1
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Brown RI, Barber HM, Kucenas S. Satellite glial cell manipulation prior to axotomy enhances developing dorsal root ganglion central branch regrowth into the spinal cord. Glia 2024; 72:1766-1784. [PMID: 39141572 PMCID: PMC11325082 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS, respectively) exhibit remarkable diversity in the capacity to regenerate following neuronal injury with PNS injuries being much more likely to regenerate than those that occur in the CNS. Glial responses to damage greatly influence the likelihood of regeneration by either promoting or inhibiting axonal regrowth over time. However, despite our understanding of how some glial lineages participate in nerve degeneration and regeneration, less is known about the contributions of peripheral satellite glial cells (SGC) to regeneration failure following central axon branch injury of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. Here, using in vivo, time-lapse imaging in larval zebrafish coupled with laser axotomy, we investigate the role of SGCs in axonal regeneration. In our studies we show that SGCs respond to injury by relocating their nuclei to the injury site during the same period that DRG neurons produce new central branch neurites. Laser ablation of SGCs prior to axon injury results in more neurite growth attempts and ultimately a higher rate of successful central axon regrowth, implicating SGCs as inhibitors of regeneration. We also demonstrate that this SGC response is mediated in part by ErbB signaling, as chemical inhibition of this receptor results in reduced SGC motility and enhanced central axon regrowth. These findings provide new insights into SGC-neuron interactions under injury conditions and how these interactions influence nervous system repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin I Brown
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Heather M Barber
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah Kucenas
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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2
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Wang Z, Zhang X, Zhang G, Zheng YJ, Zhao A, Jiang X, Gan J. Astrocyte modulation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: A promising therapeutic strategy. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114814. [PMID: 38762094 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) poses significant challenges for drug development due to its complex pathogenesis. Astrocyte involvement in CIRI pathogenesis has led to the development of novel astrocyte-targeting drug strategies. To comprehensively review the current literature, we conducted a thorough analysis from January 2012 to December 2023, identifying 82 drugs aimed at preventing and treating CIRI. These drugs target astrocytes to exert potential benefits in CIRI, and their primary actions include modulation of relevant signaling pathways to inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reduce cerebral edema, restore blood-brain barrier integrity, suppress excitotoxicity, and regulate autophagy. Notably, active components from traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ginkgo, and Ginseng exhibit these important pharmacological properties and show promise in the treatment of CIRI. This review highlights the potential of astrocyte-targeted drugs to ameliorate CIRI and categorizes them based on their mechanisms of action, underscoring their therapeutic potential in targeting astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Jia Zheng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Anliu Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Jiali Gan
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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3
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Martinez PJ, Song JJ, Garay FG, Song KH, Mufford T, Steiner J, DeSisto J, Ellens N, Serkova NJ, Green AL, Borden M. Comprehensive assessment of blood-brain barrier opening and sterile inflammatory response: unraveling the therapeutic window. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17036. [PMID: 39043894 PMCID: PMC11266505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67916-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) combined with focused ultrasound (FUS) has emerged as a promising noninvasive technique to permeabilize the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery into the brain. However, the safety and biological consequences of BBB opening (BBBO) remain incompletely understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of two parameters mediating BBBO: microbubble volume dose (MVD) and mechanical index (MI). High-resolution MRI-guided FUS was employed in mouse brains to assess BBBO by manipulating these two parameters. Afterward, the sterile inflammatory response (SIR) was studied 6 h post-FUS treatment. Results demonstrated that both MVD and MI significantly influenced the extent of BBBO, with higher MVD and MI leading to increased permeability. Moreover, RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of major inflammatory pathways and immune cell infiltration after BBBO, indicating the presence and extent of SIR. Gene set enrichment analysis identified 12 gene sets associated with inflammatory responses that were significantly upregulated at higher MVD or MI. A therapeutic window was established between therapeutically relevant BBBO and the onset of SIR, providing operating regimes to avoid damage from stimulation of the NFκB pathway via TNFɑ signaling to apoptosis. These results contribute to the optimization and standardization of BBB opening parameters for safe and effective drug delivery to the brain and further elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms driving sterile inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payton J Martinez
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jane J Song
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Francis G Garay
- Department of Radiology, Cancer Center Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kang-Ho Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Toni Mufford
- Department of Radiology, Cancer Center Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jenna Steiner
- Department of Radiology, Cancer Center Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - John DeSisto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas Ellens
- Alpheus Medical, Inc., 1266 Park Rd., Chanhassen, MN, 55317, USA
| | - Natalie J Serkova
- Department of Radiology, Cancer Center Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Adam L Green
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Mark Borden
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
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4
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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.
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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
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5
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Shahidehpour RK, Nelson PT, Bachstetter AD. A pathologic study of Perivascular pTDP-43 Lin bodies in LATE-NC. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:114. [PMID: 38997773 PMCID: PMC11241908 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43 (TDP-43) pathological inclusions are a distinctive feature in dozens of neurodegenerative pathologies, including limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC). Prior investigations identified vascular-associated TDP-43-positive micro-lesions, known as "Lin bodies," located on or near the brain capillaries of some individuals with LATE-NC. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the accumulation of Lin bodies and glial cells in LATE-NC and the potential co-localization with ferritin, a protein associated with iron storage. Using multiplexed immunohistochemistry and digital pathology tools, we conducted pathological analyses to investigate the relationship between Lin bodies and glial markers (GFAP for astrocytes, IBA1 for microglia) and ferritin. Analyses were conducted on post-mortem brain tissues collected from individuals with pathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease neuropathological changes (ADNC) and LATE-NC. RESULTS As shown previously, there was a robust association between Lin bodies and GFAP-positive astrocyte processes. Moreover, we also observed Lin bodies frequently co-localizing with ferritin, suggesting a potential link to compromised vascular integrity. Subsequent analyses demonstrated increased astrocytosis near Lin body-positive vessels compared to those without Lin bodies, particularly in ADNC cases. These results suggest that the accumulation of Lin bodies may elicit an increased glial response, particularly among astrocytes, possibly related to impaired vascular integrity. CONCLUSIONS Lin bodies are associated with a local reactive glial response. The strong association of Lin bodies with ferritin suggests that the loss of vascular integrity may be either a cause or a consequence of the pTDP-43 pathology. The reactive glia surrounding the affected vessels could further compromise vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K Shahidehpour
- Spinal cord and brain injury research center, Sander-Brown Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone St, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Division of Neuropathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Adam D Bachstetter
- Spinal cord and brain injury research center, Sander-Brown Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone St, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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6
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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.
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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
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7
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Rajeev V, Tabassum NI, Fann DY, Chen CP, Lai MK, Arumugam TV. Intermittent Metabolic Switching and Vascular Cognitive Impairment. J Obes Metab Syndr 2024; 33:92-107. [PMID: 38736362 PMCID: PMC11224924 DOI: 10.7570/jomes24010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF), a dietary pattern alternating between eating and fasting periods within a 24-hour cycle, has garnered recognition for its potential to enhance both healthspan and lifespan in animal models and humans. It also shows promise in alleviating age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) spans a severity range from mild cognitive deficits to severe cognitive deficits and loss of function in vascular dementia. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion has emerged as a significant contributor to VCI, instigating vascular pathologies such as microbleeds, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, neuronal loss, and white matter lesions. Preclinical studies in rodents strongly suggest that IF has the potential to attenuate pathological mechanisms, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death pathways in VCI models. Hence, this supports evaluating IF in clinical trials for both existing and at-risk VCI patients. This review compiles existing data supporting IF's potential in treating VCI-related vascular and neuronal pathologies, emphasizing the mechanisms by which IF may mitigate these issues. Hence providing a comprehensive overview of the available data supporting IF's potential in treating VCI by emphasizing the underlying mechanisms that make IF a promising intervention for VCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vismitha Rajeev
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nishat I. Tabassum
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - David Y. Fann
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher P. Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mitchell K.P. Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Thiruma V. Arumugam
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
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8
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Liu Q, Wang J, Gu Z, Ouyang T, Gao H, Kan H, Yang Y. Comprehensive Exploration of the Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Ginkgo biloba Leaves in Treating Neurological Disorders. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:1053-1086. [PMID: 38904550 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500435] [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: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Neurological disorders (NDs) are diseases that seriously affect the health of individuals worldwide, potentially leading to a significant reduction in the quality of life for patients and their families. Herbal medicines have been widely used in the treatment of NDs due to their multi-target and multi-pathway features. Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs), one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world, have been demonstrated to present therapeutic effects on NDs. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of GBLs in the treatment of neurological disorders have not been systematically summarized. This study aimed to summarize the molecular mechanism of GBLs in treating NDs from the cell models, animal models, and clinical trials of studies. Four databases, i.e., PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Web of Science were searched using the following keywords: "Ginkgo biloba", "Ginkgo biloba extract", "Ginkgo biloba leaves", "Ginkgo biloba leaves extract", "Neurological disorders", "Neurological diseases", and "Neurodegenerative diseases". All items meeting the inclusion criteria on the treatment of NDs with GBLs were extracted and summarized. Additionally, PRISMA 2020 was performed to independently evaluate the screening methods. Out of 1385 records in the database, 52 were screened in relation to the function of GBLs in the treatment of NDs; of these 52 records, 39 were preclinical trials and 13 were clinical studies. Analysis of pharmacological studies revealed that GBLs can improve memory, cognition, behavior, and psychopathology of NDs and that the most frequently associated GBLs are depression, followed by Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the clinical studies of depression, AD, and stroke are the most common, and most of the remaining ND data are available from in vitro or in vivo animal studies. Moreover, the possible mechanisms of GBLs in treating NDs are mainly through free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory response, mitochondrial protection, neurotransmitter regulation, and antagonism of PAF. This is the first paper to systematically and comprehensively investigate the pharmacological effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of GBLs in the treatment of NDs thus far. All findings contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy and complexity of GBLs in treating NDs, which is of great significance for the further clinical application of this herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Liu
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
| | - Zongyun Gu
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
| | - Ting Ouyang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
| | - Honglei Gao
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
| | - Hongxing Kan
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
- Anhui Computer Application Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yinfeng Yang
- School of Medical Informatics Engineering, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Hefei, Anhui 230012, P. R. China
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9
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Kakinen A, Jiang Y, Davis TP, Teesalu T, Saarma M. Brain Targeting Nanomedicines: Pitfalls and Promise. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4857-4875. [PMID: 38828195 PMCID: PMC11143448 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s454553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain diseases are the most devastating problem among the world's increasingly aging population, and the number of patients with neurological diseases is expected to increase in the future. Although methods for delivering drugs to the brain have advanced significantly, none of these approaches provide satisfactory results for the treatment of brain diseases. This remains a challenge due to the unique anatomy and physiology of the brain, including tight regulation and limited access of substances across the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles are considered an ideal drug delivery system to hard-to-reach organs such as the brain. The development of new drugs and new nanomaterial-based brain treatments has opened various opportunities for scientists to develop brain-specific delivery systems that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke and brain tumors. In this review, we discuss noteworthy literature that examines recent developments in brain-targeted nanomedicines used in the treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Kakinen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yuhao Jiang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas Paul Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Pociūtė A, Pivoriūnas A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocytes dynamically regulate the blood-brain barrier in the healthy brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:709-710. [PMID: 37843196 PMCID: PMC10664108 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Agnė Pociūtė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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11
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Chaves JCS, Dando SJ, White AR, Oikari LE. Blood-brain barrier transporters: An overview of function, dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and strategies for treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166967. [PMID: 38008230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166967] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) has a major function in maintaining brain homeostasis by regulating the entry of molecules from the blood to the brain. Key players in BBB function are BBB transporters which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs) and critical in mediating the exchange of nutrients and waste products. BBB transporters can also influence drug delivery into the brain by inhibiting or facilitating the entry of brain targeting therapeutics for the treatment of brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent studies have shown that AD is associated with a disrupted BBB and transporter dysfunction, although their roles in the development in AD are not fully understand. Modulation of BBB transporter activity may pose a novel approach to enhance the delivery of drugs to the brain for enhanced treatment of AD. In this review, we will give an overview of key functions of BBB transporters and known changes in AD. In addition, we will discuss current strategies for transporter modulation for enhanced drug delivery into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J Dando
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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12
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Lee SY, Chung WS. Astrocytic crosstalk with brain and immune cells in healthy and diseased conditions. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 84:102840. [PMID: 38290370 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes interact with various cell types, including neurons, vascular cells, microglia, and peripheral immune cells. These interactions are crucial for regulating normal brain functions as well as modulating neuroinflammation in pathological conditions. Recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies have identified critical molecules involved in astrocytic crosstalk with other cells, shedding light on their roles in maintaining brain homeostasis in both healthy and diseased conditions. Astrocytes perform these various roles through either direct or indirect physical associations with neuronal synapses and vasculature. Furthermore, astrocytes can communicate with other immune cells, such as microglia, T cells, and natural killer cells, through secreted molecules during neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss the critical molecular basis of this astrocytic crosstalk and the underlying mechanisms of astrocyte communication with other cells. We propose that astrocytes function as a central hub in inter-connecting neurons, vasculatures, and immune cells in healthy and diseased brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Young Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea. https://twitter.com/SYLee_neuro
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Elder GA, Gama Sosa MA, De Gasperi R, Perez Garcia G, Perez GM, Abutarboush R, Kawoos U, Zhu CW, Janssen WGM, Stone JR, Hof PR, Cook DG, Ahlers ST. The Neurovascular Unit as a Locus of Injury in Low-Level Blast-Induced Neurotrauma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1150. [PMID: 38256223 PMCID: PMC10816929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Blast-induced neurotrauma has received much attention over the past decade. Vascular injury occurs early following blast exposure. Indeed, in animal models that approximate human mild traumatic brain injury or subclinical blast exposure, vascular pathology can occur in the presence of a normal neuropil, suggesting that the vasculature is particularly vulnerable. Brain endothelial cells and their supporting glial and neuronal elements constitute a neurovascular unit (NVU). Blast injury disrupts gliovascular and neurovascular connections in addition to damaging endothelial cells, basal laminae, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes as well as causing extracellular matrix reorganization. Perivascular pathology becomes associated with phospho-tau accumulation and chronic perivascular inflammation. Disruption of the NVU should impact activity-dependent regulation of cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier permeability, and glymphatic flow. Here, we review work in an animal model of low-level blast injury that we have been studying for over a decade. We review work supporting the NVU as a locus of low-level blast injury. We integrate our findings with those from other laboratories studying similar models that collectively suggest that damage to astrocytes and other perivascular cells as well as chronic immune activation play a role in the persistent neurobehavioral changes that follow blast injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Elder
- Neurology Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.A.G.S.); (R.D.G.)
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.W.Z.); (P.R.H.)
| | - Miguel A. Gama Sosa
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.A.G.S.); (R.D.G.)
- General Medical Research Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
| | - Rita De Gasperi
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (M.A.G.S.); (R.D.G.)
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA;
| | - Georgina Perez Garcia
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA;
| | - Gissel M. Perez
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA;
| | - Rania Abutarboush
- Department of Neurotrauma, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical ResearchCommand, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (R.A.); (U.K.); (S.T.A.)
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Usmah Kawoos
- Department of Neurotrauma, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical ResearchCommand, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (R.A.); (U.K.); (S.T.A.)
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Carolyn W. Zhu
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.W.Z.); (P.R.H.)
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468, USA;
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - William G. M. Janssen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - James R. Stone
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, 480 Ray C Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.W.Z.); (P.R.H.)
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - David G. Cook
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stephen T. Ahlers
- Department of Neurotrauma, Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate, Naval Medical ResearchCommand, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (R.A.); (U.K.); (S.T.A.)
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14
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Chaves JCS, Wasielewska JM, Cuní-López C, Rantanen LM, Lee S, Koistinaho J, White AR, Oikari LE. Alzheimer's disease brain endothelial-like cells reveal differential drug transporter expression and modulation by potentially therapeutic focused ultrasound. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00299. [PMID: 38241156 PMCID: PMC10903103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a key function in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, partly modulated by transporters, which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Transporters mediate the uptake or efflux of compounds to and from the brain and they can also challenge the delivery of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently there is a limited understanding of changes in BBB transporters in AD. To investigate this, we generated brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with familial AD (FAD) Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation and identified AD-specific differences in transporter expression compared to control (ctrl) iBECs. We first characterized the expression levels of 12 BBB transporters in AD-, Ctrl-, and isogenic (PSEN1 corrected) iBECs to identify any AD specific differences. We then exposed the cells to focused ultrasound (FUS) in the absence (FUSonly) or presence of microbubbles (MB) (FUS+MB), which is a novel therapeutic method that can be used to transiently open the BBB to increase drug delivery into the brain, however its effects on BBB transporter expression are largely unknown. Following FUSonly and FUS+MB, we investigated whether the expression or activity of key transporters could be modulated. Our findings demonstrate that PSEN1 mutant FAD (PSEN1AD) possess phenotypical differences compared to control iBECs in BBB transporter expression and function. Additionally, we show that FUSonly and FUS+MB can modulate BBB transporter expression and functional activity in iBECs, having potential implications on drug penetration and amyloid clearance. These findings highlight the differential responses of patient cells to FUS treatment, with patient-derived models likely providing an important tool for modelling therapeutic effects of FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carla Cuní-López
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura M Rantanen
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Serine Lee
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neuroscience Center, Kuopio, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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15
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Harder EV, Franklin JP, VanRyzin JW, Reissner KJ. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Substance Use Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:165-191. [PMID: 39190075 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_7] [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
Engagement of astrocytes within the brain's reward circuitry has been apparent for approximately 30 years, when noncontingent drug administration was observed to lead to cytological markers of reactive astrocytes. Since that time, advanced approaches in rodent behavior and astrocyte monitoring have revealed complex interactions between astrocytes with drug type, animal sex, brain region, and dose and duration of drug administration. A number of studies now collectively reveal that rodent drug self-administration followed by prolonged abstinence results in decreased features of structure and synaptic colocalization of astrocytes. In addition, stimulation of astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens with DREADD receptors or pharmacological compounds opposes drug-seeking behavior. These findings provide a clear path for ongoing investigation into astrocytes as mediators of drug action in the brain and underscore the potential therapeutic utility of astrocytes in the regulation of drug craving and relapse vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden V Harder
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Neuroscience Center, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Janay P Franklin
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Neuroscience Center, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan W VanRyzin
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Neuroscience Center, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn J Reissner
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Neuroscience Center, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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16
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Martinez P, Song JJ, Garay FG, Song KH, Mufford T, Steiner J, DeSisto J, Ellens N, Serkova NJ, Green AL, Borden M. Comprehensive Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Opening and Sterile Inflammatory Response: Unraveling the Therapeutic Window. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563613. [PMID: 37961395 PMCID: PMC10634745 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) combined with focused ultrasound (FUS) have emerged as a promising noninvasive technique to permeabilize the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery to the brain. However, the safety and biological consequences of BBB opening remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the effects of varying microbubble volume doses (MVD) and ultrasound mechanical indices (MI) on BBB opening and the sterile inflammatory response (SIR) using high-resolution ultra-high field MRI-guided FUS in mouse brains. The results demonstrate that both MVD and MI significantly influence the extent of BBB opening, with higher doses and mechanical indices leading to increased permeability. Moreover, RNA sequencing reveals upregulated inflammatory pathways and immune cell infiltration after BBB opening, suggesting the presence and extent of SIR. Gene set enrichment analysis identifies 12 gene sets associated with inflammatory responses that are upregulated at higher doses of MVD or MI. A therapeutic window is established between significant BBB opening and the onset of SIR, providing operating regimes for avoiding each three classes of increasing damage from stimulation of the NFκB pathway via TNFL signaling to apoptosis. This study contributes to the optimization and standardization of BBB opening parameters for safe and effective drug delivery to the brain and sheds light on the underlying molecular mechanisms of the sterile inflammatory response. Significance Statement The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive investigation of microbubble-facilitated focused ultrasound for blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening. By systematically exploring various combinations of microbubble volume doses and ultrasound mechanical indices, the study reveals their direct impact on the extent of BBB permeability and the induction of sterile inflammatory response (SIR). The establishment of a therapeutic window between significant BBB opening and the onset of SIR provides critical insights for safe and targeted drug delivery to the brain. These findings advance our understanding of the biological consequences of BBB opening and contribute to optimizing parameters for clinical applications, thus minimizing potential health risks, and maximizing the therapeutic potential of this technique.
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17
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Wu X, Li JR, Fu Y, Chen DY, Nie H, Tang ZP. From static to dynamic: live observation of the support system after ischemic stroke by two photon-excited fluorescence laser-scanning microscopy. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2093-2107. [PMID: 37056116 PMCID: PMC10328295 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.369099] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of mortality and disability worldwide. However, treatment efficacy and the progress of research remain unsatisfactory. As the critical support system and essential components in neurovascular units, glial cells and blood vessels (including the blood-brain barrier) together maintain an optimal microenvironment for neuronal function. They provide nutrients, regulate neuronal excitability, and prevent harmful substances from entering brain tissue. The highly dynamic networks of this support system play an essential role in ischemic stroke through processes including brain homeostasis, supporting neuronal function, and reacting to injuries. However, most studies have focused on postmortem animals, which inevitably lack critical information about the dynamic changes that occur after ischemic stroke. Therefore, a high-precision technique for research in living animals is urgently needed. Two-photon fluorescence laser-scanning microscopy is a powerful imaging technique that can facilitate live imaging at high spatiotemporal resolutions. Two-photon fluorescence laser-scanning microscopy can provide images of the whole-cortex vascular 3D structure, information on multicellular component interactions, and provide images of structure and function in the cranial window. This technique shifts the existing research paradigm from static to dynamic, from flat to stereoscopic, and from single-cell function to multicellular intercommunication, thus providing direct and reliable evidence to identify the pathophysiological mechanisms following ischemic stroke in an intact brain. In this review, we discuss exciting findings from research on the support system after ischemic stroke using two-photon fluorescence laser-scanning microscopy, highlighting the importance of dynamic observations of cellular behavior and interactions in the networks of the brain's support systems. We show the excellent application prospects and advantages of two-photon fluorescence laser-scanning microscopy and predict future research developments and directions in the study of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan-Yang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hao Nie
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhou-Ping Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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18
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Freitas-Andrade M, Comin CH, Van Dyken P, Ouellette J, Raman-Nair J, Blakeley N, Liu QY, Leclerc S, Pan Y, Liu Z, Carrier M, Thakur K, Savard A, Rurak GM, Tremblay MÈ, Salmaso N, da F Costa L, Coppola G, Lacoste B. Astroglial Hmgb1 regulates postnatal astrocyte morphogenesis and cerebrovascular maturation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4965. [PMID: 37587100 PMCID: PMC10432480 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40682-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are intimately linked with brain blood vessels, an essential relationship for neuronal function. However, astroglial factors driving these physical and functional associations during postnatal brain development have yet to be identified. By characterizing structural and transcriptional changes in mouse cortical astrocytes during the first two postnatal weeks, we find that high-mobility group box 1 (Hmgb1), normally upregulated with injury and involved in adult cerebrovascular repair, is highly expressed in astrocytes at birth and then decreases rapidly. Astrocyte-selective ablation of Hmgb1 at birth affects astrocyte morphology and endfoot placement, alters distribution of endfoot proteins connexin43 and aquaporin-4, induces transcriptional changes in astrocytes related to cytoskeleton remodeling, and profoundly disrupts endothelial ultrastructure. While lack of astroglial Hmgb1 does not affect the blood-brain barrier or angiogenesis postnatally, it impairs neurovascular coupling and behavior in adult mice. These findings identify astroglial Hmgb1 as an important player in postnatal gliovascular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesar H Comin
- Federal University of São Carlos, Department of Computer Science, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Peter Van Dyken
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Ouellette
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna Raman-Nair
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Blakeley
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Qing Yan Liu
- National Research Council of Canada, Human Health and Therapeutics, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sonia Leclerc
- National Research Council of Canada, Human Health and Therapeutics, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Youlian Pan
- Digital Technologies, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Digital Technologies, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Karan Thakur
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandre Savard
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gareth M Rurak
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Natalina Salmaso
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Luciano da F Costa
- University of São Paulo, São Carlos Institute of Physics, FCM-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Baptiste Lacoste
- Neuroscience Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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19
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Latham AS, Moreno JA, Geer CE. Biological agents and the aging brain: glial inflammation and neurotoxic signaling. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1244149. [PMID: 37649972 PMCID: PMC10464498 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1244149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a universal characteristic of brain aging and neurological disorders, irrespective of the disease state. Glial inflammation mediates this signaling, through astrocyte and microglial polarization from neuroprotective to neurotoxic phenotypes. Glial reactivity results in the loss of homeostasis, as these cells no longer provide support to neurons, in addition to the production of chronically toxic pro-inflammatory mediators. These glial changes initiate an inflammatory brain state that injures the central nervous system (CNS) over time. As the brain ages, glia are altered, including increased glial cell numbers, morphological changes, and either a pre-disposition or inability to become reactive. These alterations induce age-related neuropathologies, ultimately leading to neuronal degradation and irreversible damage associated with disorders of the aged brain, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other related diseases. While the complex interactions of these glial cells and the brain are well studied, the role additional stressors, such as infectious agents, play on age-related neuropathology has not been fully elucidated. Both biological agents in the periphery, such as bacterial infections, or in the CNS, including viral infections like SARS-CoV-2, push glia into neuroinflammatory phenotypes that can exacerbate pathology within the aging brain. These biological agents release pattern associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that bind to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on glial cells, beginning an inflammatory cascade. In this review, we will summarize the evidence that biological agents induce reactive glia, which worsens age-related neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S. Latham
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Brain Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Julie A. Moreno
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Brain Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Charlize E. Geer
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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20
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Holden JM, Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. Retinal astrocyte morphology predicts integration of vascular and neuronal architecture. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1244679. [PMID: 37621717 PMCID: PMC10445659 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1244679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are important regulators of blood flow and play a key role in the response to injury and disease in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite having an understanding that structural changes to these cells have consequences for local neurovascular physiology, individual astrocyte morphology remains largely unexplored in the retina. Here, we used MORF3 mice to capture full membranous morphology for over fifteen hundred individual astrocytes in the mouse retina, a highly metabolically active component of the CNS. We demonstrate that retinal astrocytes have been misrepresented as stellate in morphology due to marker use like GFAP and S100β which underestimates cell complexity. We also find that astrocytes contain recurring morphological motifs which are predictive of the underlying neurovascular architecture of the inner retina and suggestive of function. These motifs predict fine sampling and integration of retinal ganglion cell electrical activity with consequences for blood flow regulation. Additionally, our data shows that astrocytes participate in neurovascular interactions to a much greater degree than currently reported. 100% of cells contact the vasculature through one of three mutually exclusive classes of connections. Similarly, 100% of cells contact some neuronal element, be it an RGC axon or soma. Finally, we report that astrocyte morphology depends on retinal eccentricity, with cells appearing compressed near the nerve head and in the periphery. These results reveal a large degree of astrocyte morphological complexity that informs their contribution to neurovascular coupling in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Holden
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Lauren K. Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David J. Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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21
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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.
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22
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Abstract
Astrocyte endfeet enwrap the entire vascular tree within the central nervous system, where they perform important functions in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cerebral blood flow, nutrient uptake, and waste clearance. Accordingly, astrocyte endfeet contain specialized organelles and proteins, including local protein translation machinery and highly organized scaffold proteins, which anchor channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes critical for astrocyte-vascular interactions. Many neurological diseases are characterized by the loss of polarization of specific endfoot proteins, vascular dysregulation, BBB disruption, altered waste clearance, or, in extreme cases, loss of endfoot coverage. A role for astrocyte endfeet has been demonstrated or postulated in many of these conditions. This review provides an overview of the development, composition, function, and pathological changes of astrocyte endfeet and highlights the gaps in our knowledge that future research should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Díaz-Castro
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK;
| | - Stefanie Robel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA;
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research and Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
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23
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Gullotta GS, Costantino G, Sortino MA, Spampinato SF. Microglia and the Blood-Brain Barrier: An External Player in Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119144. [PMID: 37298096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system that guarantee immune surveillance and exert also a modulating role on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia get activated and modify their morphology acquiring an ameboid phenotype and pro- or anti-inflammatory features. The active role of microglia in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and their interaction with different cellular components of the BBB-endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes-are described. Here, we report the specific crosstalk of microglia with all the BBB cell types focusing in particular on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of BBB function in neuroinflammatory conditions that occur in conjunction with an acute event, such as a stroke, or in a slow neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The potential of microglia to exert a dual role, either protective or detrimental, depending on disease stages and environmental conditioning factors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Serena Gullotta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costantino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience and Education, DISTUM, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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24
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Xingi E, Koutsoudaki PN, Thanou I, Phan MS, Margariti M, Scheller A, Tinevez JY, Kirchhoff F, Thomaidou D. LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation Affects the Dynamic Interactions of Astrocytes and Microglia with the Vasculature of the Mouse Brain Cortex. Cells 2023; 12:1418. [PMID: 37408252 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Neurovascular Unit (NVU), composed of glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia), neurons, pericytes and endothelial cells, is a dynamic interface ensuring the physiological functioning of the central nervous system (CNS), which gets affected and contributes to the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases and is primarily related to the activation state of perivascular microglia and astrocytes, which constitute two of its major cellular components. Our studies focus on monitoring in real time the morphological changes of perivascular astrocytes and microglia, as well as their dynamic interactions with the brain vasculature, under physiological conditions and following systemic neuroinflammation triggering both microgliosis and astrogliosis. To this end, we performed 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2P-LSM) for intravital imaging of the cortex of transgenic mice visualizing the dynamics of microglia and astroglia following neuroinflammation induced by systemic administration of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results indicate that following neuroinflammation the endfeet of activated perivascular astrocytes lose their close proximity and physiological cross-talk with vasculature, an event that most possibly contributes to a loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. At the same time, microglial cells become activated and exhibit a higher extent of physical contact with the blood vessels. These dynamic responses of perivascular astrocytes and microglia are peaking at 4 days following LPS administration; however, they still persist at a lower level at 8 days after LPS injection, revealing incomplete reversal of inflammation affecting the glial properties and interactions within the NVU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi N Koutsoudaki
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Thanou
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Minh-Son Phan
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Image Analysis Hub, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Maria Margariti
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jean-Yves Tinevez
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Image Analysis Hub, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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25
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Koch T, Vinje V, Mardal KA. Estimates of the permeability of extra-cellular pathways through the astrocyte endfoot sheath. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:20. [PMID: 36941607 PMCID: PMC10026447 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocyte endfoot processes are believed to cover all micro-vessels in the brain cortex and may play a significant role in fluid and substance transport into and out of the brain parenchyma. Detailed fluid mechanical models of diffusive and advective transport in the brain are promising tools to investigate theories of transport. METHODS We derive theoretical estimates of astrocyte endfoot sheath permeability for advective and diffusive transport and its variation in microvascular networks from mouse brain cortex. The networks are based on recently published experimental data and generated endfoot patterns are based on Voronoi tessellations of the perivascular surface. We estimate corrections for projection errors in previously published data. RESULTS We provide structural-functional relationships between vessel radius and resistance that can be directly used in flow and transport simulations. We estimate endfoot sheath filtration coefficients in the range [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], diffusion membrane coefficients for small solutes in the range [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], and gap area fractions in the range 0.2-0.6%, based on a inter-endfoot gap width of 20 nm. CONCLUSIONS The astrocyte endfoot sheath surrounding microvessels forms a secondary barrier to extra-cellular transport, separating the extra-cellular space of the parenchyma and the perivascular space outside the endothelial layer. The filtration and membrane diffusion coefficients of the endfoot sheath are estimated to be an order of magnitude lower than those of the extra-cellular matrix while being two orders of magnitude higher than those of the vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Koch
- Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo, Postboks 1053 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Simula Research Laboratory, Kristian Augusts gate 23, 0164 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vegard Vinje
- Simula Research Laboratory, Kristian Augusts gate 23, 0164 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kent-André Mardal
- Department of Mathematics, University of Oslo, Postboks 1053 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Simula Research Laboratory, Kristian Augusts gate 23, 0164 Oslo, Norway
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26
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Herrera VLM, Gromisch CM, Decano JL, Pasion KA, Tan GLA, Hua N, Takahashi CE, Greer DM, Ruiz-Opazo N. Anti-DEspR antibody treatment improves survival and reduces neurologic deficits in a hypertensive, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (hsICH) rat model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2703. [PMID: 36792616 PMCID: PMC9932093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive secondary brain injury-induced by dysregulated neuroinflammation in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH)-underlies high sICH-mortality and remains without FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. Clinical insight that hematoma-directed interventions do not improve mortality prioritizes resolving acute secondary brain injury in sICH. As neutrophils are implicated in sICH secondary brain injury, we tested whether inhibition of a rogue neutrophil-subset expressing the dual endothelin-1/signal peptide receptor (DEspR) and associated with secondary tissue injury, DEspR+ CD11b+ immunotype, will attenuate mortality in a hypertensive-sICH (hsICH) rat model. We confirmed sICH-related deaths in hsICH-rats by T2*-weighted 9.4 T MRI and DEspR+ neutrophils in hsICH-rat brain perihematomal areas by immunostaining. At acute sICH, anti-DEspR muIgG1-antibody, mu10a3, treatment increased median survival in hsICH rats vs controls (p < 0.0001). In pre-stroke sICH, weekly 10a3-treatment did not predispose to infection and delayed sICH-onset vs controls (p < 0.0001). As potential sICH-therapeutic, we tested humanized anti-DEspR IgG4S228P-mAb, hu6g8. In vitro, hu6g8 reversed delayed-apoptosis in DEspR+ CD11b+ neutrophils. In vivo, hu6g8 increased median survival and reduced neurologic symptoms in male/female hsICH-rats vs controls (p < 0.0001). Altogether, preclinical efficacy of inhibition of DEspR+ CD11b+ neutrophils in acute sICH-without infection complications, supports the potential of anti-DEspR therapy in sICH. Data provide basis for clinical study of DEspR+ CD11b+ neutrophil-subset in sICH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L M Herrera
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
| | | | - Julius L Decano
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Khristine Amber Pasion
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Glaiza L A Tan
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Ning Hua
- Department of Radiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Courtney E Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - David M Greer
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Nelson Ruiz-Opazo
- Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA.
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27
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Wilson KM, He JJ. HIV Nef Expression Down-modulated GFAP Expression and Altered Glutamate Uptake and Release and Proliferation in Astrocytes. Aging Dis 2023; 14:152-169. [PMID: 36818564 PMCID: PMC9937695 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection of astrocytes leads to restricted gene expression and replication but abundant expression of HIV early genes Tat, Nef and Rev. A great deal of neuroHIV research has so far been focused on Tat protein, its effects on astrocytes, and its roles in neuroHIV. In the current study, we aimed to determine effects of Nef expression on astrocytes and their function. Using transfection or infection of VSVG-pseudotyped HIV viruses, we showed that Nef expression down-modulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. We then showed that Nef expression also led to decreased GFAP mRNA expression. The transcriptional regulation was further confirmed using a GFAP promoter-driven reporter gene assay. We performed transcription factor profiling array to compare the expression of transcription factors between Nef-intact and Nef-deficient HIV-infected cells and identified eight transcription factors with expression changes of 1.5-fold or higher: three up-regulated by Nef (Stat1, Stat5, and TFIID), and five down-regulated by Nef (AR, GAS/ISRE, HIF, Sp1, and p53). We then demonstrated that removal of the Sp1 binding sites from the GFAP promoter resulted in a much lower level of the promoter activity and reversal of Nef effects on the GFAP promoter, confirming important roles of Sp1 in the GFAP promoter activity and for Nef-induced GFAP expression. Lastly, we showed that Nef expression led to increased glutamate uptake and decreased glutamate release by astrocytes and increased astrocyte proliferation. Taken together, these results indicate that Nef leads to down-modulation of GFAP expression and alteration of glutamate metabolism in astrocytes, and astrocyte proliferation and could be an important contributor to neuroHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Wilson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Johnny J He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
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28
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Su Y, Wang X, Yang Y, Chen L, Xia W, Hoi KK, Li H, Wang Q, Yu G, Chen X, Wang S, Wang Y, Xiao L, Verkhratsky A, Fancy SPJ, Yi C, Niu J. Astrocyte endfoot formation controls the termination of oligodendrocyte precursor cell perivascular migration during development. Neuron 2023; 111:190-201.e8. [PMID: 36384142 PMCID: PMC9922530 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) undergo an extensive and coordinated migration in the developing CNS, using the pre-formed scaffold of developed blood vessels as their physical substrate for migration. While OPC association with vasculature is critical for dispersal, equally important for permitting differentiation and proper myelination of target axons is their appropriate and timely detachment, but regulation of this process remains unclear. Here we demonstrate a correlation between the developmental formation of astrocytic endfeet on vessels and the termination of OPC perivascular migration. Ex vivo and in vivo live imaging shows that astrocyte endfeet physically displace OPCs from vasculature, and genetic abrogation of endfoot formation hinders both OPC detachment from vessels and subsequent differentiation. Astrocyte-derived semaphorins 3a and 6a act to repel OPCs from blood vessels at the cessation of their perivascular migration and, in so doing, permit subsequent OPC differentiation by insulating them from a maturation inhibitory endothelial niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yujian Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Army Specialty Medical Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Army Specialty Medical Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wenlong Xia
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Newborn Brain Research Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kimberly K Hoi
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Newborn Brain Research Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Guangdan Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M139PL, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao 48011, Spain
| | - Stephen P J Fancy
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Newborn Brain Research Institute, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Jianqin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Brain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education Commission, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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29
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Gotoh M, Miyamoto Y, Ikeshima-Kataoka H. Astrocytic Neuroimmunological Roles Interacting with Microglial Cells in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021599. [PMID: 36675113 PMCID: PMC9865248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both astrocytic and microglial functions have been extensively investigated in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative diseases. For astrocytes, not only various sub-types were identified but phagocytic activity was also clarified recently and is making dramatic progress. In this review paper, we mostly focus on the functional role of astrocytes in the extracellular matrix and on interactions between reactive astrocytes and reactive microglia in normal states and in neurodegenerative diseases, because the authors feel it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms among activated glial cells in the pathology of neurological diseases in order to pave the way for drug discovery. Finally, we will review cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA), a naturally occurring phospholipid mediator that induces a variety of biological activities in the brain both in vivo and in vitro. We propose that cPA may serve as a novel therapeutic molecule for the treatment of brain injury and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Gotoh
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, 2-11-1, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
- Institute for Human Life Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Yasunori Miyamoto
- Institute for Human Life Science, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroko Ikeshima-Kataoka
- Department of Biology, Keio University, 4-1-1, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
- Correspondence:
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30
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Hasegawa H, Tanaka T, Kondo M, Teramoto K, Nakayama K, Hwang GW. Blood vessel remodeling in the cerebral cortex induced by binge alcohol intake in mice. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:169-177. [PMID: 36726835 PMCID: PMC9839917 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00164-y] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol is toxic to the brain and causes various neurological disorders. Although ethanol can directly exert toxicity on neurons, it also acts on other cell types in the central nervous system. Blood vessel endothelial cells interact with, and are affected by blood ethanol. However, the effects of ethanol on the vascular structures of the brain have not been well documented. In this study, we examined the effects of binge levels of ethanol on brain vasculature. Immunostaining analysis indicated structural alterations of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex, which became more tortuous than those in the control mice after ethanol administration. The interaction between the blood vessels and astrocytes decreased, especially in the upper layers of the cerebral cortex. Messenger RNA expression analysis revealed a unique downregulation of Vegfa mRNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A among VEGF, angiopoietin, endothelin family angiogenic and blood vessel remodeling factors. The expression of three proteoglycan core proteins, glypican-5, neurocan, and serglycin, was also altered after ethanol administration. Thus, binge levels of ethanol affect the expression of VEGF-A and blood vessel-supporting proteoglycans, resulting in changes in the vascular structure of the cerebral cortex. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-022-00164-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 6588558 Japan
| | - Toshiya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 6588558 Japan
| | - Mari Kondo
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 6588558 Japan
| | - Koji Teramoto
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 6588558 Japan
| | - Kei Nakayama
- Laboratory of Hygienic Sciences, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1 Motoyamakita-Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, 6588558 Japan
| | - Gi-Wook Hwang
- Laboratory of Environmental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 9818558 Japan
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31
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Kim H, Leng K, Park J, Sorets AG, Kim S, Shostak A, Embalabala RJ, Mlouk K, Katdare KA, Rose IVL, Sturgeon SM, Neal EH, Ao Y, Wang S, Sofroniew MV, Brunger JM, McMahon DG, Schrag MS, Kampmann M, Lippmann ES. Reactive astrocytes transduce inflammation in a blood-brain barrier model through a TNF-STAT3 signaling axis and secretion of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6581. [PMID: 36323693 PMCID: PMC9630454 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34412-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are critical components of the neurovascular unit that support blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Pathological transformation of astrocytes to reactive states can be protective or harmful to BBB function. Here, using a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB co-culture model, we show that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) transitions astrocytes to an inflammatory reactive state that causes BBB dysfunction through activation of STAT3 and increased expression of SERPINA3, which encodes alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (α1ACT). To contextualize these findings, we correlated astrocytic STAT3 activation to vascular inflammation in postmortem human tissue. Further, in murine brain organotypic cultures, astrocyte-specific silencing of Serpina3n reduced vascular inflammation after TNF challenge. Last, treatment with recombinant Serpina3n in both ex vivo explant cultures and in vivo was sufficient to induce BBB dysfunction-related molecular changes. Overall, our results define the TNF-STAT3-α1ACT signaling axis as a driver of an inflammatory reactive astrocyte signature that contributes to BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kun Leng
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jinhee Park
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alexander G Sorets
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Suil Kim
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alena Shostak
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Kate Mlouk
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Indigo V L Rose
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M Sturgeon
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Emma H Neal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shinong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew S Schrag
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Martin Kampmann
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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32
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Savya SP, Li F, Lam S, Wellman SM, Stieger KC, Chen K, Eles JR, Kozai TDY. In vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte reactivity following neural electrode implantation. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121784. [PMID: 36103781 PMCID: PMC10231871 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain computer interfaces (BCIs), including penetrating microelectrode arrays, enable both recording and stimulation of neural cells. However, device implantation inevitably causes injury to brain tissue and induces a foreign body response, leading to reduced recording performance and stimulation efficacy. Astrocytes in the healthy brain play multiple roles including regulating energy metabolism, homeostatic balance, transmission of neural signals, and neurovascular coupling. Following an insult to the brain, they are activated and gather around the site of injury. These reactive astrocytes have been regarded as one of the main contributors to the formation of a glial scar which affects the performance of microelectrode arrays. This study investigates the dynamics of astrocytes within the first 2 weeks after implantation of an intracortical microelectrode into the mouse brain using two-photon microscopy. From our observation astrocytes are highly dynamic during this period, exhibiting patterns of process extension, soma migration, morphological activation, and device encapsulation that are spatiotemporally distinct from other glial cells, such as microglia or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This detailed characterization of astrocyte reactivity will help to better understand the tissue response to intracortical devices and lead to the development of more effective intervention strategies to improve the functional performance of neural interfacing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajishnu P Savya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Northwestern University, USA
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Computational Modeling & Simulation PhD Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Wellman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin C Stieger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Keying Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James R Eles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Takashi D Y Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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33
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Smith BC, Tinkey RA, Shaw BC, Williams JL. Targetability of the neurovascular unit in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:39-49. [PMID: 35909222 PMCID: PMC9489669 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selectively permeable barrier separating the periphery from the central nervous system (CNS). The BBB restricts the flow of most material into and out of the CNS, including many drugs that could be used as potent therapies. BBB permeability is modulated by several cells that are collectively called the neurovascular unit (NVU). The NVU consists of specialized CNS endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. CNS ECs maintain a complex "seal" via tight junctions, forming the BBB; breakdown of these tight junctions leads to BBB disruption. Pericytes control the vascular flow within capillaries and help maintain the basal lamina. Astrocytes control much of the flow of material that has moved beyond the CNS EC layer and can form a secondary barrier under inflammatory conditions. Microglia survey the border of the NVU for noxious material. Neuronal activity also plays a role in the maintenance of the BBB. Since astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and neurons are all able to modulate the permeability of the BBB, understating the complex contributions of each member of the NVU will potentially uncover novel and effective methods for delivery of neurotherapies to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C. Smith
- Department of NeurosciencesLerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA,Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental SciencesCleveland State UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Rachel A. Tinkey
- Department of NeurosciencesLerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA,School of Biomedical SciencesKent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
| | - Benjamin C. Shaw
- Department of NeurosciencesLerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Jessica L. Williams
- Department of NeurosciencesLerner Research Institute, Cleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
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34
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Liu Y, Hua Y, Park K, Volkow ND, Pan Y, Du C. Cocaine's cerebrovascular vasoconstriction is associated with astrocytic Ca 2+ increase in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:936. [PMID: 36097038 PMCID: PMC9468035 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and animal studies have reported widespread reductions in cerebral blood flow associated with chronic cocaine exposures. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cerebral blood flow reductions are not well understood. Here, by combining a multimodal imaging platform with a genetically encoded calcium indicator, we simultaneously measured the effects of acute cocaine on neuronal and astrocytic activity, tissue oxygenation, hemodynamics and vascular diameter changes in the mouse cerebral cortex. Our results showed that cocaine constricted blood vessels (measured by vessel diameter Φ changes), decreasing cerebral total blood volume (HbT) and temporally reducing tissue oxygenation. Cellular imaging showed that the mean astrocytic Ca2+ dependent fluorescence [Formula: see text] increase in response to cocaine was weaker but longer lasting than the mean neuronal Ca2+ dependent fluorescence [Formula: see text] changes. Interestingly, while cocaine-induced [Formula: see text] increase was temporally correlated with tissue oxygenation change, the [Formula: see text] elevation after cocaine was in temporal correspondence with the long-lasting decrease in arterial blood volumes. To determine whether the temporal association between astrocytic activation and cocaine induced vasoconstriction reflected a causal association we inhibited astrocytic Ca2+ using GFAP-DREADD(Gi). Inhibition of astrocytes attenuated the vasoconstriction resulting from cocaine, providing evidence that astrocytes play a critical role in cocaine's vasoconstrictive effects in the brain. These results indicate that neurons and astrocytes play different roles in mediating neurovascular coupling in response to cocaine. Our findings implicate neuronal activation as the main driver of the short-lasting reduction in tissue oxygenation and astrocyte long-lasting activation as the driver of the persistent vasoconstriction with cocaine. Understanding the cellular and vascular interaction induced by cocaine will be helpful for future putative treatments to reduce cerebrovascular pathology from cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzuo Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Yueming Hua
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Kicheon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Yingtian Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Congwu Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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35
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Critical Role of Neuronal Vps35 in Blood Vessel Branching and Maturation in Developing Mouse Brain. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071653. [PMID: 35884959 PMCID: PMC9313219 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vps35 (vacuolar protein sorting 35), a key component of retromer, plays a crucial role in selective retrieval of transmembrane proteins from endosomes to trans-Golgi networks. Dysfunctional Vps35/retromer is a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Vps35 is highly expressed in developing pyramidal neurons, both in the mouse neocortex and hippocampus, Although embryonic neuronal Vps35’s function in promoting neuronal terminal differentiation and survival is evident, it remains unclear whether and how neuronal Vps35 communicates with other types of brain cells, such as blood vessels (BVs), which are essential for supplying nutrients to neurons. Dysfunctional BVs contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we provide evidence for embryonic neuronal Vps35 as critical for BV branching and maturation in the developing mouse brain. Selectively knocking out (KO) Vps35 in mouse embryonic, not postnatal, neurons results in reductions in BV branching and density, arteriole diameter, and BV-associated pericytes and microglia but an increase in BV-associated reactive astrocytes. Deletion of microglia by PLX3397 enhances these BV deficits in mutant mice. These results reveal the function of neuronal Vps35 in neurovascular coupling in the developing mouse brain and implicate BV-associated microglia as underlying this event.
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36
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Rattner A, Wang Y, Nathans J. Signaling Pathways in Neurovascular Development. Annu Rev Neurosci 2022; 45:87-108. [PMID: 35803586 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-111020-102127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During development, the central nervous system (CNS) vasculature grows to precisely meet the metabolic demands of neurons and glia. In addition, the vast majority of the CNS vasculature acquires a unique set of molecular and cellular properties-collectively referred to as the blood-brain barrier-that minimize passive diffusion of molecules between the blood and the CNS parenchyma. Both of these processes are controlled by signals emanating from neurons and glia. In this review, we describe the nature and mechanisms-of-action of these signals, with an emphasis on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and beta-catenin (canonical Wnt) signaling, the two best-understood systems that regulate CNS vascular development. We highlight foundational discoveries, interactions between different signaling systems, the integration of genetic and cell biological studies, advances that are of clinical relevance, and questions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Rattner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States;
| | - Yanshu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jeremy Nathans
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,Departments of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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37
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Breaking through the barrier: Modelling and exploiting the physical microenvironment to enhance drug transport and efficacy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114183. [PMID: 35278523 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds are the main pillar in the treatment of various illnesses. To administer these drugs in the therapeutic setting, multiple routes of administration have been defined, including ingestion, inhalation, and injection. After administration, drugs need to find their way to the intended target for high effectiveness, and this penetration is greatly dependent on obstacles the drugs encounter along their path. Key hurdles include the physical barriers that are present within the body and knowledge of those is indispensable for progress in the development of drugs with increased therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine several important physical barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, the gut-mucosal barrier, and the extracellular matrix barrier, and evaluate their influence on drug transport and efficacy. We explore various in vitro model systems that aid in understanding how parameters within the barrier model affect drug transfer and therapeutic effect. We conclude that physical barriers in the body restrict the quantity of drugs that can pass through, mainly as a consequence of the barrier architecture. In addition, the specific physical properties of the tissue can trigger intracellular changes, altering cell behavior in response to drugs. Though the barriers negatively influence drug distribution, physical stimulation of the surrounding environment may also be exploited as a mechanism to control drug release. This drug delivery approach is explored in this review as a potential alternative to the conventional ways of delivering therapeutics.
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38
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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39
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Luo Y, Yang H, Yan X, Wu Y, Wei G, Wu X, Tian X, Xiong Y, Wu G, Wen H. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Alleviates Neurovascular Unit Dysfunction in Mice With Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:857415. [PMID: 35493946 PMCID: PMC9047023 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.857415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons, glial cells and blood vessels are collectively referred to as the neurovascular unit (NVU). In the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, the main components of the NVU undergo pathological changes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can protect neurons, induce changes in glial cells, regulate cerebral blood flow, and exert long-term neuroprotection. However, the mechanism by which tDCS improves NVU function is unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of tDCS on the NVU in mice with preclinical AD and the related mechanisms. 10 sessions of tDCS were given to six-month-old male APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage. The model group, sham stimulation group, and control group were made up of APP/PS1 mice and C57 mice of the same age. All mice were histologically evaluated two months after receiving tDCS. Protein content was measured using Western blotting and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The link between glial cells and blood vessels was studied using immunofluorescence staining and lectin staining. The results showed that tDCS affected the metabolism of Aβ; the levels of Aβ, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and BACE1 were significantly reduced, and the levels of ADAM10 were significantly increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in the stimulation group. In the stimulation group, tDCS reduced the protein levels of Iba1 and GFAP and increased the protein levels of NeuN, LRP1 and PDGRFβ. This suggests that tDCS can improve NVU function in APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage. Increased blood vessel density and blood vessel length, decreased IgG extravasation, and increased the protein levels of occludin and coverage of astrocyte foot processes with blood vessels suggested that tDCS had a protective effect on the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, the increased numbers of Vimentin, S100 expression and blood vessels (lectin-positive) around Aβ indicated that the effect of tDCS was mediated by astrocytes and blood vessels. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the model group and the sham stimulation group. In conclusion, our results show that tDCS can improve NVU function in APP/PS1 mice in the preclinical stage, providing further support for the use of tDCS as a treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinpei Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoliang Wei
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelong Tian
- Laboratory of Neural Regulation and Rehabilitation Technology, Chongqing Medical Electronics Engineering Technology Research Center, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangyan Wu
- Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Guangyan Wu,
| | - Huizhong Wen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Huizhong Wen,
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40
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Bonney SK, Coelho-Santos V, Huang SF, Takeno M, Kornfeld J, Keller A, Shih AY. Public Volume Electron Microscopy Data: An Essential Resource to Study the Brain Microvasculature. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:849469. [PMID: 35450291 PMCID: PMC9016339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.849469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Electron microscopy is the primary approach to study ultrastructural features of the cerebrovasculature. However, 2D snapshots of a vascular bed capture only a small fraction of its complexity. Recent efforts to synaptically map neuronal circuitry using volume electron microscopy have also sampled the brain microvasculature in 3D. Here, we perform a meta-analysis of 7 data sets spanning different species and brain regions, including two data sets from the MICrONS consortium that have made efforts to segment vasculature in addition to all parenchymal cell types in mouse visual cortex. Exploration of these data have revealed rich information for detailed investigation of the cerebrovasculature. Neurovascular unit cell types (including, but not limited to, endothelial cells, mural cells, perivascular fibroblasts, microglia, and astrocytes) could be discerned across broad microvascular zones. Image contrast was sufficient to identify subcellular details, including endothelial junctions, caveolae, peg-and-socket interactions, mitochondria, Golgi cisternae, microvilli and other cellular protrusions of potential significance to vascular signaling. Additionally, non-cellular structures including the basement membrane and perivascular spaces were visible and could be traced between arterio-venous zones along the vascular wall. These explorations revealed structural features that may be important for vascular functions, such as blood-brain barrier integrity, blood flow control, brain clearance, and bioenergetics. They also identified limitations where accuracy and consistency of segmentation could be further honed by future efforts. The purpose of this article is to introduce these valuable community resources within the framework of cerebrovascular research. We do so by providing an assessment of their vascular contents, identifying features of significance for further study, and discussing next step ideas for refining vascular segmentation and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Bonney
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vanessa Coelho-Santos
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheng-Fu Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Takeno
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Annika Keller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andy Y Shih
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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41
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Mills WA, Woo AM, Jiang S, Martin J, Surendran D, Bergstresser M, Kimbrough IF, Eyo UB, Sofroniew MV, Sontheimer H. Astrocyte plasticity in mice ensures continued endfoot coverage of cerebral blood vessels following injury and declines with age. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1794. [PMID: 35379828 PMCID: PMC8980042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes extend endfeet that enwrap the vasculature, and disruptions to this association which may occur in disease coincide with breaches in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Here we investigate if focal ablation of astrocytes is sufficient to disrupt the BBB in mice. Targeted two-photon chemical apoptotic ablation of astrocytes induced a plasticity response whereby surrounding astrocytes extended processes to cover vascular vacancies. In young animals, replacement processes occur in advance of endfoot retraction, but this is delayed in aged animals. Stimulation of replacement astrocytes results in constriction of pre-capillary arterioles, suggesting that replacement astrocytes are functional. Pharmacological inhibition of pSTAT3, as well as astrocyte specific deletion of pSTAT3, reduces astrocyte replacement post-ablation, without perturbations to BBB integrity. Similar endfoot replacement occurs following astrocyte cell death due to reperfusion in a stroke model. Together, these studies uncover the ability of astrocytes to maintain cerebrovascular coverage via substitution from nearby cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. Mills
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XRobert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, & Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - AnnaLin M. Woo
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Material Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA ,grid.168010.e0000000419368956Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Joelle Martin
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, & Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Dayana Surendran
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Matthew Bergstresser
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Ian F. Kimbrough
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Ukpong B. Eyo
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XRobert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Michael V. Sofroniew
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XBrain, Immunology, and Glia Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
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42
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Abstract
The brain harbors a unique ability to, figuratively speaking, shift its gears. During wakefulness, the brain is geared fully toward processing information and behaving, while homeostatic functions predominate during sleep. The blood-brain barrier establishes a stable environment that is optimal for neuronal function, yet the barrier imposes a physiological problem; transcapillary filtration that forms extracellular fluid in other organs is reduced to a minimum in brain. Consequently, the brain depends on a special fluid [the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] that is flushed into brain along the unique perivascular spaces created by astrocytic vascular endfeet. We describe this pathway, coined the term glymphatic system, based on its dependency on astrocytic vascular endfeet and their adluminal expression of aquaporin-4 water channels facing toward CSF-filled perivascular spaces. Glymphatic clearance of potentially harmful metabolic or protein waste products, such as amyloid-β, is primarily active during sleep, when its physiological drivers, the cardiac cycle, respiration, and slow vasomotion, together efficiently propel CSF inflow along periarterial spaces. The brain's extracellular space contains an abundance of proteoglycans and hyaluronan, which provide a low-resistance hydraulic conduit that rapidly can expand and shrink during the sleep-wake cycle. We describe this unique fluid system of the brain, which meets the brain's requisites to maintain homeostasis similar to peripheral organs, considering the blood-brain-barrier and the paths for formation and egress of the CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaag Rasmussen
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Humberto Mestre
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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43
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Menaceur C, Gosselet F, Fenart L, Saint-Pol J. The Blood-Brain Barrier, an Evolving Concept Based on Technological Advances and Cell-Cell Communications. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010133. [PMID: 35011695 PMCID: PMC8750298 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The construction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is a natural barrier for maintaining brain homeostasis, is the result of a meticulous organisation in space and time of cell–cell communication processes between the endothelial cells that carry the BBB phenotype, the brain pericytes, the glial cells (mainly the astrocytes), and the neurons. The importance of these communications for the establishment, maturation and maintenance of this unique phenotype had already been suggested in the pioneering work to identify and demonstrate the BBB. As for the history of the BBB, the evolution of analytical techniques has allowed knowledge to evolve on the cell–cell communication pathways involved, as well as on the role played by the cells constituting the neurovascular unit in the maintenance of the BBB phenotype, and more particularly the brain pericytes. This review summarises the key points of the history of the BBB, from its origin to the current knowledge of its physiology, as well as the cell–cell communication pathways identified so far during its development, maintenance, and pathophysiological alteration.
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Gorina YV, Salmina AB, Erofeev AI, Can Z, Bolshakova AV, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Metabolic Plasticity of Astrocytes. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021060016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Conti E, Piccardi B, Sodero A, Tudisco L, Lombardo I, Fainardi E, Nencini P, Sarti C, Allegra Mascaro AL, Baldereschi M. Translational Stroke Research Review: Using the Mouse to Model Human Futile Recanalization and Reperfusion Injury in Ischemic Brain Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:3308. [PMID: 34943816 PMCID: PMC8699609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The approach to reperfusion therapies in stroke patients is rapidly evolving, but there is still no explanation why a substantial proportion of patients have a poor clinical prognosis despite successful flow restoration. This issue of futile recanalization is explained here by three clinical cases, which, despite complete recanalization, have very different outcomes. Preclinical research is particularly suited to characterize the highly dynamic changes in acute ischemic stroke and identify potential treatment targets useful for clinical translation. This review surveys the efforts taken so far to achieve mouse models capable of investigating the neurovascular underpinnings of futile recanalization. We highlight the translational potential of targeting tissue reperfusion in fully recanalized mouse models and of investigating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms from subcellular to tissue scale. We suggest that stroke preclinical research should increasingly drive forward a continuous and circular dialogue with clinical research. When the preclinical and the clinical stroke research are consistent, translational success will follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Conti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Piccardi
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Alessandro Sodero
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Tudisco
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Ivano Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Patrizia Nencini
- Stroke Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Cristina Sarti
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Letizia Allegra Mascaro
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marzia Baldereschi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
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46
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Galea I. The blood-brain barrier in systemic infection and inflammation. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2489-2501. [PMID: 34594000 PMCID: PMC8481764 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00757-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular blood-brain barrier is a highly regulated interface between the blood and brain. Its primary function is to protect central neurons while signaling the presence of systemic inflammation and infection to the brain to enable a protective sickness behavior response. With increasing degrees and duration of systemic inflammation, the vascular blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable to solutes, undergoes an increase in lymphocyte trafficking, and is infiltrated by innate immune cells; endothelial cell damage may occasionally occur. Perturbation of neuronal function results in the clinical features of encephalopathy. Here, the molecular and cellular anatomy of the vascular blood-brain barrier is reviewed, first in a healthy context and second in a systemic inflammatory context. Distinct from the molecular and cellular mediators of the blood-brain barrier's response to inflammation, several moderators influence the direction and magnitude at genetic, system, cellular and molecular levels. These include sex, genetic background, age, pre-existing brain pathology, systemic comorbidity, and gut dysbiosis. Further progress is required to define and measure mediators and moderators of the blood-brain barrier's response to systemic inflammation in order to explain the heterogeneity observed in animal and human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Galea
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Clinical Neurosciences, Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
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47
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Parkitny L, Maletic-Savatic M. Glial PAMPering and DAMPening of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1299. [PMID: 34679362 PMCID: PMC8533961 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis represents a mature brain's capacity to integrate newly generated neurons into functional circuits. Impairment of neurogenesis contributes to the pathophysiology of various mood and cognitive disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's Disease. The hippocampal neurogenic niche hosts neural progenitors, glia, and vasculature, which all respond to intrinsic and environmental cues, helping determine their current state and ultimate fate. In this article we focus on the major immune communication pathways and mechanisms through which glial cells sense, interact with, and modulate the neurogenic niche. We pay particular attention to those related to the sensing of and response to innate immune danger signals. Receptors for danger signals were first discovered as a critical component of the innate immune system response to pathogens but are now also recognized to play a crucial role in modulating non-pathogenic sterile inflammation. In the neurogenic niche, viable, stressed, apoptotic, and dying cells can activate danger responses in neuroimmune cells, resulting in neuroprotection or neurotoxicity. Through these mechanisms glial cells can influence hippocampal stem cell fate, survival, neuronal maturation, and integration. Depending on the context, such responses may be appropriate and on-target, as in the case of learning-associated synaptic pruning, or excessive and off-target, as in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Parkitny
- Baylor College of Medicine and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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Choi B, Choi JW, Jin H, Sim HR, Park JH, Park TE, Kang JH. Condensed ECM-based nanofilms on highly permeable PET membranes for robust cell-to-cell communications with improved optical clarity. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34479224 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac23ad] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The properties of a semipermeable porous membrane, including pore size, pore density, and thickness, play a crucial role in creating a tissue interface in a microphysiological system (MPS) because it dictates multicellular interactions between different compartments. The small pore-sized membrane has been preferentially used in an MPS for stable cell adhesion and the formation of tissue barriers on the membrane. However, it limited the applicability of the MPS because of the hindered cell transmigration via sparse through-holes and the optical translucence caused by light scattering through pores. Thus, there remain unmet challenges to construct a compartmentalized MPS without those drawbacks. Here we report a submicrometer-thickness (∼500 nm) fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) film selectively condensed on a large pore-sized track-etched (TE) membrane (10µm-pores) in an MPS device, which enables the generation of functional tissue barriers simultaneously achieving optical transparency, intercellular interactions, and transmigration of cells across the membrane. The condensed ECM fibers uniformly covering the surface and 10µm-pores of the TE membrane permitted sufficient surface areas where a monolayer of the human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain endothelial cells is formed in the MPS device. The functional maturation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was proficiently achieved due to astrocytic endfeet sheathing the brain endothelial cells through 10µm pores of the condensed-ECM-coated TE (cECMTE) membrane. We also demonstrated the extravasation of human metastatic breast tumor cells through the human BBB on the cECMTE membrane. Thus, the cECMTE membrane integrated with an MPS can be used as a versatile platform for studying various intercellular communications and migration, mimicking the physiological barriers of an organ compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungwon Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Rim Sim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo H Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), UNIST gil 50, Ulju-gun, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
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Mampay M, Flint MS, Sheridan GK. Tumour brain: Pretreatment cognitive and affective disorders caused by peripheral cancers. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3977-3996. [PMID: 34029379 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
People that develop extracranial cancers often display co-morbid neurological disorders, such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment, even before commencement of chemotherapy. This suggests bidirectional crosstalk between non-CNS tumours and the brain, which can regulate peripheral tumour growth. However, the reciprocal neurological effects of tumour progression on brain homeostasis are not well understood. Here, we review brain regions involved in regulating peripheral tumour development and how they, in turn, are adversely affected by advancing tumour burden. Tumour-induced activation of the immune system, blood-brain barrier breakdown and chronic neuroinflammation can lead to circadian rhythm dysfunction, sleep disturbances, aberrant glucocorticoid production, decreased hippocampal neurogenesis and dysregulation of neural network activity, resulting in depression and memory impairments. Given that cancer-related cognitive impairment diminishes patient quality of life, reduces adherence to chemotherapy and worsens cancer prognosis, it is essential that more research is focused at understanding how peripheral tumours affect brain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe Mampay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Melanie S Flint
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Graham K Sheridan
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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50
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Astrocyte-Endotheliocyte Axis in the Regulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2538-2550. [PMID: 33961207 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of blood-brain barrier paralleled centralisation of the nervous system: emergence of neuronal masses required control over composition of the interstitial fluids. The barriers were initially created by glial cells, which employed septate junctions to restrict paracellular diffusion in the invertebrates and tight junctions in some early vertebrates. The endothelial barrier, secured by tight and adherent junctions emerged in vertebrates and is common in mammals. Astrocytes form the parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier and commutate with endothelial cells through secretion of growth factors, morphogens and extracellular vesicles. These secreted factors control the integrity of the blood-brain barrier through regulation of expression of tight junction proteins. The astrocyte-endotheliocyte communications are particularly important in various neurological diseases associated with impairments to the blood-brain barrier. Molecular mechanisms supporting astrocyte-endotheliocyte axis in health and disease are in need of detailed characterisation.
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