean kurtosis (MK) to be significantly decreased in the anesthetized mouse brain compared with the awake state (p < 0.001 for both). This effect is observed in both gray matter and white matter. To further investigate the time course of these changes we introduce a method for time-resolved fast DKI. With this, we show the time course of the microstructural alterations in mice (n = 5) as they transition between states in an awake-anesthesia-awake paradigm. We find that the decrease in MD and MK occurs rapidly after delivery of gas isoflurane anesthesia and that values normalize only slowly when the animals return to the awake state. Finally, time-resolved fast DKI is employed in an experimental mouse model of brain edema (n = 4), where cell swelling causes the ECS volume to decrease. Our results show that isoflurane affects DKI parameters and metrics of brain microstructure and point to isoflurane causing a reduction in the ECS volume. The demonstrated DKI methods are suitable for in-bore perturbation studies, for example, for investigating microstructural modulations related to sleep/wake-dependent functions of the glymphatic system. Importantly, our study shows an effect of isoflurane anesthesia on rodent brain microstructure that has broad relevance to preclinical dMRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beck Lindhardt
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Christian Stald Skoven
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luca Bordoni
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Letten Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leif Østergaard
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zhifeng Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Sciences and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Brian Hansen
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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11
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Yan Y, Cho AN. Human Brain In Vitro Model for Pathogen Infection-Related Neurodegeneration Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6522. [PMID: 38928228 PMCID: PMC11204318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have revolutionized the field of neurodegeneration research by enabling the development of sophisticated in vitro human brain models. These models, including 2D monolayer cultures, 3D organoids, organ-on-chips, and bioengineered 3D tissue models, aim to recapitulate the cellular diversity, structural organization, and functional properties of the native human brain. This review highlights how these in vitro brain models have been used to investigate the effects of various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites infection, particularly in the human brain cand their subsequent impacts on neurodegenerative diseases. Traditional studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of different 2D brain cell types to infection, elucidated the mechanisms underlying pathogen-induced neuroinflammation, and identified potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, current methodological improvement brought the technology of 3D models to overcome the challenges of 2D cells, such as the limited cellular diversity, incomplete microenvironment, and lack of morphological structures by highlighting the need for further technological advancements. This review underscored the significance of in vitro human brain cell from 2D monolayer to bioengineered 3D tissue model for elucidating the intricate dynamics for pathogen infection modeling. These in vitro human brain cell enabled researchers to unravel human specific mechanisms underlying various pathogen infections such as SARS-CoV-2 to alter blood-brain-barrier function and Toxoplasma gondii impacting neural cell morphology and its function. Ultimately, these in vitro human brain models hold promise as personalized platforms for development of drug compound, gene therapy, and vaccine. Overall, we discussed the recent progress in in vitro human brain models, their applications in studying pathogen infection-related neurodegeneration, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia;
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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12
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Tan IL, Modderman R, Stachurska A, Almeida R, de Vries R, Heersema DJ, Gacesa R, Wijmenga C, Jonkers IH, Meilof JF, Withoff S. Potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis stage from targeted proteomics and microRNA sequencing. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae209. [PMID: 38978729 PMCID: PMC11229703 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. There is a need for new circulating biomarkers for multiple sclerosis, in particular, markers that differentiate multiple sclerosis subtypes (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive multiple sclerosis), as this can help in making treatment decisions. In this study, we explore two classes of potential multiple sclerosis biomarkers-proteins and microRNAs-circulating in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Targeted medium-throughput proteomics (92 proteins) and microRNA sequencing were performed on serum samples collected in a cross-sectional case-control cohort (cohort I, controls n = 30, multiple sclerosis n = 75) and a prospective multiple sclerosis cohort (cohort II, n = 93). For cohort I, we also made these measurements in paired cerebrospinal fluid samples. In the cohort I cerebrospinal fluid, we observed differences between multiple sclerosis and controls for 13 proteins, including some previously described to be markers for multiple sclerosis [e.g. CD27, C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) and interleukin-7 (IL7)]. No microRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between multiple sclerosis and controls in the cerebrospinal fluid. In serum, 10 proteins, including angiopoietin-1 receptor (TIE2), and 16 microRNAs were significantly different between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis after performing a meta-analysis combining both cohorts. In the prospective part of the study, participants with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were followed for around 3 years, during which time 12 participants converted to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. In these longitudinally collected serum samples, we observed a peak in granzyme B, A and H proteins around the time of conversion. Single-sample enrichment analysis of serum microRNA profiles revealed that the peak in granzyme B levels around conversion coincides with enrichment for microRNAs that are enriched in CD4+, CD8+ and natural killer cells (e.g. miRNA-150). We identified several proteins and microRNAs in serum that represent potential biomarkers for relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Conversion to secondary progressive disease is marked by a peak in granzyme B levels and enrichment for immune-related microRNAs. This indicates that specific immune cell-driven processes may contribute to the conversion of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke L Tan
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger Modderman
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Stachurska
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Almeida
- Telespazio Belgium S.R.L. for the European Space Agency (ESA), 2200AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Riemer de Vries
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorothea J Heersema
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- MS Center Noord Nederland, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ranko Gacesa
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cisca Wijmenga
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris H Jonkers
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan F Meilof
- MS Center Noord Nederland, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sebo Withoff
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Mansur A, Radovanovic I. Defining the Role of Oral Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Therapeutics in Arteriovenous Malformation Care. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1289. [PMID: 38927496 PMCID: PMC11201820 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular malformations that are prone to rupturing and can cause significant morbidity and mortality in relatively young patients. Conventional treatment options such as surgery and endovascular therapy often are insufficient for cure. There is a growing body of knowledge on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of AVM development and maintenance, making the future of precision medicine a real possibility for AVM management. Here, we review the pathophysiology of AVM development across various cell types, with a focus on current and potential druggable targets and their therapeutic potentials in both sporadic and familial AVM populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Mansur
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
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14
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ter Linden E, Abels ER, van Solinge TS, Neefjes J, Broekman MLD. Overcoming Barriers in Glioblastoma-Advances in Drug Delivery Strategies. Cells 2024; 13:998. [PMID: 38920629 PMCID: PMC11201826 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120998] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The world of cancer treatment is evolving rapidly and has improved the prospects of many cancer patients. Yet, there are still many cancers where treatment prospects have not (or hardly) improved. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, and even though it is sensitive to many chemotherapeutics when tested under laboratory conditions, its clinical prospects are still very poor. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is considered at least partly responsible for the high failure rate of many promising treatment strategies. We describe the workings of the BBB during healthy conditions and within the glioblastoma environment. How the BBB acts as a barrier for therapeutic options is described as well as various approaches developed and tested for passing or opening the BBB, with the ultimate aim to allow access to brain tumors and improve patient perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther ter Linden
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.t.L.); (E.R.A.)
| | - Erik R. Abels
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.t.L.); (E.R.A.)
| | - Thomas S. van Solinge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Jacques Neefjes
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.t.L.); (E.R.A.)
| | - Marike L. D. Broekman
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.t.L.); (E.R.A.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
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15
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Yang P, Li Y, Qian K, Zhou L, Cheng Y, Wu J, Xu M, Wang T, Yang X, Mu Y, Liu X, Zhang Q. Precise Modulation of Pericyte Dysfunction by a Multifunctional Nanoprodrug to Ameliorate Alzheimer's Disease. ACS NANO 2024; 18:14348-14366. [PMID: 38768086 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00480] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Pericyte dysfunction severely undermines cerebrovascular integrity and exacerbates neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, pericyte-targeted therapy is a yet-untapped frontier for AD. Inspired by the elevation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in pericyte lesions, we fabricated a multifunctional nanoprodrug by conjugating the hybrid peptide VLC, a fusion of the VCAM-1 high-affinity peptide VHS and the neuroprotective apolipoprotein mimetic peptide COG1410, to curcumin (Cur) through phenylboronic ester bond (VLC@Cur-NPs) to alleviate complex pericyte-related pathological changes. Importantly, VLC@Cur-NPs effectively homed to pericyte lesions via VLC and released their contents upon ROS stimulation to maximize their regulatory effects. Consequently, VLC@Cur-NPs markedly increased pericyte regeneration to form a positive feedback loop and thus improved neurovascular function and ultimately alleviated memory defects in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. We present a promising therapeutic strategy for AD that can precisely modulate pericytes and has the potential to treat other cerebrovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixian Li
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Kang Qian
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongkang Mu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China
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16
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Sun F, Zhou J, Chen X, Yang T, Wang G, Ge J, Zhang Z, Mei Z. No-reflow after recanalization in ischemic stroke: From pathomechanisms to therapeutic strategies. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:857-880. [PMID: 38420850 PMCID: PMC11318407 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x241237159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Endovascular reperfusion therapy is the primary strategy for acute ischemic stroke. No-reflow is a common phenomenon, which is defined as the failure of microcirculatory reperfusion despite clot removal by thrombolysis or mechanical embolization. It has been reported that up to 25% of ischemic strokes suffer from no-reflow, which strongly contributes to an increased risk of poor clinical outcomes. No-reflow is associated with functional and structural alterations of cerebrovascular microcirculation, and the injury to the microcirculation seriously hinders the neural functional recovery following macrovascular reperfusion. Accumulated evidence indicates that pathology of no-reflow is linked to adhesion, aggregation, and rolling of blood components along the endothelium, capillary stagnation with neutrophils, astrocytes end-feet, and endothelial cell edema, pericyte contraction, and vasoconstriction. Prevention or treatment strategies aim to alleviate or reverse these pathological changes, including targeted therapies such as cilostazol, adhesion molecule blocking antibodies, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) activator, adenosine, pericyte regulators, as well as adjunctive therapies, such as extracorporeal counterpulsation, ischemic preconditioning, and alternative or complementary therapies. Herein, we provide an overview of pathomechanisms, predictive factors, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for no-reflow, and attempt to convey a new perspective on the clinical management of no-reflow post-ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyue Sun
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guozuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinwen Ge
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhanwei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, College of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Third-Grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
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17
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Casado Gama H, Amorós MA, Andrade de Araújo M, Sha CM, Vieira MP, Torres RG, Souza GF, Junkes JA, Dokholyan NV, Leite Góes Gitaí D, Duzzioni M. Systematic review and meta-analysis of dysregulated microRNAs derived from liquid biopsies as biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:523-535. [PMID: 38511059 PMCID: PMC10950706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of disease-specific biomarkers, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), holds the potential to transform the landscape of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by facilitating timely diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and accelerating drug discovery. Such advancement could ultimately improve the quality of life and survival rates for ALS patients. Despite more than a decade of research, no miRNA biomarker candidate has been translated into clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize data from original studies that analyzed miRNA expression from liquid biopsies via PCR and compared them to healthy controls. Our analysis encompasses 807 miRNA observations from 31 studies, stratified according to their source tissue. We identified consistently dysregulated miRNAs in serum (hsa-miR-3665, -4530, -4745-5p, -206); blood (hsa-miR-338-3p, -183-5p); cerebrospinal fluid (hsa-miR-34a-3p); plasma (hsa-miR-206); and neural-enriched extracellular vesicles from plasma (hsa-miR-146a-5p, -151a-5p, -10b-5p, -29b-3p, and -4454). The meta-analyses provided further support for the upregulation of hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-338-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-151a-5p, and downregulation of hsa-miR-183-5p, hsa-miR-10b-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, and hsa-miR-4454 as consistent indicators of ALS across independent studies. Our findings provide valuable insights into the current understanding of miRNAs' dysregulated expression in ALS patients and on the researchers' choices of methodology. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts towards discovering disease-specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemerson Casado Gama
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana A. Amorós
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Mykaella Andrade de Araújo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Congzhou M. Sha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
| | - Mirella P.S. Vieira
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Rayssa G.D. Torres
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriela F. Souza
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Janaína A. Junkes
- Postgraduate Program in Society, Technologies and Public Policies, Tiradentes University Centre, AL, 57038-000, Brazil
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, United States
| | - Daniel Leite Góes Gitaí
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Duzzioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacological Innovation, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas -AL, 57072-900, Brazil
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18
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Lin S, Landon B, Zhang H, Jin K. Pericyte Dysfunction Contributes to Vascular Cognitive Impairment Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Rats. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1357-1372. [PMID: 37611900 PMCID: PMC11081149 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) encompasses cognitive disorders associated with cerebrovascular disease, often manifesting as white matter lesions (WMLs), irrespective of precise triggers. The integrity of white matter is essential for neural communication and cognitive function maintenance. Persistent cerebral hypoperfusion-induced WMLs are now acknowledged as a key driver of VCI and dementia, though their exact formation mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies link pericyte dysfunction to diverse brain disorders like Alzheimer disease. However, the exact pathological connection between pericyte dysfunction and cognitive impairment in VCI remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to examine whether pericyte dysfunction could impact WMLs and cognitive impairment in a rat VCI model. Using a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced VCI through two-vessel occlusion (2VO), we verified that 2VO induced both WMLs and cognitive impairment. Notably, the number of pericytes in the brain was significantly altered after 2VO. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased capillary constrictions at pericyte bodies in the brains of 2VO-induced rats compared to sham-operated rats, accompanied by reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). To tackle this issue, we administered CGS21680, a specific adenosine A2A subtype receptor agonist, intranasally twice a day for 7 days. We found that rats treated with CGS21680 exhibited a significant increase in CBF at 7 and 14 days after 2VO, compared to the vehicle group. Moreover, capillary lumens beneath pericytes also increased after the CGS21680 treatment. Importantly, the treatment led to substantial improvements in WMLs and cognitive impairment compared to the vehicle group. Our findings suggest a critical role of pericyte dysfunction in WMLs and cognitive impairment within the rat VCI model. This insight contributes to our understanding of pathogenesis and offers prospects for targeted intervention in VCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Benjamin Landon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Kunlin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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19
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Song J. BDNF Signaling in Vascular Dementia and Its Effects on Cerebrovascular Dysfunction, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cholinergic System Abnormality. J Lipid Atheroscler 2024; 13:122-138. [PMID: 38826183 PMCID: PMC11140249 DOI: 10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia and is characterized by memory impairment, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal cell loss, glia activation, impaired synaptic plasticity, and cholinergic system abnormalities. To effectively prevent and treat VaD a good understanding of the mechanisms underlying its neuropathology is needed. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophic factor with multiple functions in the systemic circulation and the central nervous system and is known to regulate neuronal cell survival, synaptic formation, glia activation, and cognitive decline. Recent studies indicate that when compared with normal subjects, patients with VaD have low serum BDNF levels and that BDNF deficiency in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid is an important indicator of VaD. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of BDNF signaling in the pathology of VaD, such as cerebrovascular dysfunction, synaptic dysfunction, and cholinergic system impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Korea
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20
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Zapata-Acevedo JF, Mantilla-Galindo A, Vargas-Sánchez K, González-Reyes RE. Blood-brain barrier biomarkers. Adv Clin Chem 2024; 121:1-88. [PMID: 38797540 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface that regulates the exchange of molecules and cells between the brain parenchyma and the peripheral blood. The BBB is mainly composed of endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes. The integrity of this structure is essential for maintaining brain and spinal cord homeostasis and protection from injury or disease. However, in various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, the BBB can become compromised thus allowing passage of molecules and cells in and out of the central nervous system parenchyma. These agents, however, can serve as biomarkers of BBB permeability and neuronal damage, and provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Herein, we provide an overview of the BBB and changes due to aging, and summarize current knowledge on biomarkers of BBB disruption and neurodegeneration, including permeability, cellular, molecular and imaging biomarkers. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing a biomarker toolkit that can reliably assess the BBB in physiologic and pathophysiologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Zapata-Acevedo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Mantilla-Galindo
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Vargas-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Grupo de Neurociencia Traslacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo E González-Reyes
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencias, Centro de Neurociencia Neurovitae-UR, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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21
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Tian M, Zhan Y, Cao J, Gao J, Sun J, Zhang L. Targeting blood-brain barrier for sepsis-associated encephalopathy: Regulation of immune cells and ncRNAs. Brain Res Bull 2024; 209:110922. [PMID: 38458135 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110922] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, most surviving patients show acute or chronic mental disorders, which are known as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). SAE involves many pathological processes, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. The BBB is located at the interface between the central nervous system and the surrounding environment, which protects the central nervous system (CNS) from the invasion of exogenous molecules, harmful substances or microorganisms in the blood. Recently, a growing number of studies have indicated that the BBB destruction was involved in SAE and played an important role in SAE-induced brain injury. In the present review, we firstly reveal the pathological processes of SAE such as the neurotransmitter disorders, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction and BBB destruction. Moreover, we introduce the structure of BBB, and describe the immune cells including microglia and astrocytes that participate in the BBB destruction after SAE. Furthermore, in view of the current research on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), we explain the regulatory mechanism of ncRNAs including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) on BBB in the processes of SAE. Finally, we propose some challenges and perspectives of regulating BBB functions in SAE. Hence, on the basis of these effects, both immune cells and ncRNAs may be developed as therapeutic targets to protect BBB for SAE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunliang Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinyuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinqi Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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22
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Hu Y, Zhang F, Ikonomovic M, Yang T. The Role of NRF2 in Cerebrovascular Protection: Implications for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3833. [PMID: 38612642 PMCID: PMC11012233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073833] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) represents a broad spectrum of cognitive decline secondary to cerebral vascular aging and injury. It is the second most common type of dementia, and the prevalence continues to increase. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is enriched in the cerebral vasculature and has diverse roles in metabolic balance, mitochondrial stabilization, redox balance, and anti-inflammation. In this review, we first briefly introduce cerebrovascular aging in VCID and the NRF2 pathway. We then extensively discuss the effects of NRF2 activation in cerebrovascular components such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and perivascular macrophages. Finally, we summarize the clinical potential of NRF2 activators in VCID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Hu
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA; (Y.H.); (F.Z.); (M.I.)
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) McKeesport, McKeesport, PA 15132, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA; (Y.H.); (F.Z.); (M.I.)
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
| | - Milos Ikonomovic
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA; (Y.H.); (F.Z.); (M.I.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA
| | - Tuo Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA; (Y.H.); (F.Z.); (M.I.)
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders and Recovery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
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23
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Su L, Zhu K, Ge X, Wu Y, Zhang J, Wang G, Liu D, Chen L, Li Q, Chen J, Song J. X-ray Activated Nanoprodrug for Visualization of Cortical Microvascular Alterations and NIR-II Image-Guided Chemo-Radiotherapy of Glioblastoma. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3727-3736. [PMID: 38498766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The permeability of the highly selective blood-brain barrier (BBB) to anticancer drugs and the difficulties in defining deep tumor boundaries often reduce the effectiveness of glioma treatment. Thus, exploring the combination of multiple treatment modalities under the guidance of second-generation near-infrared (NIR-II) window fluorescence (FL) imaging is considered a strategic approach in glioma theranostics. Herein, a hybrid X-ray-activated nanoprodrug was developed to precisely visualize the structural features of glioma microvasculature and delineate the boundary of glioma for synergistic chemo-radiotherapy. The nanoprodrug comprised down-converted nanoparticle (DCNP) coated with X-ray sensitive poly(Se-Se/DOX-co-acrylic acid) and targeted Angiopep-2 peptide (DCNP@P(Se-DOX)@ANG). Because of its ultrasmall size and the presence of DOX, the nanoprodrug could easily cross BBB to precisely monitor and localize glioblastoma via intracranial NIR-II FL imaging and synergistically administer antiglioblastoma chemo-radiotherapy through specific X-ray-induced DOX release and radiosensitization. This study provides a novel and effective strategy for glioblastoma imaging and chemo-radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Su
- College of Chemical Engineering and College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China
| | - Kang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 10010, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoguang Ge
- College of Chemical Engineering and College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 10010, P. R. China
| | - Jieping Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fujian Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center), Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Guoyu Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fujian Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center), Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Daojia Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fujian Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center), Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Ling Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Qingqing Li
- College of Chemical Engineering and College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China
| | - Junqiang Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital (Fujian Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center), Fuzhou 350014, China
| | - Jibin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 10010, P. R. China
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24
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Shimizu F. [Blood-brain barrier breakdown and autoimmune cerebellar ataxia]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2024; 64:148-156. [PMID: 38403685 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune cerebellar ataxia is a disease entity that affects the cerebellum and is induced by autoimmune mechanisms. The disease is classified into several etiologies, including gluten ataxia, anti-glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) ataxia, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia and postinfectious cerebellar ataxia. The autoimmune response in the periphery cross-reacts with similar antigens in the cerebellum due to molecular mimicry. Breakdown of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) could potentially explain the vulnerability of the cerebellum during the development of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia, as it gives rise to the entry of pathogenic autoantibodies or lymphocytes into the cerebellum. In this review, the maintenance of the BBB under normal conditions and the molecular basis of BBB disruption under pathological conditions are highlighted. Next, the pathomechanism of BBB breakdown in each subtype of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia is discussed. We recently identified glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78 antibodies in paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, and GRP78 antibodies induced by cross-reactivity with tumors can disrupt the BBB and penetrate anti-P/Q type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies into the cerebellum, thus leading to cerebellar ataxia in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumitaka Shimizu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine
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25
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Aung MH, Aleman TS, Garcia AS, McGeehan B, Ying GS, Avery RA. Stimulus type and duration affect magnitude and evolution of flicker-induced hyperemia measured by laser speckle flowgraphy at the optic disc and peripapillary vessels. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6659. [PMID: 38509194 PMCID: PMC10954713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57263-z] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling is a vital mechanism employed by the cerebrovascular system, including the eye, to regulate blood flow in periods of neuronal activation. This study aims to investigate if laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can detect coupling response elicited by flickering light stimuli and how variations in stimulus type and duration can affect the magnitude and evolution of blood flow in the optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary vessels. Healthy adults were exposed to two types of 10-Hz flicker stimuli: a photopic negative response-like stimulus (PhNR-S) or a visual evoked potential-like stimulus (VEP-S)-each presented in separate 10- and 60-s epochs. Both PhNR-S and VEP-S significantly increased ONH blood flow (p < 0.001) immediately after flicker cessation, with a trend of 60-s stimuli (PhNR-S = 11.6%; VEP-S = 10.4%) producing a larger response than 10-s stimuli (PhNR-S = 7.5%; VEP-S = 6.2%). Moreover, exposure to 60-s stimuli elicited a significantly prolonged ONH hyperemic response, especially with PhNR-S. Lastly, stimulation with either 60-s stimuli elicited a robust increase in blood flow within the peripapillary arterioles (p < 0.01) and venules (p < 0.01) as well. Flicker stimulation with common visual electrophysiology stimuli (PhNR-S and VEP-S) induced a demonstrable increase in ONH and peripapillary vessel blood flow, which varied with flicker duration. Our results validate that LSFG is a robust method to quantify flicker-induced hyperemic responses and to study neurovascular coupling in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe H Aung
- Departments of Neurology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Tomas S Aleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arielle S Garcia
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brendan McGeehan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gui-Shuang Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert A Avery
- Departments of Neurology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Ophthalmology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Maleszewska M, Wojnicki K, Mieczkowski J, Król SK, Jacek K, Śmiech M, Kocyk M, Ciechomska IA, Bujko M, Siedlecki J, Kotulska K, Grajkowska W, Zawadzka M, Kaminska B. DMRTA2 supports glioma stem-cell mediated neovascularization in glioblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:228. [PMID: 38509074 PMCID: PMC10954651 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06603-y] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal brain tumor in adults. Due to its fast proliferation, diffusive growth and therapy resistance survival times are less than two years for patients with IDH-wildtype GBM. GBM is noted for the considerable cellular heterogeneity, high stemness indices and abundance of the glioma stem-like cells known to support tumor progression, therapeutic resistance and recurrence. Doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor a2 (DMRTA2) is involved in maintaining neural progenitor cells (NPC) in the cell cycle and its overexpression suppresses NPC differentiation. Despite the reports showing that primary GBM originates from transformed neural stem/progenitors cells, the role of DMRTA2 in gliomagenesis has not been elucidated so far. Here we show the upregulation of DMRTA2 expression in malignant gliomas. Immunohistochemical staining showed the protein concentrated in small cells with high proliferative potential and cells localized around blood vessels, where it colocalizes with pericyte-specific markers. Knock-down of DMRTA2 in human glioma cells impairs proliferation but not viability of the cells, and affects the formation of the tumor spheres, as evidenced by strong decrease in the number and size of spheres in in vitro cultures. Moreover, the knockdown of DMRTA2 in glioma spheres affects the stabilization of the glioma stem-like cell-dependent tube formation in an in vitro angiogenesis assay. We conclude that DMRTA2 is a new player in gliomagenesis and tumor neovascularization and due to its high expression in malignant gliomas could be a biomarker and potential target for new therapeutic strategies in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maleszewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kamil Wojnicki
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Mieczkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sylwia K Król
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Jacek
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Śmiech
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Kocyk
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona A Ciechomska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bujko
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Siedlecki
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiesława Grajkowska
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zawadzka
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Plasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bozena Kaminska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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27
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Carvalho TP, Toledo FAO, Bautista DFA, Silva MF, Oliveira JBS, Lima PA, Costa FB, Ribeiro NQ, Lee JY, Birbrair A, Paixão TA, Tsolis RM, Santos RL. Pericytes modulate endothelial inflammatory response during bacterial infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0325223. [PMID: 38289074 PMCID: PMC10936204 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03252-23] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are located around blood vessels, in close contact with endothelial cells. We discovered that pericytes dampen pro-inflammatory endothelial cell responses. Endothelial cells co-cultured with pericytes had markedly reduced expression of adhesion molecules (PECAM-1 and ICAM-1) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2 and IL-6) in response to bacterial stimuli (Brucella ovis, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). Pericyte-depleted mice intraperitoneally inoculated with either B. ovis, a stealthy pathogen that does not trigger detectable inflammation, or Listeria monocytogenes, developed peritonitis. Further, during Citrobacter rodentium infection, pericyte-depleted mice developed severe intestinal inflammation, which was not evident in control mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of pericytes required connexin 43, as either chemical inhibition or silencing of connexin 43 abrogated pericyte-mediated suppression of endothelial inflammatory responses. Our results define a mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation during infection, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology: from a structural cell to a pro-active player in modulating inflammation. IMPORTANCE A previously unknown mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation was discovered. The absence of pericytes or blocking interaction between pericytes and endothelium through connexin 43 results in stronger inflammation, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology, from a structural cell to a player in controlling inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaynara P. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Frank A. O. Toledo
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F. A. Bautista
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monique F. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jefferson B. S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Lima
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Noelly Q. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jee-Yon Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tatiane A. Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reneé M. Tsolis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renato L. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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28
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Fan KQ, Huang T, Yu JS, Li YY, Jin J. The clinical features and potential mechanisms of cognitive disorders in peripheral autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:226-236. [PMID: 38933510 PMCID: PMC11197673 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
According to a study from World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease, mental and neurological disorders have accounted for 13% of global diseases in recent years and are on the rise. Neuropsychiatric conditions or neuroinflammatory disorders are linked by the presence of an exaggerated immune response both peripherally and in the central nervous system (CNS). Cognitive dysfunction (CD) encompasses a complex group of diseases and has frequently been described in the field of autoimmune diseases, especially in multiple non-CNS-related autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have provided various hypotheses regarding the occurrence of cognitive impairment in autoimmune diseases, including that abnormally activated immune cells can disrupt the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to trigger a central neuroinflammatory response. When the BBB is intact, autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory molecules in peripheral circulation can enter the brain to activate microglia, inducing CNS inflammation and CD. However, the mechanisms explaining the association between the immune system and neural function and their contribution to diseases are uncertain. In this review, we used clinical statistics to illustrate the correlation between CD and autoimmune diseases that do not directly affect the CNS, summarized the clinical features and mechanisms by which autoimmune diseases trigger cognitive impairment, and explored existing knowledge regarding the link between CD and autoimmune diseases from the perspective of the field of neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-qi Fan
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Tao Huang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Jian-shuai Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi-yuan Li
- Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jin Jin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, and Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
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29
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Cai Y, Zhang Y, Leng S, Ma Y, Jiang Q, Wen Q, Ju S, Hu J. The relationship between inflammation, impaired glymphatic system, and neurodegenerative disorders: A vicious cycle. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106426. [PMID: 38331353 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "glymphatic" emerged roughly a decade ago, marking a pivotal point in neuroscience research. The glymphatic system, a glial-dependent perivascular network distributed throughout the brain, has since become a focal point of investigation. There is increasing evidence suggesting that impairment of the glymphatic system appears to be a common feature of neurodegenerative disorders, and this impairment exacerbates as disease progression. Nevertheless, the common factors contributing to glymphatic system dysfunction across most neurodegenerative disorders remain unclear. Inflammation, however, is suspected to play a pivotal role. Dysfunction of the glymphatic system can lead to a significant accumulation of protein and waste products, which can trigger inflammation. The interaction between the glymphatic system and inflammation appears to be cyclical and potentially synergistic. Yet, current research is limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive models explaining this association. In this perspective review, we propose a novel model suggesting that inflammation, impaired glymphatic function, and neurodegenerative disorders interconnected in a vicious cycle. By presenting experimental evidence from the existing literature, we aim to demonstrate that: (1) inflammation aggravates glymphatic system dysfunction, (2) the impaired glymphatic system exacerbated neurodegenerative disorders progression, (3) neurodegenerative disorders progression promotes inflammation. Finally, the implication of proposed model is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cai
- Nurturing Center of Jiangsu Province for State Laboratory of AI Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yangqiqi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuo Leng
- Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Nurturing Center of Jiangsu Province for State Laboratory of AI Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Quan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Qiuting Wen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 W.16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5188, USA
| | - Shenghong Ju
- Nurturing Center of Jiangsu Province for State Laboratory of AI Imaging & Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jiani Hu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Koh I, Hagiwara M. Modular tissue-in-a-CUBE platform to model blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain interaction. Commun Biol 2024; 7:177. [PMID: 38418614 PMCID: PMC10901775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of increasingly sophisticated organoids, there is growing demand for technology to replicate the interactions between multiple tissues or organs. This is challenging to achieve, however, due to the varying culture conditions of the different cell types that make up each tissue. Current methods often require complicated microfluidic setups, but fragile tissue samples tend not to fare well with rough handling. Furthermore, the more complicated the human system to be replicated, the more difficult the model becomes to operate. Here, we present the development of a multi-tissue chip platform that takes advantage of the modularity and convenient handling ability of a CUBE device. We first developed a blood-brain barrier-in-a-CUBE by layering astrocytes, pericytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells in the CUBE, and confirmed the expression and function of important tight junction and transporter proteins in the blood-brain barrier model. Then, we demonstrated the application of integrating Tissue-in-a-CUBE with a chip in simulating the in vitro testing of the permeability of a drug through the blood-brain barrier to the brain and its effect on treating the glioblastoma brain cancer model. We anticipate that this platform can be adapted for use with organoids to build complex human systems in vitro by the combination of multiple simple CUBE units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
- Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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Vollmuth N, Sin J, Kim BJ. Host-microbe interactions at the blood-brain barrier through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0286223. [PMID: 38193670 PMCID: PMC10865987 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02862-23] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbe-induced meningoencephalitis/meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when pathogens are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gain access to the CNS. The BBB consists of highly specialized brain endothelial cells that exhibit specific properties to allow tight regulation of CNS homeostasis and prevent pathogen crossing. However, during meningoencephalitis/meningitis, the BBB fails to protect the CNS. Modeling the BBB remains a challenge due to the specialized characteristics of these cells. In this review, we cover the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model during host-pathogen interaction, highlighting the strengths and recent work on various pathogens known to interact with the BBB. As stem cell technologies are becoming more prominent, the stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model has been able to reveal new insights in vitro, which remain challenging with other in vitro cell-based models consisting of primary human brain endothelial cells and immortalized human brain endothelial cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jon Sin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Janubová M, Žitňanová I. The effects of vitamin D on different types of cells. Steroids 2024; 202:109350. [PMID: 38096964 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D is neccessary for regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in bones, affects imunity, the cardiovascular system, muscles, skin, epithelium, extracellular matrix, the central nervous system, and plays arole in prevention of aging-associated diseases. Vitamin D receptor is expressed in almost all types of cells and its activation leads to modulation of different signaling pathways. In this review, we have analysed the current knowledge of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 effects on metabolism of cells important for the function of the cardiovascular system (endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac cells and pericytes), tissue healing (fibroblasts), epithelium (various types of epithelial cells) and the central nervous system (neurons, astrocytes and microglia). The goal of this review was to compare the effects of vitamin D on the above mentioned cells in in vitro conditions and to summarize what is known in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Janubová
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ingrid Žitňanová
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Kyriatzis G, Bernard A, Bôle A, Khrestchatisky M, Ferhat L. In the Rat Hippocampus, Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Is Associated with Reactive Glia and Concomitant Increased Expression of CD31, PDGFRβ, and Collagen IV in Endothelial Cells and Pericytes of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1693. [PMID: 38338969 PMCID: PMC10855308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031693] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans and animal models, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with reorganization of hippocampal neuronal networks, gliosis, neuroinflammation, and loss of integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). More than 30% of epilepsies remain intractable, and characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in BBB dysfunction is essential to the identification of new therapeutic strategies. In this work, we induced status epilepticus in rats through injection of the proconvulsant drug pilocarpine, which leads to TLE. Using RT-qPCR, double immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging, we studied the regulation of reactive glia and vascular markers at different time points of epileptogenesis (latent phase-3, 7, and 14 days; chronic phase-1 and 3 months). In the hippocampus, increased expression of mRNA encoding the glial proteins GFAP and Iba1 confirmed neuroinflammatory status. We report for the first time the concomitant induction of the specific proteins CD31, PDGFRβ, and ColIV-which peak at the same time points as inflammation-in the endothelial cells, pericytes, and basement membrane of the BBB. The altered expression of these proteins occurs early in TLE, during the latent phase, suggesting that they could be associated with the early rupture and pathogenicity of the BBB that will contribute to the chronic phase of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Marseille, France, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (G.K.); (A.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Lotfi Ferhat
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, Marseille, France, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France; (G.K.); (A.B.); (A.B.)
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Zi H, Peng X, Cao J, Xie T, Liu T, Li H, Bu J, Du J, Li J. Piezo1-dependent regulation of pericyte proliferation by blood flow during brain vascular development. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113652. [PMID: 38175750 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113652] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood flow is known to regulate cerebrovascular development through acting on vascular endothelial cells (ECs). As an indispensable component of the neurovascular unit, brain pericytes physically couple with ECs and play vital roles in blood-brain barrier integrity maintenance and neurovascular coupling. However, it remains unclear whether blood flow affects brain pericyte development. Using in vivo time-lapse imaging of larval zebrafish, we monitored the developmental dynamics of brain pericytes and found that they proliferate to expand their population and increase their coverage to brain vessels. In combination with pharmacological and genetic approaches, we demonstrated that blood flow enhances brain pericyte proliferation through Piezo1 expressed in ECs. Moreover, we identified that EC-intrinsic Notch signaling is downstream of Piezo1 to promote the activation of Notch signaling in pericytes. Thus, our findings reveal a role of blood flow in pericyte proliferation, extending the functional spectrum of hemodynamics on cerebrovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxing Zi
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-Quan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaolan Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jianbin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated with Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, China
| | - Tianyi Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 319 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-Quan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-Quan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiwen Bu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiulin Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yu-Quan Road, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 319 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Jia Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Mizuta I, Nakao-Azuma Y, Yoshida H, Yamaguchi M, Mizuno T. Progress to Clarify How NOTCH3 Mutations Lead to CADASIL, a Hereditary Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Biomolecules 2024; 14:127. [PMID: 38254727 PMCID: PMC10813265 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010127] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is conserved in C. elegans, Drosophila, and mammals. Among the four NOTCH genes in humans, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and NOTCH3 are known to cause monogenic hereditary disorders. Most NOTCH-related disorders are congenital and caused by a gain or loss of Notch signaling activity. In contrast, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) caused by NOTCH3 is adult-onset and considered to be caused by accumulation of the mutant NOTCH3 extracellular domain (N3ECD) and, possibly, by an impairment in Notch signaling. Pathophysiological processes following mutant N3ECD accumulation have been intensively investigated; however, the process leading to N3ECD accumulation and its association with canonical NOTCH3 signaling remain unknown. We reviewed the progress in clarifying the pathophysiological process involving mutant NOTCH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
| | - Yumiko Nakao-Azuma
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
- Kansai Gakken Laboratory, Kankyo Eisei Yakuhin Co., Ltd., 3-6-2 Hikaridai, Seika-cho, Kyoto 619-0237, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mizuno
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (I.M.)
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Simmonds SJ, Grootaert MOJ, Cuijpers I, Carai P, Geuens N, Herwig M, Baatsen P, Hamdani N, Luttun A, Heymans S, Jones EAV. Pericyte loss initiates microvascular dysfunction in the development of diastolic dysfunction. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL OPEN 2024; 4:oead129. [PMID: 38174347 PMCID: PMC10763525 DOI: 10.1093/ehjopen/oead129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aims Microvascular dysfunction has been proposed to drive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but the initiating molecular and cellular events are largely unknown. Our objective was to determine when microvascular alterations in HFpEF begin, how they contribute to disease progression, and how pericyte dysfunction plays a role herein. Methods and results Microvascular dysfunction, characterized by inflammatory activation, loss of junctional barrier function, and altered pericyte-endothelial crosstalk, was assessed with respect to the development of cardiac dysfunction, in the Zucker fatty and spontaneously hypertensive (ZSF1) obese rat model of HFpEF at three time points: 6, 14, and 21 weeks of age. Pericyte loss was the earliest and strongest microvascular change, occurring before prominent echocardiographic signs of diastolic dysfunction were present. Pericytes were shown to be less proliferative and had a disrupted morphology at 14 weeks in the obese ZSF1 animals, who also exhibited an increased capillary luminal diameter and disrupted endothelial junctions. Microvascular dysfunction was also studied in a mouse model of chronic reduction in capillary pericyte coverage (PDGF-Bret/ret), which spontaneously developed many aspects of diastolic dysfunction. Pericytes exposed to oxidative stress in vitro showed downregulation of cell cycle-associated pathways and induced a pro-inflammatory state in endothelial cells upon co-culture. Conclusion We propose pericytes are important for maintaining endothelial cell function, where loss of pericytes enhances the reactivity of endothelial cells to inflammatory signals and promotes microvascular dysfunction, thereby accelerating the development of HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Simmonds
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Mandy O J Grootaert
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ilona Cuijpers
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Carai
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Nadeche Geuens
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Melissa Herwig
- Department of Cellular and Translational Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
- Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, Institut für Forschung und Lehre (IFL), Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, St.Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pieter Baatsen
- VIB-KU Leuven, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Electron Microscopy Platform & VIB Bioimaging Core, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nazha Hamdani
- Department of Cellular and Translational Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum 44801, Germany
- Molecular and Experimental Cardiology, Institut für Forschung und Lehre (IFL), Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, St.Josef-Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aernout Luttun
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth A V Jones
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 911, Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht 6229 ER, The Netherlands
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Badawi AH, Mohamad NA, Stanslas J, Kirby BP, Neela VK, Ramasamy R, Basri H. In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Models for Neuroinfectious Diseases: A Narrative Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1344-1373. [PMID: 38073104 PMCID: PMC11092920 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231207114346] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex, dynamic, and adaptable barrier between the peripheral blood system and the central nervous system. While this barrier protects the brain and spinal cord from inflammation and infection, it prevents most drugs from reaching the brain tissue. With the expanding interest in the pathophysiology of BBB, the development of in vitro BBB models has dramatically evolved. However, due to the lack of a standard model, a range of experimental protocols, BBB-phenotype markers, and permeability flux markers was utilized to construct in vitro BBB models. Several neuroinfectious diseases are associated with BBB dysfunction. To conduct neuroinfectious disease research effectively, there stems a need to design representative in vitro human BBB models that mimic the BBB's functional and molecular properties. The highest necessity is for an in vitro standardised BBB model that accurately represents all the complexities of an intact brain barrier. Thus, this in-depth review aims to describe the optimization and validation parameters for building BBB models and to discuss previous research on neuroinfectious diseases that have utilized in vitro BBB models. The findings in this review may serve as a basis for more efficient optimisation, validation, and maintenance of a structurally- and functionally intact BBB model, particularly for future studies on neuroinfectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hussein Badawi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Afiqah Mohamad
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Centre for Foundation Studies, Lincoln University College, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Brian Patrick Kirby
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vasantha Kumari Neela
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rajesh Ramasamy
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hamidon Basri
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ricci F, Martorana A, Bonomi CG, Serafini C, Mercuri NB, Koch G, Motta C. Effect of Vascular Risk Factors on Blood-Brain Barrier and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Along the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum: A Retrospective Observational Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:599-607. [PMID: 38160356 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction could favor the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vascular risk factors (VRF) could worsen BBB integrity, thus promoting neurode generation. OBJECTIVE To investigate BBB permeability and its relation with VRF along the AD continuum (ADc). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Amyloid (A) and p-tau (T) levels were used to stratify patients. METHODS We compared CSF/plasma albumin ratio (QAlb) of 131 AD patients and 24 healthy controls (HC). APOE genotype and VRF were evaluated for each patient. Spearman's Rho correlation was used to investigate the associations between Qalb and CSF AD biomarkers. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between Qalb and AD biomarkers, sex, age, cognitive status, and VRF. RESULTS QAlb levels did not show significant difference between ADc patients and HC (p = 0.984). However, QAlb was significantly higher in A + T-compared to A + T+ (p = 0.021). In ADc, CSF p-tau demonstrated an inverse correlation with QAlb, a finding confirmed in APOE4 carriers (p = 0.002), but not in APOE3. Furthermore, in APOE4 carriers, sex, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were associated with QAlb (p = 0.004, p = 0.038, p = 0.038, respectively), whereas only sex showed an association in APOE3 carriers (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS BBB integrity is preserved in ADc. Among AT categories, A + T-have a more permeable BBB than A + T+. In APOE4 carriers, CSF p-tau levels display an inverse association with BBB permeability, which in turn, seems to be affected by VRF. These data suggest a possible relationship between BBB efficiency, VRF and CSF p-tau levels depending on APOE genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ricci
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martorana
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara G Bonomi
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Serafini
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Neurology Unit, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Unit, IRCCS SantaLucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Human Physiology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Motta
- UOSD Centro Demenze, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Khor SLQ, Ng KY, Koh RY, Chye SM. Blood-brain Barrier and Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: From Clinical Insights to Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:315-330. [PMID: 36999187 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230330093829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in the central nervous system by tightly regulating the influx and efflux of biological substances between the brain parenchyma and peripheral circulation. Its restrictive nature acts as an obstacle to protect the brain from potentially noxious substances such as blood-borne toxins, immune cells, and pathogens. Thus, the maintenance of its structural and functional integrity is vital in the preservation of neuronal function and cellular homeostasis in the brain microenvironment. However, the barrier's foundation can become compromised during neurological or pathological conditions, which can result in dysregulated ionic homeostasis, impaired transport of nutrients, and accumulation of neurotoxins that eventually lead to irreversible neuronal loss. Initially, the BBB is thought to remain intact during neurodegenerative diseases, but accumulating evidence as of late has suggested the possible association of BBB dysfunction with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. The neurodegeneration occurring in PD is believed to stem from a myriad of pathogenic mechanisms, including tight junction alterations, abnormal angiogenesis, and dysfunctional BBB transporter mechanism, which ultimately causes altered BBB permeability. In this review, the major elements of the neurovascular unit (NVU) comprising the BBB are discussed, along with their role in the maintenance of barrier integrity and PD pathogenesis. We also elaborated on how the neuroendocrine system can influence the regulation of BBB function and PD pathogenesis. Several novel therapeutic approaches targeting the NVU components are explored to provide a fresh outlook on treatment options for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lei Qi Khor
- School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khuen Yen Ng
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rhun Yian Koh
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Soi Moi Chye
- Division of Applied Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, School of Health Science, International Medical University, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mamelak M. The Alzheimer's Disease Brain, Its Microvasculature, and NADPH Oxidase. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:S109-S118. [PMID: 37599534 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The deterioration of the brain's microvasculature, particularly in the hippocampus, appears to be a very early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), preceding even the deposition of amyloid-β. A damaged microvasculature reduces the supply of oxygen and glucose to this region and limits the production of energy, ATP. The damage may be a function of the rise with age in the expression and activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in these microvessels. This rise renders these vessels vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. The rise in NOX activity with age is even more marked in the AD brain where an inverse correlation has been demonstrated between NOX activity and cognitive ability. Apocynin, a putative NOX inhibitor, has been shown to block the damaging effects of NOX activation. Apocynin acts as a strong scavenger of H2O2, and as a weak scavenger of superoxide. Like apocynin, sodium oxybate (SO) has also been shown to block the toxic effects of NOX activation. The application of SO generates NADPH and ATP. SO inhibits oxidative stress and maintains normal cerebral ATP levels under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, it acts epigenetically to attenuate the expression of NOX. SO may delay the onset and slow the progress of AD by suppling energy and maintaining an antioxidative environment in the brain throughout the night. The slow wave activity produced by SO may also activate the glymphatic system and promote the clearance of amyloid-β from the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortimer Mamelak
- Department of Psychiatry, Baycrest Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang S, Meng R, Jiang M, Qing H, Ni J. Emerging Roles of Microglia in Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Aging and Neurodegeneration. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1189-1204. [PMID: 36740799 PMCID: PMC10964094 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230203103910] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective interface between the blood and the brain parenchyma. It plays an essential role in maintaining a specialized environment for central nervous system function and homeostasis. The BBB disrupts with age, which contributes to the development of many age-related disorders due to central and peripheral toxic factors or BBB dysfunction. Microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the brain, have recently been explored for their ability to directly and indirectly regulate the integrity of the BBB. This review will focus on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms utilized by microglia to regulate BBB integrity and how this becomes disrupted in aging and age-associated diseases. We will also discuss the rationale for considering microglia as a therapeutic target to prevent or slow down neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Muzhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
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Mariajoseph FP, Lai L, Moore J, Chandra R, Goldschlager T, Praeger AJ, Slater LA. Pathophysiology of Contrast-Induced Neurotoxicity: A Narrative Review of Possible Mechanisms. Eur Neurol 2023; 87:26-35. [PMID: 38118425 PMCID: PMC11003557 DOI: 10.1159/000535928] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrast-induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is an increasingly observed event following the administration of iodinated contrast. It presents as a spectrum of neurological symptoms that closely mimic ischaemic stroke, however, CIN remains a poorly understood clinical phenomenon. An appreciation of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is essential to improve clinical understanding and enhance decision-making. METHODS A broad literature search of Medline (1946 to December 2022) and Embase (1947 to December 2022) was conducted. Articles discussing the pathophysiology of CIN were reviewed. SUMMARY The pathogenesis of CIN appears to be multifactorial. A key step is likely blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown due to factors including ischaemic stroke, uncontrolled hypertension, and possibly contrast agents themselves, among others. This is followed by passage of contrast agents across the BBB, leading to chemotoxic sequelae on neural tissue. KEY MESSAGES This review provides a clinically oriented review on the pathophysiology of CIN to enhance knowledge and improve decision-making among clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick P. Mariajoseph
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Leon Lai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Justin Moore
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ronil Chandra
- Monash Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tony Goldschlager
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Adrian J. Praeger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lee-Anne Slater
- Monash Imaging, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Hu S, Yang B, Shu S, He X, Sang H, Fan X, Zhang H. Targeting Pericytes for Functional Recovery in Ischemic Stroke. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:457-470. [PMID: 37166748 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08748-z] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pericytes surrounding endothelial cells in the capillaries are emerging as an attractive cell resource, which can show a large variety of functions in ischemic stroke, including preservation of the blood-brain barrier, regulation of immune function, and support for cerebral vasculature. These functions have been fully elucidated in previous studies. However, in recent years, increasing evidence has shown that pericytes play an important role in neurological recovery after ischemic stroke due to their regenerative function which can be summarized in two aspects according to current discoveries, one is that pericytes are thought to be multipotential themselves, and the other is that pericytes can promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Considering the neuroprotective treatment for stroke has not been much progressed in recent years, new therapies targeting pericytes may be a future direction. Here, we will review the beneficial effects of pericytes in ischemic stroke from two directions: the barrier and vascular functions and the regenerative functions of pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqi Hu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingjie Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China
| | - Song Shu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xudong He
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongfei Sang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Clinical School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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Wakid M, Almeida D, Aouabed Z, Rahimian R, Davoli MA, Yerko V, Leonova-Erko E, Richard V, Zahedi R, Borchers C, Turecki G, Mechawar N. Universal method for the isolation of microvessels from frozen brain tissue: A proof-of-concept multiomic investigation of the neurovasculature. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100684. [PMID: 37822873 PMCID: PMC10562768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurovascular unit, comprised of vascular cell types that collectively regulate cerebral blood flow to meet the needs of coupled neurons, is paramount for the proper function of the central nervous system. The neurovascular unit gatekeeps blood-brain barrier properties, which experiences impairment in several central nervous system diseases associated with neuroinflammation and contributes to pathogenesis. To better understand function and dysfunction at the neurovascular unit and how it may confer inflammatory processes within the brain, isolation and characterization of the neurovascular unit is needed. Here, we describe a singular, standardized protocol to enrich and isolate microvessels from archived snap-frozen human and frozen mouse cerebral cortex using mechanical homogenization and centrifugation-separation that preserves the structural integrity and multicellular composition of microvessel fragments. For the first time, microvessels are isolated from postmortem ventromedial prefrontal cortex tissue and are comprehensively investigated as a structural unit using both RNA sequencing and Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Both the transcriptome and proteome are obtained and compared, demonstrating that the isolated brain microvessel is a robust model for the NVU and can be used to generate highly informative datasets in both physiological and disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Wakid
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zahia Aouabed
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Reza Rahimian
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Volodymyr Yerko
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elena Leonova-Erko
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vincent Richard
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - René Zahedi
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christoph Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Sziraki A, Zhong Y, Neltner AM, Niedowicz D, Rogers CB, Wilcock DM, Nehra G, Neltner JH, Smith RR, Hartz AM, Cao J, Nelson PT. A high-throughput single-cell RNA expression profiling method identifies human pericyte markers. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12942. [PMID: 37812061 PMCID: PMC10842535 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We sought to identify and optimise a universally available histological marker for pericytes in the human brain. Such a marker could be a useful tool for researchers. Further, identifying a gene expressed relatively specifically in human pericytes could provide new insights into the biological functions of this fascinating cell type. METHODS We analysed single-cell RNA expression profiles derived from different human and mouse brain regions using a high-throughput and low-cost single-cell transcriptome sequencing method called EasySci. Through this analysis, we were able to identify specific gene markers for pericytes, some of which had not been previously characterised. We then used commercially (and therefore universally) available antibodies to immunolabel the pericyte-specific gene products in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human brains and also performed immunoblots to determine whether appropriately sized proteins were recognised. RESULTS In the EasySci data sets, highly pericyte-enriched expression was notable for SLC6A12 and SLC19A1. Antibodies against these proteins recognised bands of approximately the correct size in immunoblots of human brain extracts. Following optimisation of the immunohistochemical technique, staining for both antibodies was strongly positive in small blood vessels and was far more effective than a PDGFRB antibody at staining pericyte-like cells in FFPE human brain sections. In an exploratory sample of other human organs (kidney, lung, liver, muscle), immunohistochemistry did not show the same pericyte-like pattern of staining. CONCLUSIONS The SLC6A12 antibody was well suited for labelling pericytes in human FFPE brain sections, based on the combined results of single-cell RNA-seq analyses, immunoblots and immunohistochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Sziraki
- Laboratory of Single Cell Genomics and Population Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- The David Rockefeller Graduate Program in Bioscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Zhong
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Allison M. Neltner
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Dana Niedowicz
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Colin B. Rogers
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Donna M. Wilcock
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Geetika Nehra
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Janna H. Neltner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Anika M. Hartz
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Junyue Cao
- Laboratory of Single Cell Genomics and Population Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter T. Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Gao P, Yi J, Chen W, Gu J, Miao S, Wang X, Huang Y, Jiang T, Li Q, Zhou W, Zhao S, Wu M, Yin G, Chen J. Pericyte-derived exosomal miR-210 improves mitochondrial function and inhibits lipid peroxidation in vascular endothelial cells after traumatic spinal cord injury by activating JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:452. [PMID: 38012616 PMCID: PMC10680350 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a significant health concern, with limited available treatment options. This condition poses significant medical, economic, and social challenges. SCI is typically categorized into primary and secondary injuries. Inflammation, oxidative stress, scar formation, and the immune microenvironment impede axon regeneration and subsequent functional restoration. Numerous studies have shown that the destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and microvessels is a crucial factor in severe secondary injury. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced lipid peroxidation significantly contributes to endothelial cell death. Pericytes are essential constituents of the BBB that share the basement membrane with endothelial cells and astrocytes. They play a significant role in the establishment and maintenance of BBB. RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining at different time points revealed a consistent correlation between pericyte coverage and angiogenesis, suggesting that pericytes promote vascular repair via paracrine signaling. Pericytes undergo alterations in cellular morphology and the transcriptome when exposed to hypoxic conditions, potentially promoting angiogenesis. We simulated an early ischemia-hypoxic environment following SCI using glucose and oxygen deprivation and BBB models. Co-culturing pericytes with endothelial cells improved barrier function compared to the control group. However, this enhancement was reduced by the exosome inhibitor, GW4869. In vivo injection of exosomes improved BBB integrity and promoted motor function recovery in mice following SCI. Subsequently, we found that pericyte-derived exosomes exhibited significant miR-210-5p expression based on sequencing analysis. Therefore, we performed a series of gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that miR-210-5p regulates endothelial barrier function by inhibiting JAK1/STAT3 signaling. This process is achieved by regulating lipid peroxidation levels and improving mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential mechanism for restoration of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Yi
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedic, Changzheng Hospital, No. 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Xishan People's Hospital, No. 1128 Dacheng Road, Wuxi, 214105, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Miao
- Department of Orthopedic, Suqian First People's Hospital, No. 120 Suzhi Road, Suqian, 223812, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Maanshan People's Hospital, No. 45 Hubei Road, Maanshan, 243000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Huang
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Li
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujie Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mengyuan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guoyong Yin
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
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Ye X, Wang Z, van Bruggen R, Li XM, Zhang Y, Chen J. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances neurite growth in serum-starved human neuroblastoma cells. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1269267. [PMID: 38053610 PMCID: PMC10694225 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1269267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a recognized tool for promoting nerve regeneration and repair; however, the intracellular mechanisms of LIPUS stimulation remain underexplored. Method The present study delves into the effects of varying LIPUS parameters, namely duty cycle, spatial average-temporal average (SATA) intensity, and ultrasound amplitude, on the therapeutic efficacy using SK-N-SH cells cultured in serum-starved conditions. Four distinct LIPUS settings were employed: (A) 50 mW/cm2, 40%, (B) 25 mW/cm2, 10%, (C) 50 mW/cm2, 20%, and (D) 25 mW/cm2, 10%. Results Immunochemistry analysis exhibited neurite outgrowth promotion in all LIPUS-treated groups except for Group D. Further, LIPUS treatment was found to successfully promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and enhance the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, as evidenced by western blot analysis. Discussion The study suggests that the parameter combination of LIPUS determines the therapeutic efficacy of LIPUS. Future investigations should aim to optimize these parameters for different cell types and settings and delve deeper into the cellular response mechanism to LIPUS treatment. Such advancements may aid in tailoring LIPUS treatment strategies to specific therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanjie Ye
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rebekah van Bruggen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xin-Min Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Wu W, Huang J, Han P, Zhang J, Wang Y, Jin F, Zhou Y. Research Progress on Natural Plant Molecules in Regulating the Blood-Brain Barrier in Alzheimer's Disease. Molecules 2023; 28:7631. [PMID: 38005352 PMCID: PMC10674591 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. With the aging population and the continuous development of risk factors associated with AD, it will impose a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. Currently, commonly used therapeutic drugs such as Cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, and multiple AD pathology removal drugs have been shown to have beneficial effects on certain pathological conditions of AD. However, their clinical efficacy is minimal and they are associated with certain adverse reactions. Furthermore, the underlying pathological mechanism of AD remains unclear, posing a challenge for drug development. In contrast, natural plant molecules, widely available, offer multiple targeting pathways and demonstrate inherent advantages in modifying the typical pathologic features of AD by influencing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We provide a comprehensive review of recent in vivo and in vitro studies on natural plant molecules that impact the BBB in the treatment of AD. Additionally, we analyze their specific mechanisms to offer novel insights for the development of safe and effective targeted drugs as well as guidance for experimental research and the clinical application of drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Wu
- Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (W.W.); (J.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Jiahao Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmacology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Pengfei Han
- Science and Education Section, Zhangjiakou First Hospital, Zhangjiakou 075041, China;
| | - Jian Zhang
- Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (W.W.); (J.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (W.W.); (J.Z.); (Y.W.)
| | - Fangfang Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China; (W.W.); (J.Z.); (Y.W.)
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49
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Li W, Niu X, Dai Y, Wu X, Li J, Sheng W. Rnf-213 Knockout Induces Pericyte Reduction and Blood-Brain Barrier Impairment in Mouse. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6188-6200. [PMID: 37438553 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03480-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive occlusion of the internal carotid artery and the formation of an abnormal compensatory capillary network at the base of the brain. Genomics studies identified Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) as a common genetic factor that increases the susceptibility to MMD in East Asian people. However, the function of RNF213 and its roles in pathogenesis of MMD is unclear. Here, we showed that genetic knockout of Rnf213 in mice causes significant pericyte reduction and blood-brain barrier impairment in the cortex. These phenotypes are accompanied with microglia activation and elevated level of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, Rnf213-deficient mice showed reduced expression of tight junction proteins, including Occludin, Claudin-5, and ZO-1. Together, these data suggested that RNF213 might contribute to the pathogenesis of MMD through disruption of pericyte homeostasis and blood-brain barrier integrity by dysregulation of inflammatory responses and tight junction formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingyang Niu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Dai
- Department of Neurology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaoxing Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenli Sheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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50
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Graybill PM, Jacobs EJ, Jana A, Agashe A, Nain AS, Davalos RV. Ultra-thin and ultra-porous nanofiber networks as a basement-membrane mimic. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:4565-4578. [PMID: 37772328 PMCID: PMC10623910 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00304c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Current basement membrane (BM) mimics used for modeling endothelial and epithelial barriers in vitro do not faithfully recapitulate key in vivo physiological properties such as BM thickness, porosity, stiffness, and fibrous composition. Here, we use networks of precisely arranged nanofibers to form ultra-thin (∼3 μm thick) and ultra-porous (∼90%) BM mimics for blood-brain barrier modeling. We show that these nanofiber networks enable close contact between endothelial monolayers and pericytes across the membrane, which are known to regulate barrier tightness. Cytoskeletal staining and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements reveal barrier formation on nanofiber membranes integrated within microfluidic devices and transwell inserts. Further, significantly higher TEER values indicate a biological benefit for co-cultures formed on the ultra-thin nanofiber membranes. Our BM mimic overcomes critical technological challenges in forming co-cultures that are in proximity and facilitate cell-cell contact, while still being constrained to their respective sides. We anticipate that our nanofiber networks will find applications in drug discovery, cell migration, and barrier dysfunction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Graybill
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Edward J Jacobs
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Aniket Jana
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Atharva Agashe
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Amrinder S Nain
- Spinneret-Based Tunable Engineering Parameters (STEP) Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- Bioelectromechanical Systems Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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