C1q: the perfect complement for a synaptic feast?

Complement-mediated synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease: mechanisms and involvement of risk factors

The complement system is increasingly recognized as a key player in the synapse loss and cognitive impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, the process of complement-dependent synaptic pruning through phagocytosis is over-activated in AD brains, driving detrimental excessive synapse elimination and contributing to synapse loss, which is the strongest neurobiological correlate of cognitive impairments in AD. Herein we review recent advances in characterizing complement-mediated synapse loss in AD, summarize the underlying mechanisms, and discuss the possible involvement of AD risk factors such as aging and various risk genes. We conclude with an overview of key questions that remain to be addressed.

Loss of the parkinsonism-associated protein FBXO7 in glutamatergic forebrain neurons in mice leads to abnormal motor behavior and synaptic defects

Mutations in PARK15, which encodes for the F-box protein FBXO7 have been associated with Parkinsonian Pyramidal syndrome, a rare and complex movement disorder with Parkinsonian symptoms, pyramidal tract signs and juvenile onset. Our previous study showed that systemic loss of Fbxo7 in mice causes motor defects and premature death. We have also demonstrated that FBXO7 has a crucial role in neurons as the specific deletion in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive or glutamatergic forebrain neurons leads to late-onset or early-onset motor dysfunction, respectively. In this study, we examined NEX-Cre;Fbxo7fl/fl mice, in which Fbxo7 was specifically deleted in glutamatergic projection neurons. The effects of FBXO7 deficiency on striatal integrity were investigated with HPLC and histological analyses. NEX-Cre;Fbxo7fl/fl mice revealed an increase in striatal dopamine concentrations, changes in the glutamatergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways, astrogliosis and microgliosis and little or no neuronal loss in the striatum. To determine the effects on the integrity of the synapse, we purified synaptic membranes, subjected them to quantitative mass spectrometry analysis and found alterations in the complement system, endocytosis and exocytosis pathways. These neuropathological changes coincide with alterations in spontaneous home cage behavior. Taken together, our findings suggest that FBXO7 is crucial for corticostriatal projections and the synaptic integrity of the striatum, and consequently for proper motor control.

Hybrid Amyloid Quantum Dot Nanoassemblies to Probe Neuroinflammatory Damage

Various oligomeric species of amyloid-beta have been proposed to play different immunogenic roles in the cellular pathology of Alzheimer's Disease. However, investigating the role of a homogenous single oligomeric species has been difficult due to highly dynamic oligomerization and fibril formation kinetics that convert between many species. Here we report the design and construction of a quantum dot mimetic for larger spherical oligomeric amyloid species as an "endogenously" fluorescent proxy for this cytotoxic species to investigate its role in inducing inflammatory and stress response states in neuronal and glial cell types.

Myeloid deficiency of the intrinsic clock protein BMAL1 accelerates cognitive aging by disrupting microglial synaptic pruning

Aging is associated with loss of circadian immune responses and circadian gene transcription in peripheral macrophages. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the brain, also show diurnal rhythmicity in regulating local immune responses and synaptic remodeling. To investigate the interaction between aging and microglial circadian rhythmicity, we examined mice deficient in the core clock transcription factor, BMAL1. Aging Cd11bcre;Bmallox/lox mice demonstrated accelerated cognitive decline in association with suppressed hippocampal long-term potentiation and increases in immature dendritic spines. C1q deposition at synapses and synaptic engulfment were significantly decreased in aging Bmal1-deficient microglia, suggesting that BMAL1 plays a role in regulating synaptic pruning in aging. In addition to accelerated age-associated hippocampal deficits, Cd11bcre;Bmallox/lox mice also showed deficits in the sleep-wake cycle with increased wakefulness across light and dark phases. These results highlight an essential role of microglial BMAL1 in maintenance of synapse homeostasis in the aging brain.

C1q and central nervous system disorders

C1q is a crucial component of the complement system, which is activated through the classical pathway to perform non-specific immune functions, serving as the first line of defense against pathogens. C1q can also bind to specific receptors to carry out immune and other functions, playing a vital role in maintaining immune homeostasis and normal physiological functions. In the developing central nervous system (CNS), C1q functions in synapse formation and pruning, serving as a key player in the development and homeostasis of neuronal networks in the CNS. C1q has a close relationship with microglia and astrocytes, and under their influence, C1q may contribute to the development of CNS disorders. Furthermore, C1q can also have independent effects on neurological disorders, producing either beneficial or detrimental outcomes. Most of the evidence for these functions comes from animal models, with some also from human specimen studies. C1q is now emerging as a promising target for the treatment of a variety of diseases, and clinical trials are already underway for CNS disorders. This article highlights the role of C1q in CNS diseases, offering new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

The Role of Microglia in Neuroinflammation of the Spinal Cord after Peripheral Nerve Injury

Peripheral nerve injuries induce a pronounced immune reaction within the spinal cord, largely governed by microglia activation in both the dorsal and ventral horns. The mechanisms of activation and response of microglia are diverse depending on the location within the spinal cord, type, severity, and proximity of injury, as well as the age and species of the organism. Thanks to recent advancements in neuro-immune research techniques, such as single-cell transcriptomics, novel genetic mouse models, and live imaging, a vast amount of literature has come to light regarding the mechanisms of microglial activation and alluding to the function of microgliosis around injured motoneurons and sensory afferents. Herein, we provide a comparative analysis of the dorsal and ventral horns in relation to mechanisms of microglia activation (CSF1, DAP12, CCR2, Fractalkine signaling, Toll-like receptors, and purinergic signaling), and functionality in neuroprotection, degeneration, regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and spinal circuit reorganization following peripheral nerve injury. This review aims to shed new light on unsettled controversies regarding the diversity of spinal microglial-neuronal interactions following injury.

Sex differences in immune gene expression in the brain of a small shorebird

Males and females often exhibit differences in behaviour, life histories, and ecology, many of which are typically reflected in their brains. Neuronal protection and maintenance include complex processes led by the microglia, which also interacts with metabolites such as hormones or immune components. Despite increasing interest in sex-specific brain function in laboratory animals, the significance of sex-specific immune activation in the brain of wild animals along with the variables that could affect it is widely lacking. Here, we use the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) to study sex differences in expression of immune genes in the brain of adult males and females, in two wild populations breeding in contrasting habitats: a coastal sea-level population and a high-altitude inland population in China. Our analysis yielded 379 genes associated with immune function. We show a significant male-biased immune gene upregulation. Immune gene expression in the brain did not differ in upregulation between the coastal and inland populations. We discuss the role of dosage compensation in our findings and their evolutionary significance mediated by sex-specific survival and neuronal deterioration. Similar expression profiles in the coastal and inland populations suggest comparable genetic control by the microglia and possible similarities in pathogen pressures between habitats. We call for further studies on gene expression of males and females in wild population to understand the implications of immune function for life-histories and demography in natural systems.

SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm during pregnancy as a possible risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorder development in post-pandemic infants

A strong association between perinatal viral infections and neurodevelopmental disorders has been established. Both the direct contact of the virus with the developing brain and the strong maternal immune response originated by viral infections can impair proper neurodevelopment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the highly-infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently responsible for a large global outbreak and is a major public health issue. While initial studies focused on the viral impact on the respiratory system, increasing evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infects other organs and tissues including the mature brain. While studies continue to determine the neuropathology associated to COVID-19, the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the developing brain remain largely unexplored. The present review discusses evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may have persistent effects on the course of pregnancy and on brain development. Studies have shown that several proinflammatory mediators which are increased in the SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm, are also modified in other viral infections known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this sense, further studies should assess the genuine effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and delivery along with an extended follow-up of the offspring, including neurocognitive, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological examination. It also remains to be determined whether and by which mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 intrauterine and early life infection could lead to an increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ), in the offspring.

Microglia, synaptic dynamics and forgetting

Microglia are the major immune cells in the brain parenchyma. Besides their immune functions, microglia are important in regulating the dynamics of synapses. It is believed that the stability of synapses is essential for long-term storage and retrieval of memories, whereas microglial regulation of synaptic dynamics could affect the stability of memories, thus providing a potential mechanism for forgetting. In this review, we focus on the regulation of synaptic dynamics by microglia, as well as the subsequent effects on memory and forgetting, under physiological and pathological conditions. Revealing microglial regulation of synaptic dynamics will not only illuminate the physiological functions of microglia in the brain, but also provide us a new perspective to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying forgetting. In addition, this will also improve our understanding of the process of memory encoding, storage and retrieval in the brain. Furthermore, uncovering the mechanisms through which microglia act on synaptic dynamics in pathological conditions will provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of memory impairment in diseases.

Identifying cellular signalling molecules in developmental disorders of the brain: Evidence from focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis

AIMS

We understand little of the pathogenesis of developmental cortical lesions, because we understand little of the diversity of the cell types that contribute to the diseases or how those cells interact. We tested the hypothesis that cellular diversity and cell-cell interactions play an important role in these disorders by investigating the signalling molecules in the commonest cortical malformations that lead to childhood epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and tuberous sclerosis (TS).

METHODS

Transcriptional profiling clustered cases into molecularly distinct groups. Using gene expression data, we identified the secretory signalling molecules in FCD/TS and characterised the cell types expressing these molecules. We developed a functional model using organotypic cultures.

RESULTS

We identified 113 up-regulated secretory molecules in FCDIIB/TS. The top 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by immunohistochemistry. This highlighted two molecules, Chitinase 3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) (MCP1) that were expressed in a unique population of small cells in close proximity to balloon cells (BC). We then characterised these cells and developed a functional model in organotypic slice cultures. We found that the number of CHI3L1 and CCL2 expressing cells decreased following inhibition of mTOR, the main aberrant signalling pathway in TS and FCD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight previously uncharacterised small cell populations in FCD and TS which express specific signalling molecules. These findings indicate a new level of diversity and cellular interactions in cortical malformations and provide a generalisable approach to understanding cell-cell interactions and cellular heterogeneity in developmental neuropathology.

Microglial trogocytosis and the complement system regulate axonal pruning in vivo

Partial phagocytosis-called trogocytosis-of axons by microglia has been documented in ex vivo preparations but has not been directly observed in vivo. The mechanisms that modulate microglial trogocytosis of axons and its function in neural circuit development remain poorly understood. Here, we directly observe axon trogocytosis by microglia in vivo in the developing Xenopus laevis retinotectal circuit. We show that microglia regulate pruning of retinal ganglion cell axons and are important for proper behavioral response to dark and bright looming stimuli. Using bioinformatics, we identify amphibian regulator of complement activation 3, a homolog of human CD46, as a neuronally expressed synapse-associated complement inhibitory molecule that inhibits trogocytosis and axonal pruning. Using a membrane-bound complement C3 fusion protein, we demonstrate that enhancing complement activity enhances axonal pruning. Our results support the model that microglia remodel axons via trogocytosis and that neurons can control this process through expression of complement inhibitory proteins.

Virus infection of the CNS disrupts the immune-neural-synaptic axis via induction of pleiotropic gene regulation of host responses

Treatment for many viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) remains only supportive. Here we address a remaining gap in our knowledge regarding how the CNS and immune systems interact during viral infection. By examining the regulation of the immune and nervous system processes in a nonhuman primate model of West Nile virus neurological disease, we show that virus infection disrupts the homeostasis of the immune-neural-synaptic axis via induction of pleiotropic genes with distinct functions in each component of the axis. This pleiotropic gene regulation suggests an unintended off-target negative impact of virus-induced host immune responses on the neurotransmission, which may be a common feature of various viral infections of the CNS.

Therapeutic Hypothermia Inhibits the Classical Complement Pathway in a Rat Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

Complement activation is instrumental in the pathogenesis of Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a significant cause of neonatal mortality and disability worldwide. Therapeutic hypothermia (HT), the only available treatment for HIE, only modestly improves outcomes. Complement modulation as a therapeutic adjunct to HT has been considered, but is challenging due to the wide-ranging role of the complement system in neuroinflammation, homeostasis and neurogenesis in the developing brain. We sought to identify potential therapeutic targets by measuring the impact of treatment with HT on complement effector expression in neurons and glia in neonatal HIE, with particular emphasis on the interactions between microglia and C1q.

METHODS

The Vannucci model was used to induce HIE in term-equivalent rat pups. At P10-12, pups were randomly assigned to three different treatment groups: Sham (control), normothermia (NT), and hypothermia (HT) treatment. Local and systemic complement expression and neuronal apoptosis were measured by ELISA, TUNEL and immunofluorescence labeling, and differences compared between groups.

RESULTS

Treatment with HT is associated with decreased systemic and microglial expression of C1q, decreased systemic C5a levels, and decreased microglial and neuronal deposition of C3 and C9. The effect of HT on cytokines was variable with decreased expression of pro and anti-inflammatory effectors. HT treatment was associated with decreased C1q binding on cells undergoing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate the extreme complexity of the immune response in neonatal HIE. We propose modulation of downstream effectors C3a and C5a as a therapeutic adjunct to HT to enhance neuroprotection in the developing brain.

Identification of Neuronal Pentraxins as Synaptic Binding Partners of C1q and the Involvement of NP1 in Synaptic Pruning in Adult Mice

Elements of the immune system particularly that of innate immunity, play important roles beyond their traditional tasks in host defense, including manifold roles in the nervous system. Complement-mediated synaptic pruning is essential in the developing and healthy functioning brain and becomes aberrant in neurodegenerative disorders. C1q, component of the classical complement pathway, plays a central role in tagging synapses for elimination; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms and interaction partners are mostly unknown. Neuronal pentraxins (NPs) are involved in synapse formation and plasticity, moreover, NP1 contributes to cell death and neurodegeneration under adverse conditions. Here, we investigated the potential interaction between C1q and NPs, and its role in microglial phagocytosis of synapses in adult mice. We verified in vitro that NPs interact with C1q, as well as activate the complement system. Flow cytometry, immunostaining and co-immunoprecipitation showed that synapse-bound C1q colocalizes and interacts with NPs. High-resolution confocal microscopy revealed that microglia-surrounded C1q-tagged synapses are NP1 positive. We have also observed the synaptic occurrence of C4 suggesting that activation of the classical pathway cannot be ruled out in synaptic plasticity in healthy adult animals. In summary, our results indicate that NPs play a regulatory role in the synaptic function of C1q. Whether this role can be intensified upon pathological conditions, such as in Alzheimer’s disease, is to be disclosed.

Gene expression in the epileptic (EL) mouse hippocampus

The neuropathology of hippocampal seizure foci in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and several animal models of epilepsy reveal extensive neuronal loss along with astrocyte and microglial activation. Studies of these models have advanced hypotheses that propose both pathological changes are essential for seizure generation. However, some seizure foci in human TLE show an extreme loss of neurons in all hippocampal fields, giving weight to hypotheses that favor neuroglia as major players. The epileptic (EL) mouse is a seizure model in which there is no observable neuron loss but associated proliferation of microglia and astrocytes and provides a good model to study the role of activated neuroglia in the presence of an apparently normal population of neurons. While many studies have been carried out on the EL mouse, there is a paucity of studies on the molecular changes in the EL mouse hippocampus, which may provide insight on the role of neuroglia in epileptogenesis. In this paper we have applied high throughput gene expression analysis to identify the molecular changes in the hippocampus that may explain the pathological processes. We have observed several classes of genes whose expression levels are changed. It is hypothesized that the upregulation of heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP72, FOSL2 (HSP40), and their molecular chaperones BAG3 and DNAJB5 along with the down regulated gene MALAT1 may contribute to the neuroprotection observed. The increased expression of BDNF along with immediate early gene expression (FosB, JunB, ERG4, NR4A1, NR4A2, FBXO3) and the down regulation of GABRD, DBP and MALAT1 it is hypothesized may contribute to the hyperexcitability of the hippocampal neurons in this model. Activated astrocytes and microglia may also contribute to excitability pathomechanisms. Activated astrocytes in the ELS mouse are deficient in glutamine synthetase and thus reduce the clearance of extracellular glutamate. Activated microglia which may be associated with C1Q and MHC class I molecules we propose may mediate a process of selective removal of defective GABAergic synapses through a process akin to trogocytosis that may reduce neuronal inhibition and favor hyperexcitability.

Increased serum levels of complement C1q in major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

The complement system is involved in multiple biological processes including inflammation, synaptic pruning, and apoptosis. However, it is not well understood whether peripheral complement C1q levels are altered in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at assessing serum levels of complement C1q in MDD patients using a cross-sectional, case-control design. Also, the correlations between complement C1q and inflammation and lipid profile in patients with MDD were also assessed.

METHODS

Serum complement C1q levels were measured by ADVIA 2400 biochemical analyzer in 160 patients with MDD diagnosed using International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria (ICD-10) and were compared with those of 159 healthy controls between January 2017 to May 2019. Then correlation analysis was carried out between the level of serum complement C1q among MDD patients with inflammation and lipid profile.

RESULTS

Serum complement C1q levels were higher in MDD patients than in controls (P < .0001) and the difference between the two groups was small (r = 0.239 [0.128 to 0.350]). We found that serum complement C1q concentrations was positively correlated with HAMD-24 score (r = 0.234, P = .003) and log hs-CRP (r = 0.334, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We found serum complement C1q levels were significantly higher in MDD patients than in controls. The current results suggest that the dysfunction of complement C1q may be involved in the pathophysiology of MDD.

The Complement Regulator Susd4 Influences Nervous-System Function and Neuronal Morphology in Mice

The SUSD4 (Sushi domain-containing protein 4) gene encodes a complement inhibitor that is frequently deleted in 1q41q42 microdeletion syndrome, a multisystem congenital disorder that includes neurodevelopmental abnormalities. To understand SUSD4's role in the mammalian nervous system, we analyzed Susd4 knockout (KO) mice. Susd4 KO mice exhibited significant defects in motor performance and significantly higher levels of anxiety-like behaviors. Susd4 KO brain had abnormal “hairy” basket cells surrounding Purkinje neurons within the cerebellum and significantly reduced dendritic spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Neurons and oligodendrocyte lineage cells of wild-type mice were found to express Susd4 mRNA. Protein expression of the complement component C1q was increased in the brains of Susd4 KO mice. Our data indicate that SUSD4 plays an important role in neuronal functions, possibly via the complement pathway, and that SUSD4 deletion may contribute to the nervous system abnormalities in patients with 1q41q42 deletions.

•

Susd4 is expressed in neurons and oligodendrocyte lineage cells

•

Susd4 knockout mice have abnormal hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal morphologies

•

Susd4 knockout mice exhibit anxiety-like behaviors and impaired motor function

•

Susd4 knockout mice have elevated brain levels of the complement component C1q

Adolescent microglia play a role in executive function in male mice exposed to perinatal high fat diet

In humans, excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for executive function deficits in the offspring. Our previous work has confirmed this finding in mice, as offspring from dams fed a 60% high fat (HF) diet during breeding, gestation, and lactation demonstrate impulsive-like behavior in the 5 choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). Because the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which plays a key role in executive function, undergoes substantial postnatal adolescent pruning and microglia are actively involved in synaptic refinement, we hypothesized that microglia may play a role in mediating changes in brain development after maternal HF diet, with a specific focus on microglial activity during adolescence. Therefore, we treated male and female offspring from HF or control diet (CD) dams with PLX3397-formulated diet (PLX) to ablate microglia during postnatal days 23-45. After PLX removal and microglial repopulation, adult mice underwent testing to evaluate executive function. Adolescent PLX treatment did increase the control male dropout rate in learning the basic FR1 task, but otherwise had a minimal effect on behavior in control offspring. In males, HF offspring learned faster and performed better on a simple operant task (fixed ratio 1) without an effect of PLX. However, in HF offspring this increase in FR1 responding was associated with more impulsive errors in the 5CSRTT while PLX eliminated this association and decreased impulsive errors specifically in HF offspring. This suggests that adolescent PLX treatment improves executive function and particularly impulsive behavior in adult male HF offspring, without an overall effect of perinatal diet. In females, maternal HF diet impaired reversal learning but PLX had no effect on performance. We then measured gene expression in adult male PFC, nucleus accumbens (NAC), and amygdala (AMG), examining targets related to synaptic function, reward, and inflammation. Maternal HF diet increased PFC synaptophysin and AMG psd95 expression. PFC synaptophysin expression was correlated with more impulsive errors in the 5CSRTT in the HF offspring only and PLX treatment eliminated this correlation. These data suggest that adolescent microglia may play a critical role in mediating executive function after perinatal high fat diet in males.

Classical complement cascade initiating C1q protein within neurons in the aged rhesus macaque dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, aging, and Alzheimer's disease is associated with spine and synapse loss from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) layer III. Complement cascade signaling is critical in driving spine loss and disease pathogenesis. Complement signaling is initiated by C1q, which tags synapses for elimination. C1q is thought to be expressed predominately by microglia, but its expression in primate dlPFC has never been examined. The current study assayed C1q levels in aging primate dlPFC and rat medial PFC (mPFC) and used immunoelectron microscopy (immunoEM), immunoblotting, and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) to reveal the precise anatomical distribution and interactions of C1q.

METHODS

Age-related changes in C1q levels in rhesus macaque dlPFC and rat mPFC were examined using immunoblotting. High-spatial resolution immunoEM was used to interrogate the subcellular localization of C1q in aged macaque layer III dlPFC and aged rat layer III mPFC. co-IP techniques quantified protein-protein interactions for C1q and proteins associated with excitatory and inhibitory synapses in macaque dlPFC.

RESULTS

C1q levels were markedly increased in the aged macaque dlPFC. Ultrastructural localization found the expected C1q localization in glia, including those ensheathing synapses, but also revealed extensive localization within neurons. C1q was found near synapses, within terminals and in spines, but was also observed in dendrites, often near abnormal mitochondria. Similar analyses in aging rat mPFC corroborated the findings in rhesus macaques. C1q protein increasingly associated with PSD95 with age in macaque, consistent with its synaptic localization as evidenced by EM.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal novel, intra-neuronal distribution patterns for C1q in the aging primate cortex, including evidence of C1q in dendrites. They suggest that age-related changes in the dlPFC may increase C1q expression and synaptic tagging for glial phagocytosis, a possible mechanism for age-related degeneration.

Emerging Roles of Complement Protein C1q in Neurodegeneration

The innate immune system is an ancient and primary component system that rapidly reacts to defend the body against external pathogens. C1 is the initial responder of classical pathway of the innate immune system. C1 is comprised of C1q, C1r, and C1s. Among them, C1q is known to interact with diverse ligands, which can perform various functions in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Because C1q participates in the clearance of pathogens, its interaction with novel receptors is expected to facilitate apoptosis induction, which could prevent the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases and could delay the aging process. Because senescence-associated secreting phenotype determinants are generally inflammatory cytokines or immune factors to activate immune cells. In the central nervous system, C1q has diverse neuroprotective roles against pathogens and inflammation. Most of neurodegenerative diseases show region specific pathology feature in the brain. It has been suggested the evidences that the active site and amount of C1q may be disease specific. This review considers currently the emerging and under-recognized roles of C1q in neurodegeneration and highlights the need for further research to clarify these roles. Future studies on the roles of C1q in regulating disease progression should consider these aspects, including the age-dependent onset time of each neurodegenerative disease progression.

New insights into a spectrum of developmental malformations related to mTOR dysregulations: challenges and perspectives

In recent years the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has emerged as crucial for normal cortical development. Therefore, it is not surprising that aberrant activation of mTOR is associated with developmental malformations and epileptogenesis. A broad spectrum of malformations of cortical development, such as focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), have been linked to either germline or somatic mutations in mTOR pathway-related genes, commonly summarised under the umbrella term 'mTORopathies'. However, there are still a number of unanswered questions regarding the involvement of mTOR in the pathophysiology of these abnormalities. Therefore, a monogenetic disease, such as TSC, can be more easily applied as a model to study the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and identify potential new targets of therapy. Developmental neuropathology and genetics demonstrate that FCD IIb and hemimegalencephaly are the same diseases. Constitutive activation of mTOR signalling represents a shared pathogenic mechanism in a group of developmental malformations that have histopathological and clinical features in common, such as epilepsy, autism and other comorbidities. We seek to understand the effect of mTOR dysregulation in a developing cortex with the propensity to generate seizures as well as the aftermath of the surrounding environment, including the white matter.

Neuroimmune nexus of depression and dementia: Shared mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Dysfunctional immune activity is a physiological component of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The extent to which altered immune activity influences the development of their respective cognitive symptoms and neuropathologies remains under investigation. It is evident, however, that immune activity affects neuronal function and circuit integrity. In both disorders, alterations are present in similar immune networks and neuroendocrine signalling pathways, immune responses persist in overlapping neuroanatomical locations, and morphological and structural irregularities are noted in similar domains. Epidemiological studies have also linked the two disorders, and their genetic and environmental risk factors intersect along immune-activating pathways and can be synonymous with one another. While each of these disorders individually contains a large degree of heterogeneity, their shared immunological components may link distinct phenotypes within each disorder. This review will therefore highlight the shared immune pathways of AD and MDD, their overlapping neuroanatomical features, and previously applied, as well as novel, approaches to pharmacologically manipulate immune pathways, in each neurological condition. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc.

The Gliocentric Brain

The Neuron Doctrine, the cornerstone of research on normal and abnormal brain functions for over a century, has failed to discern the basis of complex cognitive functions. The location and mechanisms of memory storage and recall, consciousness, and learning, remain enigmatic. The purpose of this article is to critically review the Neuron Doctrine in light of empirical data over the past three decades. Similarly, the central role of the synapse and associated neural networks, as well as ancillary hypotheses, such as gamma synchrony and cortical minicolumns, are critically examined. It is concluded that each is fundamentally flawed and that, over the past three decades, the study of non-neuronal cells, particularly astrocytes, has shown that virtually all functions ascribed to neurons are largely the result of direct or indirect actions of glia continuously interacting with neurons and neural networks. Recognition of non-neural cells in higher brain functions is extremely important. The strict adherence of purely neurocentric ideas, deeply ingrained in the great majority of neuroscientists, remains a detriment to understanding normal and abnormal brain functions. By broadening brain information processing beyond neurons, progress in understanding higher level brain functions, as well as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, will progress beyond the impasse that has been evident for decades.

Local apoptotic-like mechanisms underlie complement-mediated synaptic pruning

Synaptic pruning is dominant in early ontogenesis when a large number of unnecessary synapses are eliminated, and it maintains synaptic plasticity in the mature healthy brain, e.g., in memory processes. Its malfunction is involved in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. C1q, a member of the immune complement system, plays a central role in the selective pruning of synapses by microglial phagocytosis. Understanding the molecular aspects of complement-mediated synapse elimination is of high importance for developing effective therapeutic interventions in the future. Our analysis on C1q-tagged synaptosomes revealed that C1q label-based synaptic pruning is linked to local apoptotic-like processes in synapses.

C1q, a member of the immune complement cascade, is implicated in the selective pruning of synapses by microglial phagocytosis. C1q-mediated synapse elimination has been shown to occur during brain development, while increased activation and complement-dependent synapse loss is observed in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying C1q-controlled synaptic pruning are mostly unknown. This study addresses distortions in the synaptic proteome leading to C1q-tagged synapses. Our data demonstrated the preferential localization of C1q to the presynapse. Proteomic investigation and pathway analysis of C1q-tagged synaptosomes revealed the presence of apoptotic-like processes in C1q-tagged synapses, which was confirmed experimentally with apoptosis markers. Moreover, the induction of synaptic apoptotic-like mechanisms in a model of sensory deprivation-induced synaptic depression led to elevated C1q levels. Our results unveiled that C1q label-based synaptic pruning is triggered by and directly linked to apoptotic-like processes in the synaptic compartment.

Microglia remodel synapses by presynaptic trogocytosis and spine head filopodia induction

Microglia are highly motile glial cells that are proposed to mediate synaptic pruning during neuronal circuit formation. Disruption of signaling between microglia and neurons leads to an excess of immature synaptic connections, thought to be the result of impaired phagocytosis of synapses by microglia. However, until now the direct phagocytosis of synapses by microglia has not been reported and fundamental questions remain about the precise synaptic structures and phagocytic mechanisms involved. Here we used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to follow microglia–synapse interactions in developing organotypic hippocampal cultures, complemented by a 3D ultrastructural characterization using correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Our findings define a set of dynamic microglia–synapse interactions, including the selective partial phagocytosis, or trogocytosis (trogo-: nibble), of presynaptic structures and the induction of postsynaptic spine head filopodia by microglia. These findings allow us to propose a mechanism for the facilitatory role of microglia in synaptic circuit remodeling and maturation.

Direct visualization of microglia-mediated synapse pruning has been lacking. This study shows direct evidence of microglia-synapse interaction where microglia do not necessarily ‘eat’ post-synaptic structure but ‘nibble’ on pre-synaptic terminals, much akin to trogocytosis by lymphocytes.

Errant gardeners: glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders

The final stage of brain development is associated with the generation and maturation of neuronal synapses. However, the same period is also associated with a peak in synapse elimination - a process known as synaptic pruning - that has been proposed to be crucial for the maturation of remaining synaptic connections. Recent studies have pointed to a key role for glial cells in synaptic pruning in various parts of the nervous system and have identified a set of critical signalling pathways between glia and neurons. At the same time, brain imaging and post-mortem anatomical studies suggest that insufficient or excessive synaptic pruning may underlie several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Here, we review current data on the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms of glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and outline their potential contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Psychosocial stress on neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease: the emerging role for microglia?

Chronic psychosocial stress is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and associated cognitive deficits. Chronic stress also primes microglia and induces inflammatory responses in the adult brain, thereby compromising synapse-supportive roles of microglia and deteriorating cognitive functions during aging. Substantial evidence demonstrates that failure of microglia to clear abnormally accumulating amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in AD. Moreover, genome-wide association studies have linked variants in several immune genes, such as TREM2 and CD33, the expression of which in the brain is restricted to microglia, with cognitive dysfunctions in LOAD. Thus, inflammation-promoting chronic stress may create a vicious cycle of aggravated microglial dysfunction accompanied by increased Aβ accumulation, collectively exacerbating neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, however, little is known about whether and how chronic stress contributes to microglia-mediated neuroinflammation that may underlie cognitive impairments in AD. This review aims to summarize the currently available clinical and preclinical data and outline potential molecular mechanisms linking stress, microglia and neurodegeneration, to foster future research in this field.

Complement component 3 (C3) expression in the hippocampus after excitotoxic injury: role of C/EBPβ

Background

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor implicated in the control of proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory processes mainly in adipose tissue and liver; although more recent results have revealed an important role for this transcription factor in the brain. Previous studies from our laboratory indicated that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β is implicated in inflammatory process and brain injury, since mice lacking this gene were less susceptible to kainic acid-induced injury. More recently, we have shown that the complement component 3 gene (C3) is a downstream target of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β and it could be a mediator of the proinflammatory effects of this transcription factor in neural cells.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats (8–12 weeks old) were used throughout the study. C/EBPβ^+/+ and C/EBPβ^–/– mice were generated from heterozygous breeding pairs. Animals were injected or not with kainic acid, brains removed, and brain slices containing the hippocampus analyzed for the expression of both CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β and C3.

Results

In the present work, we have further extended these studies and show that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β and C3 co-express in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus after an excitotoxic injury. Studies using CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β knockout mice demonstrate a marked reduction in C3 expression after kainic acid injection in these animals, suggesting that indeed this protein is regulated by C/EBPβ in the hippocampus in vivo.

Conclusions

Altogether these results suggest that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β could regulate brain disorders, in which excitotoxic and inflammatory processes are involved, at least in part through the direct regulation of C3.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0742-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and the microbiome in schizophrenia: more than a gut feeling

Autoimmunity, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and schizophrenia have been associated with one another for a long time. This paper reviews these connections and provides a context by which multiple risk factors for schizophrenia may be related. Epidemiological studies strongly link schizophrenia with autoimmune disorders including enteropathic celiac disease. Exposure to wheat gluten and bovine milk casein also contribute to non-celiac food sensitivities in susceptible individuals. Co-morbid GI inflammation accompanies humoral immunity to food antigens, occurs early during the course of schizophrenia and appears to be independent from antipsychotic-generated motility effects. This inflammation impacts endothelial barrier permeability and can precipitate translocation of gut bacteria into systemic circulation. Infection by the neurotropic gut pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii, will elicit an inflammatory GI environment. Such processes trigger innate immunity, including activation of complement C1q, which also functions at synapses in the brain. The emerging field of microbiome research lies at the center of these interactions with evidence that the abundance and diversity of resident gut microbiota contribute to digestion, inflammation, gut permeability and behavior. Dietary modifications of core bacterial compositions may explain inefficient gluten digestion and how immigrant status in certain situations is a risk factor for schizophrenia. Gut microbiome research in schizophrenia is in its infancy, but data in related fields suggest disease-associated altered phylogenetic compositions. In summary, this review surveys associative and experimental data linking autoimmunity, GI activity and schizophrenia, and proposes that understanding of disrupted biological pathways outside of the brain can lend valuable information regarding pathogeneses of complex, polygenic brain disorders.

Synaptic pathology: A shared mechanism in neurological disease

Synaptic proteomes have evolved a rich and complex diversity to allow the exquisite control of neuronal communication and information transfer. It is therefore not surprising that many neurological disorders are associated with alterations in synaptic function. As technology has advanced, our ability to study the anatomical and physiological function of synapses in greater detail has revealed a critical role for both central and peripheral synapses in neurodegenerative disease. Synapse loss has a devastating effect on cellular communication, leading to wide ranging effects such as network disruption within central neural systems and muscle wastage in the periphery. These devastating effects link synaptic pathology to a diverse range of neurological disorders, spanning Alzheimer's disease to multiple sclerosis. This review will highlight some of the current literature on synaptic integrity in animal models of disease and human post-mortem studies. Synaptic changes in normal brain ageing will also be discussed and finally the current and prospective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders will be summarised.

Astroglial cradle in the life of the synapse

Astroglial perisynaptic sheath covers the majority of synapses in the central nervous system. This glial coverage evolved as a part of the synaptic structure in which elements directly responsible for neurotransmission (exocytotic machinery and appropriate receptors) concentrate in neuronal membranes, whereas multiple molecules imperative for homeostatic maintenance of the synapse (transporters for neurotransmitters, ions, amino acids, etc.) are shifted to glial membranes that have substantially larger surface area. The astrocytic perisynaptic processes act as an 'astroglial cradle' essential for synaptogenesis, maturation, isolation and maintenance of synapses, representing the fundamental mechanism contributing to synaptic connectivity, synaptic plasticity and information processing in the nervous system.

Antibody/receptor protein immunocomplex in human and mouse cortical nerve endings amplifies complement-induced glutamate release

Previous studies have demonstrated that complement alone releases glutamate from human and mouse cortical terminals in an antibody-independent manner. In order to expand our knowledge on complement-mediated effects, we investigated whether the presence of an antigen-antibody complex in synaptosomal plasmamembranes could also trigger complement-induced functional responses that might affect neurotransmitter release. To this aim, we focused on the chemokine 5 receptor (CCR5) expressed in human and mouse cortical glutamate terminals, whose activation by CCL5 elicits [(3)H]D-aspartate ([(3)H]D-ASP) release. Preincubating synaptosomes with an antibody recognizing the NH2 terminus of the CCR5 protein (anti-NH2-CCR5 antibody) abolished the CCL5-induced [(3)H]D-ASP release. Similarly, enriching synaptosomes with an antibody recognizing the COOH terminus of CCR5 (anti-COOH-CCR5 antibody) prevented the CCL5-induced [(3)H]D-ASP release. The antagonist-like activity of the anti-NH2-CCR5 antibody turned to facilitation when anti-NH2-CCR5-treated synaptosomes were exposed to complement. In these terminals, the releasing effect was significantly higher than that elicited by complement in untreated synaptosomes. On the contrary, the complement-induced [(3)H]D-ASP release from anti-COOH-CCR5 antibody-entrapped synaptosomes did not differ from that from untreated synaptosomes. Preincubating synaptosomes with anti-beta tubulin III antibody, used as negative control, neither prevented the CCL5-induced releasing effect nor it amplified the complement-induced [(3)H]D-ASP release. Finally, serum lacking the C1q protein, i.e. the protein essential to promote the antibody-mediated activation of complement, elicited a comparable [(3)H]D-ASP release from both untreated and anti-NH2-CCR5 antibody-treated synaptosomes. Thus, we propose that antibodies raised against the outer sequence of a receptor protein can trigger the activation of the complement through the classic, C1q-mediated antibody-dependent pathway, which results in an abnormal release of glutamate that could be deleterious to central nervous system.

Tools and resources for analyzing gene expression changes in glaucomatous neurodegeneration

Evaluating gene expression changes presents one of the most powerful interrogative approaches to study the molecular, biochemical, and cellular pathways associated with glaucomatous disease pathology. Technologies to study gene expression profiles in glaucoma are wide ranging. Qualitative techniques provide the power of localizing expression changes to individual cells, but are not robust to evaluate differences in expression changes. Alternatively, quantitative changes provide a high level of stringency to quantify changes in gene expression. Additionally, advances in high throughput analysis and bioinformatics have dramatically improved the number of individual genes that can be evaluated in a single experiment, while dramatically reducing amounts of input tissue/starting material. Together, gene expression profiling and proteomics have yielded new insights on the roles of neuroinflammation, the complement cascade, and metabolic shutdown as important players in the pathology of the optic nerve head and retina in this disease.

Complement C1q-C3-associated synaptic changes in multiple sclerosis hippocampus

OBJECTIVE

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, leading to memory impairment in up to 65% of patients. Memory dysfunction in MS has been associated with loss of synapses in the hippocampus, but its molecular basis is unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that components of the complement system, C1q and C3, can mediate elimination of synapses.

METHODS

To investigate the involvement of complement in synaptic changes in MS, gene and protein expression and localization of C1q and C3 were analyzed in relation to neuropathological changes in myelinated and demyelinated hippocampi from postmortem MS brains. Findings were compared to hippocampi of Alzheimer disease (AD) and non-neurological controls.

RESULTS

C1q expression and C3 activation were increased in myelinated and demyelinated MS hippocampi, mainly in the CA3/2 and CA1 subfields, which also showed a marked decrease in synaptic density and increased neuronal staining for the mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70) stress marker. Neurons were the major source of C1q mRNA. C1q protein and activated C3 localized at synapses within human leukocyte antigen-positive cell processes and lysosomes, suggesting engulfment of complement-tagged synapses by microglia. A significant association (p < 0.0001) between the density of C1q and synaptophysin-positive synapses or mtHSP70 was seen in myelinated MS hippocampi, further pointing toward a link between the complement pathway and synaptic changes. In contrast to AD, MS hippocampi were consistently negative for the terminal complement activation complex C5b9.

INTERPRETATION

These data support a role for the C1q-C3 complement axis in synaptic alterations in the MS hippocampus.

Association of brain immune genes with social behavior of inbred mouse strains

Background

Social deficit is one of the core symptoms of neuropsychiatric diseases, in which immune genes play an important role. Although a few immune genes have been shown to regulate social and emotional behaviors, how immune gene network(s) may jointly regulate sociability has not been investigated so far.

Methods

To decipher the potential immune-mediated mechanisms underlying social behavior, we first studied the brain microarray data of eight inbred mouse strains with known variations in social behavior and retrieved the differentially expressed immune genes. We then made a protein-protein interaction analysis of them to find the major networks and explored the potential association of these genes with the behavior and brain morphology in the mouse phenome database. To validate the expression and function of the candidate immune genes, we selected the C57BL/6 J and DBA/2 J strains among the eight inbred strains, compared their social behaviors in resident-intruder and 3-chambered social tests and the mRNA levels of these genes, and analyzed the correlations of these genes with the social behaviors.

Results

A group of immune genes were differentially expressed in the brains of these mouse strains. The representative C57BL/6 J and DBA/2 J strains displayed significant differences in social behaviors, DBA/2 J mice being less active in social dominance and social interaction than C57BL/6 J mice. The mRNA levels of H2-d1 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus and C1qb in the hippocampus of the DBA/2 J strain were significantly down-regulated as compared to those in the C57BL/6 J strain. In contrast, Polr3b in the hippocampus and Tnfsf13b in the prefrontal cortex of the DBA/2 J strain were up-regulated. Furthermore, C1qb, Cx3cl1, H2-d1, H2-k1, Polr3b, and Tnfsf13b were predicted to be associated with various behavioral and brain morphological features across the eight inbred strains. Importantly, the C1qb mRNA level was confirmed to be significantly correlated with the sociability in DBA/2 J but not in C57BL/6 J mice.

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence on the association of immune gene network(s) with the brain development and behavior in animals and revealed neurobiological functions of novel brain immune genes that may contribute to social deficiency in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Complement: an overview for the clinician

The complement system is an essential component of the immune system. It is a highly integrative system and has a number of functions, including host defense, removal of injured cells and debris, modulation of metabolic and regenerative processes, and regulation of adaptive immunity. Complement is activated via different pathways and it is regulated tightly by several mechanisms to prevent host injury. Imbalance between complement activation and regulation can manifest in disease and injury to self. This article provides an outline of complement activation pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and normal physiologic functions of the system.

Differential expression of brain immune genes and schizophrenia-related behavior in C57BL/6N and DBA/2J female mice

Mounting evidence suggests the association of immune genes with complex neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia. However, immune gene expression in the brain and their involvement in schizophrenia-related behavior in animal models have not been well studied so far. We analyzed the social (resident-intruder) and sensorimotor gating (pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle) behaviors, and expression profiles of several brain immune genes in adult C57BL/6N and DBA/2J female mice. Compared to C57BL/6N mice, DBA/2J mice exhibited less social interaction in the resident-intruder test and reduced pre-pulse inhibition. The mRNA levels of Il1b and Il6 genes were significantly higher in the cortex and hypothalamus, while the mRNA level of C1qb was lower in the cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus of DBA/2J mice compared to C57BL/6N mice. Furthermore, Tnfsf13b was up-regulated in the cortex and hippocampus, and so did Cd47 in the hippocampus, while Cx3cl1 was down-regulated in the cortex of DBA/2J mice. Our study demonstrates the differential expression of several immune genes in C57BL/6N and DBA/2J strains and more importantly provides clues on their potential importance in regulating schizophrenia-related endophenotypes in animal models.

Evidence supporting an altered immune response in ASD

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, and increased stereotypical repetitive behaviors. The immune system plays an important role in neurodevelopment, regulating neuronal proliferation, synapse formation and plasticity, as well as removing apoptotic neurons. Immune dysfunction in ASD has been repeatedly described by many research groups across the globe. Symptoms of immune dysfunction in ASD include neuroinflammation, presence of autoantibodies, increased T cell responses, and enhanced innate NK cell and monocyte immune responses. Moreover these responses are frequently associated with more impairment in core ASD features including impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and communication. In mouse models replacing immune components in animals that exhibit autistic relevant features leads to improvement in behavior in these animals. Taken together this research suggests that the immune dysfunction often seen in ASD directly affects aspects of neurodevelopment and neurological processes leading to changes in behavior. Discussion of immune abnormalities in ASD will be the focus of this review.

Stereological study of amygdala glial populations in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder

The amygdala undergoes aberrant development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously found that there are reduced neuron numbers in the adult postmortem amygdala from individuals with ASD compared to typically developing controls. The current study is a comprehensive stereological examination of four non-neuronal cell populations: microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells, in the same brains studied previously. We provide a detailed neuroanatomical protocol for defining each cell type that may be applied to other studies of the amygdala in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. We then assess whether cell numbers and average volumes differ between ASD and typically developing brains. We hypothesized that a reduction in neuron numbers in ASD might relate to altered immune function and/or aberrant microglial activation, as indicated by increased microglial number and cell body volume. Overall, average non-neuronal cell numbers and volumes did not differ between ASD and typically developing brains. However, there was evident heterogeneity within the ASD cohort. Two of the eight ASD brains displayed strong microglial activation. Contrary to our original hypothesis, there was a trend toward a positive correlation between neuronal and microglial numbers in both ASD and control cases. There were fewer oligodendrocytes in the amygdala of adult individuals with ASD ages 20 and older compared to typically developing controls. This finding may provide a possible sign of altered connectivity or impaired neuronal communication that may change across the lifespan in ASD.

The Immune Response to Acute Focal Cerebral Ischemia and Associated Post-stroke Immunodepression: A Focused Review

It is currently well established that the immune system is activated in response to transient or focal cerebral ischemia. This acute immune activation occurs in response to damage, and injury, to components of the neurovascular unit and is mediated by the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response. The initial immune activation is rapid, occurs via the innate immune response and leads to inflammation. The inflammatory mediators produced during the innate immune response in turn lead to recruitment of inflammatory cells and the production of more inflammatory mediators that result in activation of the adaptive immune response. Under ideal conditions, this inflammation gives way to tissue repair and attempts at regeneration. However, for reasons that are just being understood, immunosuppression occurs following acute stroke leading to post-stroke immunodepression. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding innate and adaptive immune activation in response to focal cerebral ischemia as well as the immunodepression that can occur following stroke. A better understanding of the intricate and complex events that take place following immune response activation, to acute cerebral ischemia, is imperative for the development of effective novel immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of acute stroke.

Astrocytes and the evolution of the human brain

Cells within the astroglial lineage are proposed as the origin of human brain evolution. It is now widely accepted that they direct mammalian fetal neurogenesis, gliogenesis, laminar cytoarchitectonics, synaptic connectivity and neuronal network formation. Furthermore, genetic, anatomical and functional studies have recently identified multiple astrocyte exaptations that strongly suggest a direct relation to the increased size and complexity of the human brain.

A shift in microglial β-amyloid binding in Alzheimer's disease is associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) are two common pathologies associated with β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and inflammation in the brain; neither is well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate human post-mortem brains from AD subjects with purely parenchymal pathology, and those with concomitant CAA (and age-matched controls) for differential expression of microglia-associated Aβ ligands thought to mediate Aβ clearance and the association of these receptors with complement activation. Homogenates of brain parenchyma and enriched microvessel fractions from occipital cortex were probed for levels of C3b, membrane attack complex (MAC), CD11b and α-2-macroglobulin and immunoprecipitation was used to immunoprecipitate (IP) CD11b complexed with C3b and Aβ. Both C3b and MAC were significantly increased in CAA compared to AD-only and controls and IP showed significantly increased CD11b/C3b complexes with Aβ in AD/CAA subjects. Confocal microscopy was used to visualize these interactions. MAC was remarkably associated with CAA-affected blood vessels compared to AD-only and control vessels. These findings are consistent with an Aβ clearance mechanism via microglial CD11b that delivers Aβ and C3b to blood vessels in AD/CAA, which leads to Aβ deposition and propagation of complement to the cytolytic MAC, possibly leading to vascular fragility.

From development to dysfunction: microglia and the complement cascade in CNS homeostasis

Of the many mysteries that surround the brain, few surpass the awe-inspiring complexity of its development. The intricate wiring of the brain at both the system and molecular level is both spatially and temporally regulated in perfect synchrony. How such a delicate, yet elegant, system arises from an embryo's most basic cells remains at the forefront of neuroscientific research. At the cellular level, the competitive dance between synapses struggling to gain dominance seems to be refereed by both neurons themselves and microglia, the innate immune cells of the nervous system. Additionally, the unexpected complement cascade, a major effecter arm of the innate immune system, is almost certainly involved in synaptic remodeling by tagging destined neurons and synapses for destruction. As suddenly as they appear, the mechanisms of neurogenesis recede entering into adulthood. However, with age and insult, these mechanisms boisterously return, resulting in neurodegeneration. This review describes some of the mechanisms involved in synaptogenesis and wiring of the brain from the point of view of the innate immune system and then covers how similar molecular processes return with age and disease, specifically in the context of Alzheimer's disease.

Emerging roles of astrocytes in neural circuit development

Astrocytes are now emerging as key participants in many aspects of brain development, function and disease. In particular, new evidence shows that astrocytes powerfully control the formation, maturation, function and elimination of synapses through various secreted and contact-mediated signals. Astrocytes are also increasingly being implicated in the pathophysiology of many psychiatric and neurological disorders that result from synaptic defects. A better understanding of how astrocytes regulate neural circuit development and function in the healthy and diseased brain might lead to the development of therapeutic agents to treat these diseases.

Inactivation of the microRNA-183/96/182 cluster results in syndromic retinal degeneration

The microRNA-183/96/182 cluster is highly expressed in the retina and other sensory organs. To uncover its in vivo functions in the retina, we generated a knockout mouse model, designated "miR-183C(GT/GT)," using a gene-trap embryonic stem cell clone. We provide evidence that inactivation of the cluster results in early-onset and progressive synaptic defects of the photoreceptors, leading to abnormalities of scotopic and photopic electroretinograms with decreased b-wave amplitude as the primary defect and progressive retinal degeneration. In addition, inactivation of the miR-183/96/182 cluster resulted in global changes in retinal gene expression, with enrichment of genes important for synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, photoreceptor morphogenesis, and phototransduction, suggesting that the miR-183/96/182 cluster plays important roles in postnatal functional differentiation and synaptic connectivity of photoreceptors.

Complement is dispensable for neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick disease type C

Background

The immune system has been implicated in neurodegeneration during development and disease. In various studies, the absence of complement (that is, C1q deficiency) impeded the elimination of apoptotic neurons, allowing survival. In the genetic lysosomal storage disease Niemann-Pick C (NPC), caused by loss of NPC1 function, the expression of complement system components, C1q especially, is elevated in degenerating brain regions of Npc1^-/- mice. Here we test whether complement is mediating neurodegeneration in NPC disease.

Findings

In normal mature mice, C1q mRNA was found in neurons, particularly cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs). In Npc1^-/- mice, C1q mRNA was additionally found in activated microglia, which accumulate during disease progression and PN loss. Interestingly, C1q was not enriched on or near degenerating neurons. Instead, C1q was concentrated in other brain regions, where it partially co-localized with a potential C1q inhibitor, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Genetic deletion of C1q, or of the downstream complement pathway component C3, did not significantly alter patterned neuron loss or disease progression. Deletion of other immune response factors, a Toll-like receptor, a matrix metalloprotease, or the apoptosis facilitator BIM, also failed to alter neuron loss.

Conclusion

We conclude that complement is not involved in the death and clearance of neurons in NPC disease. This study supports a view of neuroinflammation as a secondary response with non-causal relationship to neuron injury in the disease. This disease model may prove useful for understanding the conditions in which complement and immunity do contribute to neurodegeneration in other disorders.