1
|
Chung WS, Baldwin KT, Allen NJ. Astrocyte Regulation of Synapse Formation, Maturation, and Elimination. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041352. [PMID: 38346858 PMCID: PMC11293538 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes play an integral role in the development, maturation, and refinement of neuronal circuits. Astrocytes secrete proteins and lipids that instruct the formation of new synapses and induce the maturation of existing synapses. Through contact-mediated signaling, astrocytes can regulate the formation and state of synapses within their domain. Through phagocytosis, astrocytes participate in the elimination of excess synaptic connections. In this work, we will review key findings on the molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-synapse interaction with a focus on astrocyte-secreted factors, contact-mediated mechanisms, and synapse elimination. We will discuss this in the context of typical brain development and maintenance, as well as consider the consequences of dysfunction in these pathways in neurological disorders, highlighting a role for astrocytes in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Katherine T Baldwin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martin CG, Bent JS, Hill T, Topalidou I, Singhvi A. Epithelial UNC-23 limits mechanical stress to maintain glia-neuron architecture in C. elegans. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1668-1688.e7. [PMID: 38670103 PMCID: PMC11233253 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.04.005] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
For an organ to maintain correct architecture and function, its diverse cellular components must coordinate their size and shape. Although cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving homotypic cell-cell coordination are known, it is unclear how cell shape is regulated across heterotypic cells. We find that epithelial cells maintain the shape of neighboring sense-organ glia-neuron units in adult Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Hsp co-chaperone UNC-23/BAG2 prevents epithelial cell shape from deforming, and its loss causes head epithelia to stretch aberrantly during animal movement. In the sense-organ glia, amphid sheath (AMsh), this causes progressive fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-dependent disruption of the glial apical cytoskeleton. Resultant glial cell shape alteration causes concomitant shape change in glia-associated neuron endings. Epithelial UNC-23 maintenance of glia-neuron shape is specific both spatially, within a defined anatomical zone, and temporally, in a developmentally critical period. As all molecular components uncovered are broadly conserved across central and peripheral nervous systems, we posit that epithelia may similarly regulate glia-neuron architecture cross-species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia G Martin
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - James S Bent
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tyler Hill
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Irini Topalidou
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Aakanksha Singhvi
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Veiga RN, de Azevedo ALK, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:479-493. [PMID: 38393661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz Korte de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wurz AI, Zheng KS, Hughes RM. Optogenetic Regulation of EphA1 RTK Activation and Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579139. [PMID: 38370612 PMCID: PMC10871282 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Eph receptors are ubiquitous class of transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-cell communication, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. EphA1 receptors specifically play an important role in angiogenesis, fetal development, and cancer progression; however, studies of this receptor can be challenging as its ligand, ephrinA1, binds and activates several EphA receptors simultaneously. Optogenetic strategies could be applied to circumvent this requirement for ligand activation and enable selective activation of the EphA1 subtype. In this work, we designed and tested several iterations of an optogenetic EphA1 - Cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) fusion, investigating their capacity to mimic EphA1-dependent signaling in response to light activation. We then characterized the key cell signaling target of MAPK phosphorylation activated in response to light stimulation. The optogenetic regulation of Eph receptor RTK signaling without the need for external stimulus promises to be an effective means of controlling individual Eph receptor-mediated activities and creates a path forward for the identification of new Eph-dependent functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Wurz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kevin S. Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shiadeh SMJ, Goretta F, Svedin P, Jansson T, Mallard C, Ardalan M. Long-term impact of maternal obesity on the gliovascular unit and ephrin signaling in the hippocampus of adult offspring. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38308309 PMCID: PMC10837922 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03030-w] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk of developing mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Experimental studies have reported structural changes in the brain such as the gliovascular unit as well as activation of neuroinflammatory cells as a part of neuroinflammation processing in aged offspring of obese mothers. However, the molecular mechanisms linking maternal obesity to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes are not well established. The ephrin system plays a major role in a variety of cellular processes including cell-cell interaction, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation. Therefore, in this study we determined the impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on cortical, hippocampal development, vasculature and ephrin-A3/EphA4-signaling, in the adult offspring in mice. METHODS Maternal obesity was induced in mice by a high fat/high sugar Western type of diet (HF/HS). We collected brain tissue (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) from 6-month-old offspring of obese and lean (control) dams. Hippocampal volume, cortical thickness, myelination of white matter, density of astrocytes and microglia in relation to their activity were analyzed using 3-D stereological quantification. mRNA expression of ephrin-A3, EphA4 and synaptic markers were measured by qPCR in the brain tissue. Moreover, expression of gap junction protein connexin-43, lipocalin-2, and vascular CD31/Aquaporin 4 were determined in the hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Volume of hippocampus and cortical thickness were significantly smaller, and myelination impaired, while mRNA levels of hippocampal EphA4 and post-synaptic density (PSD) 95 were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the offspring of obese dams as compared to offspring of controls. Further analysis of the hippocampal gliovascular unit indicated higher coverage of capillaries by astrocytic end-feet, expression of connexin-43 and lipocalin-2 in endothelial cells in the offspring of obese dams. In addition, offspring of obese dams demonstrated activation of microglia together with higher density of cells, while astrocyte cell density was lower. CONCLUSION Maternal obesity affects brain size, impairs myelination, disrupts the hippocampal gliovascular unit and decreases the mRNA expression of EphA4 and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of adult offspring. These results indicate that the vasculature-glia cross-talk may be an important mediator of altered synaptic plasticity, which could be a link between maternal obesity and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fanny Goretta
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dewa KI, Arimura N, Kakegawa W, Itoh M, Adachi T, Miyashita S, Inoue YU, Hizawa K, Hori K, Honjoya N, Yagishita H, Taya S, Miyazaki T, Usui C, Tatsumoto S, Tsuzuki A, Uetake H, Sakai K, Yamakawa K, Sasaki T, Nagai J, Kawaguchi Y, Sone M, Inoue T, Go Y, Ichinohe N, Kaibuchi K, Watanabe M, Koizumi S, Yuzaki M, Hoshino M. Neuronal DSCAM regulates the peri-synaptic localization of GLAST in Bergmann glia for functional synapse formation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:458. [PMID: 38302444 PMCID: PMC10834496 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44579-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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, astrocytes enable appropriate synapse function through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft; however, it remains unclear how astrocytic glutamate transporters function at peri-synaptic contact. Here, we report that Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) in Purkinje cells controls synapse formation and function in the developing cerebellum. Dscam-mutant mice show defects in CF synapse translocation as is observed in loss of function mutations in the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLAST expressed in Bergmann glia. These mice show impaired glutamate clearance and the delocalization of GLAST away from the cleft of parallel fibre (PF) synapse. GLAST complexes with the extracellular domain of DSCAM. Riluzole, as an activator of GLAST-mediated uptake, rescues the proximal impairment in CF synapse formation in Purkinje cell-selective Dscam-deficient mice. DSCAM is required for motor learning, but not gross motor coordination. In conclusion, the intercellular association of synaptic and astrocyte proteins is important for synapse formation and function in neural transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Dewa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nariko Arimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan.
| | - Wataru Kakegawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toma Adachi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585, Japan
| | - Yukiko U Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kento Hizawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Kei Hori
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Natsumi Honjoya
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Haruya Yagishita
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Taya
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Division of Behavioural Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Taisuke Miyazaki
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Chika Usui
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shoji Tatsumoto
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Akiko Tsuzuki
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Uetake
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Saitama, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Sakai
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 980-8578, Tohoku, Japan
| | - Jun Nagai
- Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Kawaguchi
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masaki Sone
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Saitama, 274-8510, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Go
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
- Department of System Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
- Graduate School of Information Science, University of Hyogo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ichinohe
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712-0805, USA
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee SY, Chung WS. Astrocytic crosstalk with brain and immune cells in healthy and diseased conditions. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 84:102840. [PMID: 38290370 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes interact with various cell types, including neurons, vascular cells, microglia, and peripheral immune cells. These interactions are crucial for regulating normal brain functions as well as modulating neuroinflammation in pathological conditions. Recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies have identified critical molecules involved in astrocytic crosstalk with other cells, shedding light on their roles in maintaining brain homeostasis in both healthy and diseased conditions. Astrocytes perform these various roles through either direct or indirect physical associations with neuronal synapses and vasculature. Furthermore, astrocytes can communicate with other immune cells, such as microglia, T cells, and natural killer cells, through secreted molecules during neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss the critical molecular basis of this astrocytic crosstalk and the underlying mechanisms of astrocyte communication with other cells. We propose that astrocytes function as a central hub in inter-connecting neurons, vasculatures, and immune cells in healthy and diseased brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se Young Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea. https://twitter.com/SYLee_neuro
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Urban MW, Charsar BA, Heinsinger NM, Markandaiah SS, Sprimont L, Zhou W, Brown EV, Henderson NT, Thomas SJ, Ghosh B, Cain RE, Trotti D, Pasinelli P, Wright MC, Dalva MB, Lepore AC. EphrinB2 knockdown in cervical spinal cord preserves diaphragm innervation in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS. eLife 2024; 12:RP89298. [PMID: 38224498 PMCID: PMC10945582 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89298] [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: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. Importantly, non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes also play significant roles in disease pathogenesis. However, mechanisms of astrocyte contribution to ALS remain incompletely understood. Astrocyte involvement suggests that transcellular signaling may play a role in disease. We examined contribution of transmembrane signaling molecule ephrinB2 to ALS pathogenesis, in particular its role in driving motor neuron damage by spinal cord astrocytes. In symptomatic SOD1G93A mice (a well-established ALS model), ephrinB2 expression was dramatically increased in ventral horn astrocytes. Reducing ephrinB2 in the cervical spinal cord ventral horn via viral-mediated shRNA delivery reduced motor neuron loss and preserved respiratory function by maintaining phrenic motor neuron innervation of diaphragm. EphrinB2 expression was also elevated in human ALS spinal cord. These findings implicate ephrinB2 upregulation as both a transcellular signaling mechanism in mutant SOD1-associated ALS and a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Urban
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Brittany A Charsar
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Nicolette M Heinsinger
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Shashirekha S Markandaiah
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Lindsay Sprimont
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Eric V Brown
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Nathan T Henderson
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Samantha J Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Biswarup Ghosh
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Rachel E Cain
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Davide Trotti
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Piera Pasinelli
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Megan C Wright
- Department of Biology, Arcadia UniversityGlensideUnited States
| | - Matthew B Dalva
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane UniversityNew OrleansUnited States
| | - Angelo C Lepore
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shinozaki Y, Namekata K, Guo X, Harada T. Glial cells as a promising therapeutic target of glaucoma: beyond the IOP. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 3:1310226. [PMID: 38983026 PMCID: PMC11182302 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1310226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Glial cells, a type of non-neuronal cell found in the central nervous system (CNS), play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating CNS functions. Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against glaucoma. While intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most well-known modifiable risk factor, a significant number of glaucoma patients have normal IOP levels. Because glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by various factors that contribute to its onset and progression, it is imperative that we consider factors beyond IOP to effectively prevent or slow down the disease's advancement. In the realm of CNS neurodegenerative diseases, glial cells have emerged as key players due to their pivotal roles in initiating and hastening disease progression. The inhibition of dysregulated glial function holds the potential to protect neurons and restore brain function. Consequently, glial cells represent an enticing therapeutic candidate for glaucoma, even though the majority of glaucoma research has historically concentrated solely on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In addition to the neuroprotection of RGCs, the proper regulation of glial cell function can also facilitate structural and functional recovery in the retina. In this review, we offer an overview of recent advancements in understanding the non-cell-autonomous mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Furthermore, state-of-the-art technologies have opened up possibilities for regenerating the optic nerve, which was previously believed to be incapable of regeneration. We will also delve into the potential roles of glial cells in the regeneration of the optic nerve and the restoration of visual function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Shinozaki
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xiaoli Guo
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Davies MR, Greenberg Z, van Vuurden DG, Cross CB, Zannettino ACW, Bardy C, Wardill HR. More than a small adult brain: Lessons from chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment for modelling paediatric brain disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:229-247. [PMID: 37858741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.013] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood is recognised as a period of immense physical and emotional development, and this, in part, is driven by underlying neurophysiological transformations. These neurodevelopmental processes are unique to the paediatric brain and are facilitated by augmented rates of neuroplasticity and expanded neural stem cell populations within neurogenic niches. However, given the immaturity of the developing central nervous system, innate protective mechanisms such as neuroimmune and antioxidant responses are functionally naïve which results in periods of heightened sensitivity to neurotoxic insult. This is highly relevant in the context of paediatric cancer, and in particular, the neurocognitive symptoms associated with treatment, such as surgery, radio- and chemotherapy. The vulnerability of the developing brain may increase susceptibility to damage and persistent symptomology, aligning with reports of more severe neurocognitive dysfunction in children compared to adults. It is therefore surprising, given this intensified neurocognitive burden, that most of the pre-clinical, mechanistic research focuses exclusively on adult populations and extrapolates findings to paediatric cohorts. Given this dearth of age-specific research, throughout this review we will draw comparisons with neurodevelopmental disorders which share comparable pathways to cancer treatment related side-effects. Furthermore, we will examine the unique nuances of the paediatric brain along with the somatic systems which influence neurological function. In doing so, we will highlight the importance of developing in vitro and in vivo paediatric disease models to produce age-specific discovery and clinically translatable research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Davies
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Zarina Greenberg
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory of Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the weNetherlands
| | - Courtney B Cross
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cedric Bardy
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory of Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hannah R Wardill
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xie Y, Harwell CC, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte Development in the Rodent. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:51-67. [PMID: 39190071 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_3] [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
Astrocytes have gained increasing recognition as key elements of a broad array of nervous system functions. These include essential roles in synapse formation and elimination, synaptic modulation, maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, energetic support, and neural repair after injury or disease of the nervous system. Nevertheless, our understanding of mechanisms underlying astrocyte development and maturation remains far behind that of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Early efforts to understand astrocyte development focused primarily on their specification from embryonic progenitors and the molecular mechanisms driving the switch from neuron to glial production. Considerably, less is known about postnatal stages of astrocyte development, the period during which they are predominantly generated and mature. Notably, this period is coincident with synapse formation and the emergence of nascent neural circuits. Thus, a greater understanding of astrocyte development is likely to shed new light on the formation and maturation of synapses and circuits. Here, we highlight key foundational principles of embryonic and postnatal astrocyte development, focusing largely on what is known from rodent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey C Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Denise R Garcia
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gomez-Soler M, Olson EJ, de la Torre ER, Zhao C, Lamberto I, Flood DT, Danho W, Lechtenberg BC, Riedl SJ, Dawson PE, Pasquale EB. Lipidation and PEGylation Strategies to Prolong the in Vivo Half-Life of a Nanomolar EphA4 Receptor Antagonist. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115876. [PMID: 38523699 PMCID: PMC10959496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115876] [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: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, inhibition of nerve regeneration, cancer progression and other diseases. Therefore, EphA4 inhibition has potential therapeutic value. Selective EphA4 kinase inhibitors are not available, but we identified peptide antagonists that inhibit ephrin ligand binding to EphA4 with high specificity. One of these peptides is the cyclic APY-d3 (βAPYCVYRβASWSC-NH2), which inhibits ephrin-A5 ligand binding to EphA4 with low nanomolar binding affinity and is highly protease resistant. Here we describe modifications of APY-d3 that yield two different key derivatives with greatly increased half-lives in the mouse circulation, the lipidated APY-d3-laur8 and the PEGylated APY-d3-PEG4. These two derivatives inhibit ligand induced EphA4 activation in cells with sub-micromolar potency. Since they retain high potency and specificity for EphA4, lipidated and PEGylated APY-d3 derivatives represent new tools for discriminating EphA4 activities in vivo and for preclinical testing of EphA4 inhibition in animal disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erika J. Olson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena Rubio de la Torre
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Dillon T. Flood
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Waleed Danho
- Del Mar, California 92014, United States
- Deceased
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stefan J. Riedl
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lopez-Ortiz AO, Eyo UB. Astrocytes and microglia in the coordination of CNS development and homeostasis. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.16006. [PMID: 37985374 PMCID: PMC11102936 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Glia have emerged as important architects of central nervous system (CNS) development and maintenance. While traditionally glial contributions to CNS development and maintenance have been studied independently, there is growing evidence that either suggests or documents that glia may act in coordinated manners to effect developmental patterning and homeostatic functions in the CNS. In this review, we focus on astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the CNS, and microglia, the earliest glia to colonize the CNS highlighting research that documents either suggestive or established coordinated actions by these glial cells in various CNS processes including cell and/or debris clearance, neuronal survival and morphogenesis, synaptic maturation, and circuit function, angio-/vasculogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmission. Some molecular mechanisms underlying these processes that have been identified are also described. Throughout, we categorize the available evidence as either suggestive or established interactions between microglia and astrocytes in the regulation of the respective process and raise possible avenues for further research. We conclude indicating that a better understanding of coordinated astrocyte-microglial interactions in the developing and mature brain holds promise for developing effective therapies for brain pathologies where these processes are perturbed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aída Oryza Lopez-Ortiz
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Urban MW, Charsar BA, Heinsinger NM, Markandaiah SS, Sprimont L, Zhou W, Brown EV, Henderson NT, Thomas SJ, Ghosh B, Cain RE, Trotti D, Pasinelli P, Wright MC, Dalva MB, Lepore AC. EphrinB2 knockdown in cervical spinal cord preserves diaphragm innervation in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.10.538887. [PMID: 37215009 PMCID: PMC10197713 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.10.538887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. Importantly, non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes also play significant roles in disease pathogenesis. However, mechanisms of astrocyte contribution to ALS remain incompletely understood. Astrocyte involvement suggests that transcellular signaling may play a role in disease. We examined contribution of transmembrane signaling molecule ephrinB2 to ALS pathogenesis, in particular its role in driving motor neuron damage by spinal cord astrocytes. In symptomatic SOD1-G93A mice (a well-established ALS model), ephrinB2 expression was dramatically increased in ventral horn astrocytes. Reducing ephrinB2 in the cervical spinal cord ventral horn via viral-mediated shRNA delivery reduced motor neuron loss and preserved respiratory function by maintaining phrenic motor neuron innervation of diaphragm. EphrinB2 expression was also elevated in human ALS spinal cord. These findings implicate ephrinB2 upregulation as both a transcellular signaling mechanism in mutant SOD1-associated ALS and a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
15
|
Strong TA, Esquivel J, Wang Q, Ledon PJ, Wang H, Gaidosh G, Tse D, Pelaez D. Activation of multiple Eph receptors on neuronal membranes correlates with the onset of optic neuropathy. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 10:42. [PMID: 37779186 PMCID: PMC10544557 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optic neuropathy is a major cause of irreversible blindness, yet the molecular determinants that contribute to neuronal demise have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have identified 'ephrin signaling' as one of the most dysregulated pathways in the early pathophysiology of optic neuropathy with varied etiologies. Developmentally, gradients in ephrin signaling coordinate retinotopic mapping via repulsive modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in neuronal membranes. Little is known about the role ephrin signaling plays in the post-natal visual system and its correlation with the onset of optic neuropathy. METHODS Postnatal mouse retinas were collected for mass spectrometry analysis for erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors. Optic nerve crush (ONC) model was employed to induce optic neuropathy, and proteomic changes during the acute phase of neuropathic onset were analyzed. Confocal and super-resolution microscopy determined the cellular localization of activated Eph receptors after ONC injury. Eph receptor inhibitors assessed the neuroprotective effect of ephrin signaling modulation. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed expression of seven Eph receptors (EphA2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, and B6) in postnatal mouse retinal tissue. Immunoblotting analysis indicated a significant increase in phosphorylation of these Eph receptors 48 h after ONC. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of both subclasses of Eph receptors within the retina. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) super-resolution imaging combined with optimal transport colocalization analysis revealed a significant co-localization of activated Eph receptors with injured neuronal cells, compared to uninjured neuronal and/or injured glial cells, 48 h post-ONC. Eph receptor inhibitors displayed notable neuroprotective effects for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after six days of ONC injury. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the functional presence of diverse Eph receptors in the postnatal mammalian retina, capable of modulating multiple biological processes. Pan-Eph receptor activation contributes to the onset of neuropathy in optic neuropathies, with preferential activation of Eph receptors on neuronal processes in the inner retina following optic nerve injury. Notably, Eph receptor activation precedes neuronal loss. We observed a neuroprotective effect on RGCs upon inhibiting Eph receptors. Our study highlights the importance of investigating this repulsive pathway in early optic neuropathies and provides a comprehensive characterization of the receptors present in the developed retina of mice, relevant to both homeostasis and disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Strong
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Juan Esquivel
- Department of Physics, University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Qikai Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Paul J Ledon
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gabriel Gaidosh
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - David Tse
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Panchenko PE, Hippauf L, Konsman JP, Badaut J. Do astrocytes act as immune cells after pediatric TBI? Neurobiol Dis 2023; 185:106231. [PMID: 37468048 PMCID: PMC10530000 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106231] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are in contact with the vasculature, neurons, oligodendrocytes and microglia, forming a local network with various functions critical for brain homeostasis. One of the primary responders to brain injury are astrocytes as they detect neuronal and vascular damage, change their phenotype with morphological, proteomic and transcriptomic transformations for an adaptive response. The role of astrocytic responses in brain dysfunction is not fully elucidated in adult, and even less described in the developing brain. Children are vulnerable to traumatic brain injury (TBI), which represents a leading cause of death and disability in the pediatric population. Pediatric brain trauma, even with mild severity, can lead to long-term health complications, such as cognitive impairments, emotional disorders and social dysfunction later in life. To date, the underlying pathophysiology is still not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the astrocytic response in pediatric TBI and propose a potential immune role of the astrocyte in response to trauma. We discuss the contribution of astrocytes in the local inflammatory cascades and secretion of various immunomodulatory factors involved in the recruitment of local microglial cells and peripheral immune cells through cerebral blood vessels. Taken together, we propose that early changes in the astrocytic phenotype can alter normal development of the brain, with long-term consequences on neurological outcomes, as described in preclinical models and patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea Hippauf
- CNRS UMR 5536 RMSB-University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Jerome Badaut
- CNRS UMR 5536 RMSB-University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gebicke-Haerter PJ. The computational power of the human brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1220030. [PMID: 37608987 PMCID: PMC10441807 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1220030] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
At the end of the 20th century, analog systems in computer science have been widely replaced by digital systems due to their higher computing power. Nevertheless, the question keeps being intriguing until now: is the brain analog or digital? Initially, the latter has been favored, considering it as a Turing machine that works like a digital computer. However, more recently, digital and analog processes have been combined to implant human behavior in robots, endowing them with artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, we think it is timely to compare mathematical models with the biology of computation in the brain. To this end, digital and analog processes clearly identified in cellular and molecular interactions in the Central Nervous System are highlighted. But above that, we try to pinpoint reasons distinguishing in silico computation from salient features of biological computation. First, genuinely analog information processing has been observed in electrical synapses and through gap junctions, the latter both in neurons and astrocytes. Apparently opposed to that, neuronal action potentials (APs) or spikes represent clearly digital events, like the yes/no or 1/0 of a Turing machine. However, spikes are rarely uniform, but can vary in amplitude and widths, which has significant, differential effects on transmitter release at the presynaptic terminal, where notwithstanding the quantal (vesicular) release itself is digital. Conversely, at the dendritic site of the postsynaptic neuron, there are numerous analog events of computation. Moreover, synaptic transmission of information is not only neuronal, but heavily influenced by astrocytes tightly ensheathing the majority of synapses in brain (tripartite synapse). At least at this point, LTP and LTD modifying synaptic plasticity and believed to induce short and long-term memory processes including consolidation (equivalent to RAM and ROM in electronic devices) have to be discussed. The present knowledge of how the brain stores and retrieves memories includes a variety of options (e.g., neuronal network oscillations, engram cells, astrocytic syncytium). Also epigenetic features play crucial roles in memory formation and its consolidation, which necessarily guides to molecular events like gene transcription and translation. In conclusion, brain computation is not only digital or analog, or a combination of both, but encompasses features in parallel, and of higher orders of complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Gebicke-Haerter
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ballester Roig MN, Roy PG, Hannou L, Delignat-Lavaud B, Sully Guerrier TA, Bélanger-Nelson E, Dufort-Gervais J, Mongrain V. Transcriptional regulation of the mouse EphA4, Ephrin-B2 and Ephrin-A3 genes by the circadian clock machinery. Chronobiol Int 2023; 40:983-1003. [PMID: 37551686 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2023.2237580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms originate from molecular feedback loops. In mammals, the transcription factors CLOCK and BMAL1 act on regulatory elements (i.e. E-boxes) to shape biological functions in a rhythmic manner. The EPHA4 receptor and its ligands Ephrins (EFN) are cell adhesion molecules regulating neurotransmission and neuronal morphology. Previous studies showed the presence of E-boxes in the genes of EphA4 and specific Ephrins, and that EphA4 knockout mice have an altered circadian rhythm of locomotor activity. We thus hypothesized that the core clock machinery regulates the gene expression of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3. CLOCK and BMAL1 (or NPAS2 and BMAL2) were found to have transcriptional activity on distal and proximal regions of EphA4, EfnB2 and EfnA3 putative promoters. A constitutively active form of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β; a negative regulator of CLOCK and BMAL1) blocked the transcriptional induction. Mutating the E-boxes of EphA4 distal promoter sequence reduced transcriptional induction. EPHA4 and EFNB2 protein levels did not show circadian variations in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus or prefrontal cortex. The findings uncover that core circadian transcription factors can regulate the gene expression of elements of the Eph/Ephrin system, which might contribute to circadian rhythmicity in biological processes in the brain or peripheral tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Neus Ballester Roig
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Gabriel Roy
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Valérie Mongrain
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Recherche CIUSSS-NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wei HX, Guan YN, Chen PP, Rao ZZ, Yang JS. Upregulation of EphA4 deteriorate brain damage by shifting microglia M1-polarization via NF-κB signaling after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18429. [PMID: 37519758 PMCID: PMC10375859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the main reason of disability and mortality in many countries, and currently has limited treatments. The post-stroke inflammation characterized with microglia activation and polarization has been regarded as a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. After ischemia, the activated microglia polarize to classical (M1) phenotype or alternative (M2) phenotype and exhibit biphasic function. Promoting microglia phenotype shift from deleterious M1 phenotype to neuroprotective M2 phenotype will be promising in stroke treatment. Increasing evidence indicates that the erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptor A4 (EphA4), a kind of abundant Eph receptor, distributes mainly in neuron and participates in multiple links of pathological changes after ischemia. This paper discussed the hypothesis that EphA4 receptor could affect ischemic brain injury through EphA4/ephrin bidirectional signaling between neuron and microglia, and then explored its underlying mechanisms. We manipulated EphA4/ephrin signaling with either EphA4 overexpression lentiviral vectors or the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to upregulate or knock down neuronal EphA4 expression. NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium salt (PDTC) was applied to block NF-κB pathway. According to the experimental results, upregulated neuronal EphA4 induced by ischemia deteriorated neurological function as well as brain damage by shifting microglia M1-polarization via promoting NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xing Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, PR China
| | - Yun-Ni Guan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Ping-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Zhao-Zeng Rao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, Longyan People's Hospital, Longyan, PR China
| | - Jin-Shan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Strong TA, Esquivel J, Wang Q, Ledon PJ, Wang H, Gaidosh G, Tse D, Pelaez D. Activation of Multiple Eph Receptors on Neuronal Membranes Correlates with The Onset of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543735. [PMID: 37333178 PMCID: PMC10274644 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Optic neuropathy (ON) is a major cause of irreversible blindness, yet the molecular determinants that contribute to neuronal demise have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have identified 'ephrin signaling' as one of the most dysregulated pathways in the early pathophysiology of ON with varied etiologies. Developmentally, gradients in ephrin signaling coordinate retinotopic mapping via repulsive modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in neuronal membranes. Little is known about the role ephrin signaling played in the post-natal visual system and its correlation with the onset of optic neuropathy. Methods Postnatal mouse retinas were collected for mass spectrometry analysis for Eph receptors. Optic nerve crush (ONC) model was employed to induce optic neuropathy, and proteomic changes during the acute phase of neuropathic onset were analyzed. Confocal and super-resolution microscopy determined the cellular localization of activated Eph receptors after ONC injury. Eph receptor inhibitors assessed the neuroprotective effect of ephrin signaling modulation. Results Mass spectrometry revealed expression of seven Eph receptors (EphA2, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, and B6) in postnatal mouse retinal tissue. Immunoblotting analysis indicated a significant increase in phosphorylation of these Eph receptors 48 hours after ONC. Confocal microscopy demonstrated the presence of both subclasses of Eph receptors in the inner retinal layers. STORM super-resolution imaging combined with optimal transport colocalization analysis revealed a significant co-localization of activated Eph receptors with injured neuronal processes, compared to uninjured neuronal and/or injured glial cells, 48 hours post-ONC. Eph receptor inhibitors displayed notable neuroprotective effects after 6 days of ONC injury. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the functional presence of diverse Eph receptors in the postnatal mammalian retina, capable of modulating multiple biological processes. Pan-Eph receptor activation contributes to the onset of neuropathy in ONs, with preferential activation of Eph receptors on neuronal processes in the inner retina following optic nerve injury. Notably, Eph receptor activation precedes neuronal loss. We observed neuroprotective effects upon inhibiting Eph receptors. Our study highlights the importance of investigating this repulsive pathway in early optic neuropathies and provides a comprehensive characterization of the receptors present in the developed retina of mice, relevant to both homeostasis and disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Strong
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Juan Esquivel
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Qikai Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Ledon
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Hua Wang
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Gabriel Gaidosh
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - David Tse
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shi CS, Hu Q, Fang SL, Sun CX, Shao DH. MicroRNA-204-5p Ameliorates Neurological Injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Stroke. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37196241 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke has extremely high mortality and disability rates worldwide. miR-204-5p has been reported to be associated with neurological diseases. However, the relationship linking miR-204-5p to ischemic stroke and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we found that expression of miR-204-5p was significantly decreased while EphA4 increased in vivo and vitro, which reached the peak at 24 h after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Then, we altered miR-204-5p expression in rats by cerebroventricular injection. Our study showed that miR-204-5p overexpression obviously reduced the brain infarction area and neurological score. We successfully cultured neurons to investigate the downstream mechanism. Upregulation of miR-204-5p increased cell viability and suppressed the release of LDH. Moreover, the proportion of apoptotic cells tested by TUNEL and flow cytometry and protein expression of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax were inhibited. The relative expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β was repressed. In contrary, knockdown of miR-204-5p showed the opposite results. Bioinformatics and a dual luciferase assay illustrated that EphA4 was a target gene. Further research studies demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of miR-204-5p could be partially mitigated by upregulating EphA4. Next, we proved that the miR-204-5p/EphA4 axis furtherly activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. We thoroughly illustrated the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis. However, whether there are other mechanisms associated with the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway needs further investigation. Altogether, the miR-204-5p axis ameliorates neurological injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is expected to serve as an effective treatment for ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Sheng Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Jiangsu, No.301 Xue Fu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Qi Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Shi-Lei Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Cai-Xia Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Dong-Hua Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ratan Y, Rajput A, Maleysm S, Pareek A, Jain V, Pareek A, Kaur R, Singh G. An Insight into Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Pathogenesis of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051398. [PMID: 37239068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prominent neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population. It is characterized by cognitive decline, gradual neurodegeneration, and the development of amyloid-β (Aβ)-plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which constitute hyperphosphorylated tau. The early stages of neurodegeneration in AD include the loss of neurons, followed by synaptic impairment. Since the discovery of AD, substantial factual research has surfaced that outlines the disease's causes, molecular mechanisms, and prospective therapeutics, but a successful cure for the disease has not yet been discovered. This may be attributed to the complicated pathogenesis of AD, the absence of a well-defined molecular mechanism, and the constrained diagnostic resources and treatment options. To address the aforementioned challenges, extensive disease modeling is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of AD, making it easier to design and develop effective treatment strategies. Emerging evidence over the past few decades supports the critical role of Aβ and tau in AD pathogenesis and the participation of glial cells in different molecular and cellular pathways. This review extensively discusses the current understanding concerning Aβ- and tau-associated molecular mechanisms and glial dysfunction in AD. Moreover, the critical risk factors associated with AD including genetics, aging, environmental variables, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, viral/bacterial infections, and psychiatric factors have been summarized. The present study will entice researchers to more thoroughly comprehend and explore the current status of the molecular mechanism of AD, which may assist in AD drug development in the forthcoming era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yashumati Ratan
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aishwarya Rajput
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sushmita Maleysm
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aaushi Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vivek Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashutosh Pareek
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali 304022, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ranjeet Kaur
- Adesh Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Bathinda 151101, Punjab, India
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Farizatto KLG, Baldwin KT. Astrocyte-synapse interactions during brain development. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 80:102704. [PMID: 36913751 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons is essential for proper brain development. Astrocytes, a major glial cell type, are morphologically complex cells that directly interact with neuronal synapses to regulate synapse formation, maturation, and function. Astrocyte-secreted factors bind neuronal receptors to induce synaptogenesis with regional and circuit-level precision. Cell adhesion molecules mediate the direct contact between astrocytes and neurons, which is required for both synaptogenesis and astrocyte morphogenesis. Neuron-derived signals also shape astrocyte development, function, and molecular identity. This review highlights recent findings on the topic of astrocyte-synapse interactions, and discusses the importance of these interactions for synapse and astrocyte development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L G Farizatto
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nabavi M, Hiesinger PR. Turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 124:103816. [PMID: 36649812 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular interactions between pre- and postsynaptic membranes play critical roles during the development, function and maintenance of synapses. Synaptic interactions are mediated by cell surface receptors that may be held in place by trans-synaptic adhesion or intracellular binding to membrane-associated scaffolding and signaling complexes. Despite their role in stabilizing synaptic contacts, synaptic adhesion molecules undergo turnover and degradation during all stages of a neuron's life. Here we review current knowledge about membrane trafficking mechanisms that regulate turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules and the functional significance of turnover for synapse development and function. Based on recent proteomics, genetics and imaging studies, synaptic adhesion molecules exhibit remarkably high turnover rates compared to other synaptic proteins. Degradation occurs predominantly via endolysosomal mechanisms, with little evidence for roles of proteasomal or autophagic degradation. Basal turnover occurs both during synaptic development and maintenance. Neuronal activity typically stabilizes synaptic adhesion molecules while downregulating neurotransmitter receptors based on turnover. In conclusion, constitutive turnover of synaptic adhesion molecules is not a necessarily destabilizing factor, but a basis for the dynamic regulation of trans-synaptic interactions during synapse formation and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Nabavi
- Institute for Biology, Division of Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - P Robin Hiesinger
- Institute for Biology, Division of Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ba R, Yang L, Zhang B, Jiang P, Ding Z, Zhou X, Yang Z, Zhao C. FOXG1 drives transcriptomic networks to specify principal neuron subtypes during the development of the medial pallium. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade2441. [PMID: 36791184 PMCID: PMC9931217 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The medial pallium (MP) is the major forebrain region underlying learning and memory, spatial navigation, and emotion; however, the mechanisms underlying the specification of its principal neuron subtypes remain largely unexplored. Here, by postmitotic deletion of FOXG1 (a transcription factor linked to autism spectrum disorders and FOXG1 syndrome) and single-cell RNA sequencing of E17.5 MP in mice, we found that FOXG1 controls the specification of upper-layer retrosplenial cortical pyramidal neurons [RSC-PyNs (UL)], subiculum PyNs (SubC-PyNs), CA1-PyNs, CA3-PyNs, and dentate gyrus granule cells (DG-GCs) in the MP. We uncovered subtype-specific and subtype-shared FOXG1-regulated transcriptomic networks orchestrating MP neuron specification. We further demonstrated that FOXG1 transcriptionally represses Zbtb20, Prox1, and Epha4 to prevent CA3-PyN and DG-GC identities during the specification of RSC-PyNs (UL) and SubC-PyNs; FOXG1 directly activates Nr4a2 to promote SubC-PyN identity. We showed that TBR1, controlled by FOXG1 during CA1-PyN specification, was down-regulated. Thus, our study illuminates MP principal neuron subtype specification and related neuropathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ru Ba
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Research Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Baoshen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Pengfei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhipeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontier Research Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Chunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Neuronal and astrocytic protein connections and associated adhesion molecules. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:14-20. [PMID: 36202350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically complex, with a myriad of processes which allow contact with other astrocytes, blood vessels, and neurons. Adhesion molecules expressed by these cells regulate this connectivity. Adhesion molecules are required to form and maintain functional neural circuits, but their importance and mechanisms of action, particularly in astrocyte-neuron contact, remain unresolved. Several studies of neuron-astrocyte connections have demonstrated the vital functions of adhesion molecules, including neuron-glia cell adhesion molecules, astrotactins, and protocadherins. In this review, we provide an overview and perspective of astrocyte-neuron contacts mediated by adhesion molecules in developing neural circuits and synapse formation, especially in the cerebellum. We also outline a novel mechanism of interaction between neurons and astrocytes in the tripartite synapses that has been recently found by our group.
Collapse
|
27
|
Astrocytes regulate neuronal network activity by mediating synapse remodeling. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:3-13. [PMID: 36170922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Based on experience during our life, neuronal connectivity continuously changes through structural remodeling of synapses. Recent studies have shown that the complex interaction between astrocytes and synapses regulates structural synapse remodeling by inducing the formation and elimination of synapses, as well as their functional maturation. Defects in this astrocyte-mediated synapse remodeling cause problems in not only neuronal network activities but also animal behaviors. Moreover, in various neurological disorders, astrocytes have been shown to play central roles in the initiation and progression of synaptic pathophysiology through impaired interactions with synapses. In this review, we will discuss recent studies identifying the novel roles of astrocytes in neuronal circuit remodeling, focusing on synapse formation and elimination. We will also discuss the potential implication of defective astrocytic function in evoking various brain disorders.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kater MSJ, Badia-Soteras A, van Weering JRT, Smit AB, Verheijen MHG. Electron microscopy analysis of astrocyte-synapse interactions shows altered dynamics in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1085690. [PMID: 36779013 PMCID: PMC9908992 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1085690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Astrocyte-synapse bi-directional communication is required for neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Astrocytes structurally interact with synapses using their distal processes also known as leaflets or perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAPs). We recently showed that these PAPs are retracted from hippocampal synapses, and involved in the consolidation of fear memory. However, whether astrocytic synaptic coverage is affected when memory is impaired is unknown. Methods Here, we describe in detail an electron microscopy method that makes use of a large number of 2D images to investigate structural astrocyte-synapse interaction in paraformaldehyde fixed brain tissue of mice. Results and discussion We show that fear memory-induced synaptic activation reduces the interaction between the PAPs and the presynapse, but not the postsynapse, accompanied by retraction of the PAP tip from the synaptic cleft. Interestingly, this retraction is absent in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, supporting the concept that alterations in astrocyte-synapse coverage contribute to memory processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy S. J. Kater
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aina Badia-Soteras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan R. T. van Weering
- Department of Human Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mark H. G. Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Mark H. G. Verheijen,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Neurotrophic Factors and Dendritic Spines. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:223-254. [PMID: 37962797 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_5] [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: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are highly dynamic structures that play important roles in neuronal plasticity. The morphologies and the numbers of dendritic spines are highly variable, and this diversity is correlated with the different morphological and physiological features of this neuronal compartment. Dendritic spines can change their morphology and number rapidly, allowing them to adapt to plastic changes. Neurotrophic factors play important roles in the brain during development. However, these factors are also necessary for a variety of processes in the postnatal brain. Neurotrophic factors, especially members of the neurotrophin family and the ephrin family, are involved in the modulation of long-lasting effects induced by neuronal plasticity by acting on dendritic spines, either directly or indirectly. Thereby, the neurotrophic factors play important roles in processes attributed, for example, to learning and memory.
Collapse
|
30
|
Rasia-Filho AA, Calcagnotto ME, von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Glial Cell Modulation of Dendritic Spine Structure and Synaptic Function. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:255-310. [PMID: 37962798 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Glia comprise a heterogeneous group of cells involved in the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system. Glial cells are found from invertebrates to humans with morphological specializations related to the neural circuits in which they are embedded. Glial cells modulate neuronal functions, brain wiring and myelination, and information processing. For example, astrocytes send processes to the synaptic cleft, actively participate in the metabolism of neurotransmitters, and release gliotransmitters, whose multiple effects depend on the targeting cells. Human astrocytes are larger and more complex than their mice and rats counterparts. Astrocytes and microglia participate in the development and plasticity of neural circuits by modulating dendritic spines. Spines enhance neuronal connectivity, integrate most postsynaptic excitatory potentials, and balance the strength of each input. Not all central synapses are engulfed by astrocytic processes. When that relationship occurs, a different pattern for thin and large spines reflects an activity-dependent remodeling of motile astrocytic processes around presynaptic and postsynaptic elements. Microglia are equally relevant for synaptic processing, and both glial cells modulate the switch of neuroendocrine secretion and behavioral display needed for reproduction. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the structure, function, and plasticity of glial cells and relate them to synaptic maturation and modulation, also involving neurotrophic factors. Together, neurons and glia coordinate synaptic transmission in both normal and abnormal conditions. Neglected over decades, this exciting research field can unravel the complexity of species-specific neural cytoarchitecture as well as the dynamic region-specific functional interactions between diverse neurons and glial subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology and Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Uchigashima M, Hayashi Y, Futai K. Regulation of Presynaptic Release Machinery by Cell Adhesion Molecules. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 33:333-356. [PMID: 37615873 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34229-5_13] [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: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The synapse is a highly specialized asymmetric structure that transmits and stores information in the brain. The size of pre- and postsynaptic structures and function is well coordinated at the individual synapse level. For example, large postsynaptic dendritic spines have a larger postsynaptic density with higher α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) number on their surface, while juxtaposing presynaptic terminals have a larger active zone and higher release probability. This indicates that pre- and postsynaptic domains bidirectionally communicate to coordinate assembly of specific molecules on both sides of the synaptic cleft. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that localize at synapses form transsynaptic protein interactions across the synaptic cleft and play important roles in synapse formation and regulation. The extracellular domain of CAMs is essential for specific synapse formation and function. In contrast, the intracellular domain is necessary for binding with synaptic molecules and signal transduction. Therefore, CAMs play an essential role on synapse function and structure. In fact, ample evidence indicates that transsynaptic CAMs instruct and modulate functions at presynaptic sites. This chapter focuses on transsynaptic protein interactions that regulate presynaptic functions emphasizing the role of neuronal CAMs and the intracellular mechanism of their regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Motokazu Uchigashima
- Department of Cellular Neuropathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yasunori Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Futai
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Vasiliev GV, Ovchinnikov VY, Lisachev PD, Bondar NP, Grinkevich LN. The Expression of miRNAs Involved in Long-Term Memory Formation in the CNS of the Mollusk Helix lucorum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010301. [PMID: 36613744 PMCID: PMC9820140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mollusks are unique animals with a relatively simple central nervous system (CNS) containing giant neurons with identified functions. With such simple CNS, mollusks yet display sufficiently complex behavior, thus ideal for various studies of behavioral processes, including long-term memory (LTM) formation. For our research, we use the formation of the fear avoidance reflex in the terrestrial mollusk Helix lucorum as a learning model. We have shown previously that LTM formation in Helix requires epigenetic modifications of histones leading to both activation and inactivation of the specific genes. It is known that microRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate the expression of genes; however, the role of miRNAs in behavioral regulation has been poorly investigated. Currently, there is no miRNAs sequencing data being published on Helix lucorum, which makes it impossible to investigate the role of miRNAs in the memory formation of this mollusk. In this study, we have performed sequencing and comparative bioinformatics analysis of the miRNAs from the CNS of Helix lucorum. We have identified 95 different microRNAs, including microRNAs belonging to the MIR-9, MIR-10, MIR-22, MIR-124, MIR-137, and MIR-153 families, known to be involved in various CNS processes of vertebrates and other species, particularly, in the fear behavior and LTM. We have shown that in the CNS of Helix lucorum MIR-10 family (26 miRNAs) is the most representative one, including Hlu-Mir-10-S5-5p and Hlu-Mir-10-S9-5p as top hits. Moreover, we have shown the involvement of the MIR-10 family in LTM formation in Helix. The expression of 17 representatives of MIR-10 differentially changes during different periods of LTM consolidation in the CNS of Helix. In addition, using comparative analysis of microRNA expression upon learning in normal snails and snails with deficient learning abilities with dysfunction of the serotonergic system, we identified a number of microRNAs from several families, including MIR-10, which expression changes only in normal animals. The obtained data can be used for further fundamental and applied behavioral research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gennady V. Vasiliev
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir Y. Ovchinnikov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Pavel D. Lisachev
- Federal Research Center for Information and Computational Technologies, 6 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia P. Bondar
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Larisa N. Grinkevich
- The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 nab. Makarova, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Xia Y, Chen J, Ma T, Meng X, Han X, Li D. Maternal DBP exposure promotes synaptic formation in offspring by activating astrocytes via the AKT/NF-κB/IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154437. [PMID: 35278568 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that activated astrocytes in the hypothalamus could disrupt GnRH secretion in offspring after maternal di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) exposure, indicating that the effect of DBP on astrocyte activation and crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons is still worthy of further investigation. In this study, pregnant mice were intragastrically administered DBP dissolved in corn oil from gestational days (GD) 12.5-21.5. Maternal DBP exposure resulted in hippocampal astrocyte activation, abnormal synaptic formation, and reduced autonomic and exploratory behavior in offspring on postnatal day (PND) 22. Further studies identified that mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP) induced astrocyte activation and proliferation by activating the AKT/NF-κB/IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, upregulated thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) in activated astrocytes regulated synaptic-related protein expression. This study highlights the neurotoxicity of maternal DBP exposure to offspring, which provides new insights into identifying potential molecular targets for the treatment of diseases related to neurological development disorders in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Xia
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Junhan Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Tan Ma
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou 225001, China
| | - Xiannan Meng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Saint‐Martin M, Goda Y. Astrocyte–synapse interactions and cell adhesion molecules. FEBS J 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Saint‐Martin
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity RIKEN Center for Brain Science Wako‐shi, Saitama Japan
| | - Yukiko Goda
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity RIKEN Center for Brain Science Wako‐shi, Saitama Japan
- Synapse Biology Unit Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ameroso D, Meng A, Chen S, Felsted J, Dulla CG, Rios M. Astrocytic BDNF signaling within the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates energy homeostasis. Nat Metab 2022; 4:627-643. [PMID: 35501599 PMCID: PMC9177635 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for maintaining energy and glucose balance within the central nervous system. Because the study of its metabolic actions has been limited to effects in neuronal cells, its role in other cell types within the brain remains poorly understood. Here we show that astrocytic BDNF signaling within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) modulates neuronal activity in response to changes in energy status. This occurs via the truncated TrkB.T1 receptor. Accordingly, either fasting or central BDNF depletion enhances astrocytic synaptic glutamate clearance, thereby decreasing neuronal activity in mice. Notably, selective depletion of TrkB.T1 in VMH astrocytes blunts the effects of energy status on excitatory transmission, as well as on responses to leptin, glucose and lipids. These effects are driven by increased astrocytic invasion of excitatory synapses, enhanced glutamate reuptake and decreased neuronal activity. We thus identify BDNF/TrkB.T1 signaling in VMH astrocytes as an essential mechanism that participates in energy and glucose homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Ameroso
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice Meng
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stella Chen
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Felsted
- Graduate Program in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chris G Dulla
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maribel Rios
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li Y, Su P, Chen Y, Nie J, Yuan TF, Wong AH, Liu F. The Eph receptor A4 plays a role in demyelination and depression-related behavior. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e152187. [PMID: 35271507 PMCID: PMC9012277 DOI: 10.1172/jci152187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper myelination of axons is crucial for normal sensory, motor, and cognitive function. Abnormal myelination is seen in brain disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), but the molecular mechanisms connecting demyelination with the pathobiology remain largely unknown. We observed demyelination and synaptic deficits in mice exposed to either chronic, unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) or LPS, 2 paradigms for inducing depression-like states. Pharmacological restoration of myelination normalized both synaptic deficits and depression-related behaviors. Furthermore, we found increased ephrin A4 receptor (EphA4) expression in the excitatory neurons of mice subjected to CUMS, and shRNA knockdown of EphA4 prevented demyelination and depression-like behaviors. These animal data are consistent with the decrease in myelin basic protein and the increase in EphA4 levels we observed in postmortem brain samples from patients with MDD. Our results provide insights into the etiology of depressive symptoms in some patients and suggest that inhibition of EphA4 or the promotion of myelination could be a promising strategy for treating depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Su
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
| | - Yuxiang Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Nie
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert H.C. Wong
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Departments of Psychiatry
- Institutes of Medical Science
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, and
| | - Fang Liu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Departments of Psychiatry
- Institutes of Medical Science
- Physiology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kim J, Erice C, Rohlwink UK, Tucker EW. Infections in the Developing Brain: The Role of the Neuro-Immune Axis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:805786. [PMID: 35250814 PMCID: PMC8891478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.805786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) infections occur more commonly in young children than in adults and pose unique challenges in the developing brain. This review builds on the distinct vulnerabilities in children's peripheral immune system (outlined in part 1 of this review series) and focuses on how the developing brain responds once a CNS infection occurs. Although the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) matures early, pathogens enter the CNS and initiate a localized innate immune response with release of cytokines and chemokines to recruit peripheral immune cells that contribute to the inflammatory cascade. This immune response is initiated by the resident brain cells, microglia and astrocytes, which are not only integral to fighting the infection but also have important roles during normal brain development. Additionally, cytokines and other immune mediators such as matrix metalloproteinases from neurons, glia, and endothelial cells not only play a role in BBB permeability and peripheral cell recruitment, but also in brain maturation. Consequently, these immune modulators and the activation of microglia and astrocytes during infection adversely impact normal neurodevelopment. Perturbations to normal brain development manifest as neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive impairments common among children who survive CNS infections and are often permanent. In part 2 of the review series, we broadly summarize the unique challenges CNS infections create in a developing brain and explore the interaction of regulators of neurodevelopment and CNS immune response as part of the neuro-immune axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Clara Erice
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ursula K. Rohlwink
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth W. Tucker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
The roles of Eph receptors, neuropilin-1, P2X7, and CD147 in COVID-19-associated neurodegenerative diseases: inflammasome and JaK inhibitors as potential promising therapies. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:10. [PMID: 35109786 PMCID: PMC8809072 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide, and finding a safe therapeutic strategy and effective vaccine is critical to overcoming severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, elucidation of pathogenesis mechanisms, especially entry routes of SARS-CoV-2 may help propose antiviral drugs and novel vaccines. Several receptors have been demonstrated for the interaction of spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), ephrin ligands and Eph receptors, neuropilin 1 (NRP-1), P2X7, and CD147. The expression of these entry receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) may make the CNS prone to SARS-CoV-2 invasion, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. The present review provides potential pathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS, including entry receptors and cytokines involved in neuroinflammatory conditions. Moreover, it explains several neurodegenerative disorders associated with COVID-19. Finally, we suggest inflammasome and JaK inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
39
|
Tworig JM, Coate C, Feller MB. Excitatory neurotransmission activates compartmentalized calcium transients in Müller glia without affecting lateral process motility. eLife 2021; 10:73202. [PMID: 34913435 PMCID: PMC8806189 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural activity has been implicated in the motility and outgrowth of glial cell processes throughout the central nervous system. Here, we explore this phenomenon in Müller glia, which are specialized radial astroglia that are the predominant glial type of the vertebrate retina. Müller glia extend fine filopodia-like processes into retinal synaptic layers, in similar fashion to brain astrocytes and radial glia that exhibit perisynaptic processes. Using two-photon volumetric imaging, we found that during the second postnatal week, Müller glial processes were highly dynamic, with rapid extensions and retractions that were mediated by cytoskeletal rearrangements. During this same stage of development, retinal waves led to increases in cytosolic calcium within Müller glial lateral processes and stalks. These regions comprised distinct calcium compartments, distinguished by variable participation in waves, timing, and sensitivity to an M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. However, we found that motility of lateral processes was unaffected by the presence of pharmacological agents that enhanced or blocked wave-associated calcium transients. Finally, we found that mice lacking normal cholinergic waves in the first postnatal week also exhibited normal Müller glial process morphology. Hence, outgrowth of Müller glial lateral processes into synaptic layers is determined by factors that are independent of neuronal activity. When it comes to studying the nervous system, neurons often steal the limelight; yet, they can only work properly thanks to an ensemble cast of cell types whose roles are only just emerging. For example, ‘glial cells’ – their name derives from the Greek word for glue – were once thought to play only a passive, supporting function in nervous tissues. Now, growing evidence shows that they are, in fact, integrated into neural circuits: their activity is influenced by neurons, and, in turn, they help neurons to function properly. The role of glial cells is becoming clear in the retina, the thin, light-sensitive layer that lines the back of the eye and relays visual information to the brain. There, beautifully intricate Müller glial cells display fine protrusions (or ‘processes') that intermingle with synapses, the busy space between neurons where chemical messengers are exchanged. These messengers can act on Müller cells, triggering cascades of molecular events that may influence the structure and function of glia. This is of particular interest during development: as Müller cells mature, they are exposed to chemicals released by more fully formed retinal neurons. Tworig et al. explored how neuronal messengers can influence the way Müller cells grow their processes. To do so, they tracked mouse retinal glial cells ‘live’ during development, showing that they were growing fine, highly dynamic processes in a region rich in synapses just as neurons and glia increased their communication. However, using drugs to disrupt this messaging for a short period did not seem to impact how the processes grew. Extending the blockade over a longer timeframe also did not change the way Müller cells developed, with the cells still acquiring their characteristic elaborate process networks. Taken together, these results suggest that the structural maturation of Müller glial cells is not impacted by neuronal signaling, giving a more refined understanding of how glia form in the retina and potentially in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Tworig
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Chandler Coate
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Marla B Feller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Motz CT, Kabat V, Saxena T, Bellamkonda RV, Zhu C. Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100102. [PMID: 34342167 PMCID: PMC8497434 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara T Motz
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Victoria Kabat
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| | - Tarun Saxena
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0363, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhao J, Stevens CH, Boyd AW, Ooi L, Bartlett PF. Role of EphA4 in Mediating Motor Neuron Death in MND. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9430. [PMID: 34502339 PMCID: PMC8430883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) comprises a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases with no effective cure. As progressive motor neuron cell death is one of pathological characteristics of MND, molecules which protect these cells are attractive therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence indicates that EphA4 activation is involved in MND pathogenesis, and inhibition of EphA4 improves functional outcomes. However, the underlying mechanism of EphA4's function in MND is unclear. In this review, we first present results to demonstrate that EphA4 signalling acts directly on motor neurons to cause cell death. We then review the three most likely mechanisms underlying this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Claire H. Stevens
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Andrew W. Boyd
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience and Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Perry F. Bartlett
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tan CX, Eroglu C. Cell adhesion molecules regulating astrocyte-neuron interactions. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 69:170-177. [PMID: 33957433 PMCID: PMC8387342 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A tripartite synapse comprises a neuronal presynaptic axon and a postsynaptic dendrite, which are closely ensheathed by a perisynaptic astrocyte process. Through their structural and functional association with thousands of neuronal synapses, astrocytes regulate synapse formation and function. Recent work revealed a diverse range of cell adhesion-based mechanisms that mediate astrocyte-synapse interactions at tripartite synapses. Here, we will review some of these findings unveiling a highly dynamic bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and synapses, which orchestrates astrocyte morphological maturation and synapse development. Moreover, we will discuss the roles of these newly discovered molecular pathways in brain physiology and function both in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christabel X Tan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Regeneration Next Initiative, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Baud A, Casale FP, Barkley-Levenson AM, Farhadi N, Montillot C, Yalcin B, Nicod J, Palmer AA, Stegle O. Dissecting indirect genetic effects from peers in laboratory mice. Genome Biol 2021; 22:216. [PMID: 34311762 PMCID: PMC8311926 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02415-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The phenotype of an individual can be affected not only by the individual's own genotypes, known as direct genetic effects (DGE), but also by genotypes of interacting partners, indirect genetic effects (IGE). IGE have been detected using polygenic models in multiple species, including laboratory mice and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Genome-wide association studies of IGE (igeGWAS) can point to IGE genes, but have not yet been applied to non-familial IGE arising from "peers" and affecting biomedical phenotypes. In addition, the extent to which igeGWAS will identify loci not identified by dgeGWAS remains an open question. Finally, findings from igeGWAS have not been confirmed by experimental manipulation. RESULTS We leverage a dataset of 170 behavioral, physiological, and morphological phenotypes measured in 1812 genetically heterogeneous laboratory mice to study IGE arising between same-sex, adult, unrelated mice housed in the same cage. We develop and apply methods for igeGWAS in this context and identify 24 significant IGE loci for 17 phenotypes (FDR < 10%). We observe no overlap between IGE loci and DGE loci for the same phenotype, which is consistent with the moderate genetic correlations between DGE and IGE for the same phenotype estimated using polygenic models. Finally, we fine-map seven significant IGE loci to individual genes and find supportive evidence in an experiment with a knockout model that Epha4 gives rise to IGE on stress-coping strategy and wound healing. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the potential for igeGWAS to identify IGE genes and shed light into the mechanisms of peer influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Baud
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, CB10 1SD Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
- Current Address: Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Paolo Casale
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, CB10 1SD Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Microsoft Research New England, Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | - Nilgoun Farhadi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Charlotte Montillot
- INSERM U1231 GAD Laboratory, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21070 Dijon, France
| | - Binnaz Yalcin
- INSERM U1231 GAD Laboratory, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21070 Dijon, France
| | - Jerome Nicod
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Current Address: The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Abraham A. Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Oliver Stegle
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, CB10 1SD Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, CB10 1SD Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang Y, Wen C, Xie G, Jiang L. Blockade of Spinal EphA4 Reduces Chronic Inflammatory Pain in Mice. Neurol Res 2021; 43:528-534. [PMID: 33541257 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1884798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Ephs) receptor and their ligands, ephrins, orchestrate the induction of cell proliferation and migration, axonal guidance, synaptic genesis and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Previous studies demonstrated that EphBs/ephrinBs participate in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain and bone cancer pain, but the role of EphA4 in the regulation of pain in the spinal cord is unknown. Therefore, we explored the role of EphA4 receptor in regulating chronic inflammatory pain.Methods: We established a mouse model of chronic inflammatory pain through plantar injection of complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) and assessed EphA4 expression in spinal cord by western blotting. EphA4 receptor was blocked by intrathecal injection of EphA4-Fc, an EphA4 antagonist, and pain behaviors were measured by assessing thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the changes in the expression of Fos protein in spinal cord after blocking EphA4 receptor.Results: Plantar injection of CFA produced persistent thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, which was accompanied by significant increases in spinal EphA4 and Fos expression. Blocking spinal EphA4 receptor suppressed CFA-induced pain behaviors and reduced the expression of Fos protein in spinal cord.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that EphA4 receptor is involved in the generation and maintenance of CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain and that blocking the spinal EphA4 receptor could relieve persistent pain behaviors in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanyun Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guozhu Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang L, Qi Z, Li J, Li M, Du X, Wang S, Zhou G, Xu B, Liu W, Xi S, Xu Z, Deng Y. Roles and Mechanisms of Axon-Guidance Molecules in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3290-3307. [PMID: 33675023 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive memory decline and cognitive dysfunctions. Although the causes of AD have not yet been established, many mechanisms have been proposed. Axon-guidance molecules play the roles in the occurrence and development of AD by participating in different mechanisms. Therefore, what roles do axon-guidance molecules play in AD? This study aimed at elucidating how axon-guidance molecules Netrins, Slits, Semaphorins, and Ephrins regulate the levels of Aβ, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, Reelin, and other ways through different signaling pathways, in order to show the roles of axon-guidance molecules in the occurrence and development of AD. And it is hoped that this study can provide a theoretical basis and new perspectives in the search for new therapeutic targets for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhipeng Qi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xianchao Du
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Davidson AM, Mejía-Gómez H, Jacobowitz M, Mostany R. Dendritic Spine Density and Dynamics of Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons of the Primary Motor Cortex Are Elevated With Aging. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:767-777. [PMID: 31298696 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that motor impairment often occurs alongside healthy aging, leading to problems with fine motor skills and coordination. Although previously thought to be caused by neuronal death accumulating across the lifespan, it is now believed that the source of this impairment instead stems from more subtle changes in neural connectivity. The dendritic spine is a prime target for exploration of this problem because it is the postsynaptic partner of most excitatory synapses received by the pyramidal neuron, a cortical cell that carries much of the information processing load in the cerebral cortex. We repeatedly imaged the same dendrites in young adult and aged mouse motor cortex over the course of 1 month to look for differences in the baseline state of the dendritic spine population. These experiments reveal increased dendritic spine density, without obvious changes in spine clustering, occurring at the aged dendrite. Additionally, aged dendrites exhibit elevated spine turnover and stabilization alongside decreased long-term spine survival. These results suggest that at baseline the aged motor cortex may exist in a perpetual state of relative instability and attempts at compensation. This phenotype of aging may provide clues for future targets of aging-related motor impairment remediation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Davidson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - H Mejía-Gómez
- Neuroscience Program, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - M Jacobowitz
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - R Mostany
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Clark IC, Gutiérrez-Vázquez C, Wheeler MA, Li Z, Rothhammer V, Linnerbauer M, Sanmarco LM, Guo L, Blain M, Zandee SEJ, Chao CC, Batterman KV, Schwabenland M, Lotfy P, Tejeda-Velarde A, Hewson P, Manganeli Polonio C, Shultis MW, Salem Y, Tjon EC, Fonseca-Castro PH, Borucki DM, Alves de Lima K, Plasencia A, Abate AR, Rosene DL, Hodgetts KJ, Prinz M, Antel JP, Prat A, Quintana FJ. Barcoded viral tracing of single-cell interactions in central nervous system inflammation. Science 2021; 372:372/6540/eabf1230. [PMID: 33888612 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell interactions control the physiology and pathology of the central nervous system (CNS). To study astrocyte cell interactions in vivo, we developed rabies barcode interaction detection followed by sequencing (RABID-seq), which combines barcoded viral tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Using RABID-seq, we identified axon guidance molecules as candidate mediators of microglia-astrocyte interactions that promote CNS pathology in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and, potentially, multiple sclerosis (MS). In vivo cell-specific genetic perturbation EAE studies, in vitro systems, and the analysis of MS scRNA-seq datasets and CNS tissue established that Sema4D and Ephrin-B3 expressed in microglia control astrocyte responses via PlexinB2 and EphB3, respectively. Furthermore, a CNS-penetrant EphB3 inhibitor suppressed astrocyte and microglia proinflammatory responses and ameliorated EAE. In summary, RABID-seq identified microglia-astrocyte interactions and candidate therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iain C Clark
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Cristina Gutiérrez-Vázquez
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zhaorong Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mathias Linnerbauer
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Liliana M Sanmarco
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lydia Guo
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manon Blain
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Stephanie E J Zandee
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Chun-Cheih Chao
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katelyn V Batterman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Lotfy
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amalia Tejeda-Velarde
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick Hewson
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carolina Manganeli Polonio
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michael W Shultis
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yasmin Salem
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emily C Tjon
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pedro H Fonseca-Castro
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Davis M Borucki
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kalil Alves de Lima
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Agustin Plasencia
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adam R Abate
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kevin J Hodgetts
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Signaling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jack P Antel
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bączyńska E, Pels KK, Basu S, Włodarczyk J, Ruszczycki B. Quantification of Dendritic Spines Remodeling under Physiological Stimuli and in Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4053. [PMID: 33919977 PMCID: PMC8070910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous brain diseases are associated with abnormalities in morphology and density of dendritic spines, small membranous protrusions whose structural geometry correlates with the strength of synaptic connections. Thus, the quantitative analysis of dendritic spines remodeling in microscopic images is one of the key elements towards understanding mechanisms of structural neuronal plasticity and bases of brain pathology. In the following article, we review experimental approaches designed to assess quantitative features of dendritic spines under physiological stimuli and in pathological conditions. We compare various methodological pipelines of biological models, sample preparation, data analysis, image acquisition, sample size, and statistical analysis. The methodology and results of relevant experiments are systematically summarized in a tabular form. In particular, we focus on quantitative data regarding the number of animals, cells, dendritic spines, types of studied parameters, size of observed changes, and their statistical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Bączyńska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.K.P.); (J.W.)
| | - Katarzyna Karolina Pels
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.K.P.); (J.W.)
| | - Subhadip Basu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jadvapur University, Kolkata 700032, India;
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.K.P.); (J.W.)
| | - Błażej Ruszczycki
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.K.P.); (J.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Watts M, Williams G, Lu J, Nithianantharajah J, Claudianos C. MicroRNA-210 Regulates Dendritic Morphology and Behavioural Flexibility in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1330-1344. [PMID: 33165828 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02197-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are known to be critical regulators of neuronal plasticity. The highly conserved, hypoxia-regulated microRNA-210 (miR-210) has been shown to be associated with long-term memory in invertebrates and dysregulated in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease models. However, the role of miR-210 in mammalian neuronal function and cognitive behaviour remains unexplored. Here we generated Nestin-cre-driven miR-210 neuronal knockout mice to characterise miR-210 regulation and function using in vitro and in vivo methods. We identified miR-210 localisation throughout neuronal somas and dendritic processes and increased levels of mature miR-210 in response to neural activity in vitro. Loss of miR-210 in neurons resulted in higher oxidative phosphorylation and ROS production following hypoxia and increased dendritic arbour density in hippocampal cultures. Additionally, miR-210 knockout mice displayed altered behavioural flexibility in rodent touchscreen tests, particularly during early reversal learning suggesting processes underlying updating of information and feedback were impacted. Our findings support a conserved, activity-dependent role for miR-210 in neuroplasticity and cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Watts
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Williams
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jing Lu
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jess Nithianantharajah
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Florey Department of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Charles Claudianos
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
González-Molina LA, Villar-Vesga J, Henao-Restrepo J, Villegas A, Lopera F, Cardona-Gómez GP, Posada-Duque R. Extracellular Vesicles From 3xTg-AD Mouse and Alzheimer's Disease Patient Astrocytes Impair Neuroglial and Vascular Components. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:593927. [PMID: 33679370 PMCID: PMC7933224 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.593927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are specialized glial cells that are essential components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) and are involved in neurodevelopment, brain maintenance and repair, and neurodegeneration. Astrocytes mediate these processes by releasing cellular mediators such as extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are vehicles of cell-cell communication and have been proposed as mediators of damage in AD. However, the transcellular mechanism by which Alzheimer disease (AD) astrocytes impair the function of NVU components is poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of adult PS1-KI and 3xTg-AD astrocyte conditioned media (CM) and EVs on NVU components (neuroglia and endothelium) in vitro. Additionally, SAD and FAD astrocyte-derived EVs (A-EVs) were characterized, and we evaluated their effects on NVU in cocultured cells in vitro and on intrahippocampal CA1 cells in vivo. Surprisingly, cultured 3xTg-AD astrocytes showed increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) reactivity compared to PS1-KI astrocytes, which denotes astrocytic hyperreactivity. CM from adult mice 3xTg-AD astrocytes increased cell-cell gaps between endothelial cells, filopodia-like dendritic protrusions in neurons and neuronal and endothelial cell death. 3xTg-AD A-EVs induced neurotoxicity and increased astrocyte GFAP reactivity. Cultured human postmortem astrocytes from AD patients also increased GFAP reactivity and EVs release. No differences in the size or number of A-EVs were detected between AD and control samples; however, both SAD and FAD A-EVs showed increased expression of the surface marker aquaporin 4. A-EVs induced cytotoxicity and astrocyte hyperactivation: specifically, FAD A-EVs induced neuroglial cytotoxicity and increased gaps between the endothelium, while SAD A-EVs mainly altered the endothelium. Similarly, both AD A-EVs increased astrocyte GS reactivity and vascular deterioration in vivo. We associated this finding with perivascular reactive astrocytes and vascular deterioration in the human AD brain. In summary, these results suggest that AD A-EVs impair neuroglial and vascular components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alfonso González-Molina
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Juan Villar-Vesga
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Julián Henao-Restrepo
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Andrés Villegas
- Neurobank, Neuroscience Group of Antioquia, Faculty of Medicine, SIU, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Neurobank, Neuroscience Group of Antioquia, Faculty of Medicine, SIU, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Gloria Patricia Cardona-Gómez
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Rafael Posada-Duque
- Área de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|