1
|
Luo W, Yang Z, Zheng J, Cai Z, Li X, Liu J, Guo X, Luo M, Fan X, Cheng M, Tang T, Liu J, Wang Y. Small Molecule Hydrogels Loading Small Molecule Drugs from Chinese Medicine for the Enhanced Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39383335 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c09097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembly of hydrogels for mechanical support and drug delivery has been extensively researched in traumatic brain injury (TBI), where treatment options are limited. The chief challenge is that most self-assembled hydrogels rely on high molecular carriers or the incorporation of exogenous inactive substances as mediators. It is difficult for these drug delivery systems to achieve clinical translation due to concerns regarding biological safety. Here we report a small molecule hydrogel (GBR-gel) loading small molecule drugs (glycyrrhizic acid, berberine, and rhein) that originated from popular Chinese medicines without additional drug loading or inactive components under physiological conditions. In the long run, GBR-gel possesses several advantages, including ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and high biocompatibility. As a proof-of-concept, GBR-gel allows for prompt administration at the site of brain injury to exert potent pharmacodynamic effects. Further single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental validation indicated that GBR-gel can effectively rescue the suppressed glutamatergic synapse pathway after TBI, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses and neural impairments. Our work provides an alternative strategy for timely intervention of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Luo
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyu Yang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zheng
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Zexuan Cai
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Xuexuan Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohang Guo
- School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, P. R. China
| | - Ming Luo
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Fan
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Menghan Cheng
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Tao Tang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| | - Juewen Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nagai H. Deciphering prefrontal circuits underlying stress and depression: exploring the potential of volume electron microscopy. Microscopy (Oxf) 2024; 73:391-404. [PMID: 39045685 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfae036] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adapting to environmental changes and formulating behavioral strategies are central to the nervous system, with the prefrontal cortex being crucial. Chronic stress impacts this region, leading to disorders including major depression. This review discusses the roles for prefrontal cortex and the effects of stress, highlighting similarities and differences between human/primates and rodent brains. Notably, the rodent medial prefrontal cortex is analogous to the human subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in terms of emotional regulation, sharing similarities in cytoarchitecture and circuitry, while also performing cognitive functions similar to the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It has been shown that chronic stress induces atrophic changes in the rodent mPFC, which mirrors the atrophy observed in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of depression patients. However, the precise alterations in neural circuitry due to chronic stress are yet to be fully unraveled. The use of advanced imaging techniques, particularly volume electron microscopy, is emphasized as critical for the detailed examination of synaptic changes, providing a deeper understanding of stress and depression at the molecular, cellular and circuit levels. This approach offers invaluable insights into the alterations in neuronal circuits within the medial prefrontal cortex caused by chronic stress, significantly enriching our understanding of stress and depression pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Nagai
- Division of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Research Building B 4F, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tai NC, Shinmyo Y, Kawasaki H. Astrocyte diversity in the ferret cerebrum revealed with astrocyte-specific genetic manipulation. Glia 2024; 72:1862-1873. [PMID: 38884631 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24587] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes in the cerebrum play important roles such as the regulation of synaptic functions, homeostasis, water transport, and the blood-brain barrier. It has been proposed that astrocytes in the cerebrum acquired diversity and developed functionally during evolution. Here, we show that like human astrocytes, ferret astrocytes in the cerebrum exhibit various morphological subtypes which mice do not have. We found that layer 1 of the ferret cerebrum contained not only protoplasmic astrocytes but also pial interlaminar astrocytes and subpial interlaminar astrocytes. Morphologically polarized astrocytes, which have a long unbranched process, were found in layer 6. Like human white matter, ferret white matter exhibited four subtypes of astrocytes. Furthermore, our quantification showed that ferret astrocytes had a larger territory size and a longer radius length than mouse astrocytes. Thus, our results indicate that, similar to the human cerebrum, the ferret cerebrum has a well-developed diversity of astrocytes. Ferrets should be useful for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to astrocyte diversity, the functions of each astrocyte subtype and the involvement of different astrocyte subtypes in various neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Chi Tai
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Sapiens Life Sciences, Evolution and Medicine Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawasaki
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Sapiens Life Sciences, Evolution and Medicine Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thomas CI, Ryan MA, McNabb MC, Kamasawa N, Scholl B. Astrocyte coverage of excitatory synapses correlates to measures of synapse structure and function in ferret primary visual cortex. Glia 2024; 72:1785-1800. [PMID: 38856149 PMCID: PMC11324397 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Most excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are contacted or ensheathed by astrocyte processes, forming tripartite synapses. Astrocytes are thought to be critical regulators of the structural and functional dynamics of synapses. While the degree of synaptic coverage by astrocytes is known to vary across brain regions and animal species, the reason for and implications of this variability remains unknown. Further, how astrocyte coverage of synapses relates to in vivo functional properties of individual synapses has not been investigated. Here, we characterized astrocyte coverage of synapses of pyramidal neurons in the ferret visual cortex and, using correlative light and electron microscopy, examined their relationship to synaptic strength and sensory-evoked Ca2+ activity. Nearly, all synapses were contacted by astrocytes, and most were contacted along the axon-spine interface. Structurally, we found that the degree of synaptic astrocyte coverage directly scaled with synapse size and postsynaptic density complexity. Functionally, we found that the amount of astrocyte coverage scaled with how selectively a synapse responds to a particular visual stimulus and, at least for the largest synapses, scaled with the reliability of visual stimuli to evoke postsynaptic Ca2+ events. Our study shows astrocyte coverage is highly correlated with structural metrics of synaptic strength of excitatory synapses in the visual cortex and demonstrates a previously unknown relationship between astrocyte coverage and reliable sensory activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connon I Thomas
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Melissa A Ryan
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Micaiah C McNabb
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Benjamin Scholl
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xia T, Hu L, Zuo L, Cao L, Zhang Y, Xu M, Lu Q, Zhang L, Pan T, Zhang B, Ma B, Chen C, Guo J, Shi C, Li M, Liu C, Li Y, Zhang Y, Fang S. ST-GEARS: Advancing 3D downstream research through accurate spatial information recovery. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7806. [PMID: 39242563 PMCID: PMC11379900 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional Spatial Transcriptomics has revolutionized our understanding of tissue regionalization, organogenesis, and development. However, existing approaches overlook either spatial information or experiment-induced distortions, leading to significant discrepancies between reconstruction results and in vivo cell locations, causing unreliable downstream analysis. To address these challenges, we propose ST-GEARS (Spatial Transcriptomics GEospatial profile recovery system through AnchoRS). By employing innovative Distributive Constraints into the Optimization scheme, ST-GEARS retrieves anchors with exceeding precision that connect closest spots across sections in vivo. Guided by the anchors, it first rigidly aligns sections, next solves and denoises Elastic Fields to counteract distortions. Through mathematically proved Bi-sectional Fields Application, it eventually recovers the original spatial profile. Studying ST-GEARS across number of sections, sectional distances and sequencing platforms, we observed its outstanding performance on tissue, cell, and gene levels. ST-GEARS provides precise and well-explainable 'gears' between in vivo situations and in vitro analysis, powerfully fueling potential of biological discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xia
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Luni Hu
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | | | - Lei Cao
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Yunjia Zhang
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Mengyang Xu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- BGI Research, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Qin Lu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Taotao Pan
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Bowen Ma
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | | | | | - Mei Li
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Chao Liu
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China.
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Yuxiang Li
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- BGI Research, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Guangdong Bigdata Engineering Technology Research Center for Life Sciences, BGI research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- BGI Research, Wuhan, 430074, China.
- Guangdong Bigdata Engineering Technology Research Center for Life Sciences, BGI research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Shuangsang Fang
- BGI Research, Beijing, 102601, China.
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mohammad ZB, Yudin SCY, Goldberg BJ, Serra KL, Klegeris A. Exploring neuroglial signaling: diversity of molecules implicated in microglia-to-astrocyte neuroimmune communication. Rev Neurosci 2024:revneuro-2024-0081. [PMID: 39240134 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2024-0081] [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: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Effective communication between different cell types is essential for brain health, and dysregulation of this process leads to neuropathologies. Brain glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, orchestrate immune defense and neuroimmune responses under pathological conditions during which interglial communication is indispensable. Our appreciation of the complexity of these processes is rapidly increasing due to recent advances in molecular biology techniques, which have identified numerous phenotypic states of both microglia and astrocytes. This review focuses on microglia-to-astrocyte communication facilitated by secreted neuroimmune modulators. The combinations of interleukin (IL)-1α, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), plus complement component C1q as well as IL-1β plus TNF are already well-established microglia-derived stimuli that induce reactive phenotypes in astrocytes. However, given the large number of inflammatory mediators secreted by microglia and the rapidly increasing number of distinct functional states recognized in astrocytes, it can be hypothesized that many more intercellular signaling molecules exist. This review identifies the following group of cytokines and gliotransmitters that, while not established as interglial mediators yet, are known to be released by microglia and elicit functional responses in astrocytes: IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interferon (IFN)-γ, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)5, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), l-glutamate, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The review of molecular mechanisms engaged by these mediators reveals complex, partially overlapping signaling pathways implicated in numerous neuropathologies. Additionally, lack of human-specific studies is identified as a significant knowledge gap. Further research on microglia-to-astrocyte communication is warranted, as it could discover novel interglial signaling-targeted therapies for diverse neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab B Mohammad
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Samantha C Y Yudin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Benjamin J Goldberg
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Kursti L Serra
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Andis Klegeris
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lozano Casasbuenas D, Kortebi I, Gora C, Scott EY, Gomes C, Oliveira MS, Sharma T, Daniele E, Olfat A, Gibbs R, Yuzwa SA, Gilbert EA, Küry P, Wheeler AR, Lévesque M, Faiz M. The laminar position, morphology, and gene expression profiles of cortical astrocytes are influenced by time of birth from ventricular/subventricular progenitors. Glia 2024; 72:1693-1706. [PMID: 38852127 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes that reside in superficial (SL) and deep cortical layers have distinct molecular profiles and morphologies, which may underlie specific functions. Here, we demonstrate that the production of SL and deep layer (DL) astrocyte populations from neural progenitor cells in the mouse is temporally regulated. Lineage tracking following in utero and postnatal electroporation with PiggyBac (PB) EGFP and birth dating with EdU and FlashTag, showed that apical progenitors produce astrocytes during late embryogenesis (E16.5) that are biased to the SL, while postnatally labeled (P0) astrocytes are biased to the DL. In contrast, astrocytes born during the predominantly neurogenic window (E14.5) showed a random distribution in the SL and DL. Of interest, E13.5 astrocytes birth dated at E13.5 with EdU showed a lower layer bias, while FT labeling of apical progenitors showed no bias. Finally, examination of the morphologies of "biased" E16.5- and P0-labeled astrocytes demonstrated that E16.5-labeled astrocytes exhibit different morphologies in different layers, while P0-labeled astrocytes do not. Differences based on time of birth are also observed in the molecular profiles of E16.5 versus P0-labeled astrocytes. Altogether, these results suggest that the morphological, molecular, and positional diversity of cortical astrocytes is related to their time of birth from ventricular/subventricular zone progenitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lozano Casasbuenas
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ines Kortebi
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Gora
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Erica Y Scott
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celeste Gomes
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Markley Silva Oliveira
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanvi Sharma
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emerson Daniele
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arman Olfat
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Gibbs
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott A Yuzwa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily A Gilbert
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Küry
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aaron R Wheeler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Lévesque
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; CERVO Brain Research Center, Québec, Canada
| | - Maryam Faiz
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang S, Baumert R, Séjourné G, Bindu DS, Dimond K, Sakers K, Vazquez L, Moore J, Tan CX, Takano T, Rodriguez MP, Soderling SH, La Spada AR, Eroglu C. Astrocytic LRRK2 Controls Synaptic Connectivity via Regulation of ERM Phosphorylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.09.536178. [PMID: 39253496 PMCID: PMC11383028 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.09.536178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major glial cell type of the brain, regulate synapse numbers and function. However, whether astrocyte dysfunction can cause synaptic pathologies in neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) is unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of the most common PD-linked mutation in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene (G2019S) on the synaptic functions of astrocytes. We found that both in human and mouse cortex, the LRRK2 G2019S mutation causes astrocyte morphology deficits and enhances the phosphorylation of the ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin, and Moesin), which are important components of perisynaptic astrocyte processes. Reducing ERM phosphorylation in LRRK2 G2019S mouse astrocytes restored astrocyte morphology and corrected excitatory synaptic deficits. Using an in vivo BioID proteomic approach, we found Ezrin, the most abundant astrocytic ERM protein, interacts with the Autophagy-Related 7 (Atg7), a master regulator of catabolic processes. The Ezrin/Atg7 interaction is inhibited by Ezrin phosphorylation, thus diminished in the LRRK2 G2019S astrocytes. Importantly, Atg7 function is required to maintain proper astrocyte morphology. These studies reveal an astrocytic molecular mechanism that could serve as a therapeutic target in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Wang
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Ryan Baumert
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Gabrielle Séjourné
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Dhanesh Sivadasan Bindu
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neonatology, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kylie Dimond
- College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Kristina Sakers
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Leslie Vazquez
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- The Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Jessica Moore
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Tetsuya Takano
- Division of Molecular Systems for Brain Function, Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Japan
| | - Maria Pia Rodriguez
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H. Soderling
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- The Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
| | - Albert R. La Spada
- The Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Neurology, Biological Chemistry, and Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UCI Center for Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- The Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- The Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Delgado-García LM, Ojalvo-Sanz AC, Nakamura TKE, Martín-López E, Porcionatto M, Lopez-Mascaraque L. Dissecting reactive astrocyte responses: lineage tracing and morphology-based clustering. Biol Res 2024; 57:54. [PMID: 39143594 PMCID: PMC11323641 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00532-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain damage triggers diverse cellular and molecular events, with astrocytes playing a crucial role in activating local neuroprotective and reparative signaling within damaged neuronal circuits. Here, we investigated reactive astrocytes using a multidimensional approach to categorize their responses into different subtypes based on morphology. This approach utilized the StarTrack lineage tracer, single-cell imaging reconstruction and multivariate data analysis. Our findings identified three profiles of reactive astrocyte responses, categorized by their effects on cell size- and shape- related morphological parameters: "moderate", "strong," and "very strong". We also examined the heterogeneity of astrocyte reactivity, focusing on spatial and clonal distribution. Our research revealed a notable enrichment of protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes within the "strong" and "very strong" response subtypes. Overall, our study contributes to a better understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity in response to an injury. By characterizing the diverse reactive responses among astrocyte subpopulations, we provide insights that could guide future research aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets to mitigate brain damage and promote neural repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina M Delgado-García
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular, Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Sao Paulo, 04039032, Brazil
| | - Ana C Ojalvo-Sanz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular, Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thabatta K E Nakamura
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular, Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Sao Paulo, 04039032, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Martín-López
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular, Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Marimelia Porcionatto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Sao Paulo, 04039032, Brazil
| | - Laura Lopez-Mascaraque
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular, Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Arce 37, 28002, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang C, Yang X, Gao T, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Li X, Yang Y, Yi T, Wang Y, Mi W. Astroglial morphological changes in periaqueductal grey in different pain and itch mice models. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115075. [PMID: 38815698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115075] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a well-established pivotal role in the descending pain modulatory circuit. The objective of this study was to investigate morphological changes in the astroglia in models that are commonly used in pain and itch studies. METHODS Five different mouse models of pain, as well as two models of chronic itch, were established using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), spared nerve injury (SNI), bone cancer pain (BCP), cisplatin (CIS), and paclitaxel (PTX) for pain, and diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) and acetone and diethyl ether followed by water (AEW) for chronic itch. von Frey tests and video recordings were employed to assess pain and itching behaviors. The immunofluorescence of S100β, pSTAT3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was examined. Two- and three-dimensional studies were used to evaluate changes in astrocyte morphology. RESULTS Significant scratching was caused by DCP and AEW, whereas the administration of CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, and PTX produced clear mechanical allodynia. The expression of GFAP in the lPAG/vlPAG was upregulated in CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, PTX, and DCP mice but decreased in AEW mice. According to Sholl analysis, CFA, SNI, PTX, and BCP mice showed substantially higher astrocyte intersections in the vlPAG, whereas CFA, SNI, BCP, CIS, and DCP mice presented longer peak lengths. In three-dimensional analysis, CFA, SNI, PTX, and DCP mice showed increased astrocyte surface areas, while CIS and AEW mice showed both reduced surface areas and/or volumes of astrocytes. CONCLUSION The findings showed that different pain and itching conditions have different astrocyte morphologies, and these variations in morphological changes help to explain the pathophysiology of these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an 271016, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianchi Gao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuyu Zhao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yayue Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaochen Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yachen Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ting Yi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenli Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Endo F. Deciphering the spectrum of astrocyte diversity: Insights into molecular, morphological, and functional dimensions in health and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00098-1. [PMID: 39098767 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.07.008] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant and morphologically complex glial cells that play active roles in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has identified shared and region-specific astrocytic genes and functions, elucidated the cellular origins of their regional diversity, and uncovered the molecular networks for astrocyte morphology, which are essential for their functional complexity. Reactive astrocytes exhibit a wide range of functional diversity in a context-specific manner in CNS disorders. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the molecular and morphological diversity of astrocytes in healthy individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Endo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lorin C, Guiet R, Chiaruttini N, Ambrosini G, Boci E, Abdellah M, Markram H, Keller D. Structural and molecular characterization of astrocyte and vasculature connectivity in the mouse hippocampus and cortex. Glia 2024. [PMID: 39007459 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24594] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The relation of astrocytic endfeet to the vasculature plays a key functional role in the neuro-glia-vasculature unit. We characterize the spatial organization of astrocytes and the structural aspects that facilitate their involvement in molecular exchanges. Using double transgenic mice, we performed co-immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and three-dimensional digital segmentation to investigate the biophysical and molecular organization of astrocytes and their intricate endfoot network at the micrometer level in the isocortex and hippocampus. The results showed that hippocampal astrocytes had smaller territories, reduced endfoot dimensions, and fewer contacts with blood vessels compared with those in the isocortex. Additionally, we found that both connexins 43 and 30 have a higher density in the endfoot and the former is overexpressed relative to the latter. However, due to the limitations of the method, further studies are needed to determine the exact localization on the endfoot. The quantitative information obtained in this study will be useful for modeling the interactions of astrocytes with the vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lorin
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Guiet
- Bioimaging and Optics Platform, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Chiaruttini
- Bioimaging and Optics Platform, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Ambrosini
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Competence Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elvis Boci
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marwan Abdellah
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henry Markram
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Keller
- Blue Brain Project, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Bella DJ, Domínguez-Iturza N, Brown JR, Arlotta P. Making Ramón y Cajal proud: Development of cell identity and diversity in the cerebral cortex. Neuron 2024; 112:2091-2111. [PMID: 38754415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.04.021] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Since the beautiful images of Santiago Ramón y Cajal provided a first glimpse into the immense diversity and complexity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, neuroscience has been challenged and inspired to understand how these diverse cells are generated and how they interact with each other to orchestrate the development of this remarkable tissue. Some fundamental questions drive the field's quest to understand cortical development: what are the mechanistic principles that govern the emergence of neuronal diversity? How do extrinsic and intrinsic signals integrate with physical forces and activity to shape cell identity? How do the diverse populations of neurons and glia influence each other during development to guarantee proper integration and function? The advent of powerful new technologies to profile and perturb cortical development at unprecedented resolution and across a variety of modalities has offered a new opportunity to integrate past knowledge with brand new data. Here, we review some of this progress using cortical excitatory projection neurons as a system to draw out general principles of cell diversification and the role of cell-cell interactions during cortical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela J Di Bella
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Nuria Domínguez-Iturza
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Juliana R Brown
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paola Arlotta
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ojalvo-Sanz AC, Pernia-Solanilla C, López-Mascaraque L. Spatial organization of astrocyte clones: The role of developmental progenitor timing. Glia 2024; 72:1290-1303. [PMID: 38506330 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes represent a diverse and morphologically complex group of glial cells critical for shaping and maintaining nervous system homeostasis, as well as responding to injuries. Understanding the origins of astroglial heterogeneity, originated from a limited number of progenitors, has been the focus of many studies. Most of these investigations have centered on protoplasmic and pial astrocytes, while the clonal relationship of fibrous astrocytes or juxtavascular astrocytes has remained relatively unexplored. In this study, we sought to elucidate the morphological diversity and clonal distribution of astrocytes across adult cortical layers, with particular emphasis on their ontogenetic origins. Using the StarTrack lineage tracing tool, we explored the characteristics of adult astroglial clones derived from single and specific progenitors at various embryonic stages. Our results revealed a heterogeneous spatial distribution of astroglial clones, characterized by variations in location, clonal size, and rostro-caudal dispersion. While a considerable proportion of clones were confined within specific cortical layers, others displayed sibling cells crossing layer boundaries. Notably, we observed a correlation between clone location and developmental stage at earlier embryonic stages, although this relationship diminished in later stages. Fibrous astrocyte clones were exclusively confined to the corpus callosum. In contrast, protoplasmic or juxtavascular clones were located in either the upper or lower cortical layers, with certain clones displayed sibling cells distributed across both regions. Our findings underscore the developmental origins and spatial distribution of astroglial clones within cortical layers, providing new insights into the interplay between their morphology, clonal sizes, and progenitor heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Ojalvo-Sanz
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Department, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura López-Mascaraque
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Department, Instituto Cajal-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jiao M, Wang C, Tang X, Dai C, Zhang N, Fan A, Qian Z, Liu S, Zhang F, Li B, Xu Y, Tan Z, Gong F, Lu Y, Zheng F. Active secretion of IL-33 from astrocytes is dependent on TMED10 and promotes central nervous system homeostasis. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:539-553. [PMID: 38663774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.028] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-33 (IL-33), secreted by astrocytes, regulates the synapse development in the spinal cord and hippocampus and suppresses autoimmune disease in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the mechanism of unconventional protein secretion of this cytokine remains unclear. In this study, we found that IFN-γ promotes the active secretion of IL-33 from astrocytes, and the active secretion of IL-33 from cytoplasm to extracellular space was dependent on interaction with transmembrane emp24 domain 10 (TMED10) via the IL-1 like cytokine domain in astrocytes. Knockout of Il-33 or its receptor St2 induced hippocampal astrocyte activation and depressive-like disorder in naive mice, as well as increased spinal cord astrocyte activation and polarization to a neurotoxic reactive subtype and aggravated passive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our results have identified that IL-33 is actively secreted by astrocytes through the unconventional protein secretion pathway facilitated by TMED10 channels. This process helps maintain CNS homeostasis by inhibiting astrocyte activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Jiao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Education, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xuhuan Tang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Chan Dai
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Anqi Fan
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Zhigang Qian
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shiwang Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yong Xu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Education, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zheng Tan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Feili Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yisheng Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Holden JM, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Morphological and electrophysiological characterization of a novel displaced astrocyte in the mouse retina. Glia 2024; 72:1356-1370. [PMID: 38591270 PMCID: PMC11081821 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24536] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes throughout the central nervous system are heterogeneous in both structure and function. This diversity leads to tissue-specific specialization where morphology is adapted to the surrounding neuronal circuitry, as seen in Bergman glia of the cerebellum and Müller glia of the retina. Because morphology can be a differentiating factor for cellular classification, we recently developed a mouse where glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells stochastically label for full membranous morphology. Here we utilize this tool to investigate whether morphological and electrophysiological features separate types of mouse retinal astrocytes. In this work, we report on a novel glial population found in the inner plexiform layer and ganglion cell layer which expresses the canonical astrocyte markers GFAP, S100β, connexin-43, Sox2 and Sox9. Apart from their retinal layer localization, these cells are unique in their radial distribution. They are notably absent from the mid-retina but are heavily concentrated near the optic nerve head, and to a lesser degree the peripheral retina. Additionally, their morphology is distinct from both nerve fiber layer astrocytes and Müller glia, appearing more similar to amacrine cells. Despite this structural similarity, these cells lack protein expression of common neuronal markers. Additionally, they do not exhibit action potentials, but rather resemble astrocytes and Müller glia in their small amplitude, graded depolarization to both light onset and offset. Their structure, protein expression, physiology, and intercellular connections suggest that these cells are astrocytic, displaced from their counterparts in the nerve fiber layer. As such, we refer to these cells as displaced retinal astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Matthew Holden
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212
- Vanderbilt Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Lauren Katie Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - David John Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Xu S, Li X, Fan P, Li X, Hong Y, Han X, Wu S, Chu C, Chen Y, Xu M, Lin M, Guo X, Liu Y. Single-Cell Transcriptome Landscape and Cell Fate Decoding in Human Brain Organoids after Transplantation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402287. [PMID: 38711218 PMCID: PMC11267311 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Human stem cells and derivatives transplantation are widely used to treat nervous system diseases, while the fate determination of transplanted cells is not well elucidated. To explore cell fate changes of human brain organoids before and after transplantation, human brain organoids are transplanted into prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP), respectively. Single-cell sequencing is then performed. According to time-series sample comparison, transplanted cells mainly undergo neural development at 2 months post-transplantation (MPT) and then glial development at 4MPT, respectively. A different brain region sample comparison shows that organoids grafted to PFC have obtained cell fate close to those of host cells in PFC, other than HIP, which may be regulated by the abundant expression of dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (Ach) in PFC. Meanwhile, morphological complexity of human astrocyte grafts is greater in PFC than in HIP. DA and Ach both activate the calcium activity and increase morphological complexity of astrocytes in vitro. This study demonstrates that human brain organoids receive host niche factor regulation after transplantation, resulting in the alignment of grafted cell fate with implanted brain regions, which may contribute to a better understanding of cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi‐Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineDepartment of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Xin‐Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Pan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineDepartment of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Xiyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineDepartment of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Yuan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Chu Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Yuejun Chen
- Institute of NeuroscienceKey Laboratory of Primate NeurobiologyCAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
| | - Min Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Mingyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineDepartment of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| | - Xing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineDepartment of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
- Co‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsu226019China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineInstitute for Stem Cell and Neural RegenerationSchool of PharmacyKey Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular DiseaseCollaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjing211166P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Y, Zhang J, Gao X, Zhang QC. Tissue module discovery in single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomics data via cell-cell interaction-aware cell embedding. Cell Syst 2024; 15:578-592.e7. [PMID: 38823396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.05.001] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Computational methods are desired for single-cell-resolution spatial transcriptomics (ST) data analysis to uncover spatial organization principles for how individual cells exert tissue-specific functions. Here, we present ST data analysis via interaction-aware cell embedding (SPACE), a deep-learning method for cell-type identification and tissue module discovery from single-cell-resolution ST data by learning a cell representation that captures its gene expression profile and interactions with its spatial neighbors. SPACE identified spatially informed cell subtypes defined by their special spatial distribution patterns and distinct proximal-interacting cell types. SPACE also automatically discovered "cell communities"-tissue modules with discernible boundaries and a uniform spatial distribution of constituent cell types. For each cell community, SPACE outputs a characteristic proximal cell-cell interaction network associated with physiological processes, which can be used to refine ligand-receptor-based intercellular signaling analyses. We envision that SPACE can be used in large-scale ST projects to understand how proximal cell-cell interactions contribute to emergent biological functions within cell communities. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhe Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer Science Program, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; KAUST Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; BioMap, Beijing 100086, China.
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Barsanti S, Viana JF, Veiga A, Machado JL, Abreu DS, Dias JD, Monteiro S, Silva NA, Pinto L, Oliveira JF. Assessing Different Histological Preparations for Reconstruction of Astrocyte Tridimensional Structure. Cells 2024; 13:969. [PMID: 38891101 PMCID: PMC11171983 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110969] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are ubiquitous in the brain and spinal cord and display a complex morphology important for the local interactions with neighboring cells, resulting in the modulation of circuit function. Thus, studies focusing on astrocyte physiology in the healthy and diseased brain generally present analyses of astrocytic structure. The labeling method used to visualize the astrocytic structure defines the morphological level to observe and may vary depending on the anatomical sub-regions. The method choice may significantly affect our understanding of their structural diversity. The main goal of this work was to identify a straightforward and efficient protocol for labeling and reconstructing a detailed astrocytic structure to apply and validate in different brain tissue preparations across laboratories. For that, we explored different tissue processing protocols before GFAP labeling to determine the most effective method for reconstructing astrocytic backbones in the mouse hippocampus. Our results show that the reconstruction of astrocytic structure in vibratome sections labeled by free-floating immunofluorescence protocol provides a more practical method to achieve a higher level of detail and arbor complexity in astrocyte backbone reconstruction. Free-floating immunofluorescence labeling is the most reliable method for obtaining better antibody penetration and more detailed astrocyte structure. Finally, we also show that introducing an antigen retrieval step appears useful for visualizing more complete structural details.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Barsanti
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Viana
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Veiga
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Luís Machado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Daniela Sofia Abreu
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - José Duarte Dias
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João Filipe Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (S.B.); (J.F.V.); (A.V.); (J.L.M.); (D.S.A.); (J.D.D.); (S.M.); (N.A.S.); (L.P.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- IPCA-EST-2Ai, Applied Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Campus of IPCA, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Aliyu M, Zohora FT, Ceylan A, Hossain F, Yazdani R, Azizi G. Immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: molecular and cellular mechanisms and new immunotherapeutic approaches. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2024; 46:355-377. [PMID: 38634438 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2024.2330642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating autoimmune disease with increasing global prevalence. It predominantly affects females, especially those of European descent. The interplay between environmental factors and genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in MS etiopathogenesis. METHODS We searched recent relevant literature on reputable databases, which include, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, pathogenesis, autoimmunity, demyelination, therapy, and immunotherapy. RESULTS Various animal models have been employed to investigate the MS etiopathogenesis and therapeutics. Autoreactive T cells within the CNS recruit myeloid cells through chemokine expression, leading to the secretion of inflammatory cytokines driving the MS pathogenesis, resulting in demyelination, gliosis, and axonal loss. Key players include T cell lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+), B cells, and neutrophils. Signaling dysregulation in inflammatory pathways and the immunogenetic basis of MS are essential considerations for any successful therapy to MS. Data indicates that B cells and neutrophils also have significant roles in MS, despite the common belief that T cells are essential. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios correlate with MS severity, indicating their contribution to disease progression. Dysregulated signaling pathways further exacerbate MS progression. CONCLUSION MS remains incurable, but disease-modifying therapies, monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulatory drugs offer hope for patients. Research on the immunogenetics and immunoregulatory functions of gut microbiota is continuing to provide light on possible treatment avenues. Understanding the complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune dysregulation is critical for developing effective treatments for MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mansur Aliyu
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, TUMS-IC, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Clinical Science, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Fatema Tuz Zohora
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Ayca Ceylan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fariha Hossain
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Reza Yazdani
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Iwasaki R, Kohro Y, Tsuda M. A method for selective and efficient isolation of gray matter astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice. Mol Brain 2024; 17:25. [PMID: 38773624 PMCID: PMC11106874 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01097-3] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates intra- and inter-regional heterogeneity of astrocytes in the brain. However, because of a lack of an efficient method for isolating astrocytes from the spinal cord, little is known about how much spinal cord astrocytes are heterogeneous in adult mice. In this study, we developed a new method for isolating spinal astrocytes from adult mice using a cold-active protease from Bacillus licheniformis with an astrocyte cell surface antigen-2 (ACSA-2) antibody. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, isolated spinal ACSA-2+ cells were divided into two distinct populations, ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low. By analyzing the expression of cell-type marker genes, the ACSA-2high and ACSA-2low populations were identified as astrocytes and ependymal cells, respectively. Furthermore, ACSA-2high cells had mRNAs encoding genes that were abundantly expressed in the gray matter (GM) but not white matter astrocytes. By optimizing enzymatic isolation procedures, the yield of GM astrocytes also increased. Therefore, our newly established method enabled the selective and efficient isolation of GM astrocytes from the spinal cord of adult mice and may be useful for bulk- or single-cell RNA-sequencing under physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryoma Iwasaki
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Kohro
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Herwerth M, Wyss MT, Schmid NB, Condrau J, Ravotto L, Mateos Melero JM, Kaech A, Bredell G, Thomas C, Stadelmann C, Misgeld T, Bennett JL, Saab AS, Jessberger S, Weber B. Astrocytes adopt a progenitor-like migratory strategy for regeneration in adult brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.18.594292. [PMID: 38798654 PMCID: PMC11118580 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.18.594292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mature astrocytes become activated upon non-specific tissue damage and contribute to glial scar formation. Proliferation and migration of adult reactive astrocytes after injury is considered very limited. However, the regenerative behavior of individual astrocytes following selective astroglial loss, as seen in astrocytopathies, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, remains unexplored. Here, we performed longitudinal in vivo imaging of cortical astrocytes after focal astrocyte ablation in mice. We discovered that perilesional astrocytes develop a remarkable plasticity for efficient lesion repopulation. A subset of mature astrocytes transforms into reactive progenitor-like (REPL) astrocytes that not only undergo multiple asymmetric divisions but also remain in a multinucleated interstage. This regenerative response facilitates efficient migration of newly formed daughter cell nuclei towards unoccupied astrocyte territories. Our findings define the cellular principles of astrocyte plasticity upon focal lesion, unravelling the REPL phenotype as a fundamental regenerative strategy of mature astrocytes to restore astrocytic networks in the adult mammalian brain. Promoting this regenerative phenotype bears therapeutic potential for neurological conditions involving glial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
23
|
Yakovlev EV, Simkin IV, Shirokova AA, Kolotieva NA, Novikova SV, Nasyrov AD, Denisenko IR, Gursky KD, Shishkov IN, Narzaeva DE, Salmina AB, Yurchenko SO, Kryuchkov NP. Machine learning approach for recognition and morphological analysis of isolated astrocytes in phase contrast microscopy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9846. [PMID: 38684715 PMCID: PMC11059356 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59773-2] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are glycolytically active cells in the central nervous system playing a crucial role in various brain processes from homeostasis to neurotransmission. Astrocytes possess a complex branched morphology, frequently examined by fluorescent microscopy. However, staining and fixation may impact the properties of astrocytes, thereby affecting the accuracy of the experimental data of astrocytes dynamics and morphology. On the other hand, phase contrast microscopy can be used to study astrocytes morphology without affecting them, but the post-processing of the resulting low-contrast images is challenging. The main result of this work is a novel approach for recognition and morphological analysis of unstained astrocytes based on machine-learning recognition of microscopic images. We conducted a series of experiments involving the cultivation of isolated astrocytes from the rat brain cortex followed by microscopy. Using the proposed approach, we tracked the temporal evolution of the average total length of branches, branching, and area per astrocyte in our experiments. We believe that the proposed approach and the obtained experimental data will be of interest and benefit to the scientific communities in cell biology, biophysics, and machine learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egor V Yakovlev
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia.
| | - Ivan V Simkin
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Anastasiya A Shirokova
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Kolotieva
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Novikova
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Artur D Nasyrov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Ilya R Denisenko
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Konstantin D Gursky
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Ivan N Shishkov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Diana E Narzaeva
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 80 Volokolamskoye Shosse, Moscow, 125367, Russia
| | - Stanislav O Yurchenko
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia
| | - Nikita P Kryuchkov
- Scientific-Educational Centre "Soft matter and physics of fluids", Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2nd Baumanskaya Street 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kakogiannis D, Kourla M, Dimitrakopoulos D, Kazanis I. Reversal of Postnatal Brain Astrocytes and Ependymal Cells towards a Progenitor Phenotype in Culture. Cells 2024; 13:668. [PMID: 38667283 PMCID: PMC11049274 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and ependymal cells have been reported to be able to switch from a mature cell identity towards that of a neural stem/progenitor cell. Astrocytes are widely scattered in the brain where they exert multiple functions and are routinely targeted for in vitro and in vivo reprogramming. Ependymal cells serve more specialized functions, lining the ventricles and the central canal, and are multiciliated, epithelial-like cells that, in the spinal cord, act as bi-potent progenitors in response to injury. Here, we isolate or generate ependymal cells and post-mitotic astrocytes, respectively, from the lateral ventricles of the mouse brain and we investigate their capacity to reverse towards a progenitor-like identity in culture. Inhibition of the GSK3 and TGFβ pathways facilitates the switch of mature astrocytes to Sox2-expressing, mitotic cells that generate oligodendrocytes. Although this medium allows for the expansion of quiescent NSCs, isolated from live rats by "milking of the brain", it does not fully reverse astrocytes towards the bona fide NSC identity; this is a failure correlated with a concomitant lack of neurogenic activity. Ependymal cells could be induced to enter mitosis either via exposure to neuraminidase-dependent stress or by culturing them in the presence of FGF2 and EGF. Overall, our data confirm that astrocytes and ependymal cells retain a high capacity to reverse to a progenitor identity and set up a simple and highly controlled platform for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate this reversal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kakogiannis
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michaela Kourla
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitrakopoulos
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilias Kazanis
- Lab of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (D.K.); (M.K.); (D.D.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Leal-Nazaré CG, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Barthelemy JL, Soares-Silva I, Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M. Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170939. [PMID: 38365040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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
|
27
|
Zimmer TS, Orr AL, Orr AG. Astrocytes in selective vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:289-302. [PMID: 38521710 PMCID: PMC11006581 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.008] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Selective vulnerability of specific brain regions and cell populations is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Mechanisms of selective vulnerability involve neuronal heterogeneity, functional specializations, and differential sensitivities to stressors and pathogenic factors. In this review we discuss the growing body of literature suggesting that, like neurons, astrocytes are heterogeneous and specialized, respond to and integrate diverse inputs, and induce selective effects on brain function. In disease, astrocytes undergo specific, context-dependent changes that promote different pathogenic trajectories and functional outcomes. We propose that astrocytes contribute to selective vulnerability through maladaptive transitions to context-divergent phenotypes that impair specific brain regions and functions. Further studies on the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in disease may provide new therapeutic approaches to enhance resilience against neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam L Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Miyajima M, Tabata H, Nakajima K. Migratory mode transition of astrocyte progenitors in the cerebral cortex: an intrinsic or extrinsic cell process? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:471-472. [PMID: 37721258 PMCID: PMC10581590 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michio Miyajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tabata
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
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
|
30
|
Kim J, Yoo ID, Lim J, Moon JS. Pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:95-99. [PMID: 38172603 PMCID: PMC10834520 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01148-0] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are involved in various processes in the central nervous system (CNS). As the most abundant cell type in the CNS, astrocytes play an essential role in neuronal maintenance and support, synaptic activity, neuronal metabolism, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment. The transformation of astrocytes is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Since astrocytes have functional diversity and morphological and physiological heterogeneity in the CNS, AD-related astrocytes might show various pathological phenotypes during AD. Astrocytes developing pathological phenotypes could contribute to AD progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in the context of AD, highlighting recent findings in human and mouse AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhyung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Ik Dong Yoo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Jaejoon Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University, Yatap-dong 59, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Seok Moon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Czyżewski W, Mazurek M, Sakwa L, Szymoniuk M, Pham J, Pasierb B, Litak J, Czyżewska E, Turek M, Piotrowski B, Torres K, Rola R. Astroglial Cells: Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cells 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38247839 PMCID: PMC10813911 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant health concern, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions. This detailed review explores the critical roles of astrocytes, key cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), in both the pathophysiology and possible rehabilitation of TBI. Following injury, astrocytes exhibit reactive transformations, differentiating into pro-inflammatory (A1) and neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. This paper elucidates the interactions of astrocytes with neurons, their role in neuroinflammation, and the potential for their therapeutic exploitation. Emphasized strategies encompass the utilization of endocannabinoid and calcium signaling pathways, hormone-based treatments like 17β-estradiol, biological therapies employing anti-HBGB1 monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy targeting Connexin 43, and the innovative technique of astrocyte transplantation as a means to repair damaged neural tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Czyżewski
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Marek Mazurek
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| | - Leon Sakwa
- Student Scientific Society, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Szymoniuk
- Student Scientific Association, Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jennifer Pham
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Barbara Pasierb
- Department of Dermatology, Radom Specialist Hospital, 26-600 Radom, Poland;
| | - Jakub Litak
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewa Czyżewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, 26-617 Radom, Poland;
| | - Michał Turek
- Student Scientific Society, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (J.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Bartłomiej Piotrowski
- Institute of Automatic Control and Robotics, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Radosław Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-954 Lublin, Poland; (M.M.); (R.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Xie Y, Harwell CC, Garcia ADR. Astrocyte Development in the Rodent. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:51-67. [PMID: 39190071 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes have gained increasing recognition as key elements of a broad array of nervous system functions. These include essential roles in synapse formation and elimination, synaptic modulation, maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, energetic support, and neural repair after injury or disease of the nervous system. Nevertheless, our understanding of mechanisms underlying astrocyte development and maturation remains far behind that of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Early efforts to understand astrocyte development focused primarily on their specification from embryonic progenitors and the molecular mechanisms driving the switch from neuron to glial production. Considerably, less is known about postnatal stages of astrocyte development, the period during which they are predominantly generated and mature. Notably, this period is coincident with synapse formation and the emergence of nascent neural circuits. Thus, a greater understanding of astrocyte development is likely to shed new light on the formation and maturation of synapses and circuits. Here, we highlight key foundational principles of embryonic and postnatal astrocyte development, focusing largely on what is known from rodent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Corey C Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Denise R Garcia
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pio T, Hill EJ, Kebede N, Andersen J, Sloan SA. Neuron-Astrocyte Interactions: A Human Perspective. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:69-93. [PMID: 39190072 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
This chapter explores the intricate interactions between neurons and astrocytes within the nervous system with a particular emphasis on studies conducted in human tissue or with human cells. We specifically explore how neuron-astrocyte interactions relate to processes of cellular development, morphology, migration, synapse formation, and metabolism. These findings enrich our understanding of basic neurobiology and how disruptions in these processes are relevant to human diseases.The study of human neuron-astrocyte interactions is made possible because of transformative in vitro advancements that have facilitated the generation and sustained culture of human neural cells. In addition, the rise of techniques like sequencing at single-cell resolution has enabled the exploration of numerous human cell atlases and their comparisons to other animal model systems. Thus, the innovations outlined in this chapter illuminate the convergence and divergence of neuron-astrocyte interactions across species. As technologies progress, continually more sophisticated in vitro systems will increasingly reflect in vivo environments and deepen our command of neuron-glial interactions in human biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pio
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily J Hill
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nardos Kebede
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jimena Andersen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven A Sloan
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Thompson A, Arano R, Saleem U, Preciado R, Munoz L, Nelson I, Ramos K, Kim Y, Li Y, Xu W. Brain-wide circuit-specific targeting of astrocytes. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100653. [PMID: 38052209 PMCID: PMC10753298 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are integral components of brain circuitry. They enwrap synapses, react to neuronal activity, and regulate synaptic transmission. Astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit distinct features and functions in different circuits. Selectively targeting the astrocytes associated with a given neuronal circuit would enable elucidation of their circuit-specific functions but has been technically challenging to date. Recently, we constructed anterograde transneuronal viral vectors based on yellow fever vaccine YFV-17D. Among them, the replication-incompetent YFVΔNS1-Cre can selectively turn on reporter genes in postsynaptic neurons if the viral gene NS1 is expressed in postsynaptic neurons. Here we show that without exogenous expression of NS1 at the postsynaptic sites, locally injected YFVΔNS1-Cre selectively turns on reporter genes in astrocytes in downstream brain regions. The targeting of astrocytes can occur across the whole brain but is specific for the neuronal circuits traced. Therefore, YFVΔNS1-Cre provides a tool for selective genetic targeting of astrocytes to reveal their circuit-specific roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rachel Arano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Uzair Saleem
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rebecca Preciado
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lizbeth Munoz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ian Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katarina Ramos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rosenberg MF, Godoy MI, Wade SD, Paredes MF, Zhang Y, Molofsky AV. β-Adrenergic Signaling Promotes Morphological Maturation of Astrocytes in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8621-8636. [PMID: 37845031 PMCID: PMC10727121 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0357-23.2023] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play essential roles in the developing nervous system, including supporting synapse function. These astrocyte support functions emerge coincident with brain maturation and may be tailored in a region-specific manner. For example, gray matter astrocytes have elaborate synapse-associated processes and are morphologically and molecularly distinct from white matter astrocytes. This raises the question of whether there are unique environmental cues that promote gray matter astrocyte identity and synaptogenic function. We previously identified adrenergic receptors as preferentially enriched in developing gray versus white matter astrocytes, suggesting that noradrenergic signaling could be a cue that promotes the functional maturation of gray matter astrocytes. We first characterized noradrenergic projections during postnatal brain development in mouse and human, finding that process density was higher in the gray matter and increased concurrently with astrocyte maturation. RNA sequencing revealed that astrocytes in both species expressed α- and β-adrenergic receptors. We found that stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors increased primary branching of rodent astrocytes in vitro Conversely, astrocyte-conditional knockout of the β1-adrenergic receptor reduced the size of gray matter astrocytes and led to dysregulated sensorimotor integration in female mice. These studies suggest that adrenergic signaling to developing astrocytes impacts their morphology and has implications for adult behavior, particularly in female animals. More broadly, they demonstrate a mechanism through which environmental cues impact astrocyte development. Given the key roles of norepinephrine in brain states, such as arousal, stress, and learning, these findings could prompt further inquiry into how developmental stressors impact astrocyte development and adult brain function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study demonstrates a role for noradrenergic signaling in the development of gray matter astrocytes. We provide new evidence that the β1-adrenergic receptor is robustly expressed by both mouse and human astrocytes, and that conditional KO of the β1-adrenergic receptor from female mouse astrocytes impairs gray matter astrocyte maturation. Moreover, female conditional KO mice exhibit behavioral deficits in two paradigms that test sensorimotor function. Given the emerging interest in moving beyond RNA sequencing to probe specific pathways that underlie astrocyte heterogeneity, this study provides a foundation for future investigation into the effect of noradrenergic signaling on astrocyte functions in conditions where noradrenergic signaling is altered, such as stress, arousal, and learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marci F Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Marlesa I Godoy
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Sarah D Wade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Mercedes F Paredes
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Anna V Molofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Thomas CI, Ryan MA, McNabb MC, Kamasawa N, Scholl B. Astrocyte coverage of excitatory synapses correlates to measures of synapse structure and function in primary visual cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.01.569664. [PMID: 38106030 PMCID: PMC10723302 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.01.569664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Most excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are contacted by astrocytes, forming the tripartite synapse. This interface is thought to be critical for glutamate turnover and structural or functional dynamics of synapses. While the degree of synaptic contact of astrocytes is known to vary across brain regions and animal species, the implications of this variability remain unknown. Furthermore, precisely how astrocyte coverage of synapses relates to in vivo functional properties of individual dendritic spines has yet to be investigated. Here, we characterized perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) contacting synapses of pyramidal neurons of the ferret visual cortex and, using correlative light and electron microscopy, examined their relationship to synaptic strength and to sensory-evoked Ca2+ activity. Nearly all synapses were contacted by PAPs, and most were contacted along the axon-spine interface (ASI). Structurally, we found that the degree of PAP coverage scaled with synapse size and complexity. Functionally, we found that PAP coverage scaled with the selectivity of Ca2+ responses of individual synapses to visual stimuli and, at least for the largest synapses, scaled with the reliability of visual stimuli to evoke postsynaptic Ca2+ events. Our study shows astrocyte coverage is highly correlated with structural properties of excitatory synapses in the visual cortex and implicates astrocytes as a contributor to reliable sensory activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connon I Thomas
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Melissa A Ryan
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Micaiah C McNabb
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Naomi Kamasawa
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, 1 Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Benjamin Scholl
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Denver, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Li Q, Zhou B, Su M, Liao P, Lei F, Li X, Liao D, Zhang X, Jiang R. Visualization and Characterization of the Brain Regional Heterogeneity of Astrocyte-Astrocyte Structural Interactions by Using Improved Iontophoresis with Dual-Fluorescent Dyes. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1644. [PMID: 38137092 PMCID: PMC10741863 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121644] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically intricate cells and actively modulate the function of the brain. Through numerous fine processes, astrocytes come into contact with neurons, blood vessels, and other glia cells. Emerging evidence has shown that astrocytes exhibit brain regional diversity in their morphology, transcriptome, calcium signaling, and functions. However, little is known about the brain regional heterogeneity of astrocyte-astrocyte structural interaction. So far, the visualization and characterization of the morphological features of adjacent astrocytes have been difficult, and as a result, it is still well-accepted that astrocytes in the adult brain share non-overlapped territory. In contrast, employing an approach that combines viral labeling with dual-fluorescent dyes iontophoresis under brightfield and imaging using confocal microscopy allows for the efficient and specific labeling of adjacent astrocytes, enabling a comprehensive visualization of their fine processes and the degree of their territorial overlap. Our study in the hypothalamic regions of the brain revealed a marked spatial overlap among adjacent astrocytes, which differs from the conventional understanding based on more extensively studied regions, like the hippocampus. Additionally, we revealed the heterogeneity of the astrocyte-neuron ratio across brain regions and conducted an assessment of the photostability and labeling efficiency of fluorescent dyes used for labeling adjacent astrocytes. Our study provides new insights for studying the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes across the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengchan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ping Liao
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan Lei
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin Li
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daqing Liao
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ruotian Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rupareliya VP, Singh AA, Butt AM, A H, Kumar H. The "molecular soldiers" of the CNS: Astrocytes, a comprehensive review on their roles and molecular signatures. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176048. [PMID: 37758010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, neurons held the position of central players in the nervous system. Since there are far more astrocytes than neurons in the brain, it makes us wonder if these cells just take up space and support the neurons or if they are actively participating in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Now, astrocytes' contribution to CNS physiology is appreciated as they are known to regulate ion and neurotransmitter levels, synapse formation and elimination, blood-brain barrier integrity, immune function, cerebral blood flow, and many more. In many neurological and psychiatric disorders, astrocyte functions are altered. Advancements in microscopic and transcriptomic tools revealed populations of astrocytes with varied morphology, electrophysiological properties, and transcriptomic profiles. Neuron-circuit-specific functions and neuron-specific interactions of astroglial subpopulations are found, which suggests that diversity is essential in carrying out diverse region-specific CNS functions. Investigations on heterogeneous astrocyte populations are revealing new astrocyte functions and their role in pathological conditions, opening a new therapeutic avenue for targeting neurological conditions. The true extent of astrocytic heterogeneity and its functional implications are yet to be fully explored. This review summarizes essential astrocytic functions and their relevance in pathological conditions and discusses astrocytic diversity in relation to morphology, function, and gene expression throughout the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vimal P Rupareliya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Aditya A Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Ayub Mohammed Butt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hariharan A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jetter H, Ackerman SD. Neuronal cadherins: The keys that unlock layer-specific astrocyte identity? J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202309050. [PMID: 37856080 PMCID: PMC10587848 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202309050] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
An astrocyte's intricate morphology is essential for proper brain function, but the intrinsic and extrinsic cues that set astrocyte morphology are largely unknown. In this issue, Tan et al. (https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202303138) show that layer-specific expression of neuronal cadherins locally regulates astrocyte morphogenesis and heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haley Jetter
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Brain Immunology and Glia Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Brain Immunology and Glia Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tan CX, Bindu DS, Hardin EJ, Sakers K, Baumert R, Ramirez JJ, Savage JT, Eroglu C. δ-Catenin controls astrocyte morphogenesis via layer-specific astrocyte-neuron cadherin interactions. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202303138. [PMID: 37707499 PMCID: PMC10501387 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202303138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes control the formation of specific synaptic circuits via cell adhesion and secreted molecules. Astrocyte synaptogenic functions are dependent on the establishment of their complex morphology. However, it is unknown if distinct neuronal cues differentially regulate astrocyte morphogenesis. δ-Catenin was previously thought to be a neuron-specific protein that regulates dendrite morphology. We found δ-catenin is also highly expressed by astrocytes and required both in astrocytes and neurons for astrocyte morphogenesis. δ-Catenin is hypothesized to mediate transcellular interactions through the cadherin family of cell adhesion proteins. We used structural modeling and biochemical analyses to reveal that δ-catenin interacts with the N-cadherin juxtamembrane domain to promote N-cadherin surface expression. An autism-linked δ-catenin point mutation impaired N-cadherin cell surface expression and reduced astrocyte complexity. In the developing mouse cortex, only lower-layer cortical neurons express N-cadherin. Remarkably, when we silenced astrocytic N-cadherin throughout the cortex, only lower-layer astrocyte morphology was disrupted. These findings show that δ-catenin controls astrocyte-neuron cadherin interactions that regulate layer-specific astrocyte morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christabel Xin Tan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Evelyn J. Hardin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kristina Sakers
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Baumert
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Juan J. Ramirez
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justin T. Savage
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Murphy-Royal C, Ching S, Papouin T. A conceptual framework for astrocyte function. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1848-1856. [PMID: 37857773 PMCID: PMC10990637 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The participation of astrocytes in brain computation was hypothesized in 1992, coinciding with the discovery that these cells display a form of intracellular Ca2+ signaling sensitive to neuroactive molecules. This finding fostered conceptual leaps crystalized around the idea that astrocytes, once thought to be passive, participate actively in brain signaling and outputs. A multitude of disparate roles of astrocytes has since emerged, but their meaningful integration has been muddied by the lack of consensus and models of how we conceive the functional position of these cells in brain circuitry. In this Perspective, we propose an intuitive, data-driven and transferable conceptual framework we coin 'contextual guidance'. It describes astrocytes as 'contextual gates' that shape neural circuitry in an adaptive, state-dependent fashion. This paradigm provides fresh perspectives on principles of astrocyte signaling and its relevance to brain function, which could spur new experimental avenues, including in computational space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Murphy-Royal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) & Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - ShiNung Ching
- Electrical and Systems Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas Papouin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Xie Y, Reid CM, Granados AA, Garcia MT, Dale-Huang F, Hanson SM, Mancia W, Liu J, Adam M, Mosto O, Pisco AO, Alvarez-Buylla A, Harwell CC. Developmental origin and local signals cooperate to determine septal astrocyte identity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.08.561428. [PMID: 37873089 PMCID: PMC10592657 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.08.561428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte specification during development is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the precise contribution of each remains poorly understood. Here we show that septal astrocytes from Nkx2.1 and Zic4 expressing progenitor zones are allocated into non-overlapping domains of the medial (MS) and lateral septal nuclei (LS) respectively. Astrocytes in these areas exhibit distinctive molecular and morphological features tailored to the unique cellular and synaptic circuit environment of each nucleus. Using single-nucleus (sn) RNA sequencing, we trace the developmental trajectories of cells in the septum and find that neurons and astrocytes undergo region and developmental stage-specific local cell-cell interactions. We show that expression of the classic morphogens Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) by MS and LS neurons respectively, functions to promote the molecular specification of local astrocytes in each region. Finally, using heterotopic cell transplantation, we show that both morphological and molecular specifications of septal astrocytes are highly dependent on the local microenvironment, regardless of developmental origins. Our data highlights the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors shaping astrocyte identities and illustrates the importance of the local environment in determining astrocyte functional specialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Miguel Turrero Garcia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fiona Dale-Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sarah M. Hanson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Walter Mancia
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jonathan Liu
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Manal Adam
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Olivia Mosto
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Arturo Alvarez-Buylla
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Corey C. Harwell
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Lead contact
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
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
|
44
|
Frazel PW, Labib D, Fisher T, Brosh R, Pirjanian N, Marchildon A, Boeke JD, Fossati V, Liddelow SA. Longitudinal scRNA-seq analysis in mouse and human informs optimization of rapid mouse astrocyte differentiation protocols. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1726-1738. [PMID: 37697111 PMCID: PMC10763608 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01424-2] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Macroglia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) are required for normal development and function of the central nervous system, yet many questions remain about their emergence during the development of the brain and spinal cord. Here we used single-cell/single-nucleus RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq/snRNA-seq) to analyze over 298,000 cells and nuclei during macroglia differentiation from mouse embryonic and human-induced pluripotent stem cells. We computationally identify candidate genes involved in the fate specification of glia in both species and report heterogeneous expression of astrocyte surface markers across differentiating cells. We then used our transcriptomic data to optimize a previous mouse astrocyte differentiation protocol, decreasing the overall protocol length and complexity. Finally, we used multi-omic, dual single-nuclei (sn)RNA-seq/snATAC-seq analysis to uncover potential genomic regulatory sites mediating glial differentiation. These datasets will enable future optimization of glial differentiation protocols and provide insight into human glial differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Frazel
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - David Labib
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Theodore Fisher
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Ran Brosh
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nicolette Pirjanian
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Anne Marchildon
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jef D Boeke
- Institute for Systems Genetics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Health, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Valentina Fossati
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
- Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lago-Baldaia I, Cooper M, Seroka A, Trivedi C, Powell GT, Wilson SW, Ackerman SD, Fernandes VM. A Drosophila glial cell atlas reveals a mismatch between transcriptional and morphological diversity. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002328. [PMID: 37862379 PMCID: PMC10619882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002328] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphology is a defining feature of neuronal identity. Like neurons, glia display diverse morphologies, both across and within glial classes, but are also known to be morphologically plastic. Here, we explored the relationship between glial morphology and transcriptional signature using the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS), where glia are categorised into 5 main classes (outer and inner surface glia, cortex glia, ensheathing glia, and astrocytes), which show within-class morphological diversity. We analysed and validated single-cell RNA sequencing data of Drosophila glia in 2 well-characterised tissues from distinct developmental stages, containing distinct circuit types: the embryonic ventral nerve cord (VNC) (motor) and the adult optic lobes (sensory). Our analysis identified a new morphologically and transcriptionally distinct surface glial population in the VNC. However, many glial morphological categories could not be distinguished transcriptionally, and indeed, embryonic and adult astrocytes were transcriptionally analogous despite differences in developmental stage and circuit type. While we did detect extensive within-class transcriptomic diversity for optic lobe glia, this could be explained entirely by glial residence in the most superficial neuropil (lamina) and an associated enrichment for immune-related gene expression. In summary, we generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of glia in Drosophila, and our extensive in vivo validation revealed that glia exhibit more diversity at the morphological level than was detectable at the transcriptional level. This atlas will serve as a resource for the community to probe glial diversity and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês Lago-Baldaia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maia Cooper
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Austin Seroka
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth T. Powell
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Ackerman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Brain Immunology and Glia Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Vilaiwan M. Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Martinez-Lozada Z, Todd FW, Schober AL, Krizman E, Robinson MB, Murai KK. Cooperative and competitive regulation of the astrocytic transcriptome by neurons and endothelial cells: Impact on astrocyte maturation. J Neurochem 2023; 167:52-75. [PMID: 37525469 PMCID: PMC10543513 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15908] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in central nervous system (CNS) health and disease. During development, immature astrocytes show complex interactions with neurons, endothelial cells, and other glial cell types. Our work and that of others have shown that these interactions are important for astrocytic maturation. However, whether and how these cells work together to control this process remains poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that cooperative interactions of astrocytes with neurons and endothelial cells promote astrocytic maturation. Astrocytes were cultured alone, with neurons, endothelial cells, or a combination of both. This was followed by astrocyte sorting, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis to detect transcriptional changes. Across culture configurations, 7302 genes were differentially expressed by 4 or more fold and organized into 8 groups that demonstrate cooperative and antagonist effects of neurons and endothelia on astrocytes. We also discovered that neurons and endothelial cells caused splicing of 200 and 781 mRNAs, respectively. Changes in gene expression were validated using quantitative PCR, western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence analysis. We found that the transcriptomic data from the three-culture configurations correlated with protein expression of three representative targets (FAM107A, GAT3, and GLT1) in vivo. Alternative splicing results also correlated with cortical tissue isoform representation of a target (Fibronectin 1) at different developmental stages. By comparing our results to published transcriptomes of immature and mature astrocytes, we found that neurons or endothelia shift the astrocytic transcriptome toward a mature state and that the presence of both cell types has a greater effect on maturation than either cell alone. These results increase our understanding of cellular interactions/pathways that contribute to astrocytic maturation. They also provide insight into how alterations to neurons and/or endothelial cells may alter astrocytes with implications for astrocytic changes in CNS disorders and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zila Martinez-Lozada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Farmer W. Todd
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Alexandra L. Schober
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104-4318
| | - Keith K. Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1A4
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Keuthan CJ, Schaub JA, Wei M, Fang W, Quillen S, Kimball E, Johnson TV, Ji H, Zack DJ, Quigley HA. Regional Gene Expression in the Retina, Optic Nerve Head, and Optic Nerve of Mice with Optic Nerve Crush and Experimental Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13719. [PMID: 37762022 PMCID: PMC10531004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813719] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A major risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy is the level of intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to retinal ganglion cell axon injury and cell death. The optic nerve has a rostral unmyelinated portion at the optic nerve head followed by a caudal myelinated region. The unmyelinated region is differentially susceptible to IOP-induced damage in rodent models and human glaucoma. While several studies have analyzed gene expression changes in the mouse optic nerve following optic nerve injury, few were designed to consider the regional gene expression differences that exist between these distinct areas. We performed bulk RNA-sequencing on the retina and separately micro-dissected unmyelinated and myelinated optic nerve regions from naïve C57BL/6 mice, mice after optic nerve crush, and mice with microbead-induced experimental glaucoma (total = 36). Gene expression patterns in the naïve unmyelinated optic nerve showed significant enrichment of the Wnt, Hippo, PI3K-Akt, and transforming growth factor β pathways, as well as extracellular matrix-receptor and cell membrane signaling pathways, compared to the myelinated optic nerve and retina. Gene expression changes induced by both injuries were more extensive in the myelinated optic nerve than the unmyelinated region, and greater after nerve crush than glaucoma. Changes present three and fourteen days after injury largely subsided by six weeks. Gene markers of reactive astrocytes did not consistently differ between injury states. Overall, the transcriptomic phenotype of the mouse unmyelinated optic nerve was significantly different from immediately adjacent tissues, likely dominated by expression in astrocytes, whose junctional complexes are inherently important in responding to IOP elevation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Casey J. Keuthan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Julie A. Schaub
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Meihan Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Weixiang Fang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sarah Quillen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Elizabeth Kimball
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Thomas V. Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
- Departments of Neuroscience, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Harry A. Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (C.J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
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
|
49
|
Miguel-Quesada C, Zaforas M, Herrera-Pérez S, Lines J, Fernández-López E, Alonso-Calviño E, Ardaya M, Soria FN, Araque A, Aguilar J, Rosa JM. Astrocytes adjust the dynamic range of cortical network activity to control modality-specific sensory information processing. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112950. [PMID: 37543946 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical neuron-astrocyte communication in response to peripheral sensory stimulation occurs in a topographic-, frequency-, and intensity-dependent manner. However, the contribution of this functional interaction to the processing of sensory inputs and consequent behavior remains unclear. We investigate the role of astrocytes in sensory information processing at circuit and behavioral levels by monitoring and manipulating astrocytic activity in vivo. We show that astrocytes control the dynamic range of the cortical network activity, optimizing its responsiveness to incoming sensory inputs. The astrocytic modulation of sensory processing contributes to setting the detection threshold for tactile and thermal behavior responses. The mechanism of such astrocytic control is mediated through modulation of inhibitory transmission to adjust the gain and sensitivity of responding networks. These results uncover a role for astrocytes in maintaining the cortical network activity in an optimal range to control behavior associated with specific sensory modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Miguel-Quesada
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain; Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Marta Zaforas
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Salvador Herrera-Pérez
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Justin Lines
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elena Fernández-López
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Elena Alonso-Calviño
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Maria Ardaya
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), 20018 San Sebastian, Spain; Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Federico N Soria
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| | - Juliana M Rosa
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), 45071 Toledo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Guebel DV. Human hippocampal astrocytes: Computational dissection of their transcriptome, sexual differences and exosomes across ageing and mild-cognitive impairment. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2677-2707. [PMID: 37427765 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease is often disregarded. Hence, characterization of astrocytes along their early evolution toward Alzheimer would be greatly beneficial. However, due to their exquisite responsiveness, in vivo studies are difficult. So public microarray data of hippocampal homogenates from (healthy) young, (healthy) elder and elder with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were subjected to re-analysis by a multi-step computational pipeline. Ontologies and pathway analyses were compared after determining the differential genes that, belonging to astrocytes, have splice forms. Likewise, the subset of molecules exportable to exosomes was also determined. The results showed that astrocyte's phenotypes changed significantly. While already 'activated' astrocytes were found in the younger group, major changes occurred during ageing (increased vascular remodelling and response to mechanical stimulus, diminished long-term potentiation and increased long-term depression). MCI's astrocytes showed some 'rejuvenated' features, but their sensitivity to shear stress was markedly lost. Importantly, most of the changes showed to be sex biassed. Men's astrocytes are enriched in a type 'endfeet-astrocytome', whereas women's astrocytes appear close to the 'scar-forming' type (prone to endothelial dysfunction, hypercholesterolemia, loss of glutamatergic synapses, Ca+2 dysregulation, hypoxia, oxidative stress and 'pro-coagulant' phenotype). In conclusion, the computational dissection of the networks based on the hippocampal gene isoforms provides a relevant proxy to in vivo astrocytes, also revealing the occurrence of sexual differences. Analyses of the astrocytic exosomes did not provide an acceptable approximation to the overall functioning of astrocytes in the hippocampus, probably due to the selective cellular mechanisms which charge the cargo molecules.
Collapse
|