1
|
D'Egidio F, Castelli V, Lombardozzi G, Ammannito F, Cimini A, d'Angelo M. Therapeutic advances in neural regeneration for Huntington's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1991-1997. [PMID: 38227527 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion mutation of a cytosine-adenine-guanine triplet in the exon 1 of the HTT gene which is responsible for the production of the huntingtin (Htt) protein. In physiological conditions, Htt is involved in many cellular processes such as cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, energy metabolism regulation, DNA maintenance, axonal trafficking, and antiapoptotic activity. When the genetic alteration is present, the production of a mutant version of Htt (mHtt) occurs, which is characterized by a plethora of pathogenic activities that, finally, lead to cell death. Among all the cells in which mHtt exerts its dangerous activity, the GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons seem to be the most affected by the mHtt-induced excitotoxicity both in the cortex and in the striatum. However, as the neurodegeneration proceeds ahead the neuronal loss grows also in other brain areas such as the cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra, determining the variety of symptoms that characterize Huntington's disease. From a clinical point of view, Huntington's disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms spanning from motor impairment to cognitive disorders and dementia. Huntington's disease shows a prevalence of around 3.92 cases every 100,000 worldwide and an incidence of 0.48 new cases every 100,000/year. To date, there is no available cure for Huntington's disease. Several treatments have been developed so far, aiming to reduce the severity of one or more symptoms to slow down the inexorable decline caused by the disease. In this context, the search for reliable strategies to target the different aspects of Huntington's disease become of the utmost interest. In recent years, a variety of studies demonstrated the detrimental role of neuronal loss in Huntington's disease condition highlighting how the replacement of lost cells would be a reasonable strategy to overcome the neurodegeneration. In this view, numerous have been the attempts in several preclinical models of Huntington's disease to evaluate the feasibility of invasive and non-invasive approaches. Thus, the aim of this review is to offer an overview of the most appealing approaches spanning from stem cell-based cell therapy to extracellular vesicles such as exosomes in light of promoting neurogenesis, discussing the results obtained so far, their limits and the future perspectives regarding the neural regeneration in the context of Huntington's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco D'Egidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Olschewski DN, Nazarzadeh N, Lange F, Koenig AM, Kulka C, Abraham JA, Blaschke SJ, Merkel R, Hoffmann B, Fink GR, Schroeter M, Rueger MA, Vay SU. The angiotensin II receptors type 1 and 2 modulate astrocytes and their crosstalk with microglia and neurons in an in vitro model of ischemic stroke. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:29. [PMID: 38926677 PMCID: PMC11202395 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00876-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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type of the central nervous system and are fundamentally involved in homeostasis, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity. This regulatory function of astrocytes on their neighboring cells in the healthy brain is subject of current research. In the ischemic brain we assume disease specific differences in astrocytic acting. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulates arterial blood pressure through endothelial cells and perivascular musculature. Moreover, astrocytes express angiotensin II type 1 and 2 receptors. However, their role in astrocytic function has not yet been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that the angiotensin II receptors impact astrocyte function as revealed in an in vitro system mimicking cerebral ischemia. Astrocytes derived from neonatal wistar rats were exposed to telmisartan (angiotensin II type 1 receptor-blocker) or PD123319 (angiotensin II type 2 receptor-blocker) under normal conditions (control) or deprivation from oxygen and glucose. Conditioned medium (CM) of astrocytes was harvested to elucidate astrocyte-mediated indirect effects on microglia and cortical neurons. RESULT The blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptor by telmisartan increased the survival of astrocytes during ischemic conditions in vitro without affecting their proliferation rate or disturbing their expression of S100A10, a marker of activation. The inhibition of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor pathway by PD123319 resulted in both increased expression of S100A10 and proliferation rate. The CM of telmisartan-treated astrocytes reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators with simultaneous increase of anti-inflammatory markers in microglia. Increased neuronal activity was observed after treatment of neurons with CM of telmisartan- as well as PD123319-stimulated astrocytes. CONCLUSION Data show that angiotensin II receptors have functional relevance for astrocytes that differs in healthy and ischemic conditions and effects surrounding microglia and neuronal activity via secretory signals. Above that, this work emphasizes the strong interference of the different cells in the CNS and that targeting astrocytes might serve as a therapeutic strategy to influence the acting of glia-neuronal network in de- and regenerative context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Navin Olschewski
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Nilufar Nazarzadeh
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Lange
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Koenig
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Kulka
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jella-Andrea Abraham
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Stefan Johannes Blaschke
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Department of Mechanobiology, Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-2), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Gereon Rudolf Fink
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Maria Adele Rueger
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3), Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Sabine Ulrike Vay
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Song Y, Shahdadian S, Armstrong E, Brock E, Conrad SE, Acord S, Johnson YR, Marks W, Papadelis C. Spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical somatosensory network in typically developing children. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae230. [PMID: 38836408 PMCID: PMC11151116 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sense of touch is essential for our interactions with external objects and fine control of hand actions. Despite extensive research on human somatosensory processing, it is still elusive how involved brain regions interact as a dynamic network in processing tactile information. Few studies probed temporal dynamics of somatosensory information flow and reported inconsistent results. Here, we examined cortical somatosensory processing through magnetic source imaging and cortico-cortical coupling dynamics. We recorded magnetoencephalography signals from typically developing children during unilateral pneumatic stimulation. Neural activities underlying somatosensory evoked fields were mapped with dynamic statistical parametric mapping, assessed with spatiotemporal activation analysis, and modeled by Granger causality. Unilateral pneumatic stimulation evoked prominent and consistent activations in the contralateral primary and secondary somatosensory areas but weaker and less consistent activations in the ipsilateral primary and secondary somatosensory areas. Activations in the contralateral primary motor cortex and supramarginal gyrus were also consistently observed. Spatiotemporal activation and Granger causality analysis revealed initial serial information flow from contralateral primary to supramarginal gyrus, contralateral primary motor cortex, and contralateral secondary and later dynamic and parallel information flows between the consistently activated contralateral cortical areas. Our study reveals the spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical somatosensory processing in the normal developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Song
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 UTA Blvd., Arlington, TX 76010, United States
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Sadra Shahdadian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 UTA Blvd., Arlington, TX 76010, United States
| | - Eryn Armstrong
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
| | - Emily Brock
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
| | - Shannon E Conrad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
| | - Stephanie Acord
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
| | - Yvette R Johnson
- NEST Developmental Follow-up Center, Neonatology, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1521 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Burnett School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 297085, Fort Worth, TX 76129, United States
| | - Warren Marks
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
| | - Christos Papadelis
- Neuroscience Research Center, Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, Cook Children’s Health Care System, 1500 Cooper St., Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, 500 UTA Blvd., Arlington, TX 76010, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Burnett School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 297085, Fort Worth, TX 76129, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu C, Li Y, He X, Sun H, Zhang S, Hou F, Hu M, Lan A, Zhang H, Qi L, Zhang H, Liao H. Chemogenetic activation of astrocytic Gi signaling promotes spinogenesis and motor functional recovery after stroke. Glia 2024; 72:1150-1164. [PMID: 38436489 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. The rewiring of surviving neurons is the fundamental process for functional recovery. Accumulating evidence implicates astrocytes in synapses and neural circuits formation, but few studies have further studied how to enhance the effects of astrocytes on synapse and circuits after stroke and its impacts on post-stroke functional recovery. In this study, we made use of chemogenetics to specifically activate astrocytic Gi signaling in the peri-infarcted sensorimotor cortex at different time epochs in a mouse model of photothrombotic stroke. We found that early activation of astrocytic hM4Di after stroke by CNO modulates astrocyte activity and upregulates synaptogenic molecules including thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) as revealed by bulk RNA-sequencing, but no significant improvement was observed in dendritic spine density and behavioral performance in grid walking test. Interestingly, when the manipulation was initiated at the subacute phase of stroke, the recovery of spine density and motor function could be effectively promoted, accompanied by increased TSP1 expression. Our data highlight the important role of astrocytes in synapse remodeling during the repair phase of stroke and suggest astrocytic Gi signaling activation as a potential strategy for synapse regeneration, circuit rewiring, and functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Wu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Li
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinran He
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengsheng Hou
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengqiu Hu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aili Lan
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Long Qi
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liao
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gordillo-Sampedro S, Antounians L, Wei W, Mufteev M, Lendemeijer B, Kushner SA, de Vrij FMS, Zani A, Ellis J. iPSC-derived healthy human astrocytes selectively load miRNAs targeting neuronal genes into extracellular vesicles. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 129:103933. [PMID: 38663691 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are in constant communication with neurons during the establishment and maturation of functional networks in the developing brain. Astrocytes release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing microRNA (miRNA) cargo that regulates transcript stability in recipient cells. Astrocyte released factors are thought to be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. Healthy astrocytes partially rescue Rett Syndrome (RTT) neuron function. EVs isolated from stem cell progeny also correct aspects of RTT. EVs cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their cargo is found in peripheral blood which may allow non-invasive detection of EV cargo as biomarkers produced by healthy astrocytes. Here we characterize miRNA cargo and sequence motifs in healthy human astrocyte derived EVs (ADEVs). First, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) were differentiated into Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs) and subsequently into astrocytes using a rapid differentiation protocol. iPSC derived astrocytes expressed specific markers, displayed intracellular calcium transients and secreted ADEVs. miRNAs were identified by RNA-Seq on astrocytes and ADEVs and target gene pathway analysis detected brain and immune related terms. The miRNA profile was consistent with astrocyte identity, and included approximately 80 miRNAs found in astrocytes that were relatively depleted in ADEVs suggestive of passive loading. About 120 miRNAs were relatively enriched in ADEVs and motif analysis discovered binding sites for RNA binding proteins FUS, SRSF7 and CELF5. miR-483-5p was the most significantly enriched in ADEVs. This miRNA regulates MECP2 expression in neurons and has been found differentially expressed in blood samples from RTT patients. Our results identify potential miRNA biomarkers selectively sorted into ADEVs and implicate RNA binding protein sequence dependent mechanisms for miRNA cargo loading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gordillo-Sampedro
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lina Antounians
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bas Lendemeijer
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Femke M S de Vrij
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Center of Expertise for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENCORE), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Augusto Zani
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang F, Han X, Mu Q, Chen H, Wu Y, Kang Y, Liu Y. Cerebrospinal fluid mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor: A moderating effect on sleep time and cognitive function. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 176:33-39. [PMID: 38838432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleeping late has been associated with cognitive impairment, and insufficient sleep can affect the secretion of feeding-related cytokines. Feeding-related cytokines may contribute to cognitive deficits resulting from delayed bedtime. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), which are feeding-related neurotrophic factors, have been associated with improved cognitive function and neuroprotective abilities. Enhanced expression of GDNF and MANF is linked to increased energy expenditure and hyperphagia, respectively. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GDNF, MANF, cognition, and sleep time and to explore the moderating effects of GDNF and MANF on cognitive impairment in individuals who sleep late. METHOD This cross-sectional study included participants (mean age 31.76 ± 10.22 years) who were categorized as ≤23 o'clock sleepers (n = 66) and >23 o'clock sleepers (n = 125) based on sleep time. Cognition was assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and GDNF and MANF levels in CSF were measured. RESULTS MANF may play a moderating role in the relationship between sleep time and cognition (R2 = 0.06, β = 0.59, p = 0.031). Age showed a negative correlation with MoCA scores (R2 = 0.08, β = -0.18), while education exhibited a positive correlation (β = 0.17, both p < 0.05). Only ≤23 o'clock sleepers exhibited a negative correlation between MANF levels and BMI (r = -0.35, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS This study provides hitherto undocumented evidence of the potential protective effect of CSF MANF on cognitive impairment of late sleepers, which suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may contribute to cognition and overall health, with MANF playing a role in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100096, China; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830063, China.
| | - Xiaoli Han
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Friendship Hospital, Urumqi, 830049, China
| | - Qingshuang Mu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830063, China
| | - Hongxu Chen
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Neurological Disorder Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830063, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Beijing Hui-Long-Guan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100096, China
| | - Yimin Kang
- Medical Neurobiology Lab, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, China
| | - Yanlong Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pandya VA, Patani R. The role of glial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:381-450. [PMID: 38802179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has traditionally been considered a neuron-centric disease. This view is now outdated, with increasing recognition of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous contributions of central and peripheral nervous system glia to ALS pathomechanisms. With glial research rapidly accelerating, we comprehensively interrogate the roles of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann cells and satellite glia in nervous system physiology and ALS-associated pathology. Moreover, we highlight the inter-glial, glial-neuronal and inter-system polylogue which constitutes the healthy nervous system and destabilises in disease. We also propose classification based on function for complex glial reactive phenotypes and discuss the pre-requisite for integrative modelling to advance translation. Given the paucity of life-enhancing therapies currently available for ALS patients, we discuss the promising potential of harnessing glia in driving ALS therapeutic discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virenkumar A Pandya
- University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom; The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jenkins AK, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail DD, McClung CA. Molecular Rhythmicity in Glia: Importance for Brain Health and Relevance to Psychiatric Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01298-8. [PMID: 38735357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are approximate 24-hour rhythms present in nearly all aspects of human physiology, including proper brain function. These rhythms are produced at the cellular level through a transcriptional-translational feedback loop known as the molecular clock. Diurnal variation in gene expression has been demonstrated in brain tissue from multiple species, including humans, in both cortical and subcortical regions. Interestingly, these rhythms in gene expression have been shown to be disrupted across psychiatric disorders and may be implicated in their underlying pathophysiology. However, little is known regarding molecular rhythms in specific cell types in the brain and how they might be involved in psychiatric disease. Although glial cells (e.g., astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) have been historically understudied compared to neurons, evidence of the molecular clock is found within each of these cell subtypes. Here, we review the current literature, which suggests that molecular rhythmicity is essential to functional physiologic outputs from each glial subtype. Furthermore, disrupted molecular rhythms within these cells and the resultant functional deficits may be relevant to specific phenotypes across psychiatric illnesses. Given that circadian rhythm disruptions have been so integrally tied to psychiatric disease, the molecular mechanisms governing these associations could represent exciting new avenues for future research and potential novel pharmacologic targets for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron K Jenkins
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kyle D Ketchesin
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Darius D Becker-Krail
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Colleen A McClung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, and Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ravizza T, Scheper M, Di Sapia R, Gorter J, Aronica E, Vezzani A. mTOR and neuroinflammation in epilepsy: implications for disease progression and treatment. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:334-350. [PMID: 38531962 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-024-00805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy remains a major health concern as anti-seizure medications frequently fail, and there is currently no treatment to stop or prevent epileptogenesis, the process underlying the onset and progression of epilepsy. The identification of the pathological processes underlying epileptogenesis is instrumental to the development of drugs that may prevent the generation of seizures or control pharmaco-resistant seizures, which affect about 30% of patients. mTOR signalling and neuroinflammation have been recognized as critical pathways that are activated in brain cells in epilepsy. They represent a potential node of biological convergence in structural epilepsies with either a genetic or an acquired aetiology. Interventional studies in animal models and clinical studies give strong support to the involvement of each pathway in epilepsy. In this Review, we focus on available knowledge about the pathophysiological features of mTOR signalling and the neuroinflammatory brain response, and their interactions, in epilepsy. We discuss mitigation strategies for each pathway that display therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical epilepsy. A deeper understanding of these interconnected molecular cascades could enhance our strategies for managing epilepsy. This could pave the way for new treatments to fill the gaps in the development of preventative or disease-modifying drugs, thus overcoming the limitations of current symptomatic medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Ravizza
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Jan Gorter
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands.
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Denker N, Dringen R. Modulation of Pyruvate Export and Extracellular Pyruvate Concentration in Primary Astrocyte Cultures. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1331-1346. [PMID: 38376749 PMCID: PMC10991036 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04120-0] [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] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte-derived pyruvate is considered to have neuroprotective functions. In order to investigate the processes that are involved in astrocytic pyruvate release, we used primary rat astrocyte cultures as model system. Depending on the incubation conditions and medium composition, astrocyte cultures established extracellular steady state pyruvate concentrations in the range between 150 µM and 300 µM. During incubations for up to 2 weeks in DMEM culture medium, the extracellular pyruvate concentration remained almost constant for days, while the extracellular lactate concentration increased continuously during the incubation into the millimolar concentration range as long as glucose was present. In an amino acid-free incubation buffer, glucose-fed astrocytes released pyruvate with an initial rate of around 60 nmol/(h × mg) and after around 5 h an almost constant extracellular pyruvate concentration was established that was maintained for several hours. Extracellular pyruvate accumulation was also observed, if glucose had been replaced by mannose, fructose, lactate or alanine. Glucose-fed astrocyte cultures established similar extracellular steady state concentrations of pyruvate by releasing pyruvate into pyruvate-free media or by consuming excess of extracellular pyruvate. Inhibition of the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 by AR-C155858 lowered extracellular pyruvate accumulation, while inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake by UK5099 increased the extracellular pyruvate concentration. Finally, the presence of the uncoupler BAM15 or of the respiratory chain inhibitor antimycin A almost completely abolished extracellular pyruvate accumulation. The data presented demonstrate that cultured astrocytes establish a transient extracellular steady state concentration of pyruvate which is strongly affected by modulation of the mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Denker
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry) and Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dringen
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry) and Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang X, Zhou J, Wang Y, Li X, Hu Q, Luo L, Liu X, Liu W, Ye J. Effect of astrocyte GPER on the optic nerve inflammatory response following optic nerve injury in mice. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29428. [PMID: 38638966 PMCID: PMC11024623 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29428] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Activated astrocytes are a primary source of inflammatory factors following traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). Accumulation of inflammatory factors in this context leads to increased axonal damage and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Therefore, in the present study, we explored the role of the astrocyte G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in regulating inflammatory factors following optic nerve crush (ONC), and analyzed its potential regulatory mechanisms. Overall, our results showed that GPER was abundantly expressed in the optic nerve, and co-localized with glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP). Exogenous administration of G-1 led to a significant reduction in astrocyte activation and expression of inflammation-related factors (including IL-1β, TNF-α, NFκB, and p-NFκB). Additionally, it dramatically increased the survival of RGCs. In contrast, astrocytes were activated to a greater extent by exogenous G15 administration; however, RGCs survival was significantly reduced. In vitro, GPER activation significantly reduced astrocyte activation and the release of inflammation-related factors. In conclusion, activation of astrocyte GPER significantly reduced ONC inflammation levels, and should be explored as a potential target pathway for protecting the optic nerve and RGCs after TON.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Xinqiao Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400032, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Qiumei Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Linlin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kellner V, Parker P, Mi X, Yu G, Saher G, Bergles DE. Conservation of neuron-astrocyte coordinated activity among sensory processing centers of the developing brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589519. [PMID: 38659917 PMCID: PMC11042386 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Afferent neurons in developing sensory organs exhibit a prolonged period of burst firing prior to the onset of sensory experience. This intrinsically generated activity propagates from the periphery through central processing centers to promote the survival and physiological maturation of neurons and refine their synaptic connectivity. Recent studies in the auditory system indicate that these bursts of action potentials also trigger metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated calcium increases within astrocytes that are spatially and temporally correlated with neuronal events; however, it is not known if this phenomenon occurs in other sensory modalities. Here we show using in vivo simultaneous imaging of neuronal and astrocyte calcium activity in awake mouse pups that waves of retinal ganglion cell activity induce spatially and temporally correlated waves of astrocyte activity in the superior colliculus that depend on metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR5 and mGluR3. Astrocyte calcium transients reliably occurred with each neuronal wave, but peaked more than one second after neuronal events. Despite differences in the temporal features of spontaneous activity in auditory and visual processing regions, individual astrocytes exhibited similar overall calcium activity patterns, providing a conserved mechanism to synchronize neuronal and astrocyte maturation within discrete sensory domains.
Collapse
|
13
|
Pallarés-Moratalla C, Bergers G. The ins and outs of microglial cells in brain health and disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1305087. [PMID: 38665919 PMCID: PMC11043497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1305087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the brain's resident macrophages that play pivotal roles in immune surveillance and maintaining homeostasis of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Microglia are functionally implicated in various cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, aneurysm, and tumorigenesis as they regulate neuroinflammatory responses and tissue repair processes. Here, we review the manifold functions of microglia in the brain under physiological and pathological conditions, primarily focusing on the implication of microglia in glioma propagation and progression. We further review the current status of therapies targeting microglial cells, including their re-education, depletion, and re-population approaches as therapeutic options to improve patient outcomes for various neurological and neuroinflammatory disorders, including cancer.
Collapse
|
14
|
Imraish A, Abu Thiab T, Alsalem M, Dahbour S, khleif H, Abu-Irmaileh B, Qasem R, El-Salem K. The neuroprotective effect of human primary astrocytes in multiple sclerosis: In vitro model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300203. [PMID: 38564643 PMCID: PMC10987000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies highlighted the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammatory diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, interacting closely with other CNS components but also with the immune cells. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining human astrocytes, their role in these pathologies is still unclear. In this study we develop an astrocyte in vitro model to evaluate their role in multiple sclerosis after being treated with CSF isolated from both healthy and MS diagnosed patients. Gene expression and ELISA assays reveal that several pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, were significantly downregulated in astrocytes treated with MS-CSF. In contrast, neurotrophic survival, and growth factors, and GFAP, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF, were markedly elevated upon the same treatment. In summary, this study supports the notion of the astrocyte involvement in MS. The results reveal the neuroprotective role of astrocyte in MS pathogenicity by suppressing excessive inflammation and increasing the expression of tropic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amer Imraish
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tuqa Abu Thiab
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alsalem
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Saeed Dahbour
- Department of Neurology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba khleif
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Raneen Qasem
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin CR, Toychiev A, Ablordeppey RK, Srinivas M, Benavente-Perez A. Sustained Retinal Defocus Increases the Effect of Induced Myopia on the Retinal Astrocyte Template. Cells 2024; 13:595. [PMID: 38607034 PMCID: PMC11011523 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to describe sustained myopic eye growth's effect on astrocyte cellular distribution and its association with inner retinal layer thicknesses. Astrocyte density and distribution, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thicknesses were assessed using immunochemistry and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography on seventeen common marmoset retinas (Callithrix jacchus): six induced with myopia from 2 to 6 months of age (6-month-old myopes), three induced with myopia from 2 to 12 months of age (12-month-old myopes), five age-matched 6-month-old controls, and three age-matched 12-month-old controls. Untreated marmoset eyes grew normally, and both RNFL and IPL thicknesses did not change with age, with astrocyte numbers correlating to RNFL and IPL thicknesses in both control age groups. Myopic marmosets did not follow this trend and, instead, exhibited decreased astrocyte density, increased GFAP+ spatial coverage, and thinner RNFL and IPL, all of which worsened over time. Myopic changes in astrocyte density, GFAP+ spatial coverage and inner retinal layer thicknesses suggest astrocyte template reorganization during myopia development and progression which increased over time. Whether or not these changes are constructive or destructive to the retina still remains to be assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandra Benavente-Perez
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York College of Optometry, New York, NY 10036, USA; (C.R.L.); (A.T.); (R.K.A.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Asthana S, Mott J, Tong M, Pei Z, Mao Y. The Exon Junction Complex Factor RBM8A in Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein-Expressing Astrocytes Modulates Locomotion Behaviors. Cells 2024; 13:498. [PMID: 38534343 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060498] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of RNA Binding Motif Protein 8a (RBM8A), an exon junction complex (EJC) component, in neurodevelopmental disorders has been increasingly studied for its crucial role in regulating multiple levels of gene expression. It regulates mRNA splicing, translation, and mRNA degradation and influences embryonic development. RBM8A protein is expressed in both neurons and astrocytes, but little is known about RBM8A's specific role in glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. To address the role of RBM8A in astrocytes, we generated a conditional heterozygous knockout (KO) mouse line of Rbm8a in astrocytes using a GFAP-cre line. We confirmed a decreased expression of RBM8A in astrocytes of heterozygous conditional KO mice via RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, as well as qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Interestingly, these mice exhibit significantly increased movement and mobility, alongside sex-specific altered anxiety in the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (OPM) tests. These tests, along with the rotarod test, suggest that these mice have normal motor coordination but hyperactive phenotypes. In addition, the haploinsufficiency of Rbm8a in astrocytes leads to a sex-specific change in astrocyte density in the dentate gyrus. This study further reveals the contribution of Rbm8a deletion to CNS pathology, generating more insights via the glial lens of an Rbm8a model of neurodevelopmental disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Asthana
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer Mott
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mabel Tong
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yingwei Mao
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang Z, Li X, Ma L, Wang S, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Guo X, Niu Q. LNC000152 Mediates Aluminum-Induced Proliferation of Reactive Astrocytes. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:11958-11968. [PMID: 38496998 PMCID: PMC10938322 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Aluminum is a metal element with significant neurotoxicity, and there is a substantial correlation between aluminum exposure and cognitive dysfunction. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is widely used as a marker of reactive astrocyte proliferation in response to pathological injury of the central nervous system. Studies of various neurodegenerative diseases have confirmed that the expression changes in GFAP are associated with nerve injury. We investigated the role of LNC000152 in the aluminum-induced reactive proliferation of astrocytes. By establishing two aluminum-exposed cell models of rat primary astrocytes and CTX-TNA2 cell lines, we examined the expression of LNC000152 and GFAP and detected cell proliferation with EdU and cell cycle changes with flow cytometry. The role of aluminum in promoting glial cell proliferation was verified; the expression levels of LNC000152 and GFAP increased with the concentration of aluminum exposure. Intervention of LNC000152 expression by siRNA technology revealed that LNC000152 affected glial cell responsive proliferation by influencing GFAP expression. These results suggest that LNC000152 plays a role in the reactive proliferation of astrocytes induced by aluminum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Zhang
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Section
of Occupational Medicine, Department of Special Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Jingsi Zhang
- Section
of Occupational Medicine, Department of Special Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Qiao Niu
- Department
of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ji Y, McLean JL, Xu R. Emerging Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Human-Animal Brain Chimeras for Advancing Disease Modeling and Cell Therapy for Neurological Disorders. Neurosci Bull 2024:10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z. [PMID: 38466557 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01189-z] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) models provide unprecedented opportunities to study human neurological disorders by recapitulating human-specific disease mechanisms. In particular, hPSC-based human-animal brain chimeras enable the study of human cell pathophysiology in vivo. In chimeric brains, human neural and immune cells can maintain human-specific features, undergo maturation, and functionally integrate into host brains, allowing scientists to study how human cells impact neural circuits and animal behaviors. The emerging human-animal brain chimeras hold promise for modeling human brain cells and their interactions in health and disease, elucidating the disease mechanism from molecular and cellular to circuit and behavioral levels, and testing the efficacy of cell therapy interventions. Here, we discuss recent advances in the generation and applications of using human-animal chimeric brain models for the study of neurological disorders, including disease modeling and cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jenna Lillie McLean
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Skowronski AA, Leibel RL, LeDuc CA. Neurodevelopmental Programming of Adiposity: Contributions to Obesity Risk. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:253-280. [PMID: 37971140 PMCID: PMC10911958 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This review analyzes the published evidence regarding maternal factors that influence the developmental programming of long-term adiposity in humans and animals via the central nervous system (CNS). We describe the physiological outcomes of perinatal underfeeding and overfeeding and explore potential mechanisms that may mediate the impact of such exposures on the development of feeding circuits within the CNS-including the influences of metabolic hormones and epigenetic changes. The perinatal environment, reflective of maternal nutritional status, contributes to the programming of offspring adiposity. The in utero and early postnatal periods represent critically sensitive developmental windows during which the hormonal and metabolic milieu affects the maturation of the hypothalamus. Maternal hyperglycemia is associated with increased transfer of glucose to the fetus driving fetal hyperinsulinemia. Elevated fetal insulin causes increased adiposity and consequently higher fetal circulating leptin concentration. Mechanistic studies in animal models indicate important roles of leptin and insulin in central and peripheral programming of adiposity, and suggest that optimal concentrations of these hormones are critical during early life. Additionally, the environmental milieu during development may be conveyed to progeny through epigenetic marks and these can potentially be vertically transmitted to subsequent generations. Thus, nutritional and metabolic/endocrine signals during perinatal development can have lifelong (and possibly multigenerational) impacts on offspring body weight regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja A Skowronski
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rudolph L Leibel
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Charles A LeDuc
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100607. [PMID: 38304302 PMCID: PMC10831308 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN augments maternal behaviors and promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Nylah A. Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eden V. Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin P. Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Debra A. Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vacharasin JM, Ward JA, McCord MM, Cox K, Imitola J, Lizarraga SB. Neuroimmune mechanisms in autism etiology - untangling a complex problem using human cellular models. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae003. [PMID: 38665176 PMCID: PMC11044813 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae003] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 people and is more often diagnosed in males than in females. Core features of ASD are impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and deficits in verbal communication. ASD is a highly heterogeneous and heritable disorder, yet its underlying genetic causes account only for up to 80% of the cases. Hence, a subset of ASD cases could be influenced by environmental risk factors. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a response to inflammation during pregnancy, which can lead to increased inflammatory signals to the fetus. Inflammatory signals can cross the placenta and blood brain barriers affecting fetal brain development. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that MIA could contribute to ASD etiology. However, human mechanistic studies have been hindered by a lack of experimental systems that could replicate the impact of MIA during fetal development. Therefore, mechanisms altered by inflammation during human pre-natal brain development, and that could underlie ASD pathogenesis have been largely understudied. The advent of human cellular models with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid technology is closing this gap in knowledge by providing both access to molecular manipulations and culturing capability of tissue that would be otherwise inaccessible. We present an overview of multiple levels of evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and cellular studies that provide a potential link between higher ASD risk and inflammation. More importantly, we discuss how stem cell-derived models may constitute an ideal experimental system to mechanistically interrogate the effect of inflammation during the early stages of brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janay M Vacharasin
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, S.C. 29506, USA
| | - Joseph A Ward
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mikayla M McCord
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kaitlin Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, UConn Health, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5357, USA
| | - Sofia B Lizarraga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Harkany T, Tretiakov E, Varela L, Jarc J, Rebernik P, Newbold S, Keimpema E, Verkhratsky A, Horvath T, Romanov R. Molecularly stratified hypothalamic astrocytes are cellular foci for obesity. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3748581. [PMID: 38405925 PMCID: PMC10889077 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3748581/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes safeguard the homeostasis of the central nervous system1,2. Despite their prominent morphological plasticity under conditions that challenge the brain's adaptive capacity3-5, the classification of astrocytes, and relating their molecular make-up to spatially devolved neuronal operations that specify behavior or metabolism, remained mostly futile6,7. Although it seems unexpected in the era of single-cell biology, the lack of a major advance in stratifying astrocytes under physiological conditions rests on the incompatibility of 'neurocentric' algorithms that rely on stable developmental endpoints, lifelong transcriptional, neurotransmitter, and neuropeptide signatures for classification6-8 with the dynamic functional states, anatomic allocation, and allostatic plasticity of astrocytes1. Simplistically, therefore, astrocytes are still grouped as 'resting' vs. 'reactive', the latter referring to pathological states marked by various inducible genes3,9,10. Here, we introduced a machine learning-based feature recognition algorithm that benefits from the cumulative power of published single-cell RNA-seq data on astrocytes as a reference map to stepwise eliminate pleiotropic and inducible cellular features. For the healthy hypothalamus, this walk-back approach revealed gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that specified subsets of astrocytes, and could be used as landmarking tools for their anatomical assignment. The core molecular censuses retained by astrocyte subsets were sufficient to stratify them by allostatic competence, chiefly their signaling and metabolic interplay with neurons. Particularly, we found differentially expressed mitochondrial genes in insulin-sensing astrocytes and demonstrated their reciprocal signaling with neurons that work antagonistically within the food intake circuitry. As a proof-of-concept, we showed that disrupting Mfn2 expression in astrocytes reduced their ability to support dynamic circuit reorganization, a time-locked feature of satiety in the hypothalamus, thus leading to obesity in mice. Overall, our results suggest that astrocytes in the healthy brain are fundamentally more heterogeneous than previously thought and topologically mirror the specificity of local neurocircuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Harkany
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna
| | | | | | - Jasna Jarc
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna
| | | | | | - Erik Keimpema
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Brain Research
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li Q, Liu S, Zheng T, Li M, Qi B, Zhou L, Liu B, Ma D, Zhao C, Chen Z. Grafted human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells combined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells contribute to functional recovery following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:35. [PMID: 38321505 PMCID: PMC10848469 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease that causes extensive damage to oligodendrocytes and neurons leading to demyelination and axonal degeneration. In this study, we co-transplanted cell grafts containing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) combined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were reported to promote OPCs survival and migration, into rat contusion models to promote functional recovery after SCI. METHODS OPCs were derived from iPSCs and identified by immunofluorescence at different time points. Functional assays in vitro were performed to evaluate the effect of HUVECs on the proliferation, migration, and survival of OPCs by co-culture and migration assay, as well as on the neuronal axonal growth. A combination of OPCs and HUVECs was transplanted into the rat contusive model. Upon 8 weeks, immunofluorescence staining was performed to test the safety of transplanted cells and to observe the neuronal repairment, myelination, and neural circuit reconstruction at the injured area; also, the functional recovery was assessed by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan open-field scale, Ladder climb, SEP, and MEP. Furthermore, the effect of HUVECs on grafts was also determined in vivo. RESULTS Data showed that HUVECs promote the proliferation, migration, and survival of OPCs both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, 8 weeks upon engraftment, the rats with OPCs and HUVECs co-transplantation noticeably facilitated remyelination, enhanced functional connection between the grafts and the host and promoted functional recovery. In addition, compared with the OPCs-alone transplantation, the co-transplantation generated more sensory neurons at the lesion border and significantly improved the sensory functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that transplantation of OPCs combined with HUVECs significantly enhances both motor and sensory functional recovery after SCI. No significance was observed between OPCs combined with HUVECs group and OPCs-alone group in motor function recovery, while the sensory function recovery was significantly promoted in OPCs combined with HUVECs groups compared with the other two groups. These findings provide novel insights into the field of SCI research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Mo Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Boling Qi
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Bochao Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dan Ma
- Translational Medicine Research Group (TMRG), Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Musotto R, Wanderlingh U, D’Ascola A, Spatuzza M, Catania MV, De Pittà M, Pioggia G. Dynamics of astrocytes Ca 2+ signaling: a low-cost fluorescence customized system for 2D cultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1320672. [PMID: 38322166 PMCID: PMC10844566 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1320672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In an effort to help reduce the costs of fluorescence microscopy and expand the use of this valuable technique, we developed a low-cost platform capable of visualising and analysing the spatio-temporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signalling in astrocytes. The created platform, consisting of a specially adapted fluorescence microscope and a data analysis procedure performed with Imagej Fiji software and custom scripts, allowed us to detect relative changes of intracellular Ca2+ ions in astrocytes. To demonstrate the usefulness of the workflow, we applied the methodology to several in vitro astrocyte preparations, specifically immortalised human astrocyte cells and wild-type mouse cells. To demonstrate the reliability of the procedure, analyses were conducted by stimulating astrocyte activity with the agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), alone or in the presence of the antagonist 2-methyl-6-phenylethyl-pyridine (MPEP).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Musotto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Ulderico Wanderlingh
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela D’Ascola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy
| | - Michela Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Maurizio De Pittà
- Division of Clinical and Computational Neurosciences, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li L, Lu S, Zhu J, Yu X, Hou S, Huang Y, Niu X, Du X, Liu R. Astrocytes Excessively Engulf Synapses in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1160. [PMID: 38256233 PMCID: PMC10816735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss is one of the most critical features in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and correlates with cognitive decline. Astrocytes mediate synapse elimination through multiple EGF-like domains 10 (MEGF10) pathways in the developing and adult brain to build the precise neural connectivity. However, whether and how astrocytes mediate synapse loss in AD remains unknown. We here find that the phagocytic receptor MEGF10 of astrocytes is significantly increased in vivo and in vitro, which results in excessive engulfment of synapses by astrocytes in APP/PS1 mice. We also observe that the astrocytic lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) is significantly elevated, colocalized with the engulfed synaptic puncta in APP/PS1 mice, and astrocytic lysosomes contain more engulfed synaptic puncta in APP/PS1 mice relative to wild type mice. Together, our data provide evidence that astrocytes excessively engulf synapses in APP/PS1 mice, which is mediated by increased MEGF10 and activated lysosomes. The approach targeting synapse engulfment pathway in astrocytes would be a potent therapy for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shengjie Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xiaoyun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Xiaoyu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Parker N, Cheng W, Hindley GFL, O'Connell KS, Karthikeyan S, Holen B, Shadrin AA, Rahman Z, Karadag N, Bahrami S, Lin A, Steen NE, Ueland T, Aukrust P, Djurovic S, Dale AM, Smeland OB, Frei O, Andreassen OA. Genetic Overlap Between Global Cortical Brain Structure, C-Reactive Protein, and White Blood Cell Counts. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:62-71. [PMID: 37348803 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.06.008] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many brain disorders, a subset of patients jointly exhibit alterations in cortical brain structure and elevated levels of circulating immune markers. This may be driven in part by shared genetic architecture. Therefore, we investigated the phenotypic and genetic associations linking global cortical surface area and thickness with blood immune markers (i.e., white blood cell counts and plasma C-reactive protein levels). METHODS Linear regression was used to assess phenotypic associations in 30,823 UK Biobank participants. Genome-wide and local genetic correlations were assessed using linkage disequilibrium score regression and local analysis of covariance annotation. The number of shared trait-influencing genetic variants was estimated using MiXeR. Shared genetic architecture was assessed using a conjunctional false discovery rate framework, and mapped genes were included in gene-set enrichment analyses. RESULTS Cortical structure and blood immune markers exhibited predominantly inverse phenotypic associations. There were modest genome-wide genetic correlations, the strongest of which were for C-reactive protein levels (rg_surface_area = -0.13, false discovery rate-corrected p = 4.17 × 10-3; rg_thickness = -0.13, false discovery rate-corrected p = 4.00 × 10-2). Meanwhile, local genetic correlations showed a mosaic of positive and negative associations. White blood cells shared on average 46.24% and 38.64% of trait-influencing genetic variants with surface area and thickness, respectively. Additionally, surface area shared 55 unique loci with the blood immune markers while thickness shared 15. Overall, monocyte count exhibited the largest genetic overlap with cortical brain structure. A series of gene enrichment analyses implicated neuronal-, astrocytic-, and schizophrenia-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate shared genetic underpinnings for cortical brain structure and blood immune markers, with implications for neurodevelopment and understanding the etiology of brain-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Parker
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Weiqiu Cheng
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guy F L Hindley
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin S O'Connell
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandeep Karthikeyan
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Børge Holen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexey A Shadrin
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zillur Rahman
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Naz Karadag
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shahram Bahrami
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aihua Lin
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Centre, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Disease, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders M Dale
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Olav B Smeland
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oleksandr Frei
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Ureña-Peralta J, Jendelova P, Erceg S. Alzheimer's disease and synapse Loss: What can we learn from induced pluripotent stem Cells? J Adv Res 2023; 54:105-118. [PMID: 36646419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptic dysfunction is a major contributor to Alzheimeŕs disease (AD) pathogenesis in addition to the formation of neuritic β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. However, how these features contribute to synaptic dysfunction and axonal loss remains unclear. While years of considerable effort have been devoted to gaining an improved understanding of this devastating disease, the unavailability of patient-derived tissues, considerable genetic heterogeneity, and lack of animal models that faithfully recapitulate human AD have hampered the development of effective treatment options. Ongoing progress in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology has permitted the derivation of patient- and disease-specific stem cells with unlimited self-renewal capacity. These cells can differentiate into AD-affected cell types, which support studies of disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and the development of cell replacement therapies in traditional and advanced cell culture models. AIM OF REVIEW To summarize current hiPSC-based AD models, highlighting the associated achievements and challenges with a primary focus on neuron and synapse loss. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW We aim to identify how hiPSC models can contribute to understanding AD-associated synaptic dysfunction and axonal loss. hiPSC-derived neural cells, astrocytes, and microglia, as well as more sophisticated cellular organoids, may represent reliable models to investigate AD and identify early markers of AD-associated neural degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juan Ureña-Peralta
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Neuroregeneration, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab., Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe (CIPF), c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Neuroregeneration, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic; National Stem Cell Bank-Valencia Node, Centro de Investigacion Principe Felipe, c/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Su C, Miao J, Guo J. The relationship between TGF-β1 and cognitive function in the brain. Brain Res Bull 2023; 205:110820. [PMID: 37979810 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional cytokine, plays a pivotal role in synaptic formation, plasticity, and neurovascular unit regulation. This review highlights TGF-β1's potential impact on cognitive function, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative disorders. However, despite the growing body of evidence, a comprehensive understanding of TGF-β1's precise role remains elusive. Further research is essential to unravel the complex mechanisms through which TGF-β1 influences cognitive function and to explore therapeutic avenues for targeting TGF-β1 in neurodegenerative conditions. This investigation sheds light on TGF-β1's contribution to cognitive function and offers prospects for innovative treatments and interventions. This review delves into the intricate relationship between TGF-β1 and cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Su
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030000, China
| | - Jie Miao
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030000, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Brandebura AN, Asbell QN, Micael MKB, Allen NJ. Dysregulation of astrocyte-secreted pleiotrophin contributes to neuronal structural and functional deficits in Down Syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.26.559633. [PMID: 37808668 PMCID: PMC10557700 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.26.559633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal dendrite patterning and synapse formation are tightly regulated during development to promote proper connectivity. Astrocyte-secreted proteins act as guidance and pro-synaptogenic factors during development, but little is known about how astrocytes may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we identify down-regulation of the astrocyte-secreted molecule pleiotrophin as a major contributor to neuronal morphological alterations in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down Syndrome. We find overlapping deficits in neuronal dendrites, spines and intracortical synapses in Ts65Dn mutant and pleiotrophin knockout mice. By targeting pleiotrophin overexpression to astrocytes in adult Ts65Dn mutant mice in vivo , we show that pleiotrophin can rescue dendrite morphology and spine density and increase excitatory synapse number. We further demonstrate functional improvements in behavior. Our findings identify pleiotrophin as a molecule that can be used in Down Syndrome to promote proper circuit connectivity, importantly at later stages of development after typical periods of circuit refinement have completed.
Collapse
|
30
|
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
|
31
|
Barnett D, Bohmbach K, Grelot V, Charlet A, Dallérac G, Ju YH, Nagai J, Orr AG. Astrocytes as Drivers and Disruptors of Behavior: New Advances in Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7463-7471. [PMID: 37940585 PMCID: PMC10634555 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1376-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging as key regulators of cognitive function and behavior. This review highlights some of the latest advances in the understanding of astrocyte roles in different behavioral domains across lifespan and in disease. We address specific molecular and circuit mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate behavior, discuss their functional diversity and versatility, and highlight emerging astrocyte-targeted treatment strategies that might alleviate behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in pathologic conditions. Converging evidence across different model systems and manipulations is revealing that astrocytes regulate behavioral processes in a precise and context-dependent manner. Improved understanding of these astrocytic functions may generate new therapeutic strategies for various conditions with cognitive and behavioral impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barnett
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| | - Kirsten Bohmbach
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Grelot
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Paris-Saclay University, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neurosciences, Paris, 91400, France
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jun Nagai
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nanclares C, Noriega-Prieto JA, Labrada-Moncada FE, Cvetanovic M, Araque A, Kofuji P. Altered calcium signaling in Bergmann glia contributes to spinocerebellar ataxia type-1 in a mouse model of SCA1. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106318. [PMID: 37802154 PMCID: PMC10624966 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion of glutamine (Q) encoding CAG repeats in the ATAXIN1 (ATXN1) gene and characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and eventual deterioration of bulbar functions. SCA1 shows severe degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and activation of Bergmann glia (BG), a type of cerebellar astroglia closely associated with PCs. Combining electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging techniques, and chemogenetic approaches, we have investigated the electrical intrinsic and synaptic properties of PCs and the physiological properties of BG in SCA1 mouse model expressing mutant ATXN1 only in PCs. PCs of SCA1 mice displayed lower spontaneous firing rate and larger slow afterhyperpolarization currents (sIAHP) than wildtype mice, whereas the properties of the synaptic inputs were unaffected. BG of SCA1 mice showed higher calcium hyperactivity and gliotransmission, manifested by higher frequency of NMDAR-mediated slow inward currents (SICs) in PC. Preventing the BG calcium hyperexcitability of SCA1 mice by loading BG with the calcium chelator BAPTA restored sIAHP and spontaneous firing rate of PCs to similar levels of wildtype mice. Moreover, mimicking the BG hyperactivity by activating BG expressing Gq-DREADDs in wildtype mice reproduced the SCA1 pathological phenotype of PCs, i.e., enhancement of sIAHP and decrease of spontaneous firing rate. These results indicate that the intrinsic electrical properties of PCs, but not their synaptic properties, were altered in SCA1 mice and that these alterations were associated with the hyperexcitability of BG. Moreover, preventing BG hyperexcitability in SCA1 mice and promoting BG hyperexcitability in wildtype mice prevented and mimicked, respectively, the pathological electrophysiological phenotype of PCs. Therefore, BG plays a relevant role in the dysfunction of the electrical intrinsic properties of PCs in SCA1 mice, suggesting that they may serve as potential targets for therapeutic approaches to treat the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Nanclares
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hu J, Xie S, Zhang H, Wang X, Meng B, Zhang L. Microglial Activation: Key Players in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1453. [PMID: 37891821 PMCID: PMC10605398 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101453] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common brain dysfunction, which results in severe cognitive and neurological sequelae and an increased mortality rate in patients with sepsis. Depending on the stimulus, microglia (resident macrophages in the brain that are involved in SAE pathology and physiology) can adopt two polarization states (M1/M2), corresponding to altered microglial morphology, gene expression, and function. We systematically described the pathogenesis, morphology, function, and phenotype of microglial activation in SAE and demonstrated that microglia are closely related to SAE occurrence and development, and concomitant cognitive impairment. Finally, some potential therapeutic approaches that can prime microglia and neuroinflammation toward the beneficial restorative microglial phenotype in SAE were outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shucai Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Haisong Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xinrun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Binbin Meng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen H, Zheng K, Qiu M, Yang J. Preparation of astrocytes by directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell transdifferentiation. Dev Neurobiol 2023; 83:282-292. [PMID: 37789524 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22929] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes (ACs) are the most widely distributed cells in the mammalian central nervous system, which are essential for the function and homeostasis of nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that ACs also participate in the development of many neurological diseases and repair after nerve injury. ACs cultured in vitro provide a cellular model for studying astrocytic development, function, and the pathogenesis of associated diseases. The preparation of primary ACs (pACs) faces many limitations, so it is important to obtain high-quality ACs by the differentiation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC) or somatic cell transdifferentiation. Initially, researchers mainly tried to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into ACs via embryoid body (EB) and then turned to employ induced PSCs as seed cells to explore more simple and efficient directed differentiation strategies, and serum-free culture was delved to improve the quality of induced ACs. While exploring the induction of ACs by the overexpression of AC-specific transcription factors, researchers also began to investigate small molecule-mediated somatic cell transdifferentiation. Here, we provide an updated review on the research progresses in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hangjie Chen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengsheng Qiu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junlin Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gao MY, Wang JQ, He J, Gao R, Zhang Y, Li X. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing in Astrocyte Development, Heterogeneity, and Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3449-3464. [PMID: 37552355 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and perform complicated functions in health and disease. It is obvious that different astrocyte subpopulations, or activation states, are relevant with specific genomic programs and functions. In recent years, the emergence of new technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has made substantial advance in the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity, astrocyte developmental trajectory, and its role in CNS diseases which has had a significant impact on neuroscience. In this review, we present an overview of astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its essential role in the physiological and pathological environments of the CNS. We focused on the critical role of single-cell sequencing in revealing astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its role in different CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin He
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Li
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang L, Jia Z, Wu Q, Bai T, Wang B, Hu X, Li T, Liu X, Fu J, Chen Y, Ding X, Liu Z, Xu Z, Zhou H. Alleviating symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders by astrocyte-specific overexpression of TMEM164 in mice. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1787-1802. [PMID: 37679556 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00887-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory microglia secrete cytokines to induce neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, which are one of the major causes of neuronal death. However, the intrinsic key regulators underlying neurotoxic reactive astrocytes induction are unknown. Here we show that the transmembrane protein 164 (TMEM164) is an early-response intrinsic factor that regulates neurotoxic astrocyte reactivity. TMEM164 overexpression inhibits the induction of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, maintains normal astrocytic functions and suppresses neurotoxic reactive astrocyte-mediated neuronal death by decreasing the secretion of neurotoxic saturated lipids. Adeno-associated virus-mediated, astrocyte-specific TMEM164 overexpression in male and female mice prevents the induction of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, dopaminergic neuronal loss and motor deficits in a Parkinson's disease model. Notably, brain-wide astrocyte-specific TMEM164 overexpression prevents the induction of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, amyloid β deposition, neurodegeneration and memory decline in the 5XFAD Alzheimer's disease mouse model, suggesting that TMEM164 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liansheng Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiheng Jia
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinde Hu
- Genemagic Biosciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianwen Li
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Key Laboratory for Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Key Library of Brain Function and Regeneration, Institutes of Brain Science, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqiang Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelei Chen
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Stem Cell Bank/Stem Cell Core Facility, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengzheng Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Haibo Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Liu Y, Wang J, Südhof TC, Wernig M. Efficient generation of functional neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells via neurogenin-2 expression. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:2954-2974. [PMID: 37596357 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00863-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The production of induced neuronal (iN) cells from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells by the forced expression of proneural transcription factors is rapid, efficient and reproducible. The ability to generate large numbers of human neurons in such a robust manner enables large-scale studies of human neural differentiation and neuropsychiatric diseases. Surprisingly, similar transcription factor-based approaches for converting mouse ESCs into iN cells have been challenging, primarily because of low cell survival. Here, we provide a detailed approach for the efficient and reproducible generation of functional iN cells from mouse ESC cultures by the genetically induced expression of neurogenin-2. The resulting iN cells display mature pre- and postsynaptic specializations and form synaptic networks. Our method provides the basis for studying neuronal development and enables the direct comparison of cellular phenotypes in mouse and human neurons generated in an equivalent way. The procedure requires 14 d and can be carried out by users with expertise in stem cell culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jinzhao Wang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Napier M, Reynolds K, Scott AL. Glial-mediated dysregulation of neurodevelopment in Fragile X Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:187-215. [PMID: 37993178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.005] [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: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly involved in a multitude of developmental processes that are known to be dysregulated in Fragile X Syndrome. Here, we examine these processes individually and review the roles astrocytes play in contributing to the pathology of this syndrome. As a growing area of interest in the field, new and exciting insight is continually emerging. Understanding these glial-mediated roles is imperative for elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms at play, not only in Fragile X Syndrome, but also other ASD-related disorders. Understanding these roles will be central to the future development of effective, clinically-relevant treatments of these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Napier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - K Reynolds
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - A L Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
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
|
40
|
Lee YF, Russ AN, Zhao Q, Perle SJ, Maci M, Miller MR, Hou SS, Algamal M, Zhao Z, Li H, Gelwan N, Liu Z, Gomperts SN, Araque A, Galea E, Bacskai BJ, Kastanenka KV. Optogenetic targeting of astrocytes restores slow brain rhythm function and slows Alzheimer's disease pathology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13075. [PMID: 37567942 PMCID: PMC10421876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40402-3] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep disturbances in addition to memory deficits. Disruption of NREM slow waves occurs early in the disease progression and is recapitulated in transgenic mouse models of beta-amyloidosis. However, the mechanisms underlying slow-wave disruptions remain unknown. Because astrocytes contribute to slow-wave activity, we used multiphoton microscopy and optogenetics to investigate whether they contribute to slow-wave disruptions in APP/PS1 mice. The power but not the frequency of astrocytic calcium transients was reduced in APP/PS1 mice compared to nontransgenic controls. Optogenetic activation of astrocytes at the endogenous frequency of slow waves restored slow-wave power, reduced amyloid deposition, prevented neuronal calcium elevations, and improved memory performance. Our findings revealed malfunction of the astrocytic network driving slow-wave disruptions. Thus, targeting astrocytes to restore circuit activity underlying sleep and memory disruptions in AD could ameliorate disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yee Fun Lee
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Alyssa N Russ
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Qiuchen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Stephen J Perle
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Megi Maci
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Morgan R Miller
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Steven S Hou
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Moustafa Algamal
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Zhuoyang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Hanyan Li
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Noah Gelwan
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Zhe Liu
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Stephen N Gomperts
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Elena Galea
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Brian J Bacskai
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
| | - Ksenia V Kastanenka
- Department of Neurology, MassGeneral Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nejo T, Krishna S, Jimenez C, Yamamichi A, Young JS, Lakshmanachetty S, Chen T, Phyu SSS, Ogino H, Watchmaker P, Diebold D, Choudhury A, Daniel AGS, Raleigh DR, Hervey-Jumper SL, Okada H. Glioma-neuronal circuit remodeling induces regional immunosuppression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.548295. [PMID: 37577659 PMCID: PMC10418167 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.548295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal activity-driven mechanisms impact glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion 1-7 , and glioblastoma remodels neuronal circuits 8,9 . Distinct intratumoral regions maintain functional connectivity via a subpopulation of malignant cells that mediate tumor-intrinsic neuronal connectivity and synaptogenesis through their transcriptional programs 8 . However, the effects of tumor-intrinsic neuronal activity on other cells, such as immune cells, remain unknown. Here we show that regions within glioblastomas with elevated connectivity are characterized by regional immunosuppression. This was accompanied by different cell compositions and inflammatory status of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment. In preclinical intracerebral syngeneic glioblastoma models, CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1/ Thbs1 ), a synaptogenic factor critical for glioma-induced neuronal circuit remodeling, in glioblastoma cells suppressed synaptogenesis and glutamatergic neuronal hyperexcitability, while simultaneously restoring antigen-presentation and pro-inflammatory responses. Moreover, TSP-1 knockout prolonged survival of immunocompetent mice harboring intracerebral syngeneic glioblastoma, but not of immunocompromised mice, and promoted infiltrations of pro-inflammatory TAMs and CD8+ T-cells in the tumor microenvironment. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of glutamatergic excitatory signals redirected tumor-associated macrophages toward a less immunosuppressive phenotype, resulting in prolonged survival. Altogether, our results demonstrate previously unrecognized immunosuppression mechanisms resulting from glioma-neuronal circuit remodeling and suggest future strategies targeting glioma-neuron-immune crosstalk may open up new avenues for immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
42
|
Valenti D, Vacca RA. Brain Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on Down, Rett and Fragile X Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12488. [PMID: 37569863 PMCID: PMC10419900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, far beyond their prominent role as cellular powerhouses, are complex cellular organelles active as central metabolic hubs that are capable of integrating and controlling several signaling pathways essential for neurological processes, including neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. On the other hand, mitochondria are themselves regulated from a series of signaling proteins to achieve the best efficiency in producing energy, in establishing a network and in performing their own de novo synthesis or clearance. Dysfunctions in signaling processes that control mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and bioenergetics are increasingly associated with impairment in brain development and involved in a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review recent evidence proving the emerging role of mitochondria as master regulators of brain bioenergetics, highlighting their control skills in brain neurodevelopment and cognition. We analyze, from a mechanistic point of view, mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction as causally interrelated to the origins of typical genetic intellectual disability-related neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down, Rett and Fragile X syndromes. Finally, we discuss whether mitochondria can become therapeutic targets to improve brain development and function from a holistic perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Valenti
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Buchmann S, Enrico A, Holzreuter MA, Reid M, Zeglio E, Niklaus F, Stemme G, Herland A. Probabilistic cell seeding and non-autofluorescent 3D-printed structures as scalable approach for multi-level co-culture modeling. Mater Today Bio 2023; 21:100706. [PMID: 37435551 PMCID: PMC10331311 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To model complex biological tissue in vitro, a specific layout for the position and numbers of each cell type is necessary. Establishing such a layout requires manual cell placement in three dimensions (3D) with micrometric precision, which is complicated and time-consuming. Moreover, 3D printed materials used in compartmentalized microfluidic models are opaque or autofluorescent, hindering parallel optical readout and forcing serial characterization methods, such as patch-clamp probing. To address these limitations, we introduce a multi-level co-culture model realized using a parallel cell seeding strategy of human neurons and astrocytes on 3D structures printed with a commercially available non-autofluorescent resin at micrometer resolution. Using a two-step strategy based on probabilistic cell seeding, we demonstrate a human neuronal monoculture that forms networks on the 3D printed structure and can establish cell-projection contacts with an astrocytic-neuronal co-culture seeded on the glass substrate. The transparent and non-autofluorescent printed platform allows fluorescence-based immunocytochemistry and calcium imaging. This approach provides facile multi-level compartmentalization of different cell types and routes for pre-designed cell projection contacts, instrumental in studying complex tissue, such as the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Buchmann
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
- AIMES – Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Enrico
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
- Synthetic Physiology lab, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Muriel Alexandra Holzreuter
- AIMES – Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Reid
- Department of Fiber and Polymer Technology, Wallenberg Wood Science Centre, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-58, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erica Zeglio
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
- AIMES – Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frank Niklaus
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Göran Stemme
- Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas väg 10, 100 44, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, 171 65, Solna, Sweden
- AIMES – Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Handy G, Borisyuk A. Investigating the ability of astrocytes to drive neural network synchrony. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011290. [PMID: 37556468 PMCID: PMC10441806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent experimental works have implicated astrocytes as a significant cell type underlying several neuronal processes in the mammalian brain, from encoding sensory information to neurological disorders. Despite this progress, it is still unclear how astrocytes are communicating with and driving their neuronal neighbors. While previous computational modeling works have helped propose mechanisms responsible for driving these interactions, they have primarily focused on interactions at the synaptic level, with microscale models of calcium dynamics and neurotransmitter diffusion. Since it is computationally infeasible to include the intricate microscale details in a network-scale model, little computational work has been done to understand how astrocytes may be influencing spiking patterns and synchronization of large networks. We overcome this issue by first developing an "effective" astrocyte that can be easily implemented to already established network frameworks. We do this by showing that the astrocyte proximity to a synapse makes synaptic transmission faster, weaker, and less reliable. Thus, our "effective" astrocytes can be incorporated by considering heterogeneous synaptic time constants, which are parametrized only by the degree of astrocytic proximity at that synapse. We then apply our framework to large networks of exponential integrate-and-fire neurons with various spatial structures. Depending on key parameters, such as the number of synapses ensheathed and the strength of this ensheathment, we show that astrocytes can push the network to a synchronous state and exhibit spatially correlated patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Handy
- Departments of Neurobiology and Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Grossman Center for Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alla Borisyuk
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Grabowska AD, Wątroba M, Witkowska J, Mikulska A, Sepúlveda N, Szukiewicz D. Interplay between Systemic Glycemia and Neuroprotective Activity of Resveratrol in Modulating Astrocyte SIRT1 Response to Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11640. [PMID: 37511397 PMCID: PMC10380505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The flow of substances between the blood and the central nervous system is precisely regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Its disruption due to unbalanced blood glucose levels (hyper- and hypoglycemia) occurring in metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, can lead to neuroinflammation, and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. One of the most studied natural anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective compounds is resveratrol (RSV). It activates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a key metabolism regulator dependent on cell energy status. The aim of this study was to assess the astrocyte SIRT1 response to neuroinflammation and subsequent RSV treatment, depending on systemic glycemia. For this purpose, we used an optimized in vitro model of the BBB consisting of endothelial cells and astrocytes, representing microvascular and brain compartments (MC and BC), in different glycemic backgrounds. Astrocyte-secreted SIRT1 reached the highest concentration in hypo-, the lowest in normo-, and the lowest in hyperglycemic backgrounds. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation caused a substantial decrease in SIRT1 in all glycemic backgrounds, as observed earliest in hyperglycemia. RSV partially counterbalanced the effect of LPS on SIRT1 secretion, most remarkably in normoglycemia. Our results suggest that abnormal glycemic states have a worse prognosis for RSV-therapy effectiveness compared to normoglycemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. Grabowska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Mateusz Wątroba
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Joanna Witkowska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Mikulska
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland
- CEAUL—Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Laboratory of the Blood-Brain Barrier, Department of Biophysics, Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chalubinskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (J.W.); (A.M.); (D.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Deckers C, Karbalaei R, Miles NA, Harder EV, Witt E, Harris EP, Reissner K, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Early resource scarcity causes cortical astrocyte enlargement and sex-specific changes in the orbitofrontal cortex transcriptome in adult rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.01.547315. [PMID: 37425737 PMCID: PMC10327175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.01.547315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte morphology affects function, including the regulation of glutamatergic signaling. This morphology changes dynamically in response to the environment. However, how early life manipulations alter adult cortical astrocyte morphology is underexplored. Our lab uses brief postnatal resource scarcity, the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) manipulation, in rats. We previously found that LBN promotes later resilience to adult addiction-related behaviors, reducing impulsivity, risky decision-making, and morphine self-administration. These behaviors rely on glutamatergic transmission in the medial orbitofrontal (mOFC) and medial prefrontal (mPFC) cortex. Here we tested whether LBN changed astrocyte morphology in the mOFC and mPFC of adult rats using a novel viral approach that, unlike traditional markers, fully labels astrocytes. Prior exposure to LBN causes an increase in the surface area and volume of astrocytes in the mOFC and mPFC of adult males and females relative to control-raised rats. We next used bulk RNA sequencing of OFC tissue to assess transcriptional changes that could increase astrocyte size in LBN rats. LBN caused mainly sex-specific changes in differentially expressed genes. However, Park7, which encodes for the protein DJ-1 that alters astrocyte morphology, was increased by LBN across sex. Pathway analysis revealed that OFC glutamatergic signaling is altered by LBN in males and females, but the gene changes in that pathway differed across sex. This may represent a convergent sex difference where glutamatergic signaling, which affects astrocyte morphology, is altered by LBN via sex-specific mechanisms. Collectively, these studies highlight that astrocytes may be an important cell type that mediates the effect of early resource scarcity on adult brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Deckers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Nylah A Miles
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Eden V Harder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emily Witt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Erin P Harris
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Kathryn Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hashimoto JG, Zhang X, Guizzetti M. Ethanol-induced transcriptional and translational changes in Aldh1l1-Egfp/Rpl10a cortical astrocyte cultures. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1193304. [PMID: 37415614 PMCID: PMC10320287 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1193304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role astrocytes play in brain development and function has garnered greater attention as the diversity of roles they are involved in has become apparent. We have previously shown that ethanol-exposed astrocytes alter neuronal neurite outgrowth in an in vitro co-culture system and that ethanol alters the astrocyte-produced extracellular matrix (ECM) in vitro, with similar alterations in vivo. In this study, we utilized the translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) procedure in Aldh1l1-EGFP/Rpl10a transgenic mouse primary cortical astrocyte cultures to transcriptionally and translationally profile the astrocyte response to ethanol. We found a large number of differences between the total RNA pool and the translating RNA pool, indicating that the transcriptional state of astrocytes may not always reflect the translational state of astrocytes. In addition, there was a considerable overlap between ethanol-dysregulated genes in the total RNA pool and the translating RNA pool. Comparisons to published datasets indicate the in vitro model used here is most similar to PD1 or PD7 in vivo cortical astrocytes, and the ethanol-regulated genes showed a significant overlap with models of chronic ethanol exposure in astrocytes, a model of third-trimester ethanol exposure in the hippocampus and cerebellum, and an acute model of ethanol exposure in the hippocampus. These findings will further our understanding of the effects of ethanol on astrocyte gene expression and protein translation and how these changes may alter brain development and support the use of in vitro astrocyte cultures as models of neonatal astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel G. Hashimoto
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Marina Guizzetti
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Faissner A. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) in the glial lineage modulates neuronal excitability. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1190240. [PMID: 37383546 PMCID: PMC10293750 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1190240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein related protein receptor 1 (LRP1), also known as CD91 or α-Macroglobulin-receptor, is a transmembrane receptor that interacts with more than 40 known ligands. It plays an important biological role as receptor of morphogens, extracellular matrix molecules, cytokines, proteases, protease inhibitors and pathogens. In the CNS, it has primarily been studied as a receptor and clearance agent of pathogenic factors such as Aβ-peptide and, lately, Tau protein that is relevant for tissue homeostasis and protection against neurodegenerative processes. Recently, it was found that LRP1 expresses the Lewis-X (Lex) carbohydrate motif and is expressed in the neural stem cell compartment. The removal of Lrp1 from the cortical radial glia compartment generates a strong phenotype with severe motor deficits, seizures and a reduced life span. The present review discusses approaches that have been taken to address the neurodevelopmental significance of LRP1 by creating novel, lineage-specific constitutive or conditional knockout mouse lines. Deficits in the stem cell compartment may be at the root of severe CNS pathologies.
Collapse
|
49
|
Božić M, Pirnat S, Fink K, Potokar M, Kreft M, Zorec R, Stenovec M. Ketamine Reduces the Surface Density of the Astroglial Kir4.1 Channel and Inhibits Voltage-Activated Currents in a Manner Similar to the Action of Ba 2+ on K + Currents. Cells 2023; 12:1360. [PMID: 37408194 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101360] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A single sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine evokes rapid and long-lasting beneficial effects in patients with a major depressive disorder. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown. It has been proposed that astrocyte dysregulation of extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) alters neuronal excitability, thus contributing to depression. We examined how ketamine affects inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1, the principal regulator of K+ buffering and neuronal excitability in the brain. Cultured rat cortical astrocytes were transfected with plasmid-encoding fluorescently tagged Kir4.1 (Kir4.1-EGFP) to monitor the mobility of Kir4.1-EGFP vesicles at rest and after ketamine treatment (2.5 or 25 µM). Short-term (30 min) ketamine treatment reduced the mobility of Kir4.1-EGFP vesicles compared with the vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.05). Astrocyte treatment (24 h) with dbcAMP (dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate, 1 mM) or [K+]o (15 mM), which increases intracellular cAMP, mimicked the ketamine-evoked reduction of mobility. Live cell immunolabelling and patch-clamp measurements in cultured mouse astrocytes revealed that short-term ketamine treatment reduced the surface density of Kir4.1 and inhibited voltage-activated currents similar to Ba2+ (300 µM), a Kir4.1 blocker. Thus, ketamine attenuates Kir4.1 vesicle mobility, likely via a cAMP-dependent mechanism, reduces Kir4.1 surface density, and inhibits voltage-activated currents similar to Ba2+, known to block Kir4.1 channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mićo Božić
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Samo Pirnat
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Fink
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Kreft
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Stenovec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Tehnološki Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Liu M, Zhu L, Guo YJ, Zhang SS, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Chao FL, Tang Y. The effects of voluntary running exercise on the astrocytes of the medial prefrontal cortex in APP/PS1 mice. J Comp Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37146123 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25485] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathological changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and astrocytes are closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Voluntary running has been found to effectively delay AD. However, the effects of voluntary running on mPFC astrocytes in AD are unclear. A total of 40 10-month-old male amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice and 40 wild-type (WT) mice were randomly divided into control and running groups, and the running groups underwent voluntary running for 3 months. Mouse cognition was assessed by the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and Y maze tests. The effects of voluntary running on mPFC astrocytes were investigated using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and stereology. APP/PS1 mice performed significantly worse than WT mice in the NOR, MWM, and Y maze tests, and voluntary running improved the performance of APP/PS1 mice in these tests. The total number of mPFC astrocytes was increased, cell bodies were enlarged, and protrusion number and length were increased in AD mice compared with WT mice, but there was no difference in component 3 (C3) levels in the mPFC (total mPFC level); however, C3 and S100B levels in astrocytes were increased in AD mice. Voluntary running reduced the total number of astrocytes and S100B levels in astrocytes and increased the density of PSD95+ puncta in direct contact with astrocyte protrusions in the APP/PS1 mouse mPFC. Three months of voluntary running inhibited astrocyte hyperplasia and S100B expression in astrocytes, increased the density of synapses in contact with astrocytes, and improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Jing Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Laboratory Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Lei Chao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|