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Saavedra-Bonilla H, Varman DR, Reyes-Haro D. Spontaneous Calcium Transients Recorded from Striatal Astrocytes in a Preclinical Model of Autism. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04218-5. [PMID: 39120794 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04218-5] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a group of neurodevelopmental conditions including stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, besides social and sensorimotor deficits. Anatomical and functional evidence indicates atypical maturation of the striatum. Astrocytes regulate the maturation and plasticity of synaptic circuits, and impaired calcium signaling is associated with repetitive behaviors and atypical social interaction. Spontaneous calcium transients (SCT) recorded in the striatal astrocytes of the rat were investigated in the preclinical model of ASD by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Our results showed sensorimotor delay, augmented glial fibrillary acidic protein -a typical intermediate filament protein expressed by astrocytes- and diminished expression of GABAA-ρ3 through development, and increased frequency of SCT with a reduced latency that resulted in a diminished amplitude in the VPA model. The convulsant picrotoxin, a GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) receptor antagonist, reduced the frequency of SCT in both experimental groups but rescued this parameter to control levels in the preclinical ASD model. The amplitude and latency of SCT were decreased by picrotoxin in both experimental groups. Nipecotic acid, a GABA uptake inhibitor, reduced the mean amplitude only for the control group. Nevertheless, nipecotic acid increased the frequency but diminished the latency in both experimental groups. Thus, we conclude that striatal astrocytes exhibit SCT modulated by GABAA-mediated signaling, and prenatal exposure to VPA disturbs this tuning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Saavedra-Bonilla
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Querétaro, CP76230, Mexico
| | - Durairaj Ragu Varman
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Querétaro, CP76230, Mexico
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Daniel Reyes-Haro
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Juriquilla, Querétaro, CP76230, Mexico.
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Wikarska A, Roszak K, Roszek K. Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Purinergic Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bridging the Gap between Cell-Based Strategies and Neuro-Immune Modulation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1310. [PMID: 38927517 PMCID: PMC11201695 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061310] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still increasing, which means that this neurodevelopmental lifelong pathology requires special scientific attention and efforts focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches. It has become increasingly evident that neuroinflammation and dysregulation of neuro-immune cross-talk are specific hallmarks of ASD, offering the possibility to treat these disorders by factors modulating neuro-immunological interactions. Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has already been postulated as one of the therapeutic approaches for ASD; however, less is known about the molecular mechanisms of stem cell influence. One of the possibilities, although still underestimated, is the paracrine purinergic activity of MSCs, by which stem cells ameliorate inflammatory reactions. Modulation of adenosine signaling may help restore neurotransmitter balance, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve overall brain function in individuals with ASD. In our review article, we present a novel insight into purinergic signaling, including but not limited to the adenosinergic pathway and its role in neuroinflammation and neuro-immune cross-talk modulation. We anticipate that by achieving a greater understanding of the purinergic signaling contribution to ASD and related disorders, novel therapeutic strategies may be devised for patients with autism in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Roszek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (A.W.); (K.R.)
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Tian Y, Xiao X, Liu W, Cheng S, Qian N, Wang L, Liu Y, Ai R, Zhu X. TREM2 improves microglia function and synaptic development in autism spectrum disorders by regulating P38 MAPK signaling pathway. Mol Brain 2024; 17:12. [PMID: 38409127 PMCID: PMC10898105 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a diverse range of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the precise underlying pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aim to explore the potential mechanism of TREM2 in regulating microglia function in ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The offspring rat model of ASD was established through prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), and the behavioral symptoms of the ASD model were observed. On postnatal day (PND) 7 and PND 28, the effects of prenatally exposure to VPA on synaptic development and microglia phenotype of offspring rats were observed. Primary microglia were cultured in vitro. Lentivirus and adenovirus were utilized to interfere with TREM2 and overexpress TREM2. RESULTS Prenatally VPA exposure induced offspring rats to show typical ASD core symptoms, which led to abnormal expression of synapse-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex of offspring rats, changed the phenotype of microglia in offspring rats, promoted the polarization of microglia to pro-inflammatory type, and increased inflammatory response. The experimental results in vitro showed that overexpression of TREM2 could increase the expression of Gephyrin, decrease the content of CD86 protein and increase the content of CD206 protein. In addition, after the expression of TREM2 was interfered, the content of p-P38 MAPK protein increased and the content of p-ELK-1 protein decreased. CONCLUSION The protective influence of TREM2 on the VPA-induced ASD model is attributed to its inhibition of the P38 MAPK pathway, this protective effect may be achieved by promoting the polarization of microglia to anti-inflammatory phenotype and improving the neuronal synaptic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tian
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Weiliang Liu
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Shanqing Cheng
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Na Qian
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China
| | - Rong Ai
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zhu
- School of Pediatrics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Street, Yunyan District, 550004, Guiyang City, China.
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Vakilzadeh G, Martinez-Cerdeño V. Pathology and Astrocytes in Autism. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:841-850. [PMID: 37077706 PMCID: PMC10106330 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s390053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A distinct pathology for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains elusive. Human and animal studies have focused on investigating the role of neurons in ASD. However, recent studies have hinted that glial cell pathology could be a characteristic of ASD. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell in the brain and play an important role in neuronal function, both during development and in adult. They regulate neuronal migration, dendritic and spine development, and control the concentration of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. They are also responsible for synaptogenesis, synaptic development, and synaptic function. Therefore, any change in astrocyte number and/or function could contribute to the impairment of connectivity that has been reported in ASD. Data available to date is scarce but indicates that while the number of astrocytes is reduced, their state of activation and their GFAP expression is increased in ASD. Disruption of astrocyte function in ASD may affect proper neurotransmitter metabolism, synaptogenesis, and the state of brain inflammation. Astrocytes alterations are common to ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies about the role of astrocytes in ASD are required to better understand this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Vakilzadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA, Tel +916 453-2163, Email
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Uchino K, Tanaka Y, Kawaguchi S, Kubota K, Watanabe T, Katsurabayashi S, Hirose S, Iwasaki K. Establishment of autaptic culture with human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes. iScience 2022; 25:104762. [PMID: 35942096 PMCID: PMC9356095 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although astrocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases, how they induce synaptic abnormalities is unclear. Currently, in vitro pathological astrocyte cultures or animal models do not reproduce human disease phenotypes accurately. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are replacing animal models in pathological studies. We developed an autaptic culture (AC) system containing single neuron cultures grown on microislands of astrocytes. AC with human iPSC-derived astrocytes (HiA) was established. We evaluated the effect of astrocytes on the synaptic functions of human-derived neurons. We found a significantly higher Na+ current amplitude, membrane capacitance, and number of synapses, as well as longer dendrites, in HiAACs compared with neuron monocultures. Furthermore, HiAs were involved in the formation and maturation of functional synapses that exhibited excitatory postsynaptic currents. This system can facilitate the study of CNS diseases and advance the development of drugs targeting glial cells. We developed an autaptic culture with human iPSCs-derived astrocytes Neurons in HiAACs developed after culture and formed functional synapses EPSC and mEPSC were recorded showing HiAs promoted synapse formation/maturation Autaptic cultures can be used to analyze synaptic activity and human CNS disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouya Uchino
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Pharmacology, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, 22-1 Tamagawa-machi, Minami-ku, Fukuoka 815-8511, Japan
- iONtarget, Co., Inc., 1-3-70-5805 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0006, Japan
- Research Institute for the Molecular Pathogeneses of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kawaguchi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Kaori Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shutaro Katsurabayashi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
- Research Institute for the Molecular Pathogeneses of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
- Corresponding author
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- iONtarget, Co., Inc., 1-3-70-5805 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0006, Japan
- Research Institute for the Molecular Pathogeneses of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
- General Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Katsunori Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, 8-19-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
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Ismail FS, Corvace F, Faustmann PM, Faustmann TJ. Pharmacological Investigations in Glia Culture Model of Inflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:805755. [PMID: 34975415 PMCID: PMC8716582 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.805755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and microglia are the main cell population besides neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes support the neuronal network via maintenance of transmitter and ion homeostasis. They are part of the tripartite synapse, composed of pre- and postsynaptic neurons and perisynaptic astrocytic processes as a functional unit. There is an increasing evidence that astroglia are involved in the pathophysiology of CNS disorders such as epilepsy, autoimmune CNS diseases or neuropsychiatric disorders, especially with regard to glia-mediated inflammation. In addition to astrocytes, investigations on microglial cells, the main immune cells of the CNS, offer a whole network approach leading to better understanding of non-neuronal cells and their pathological role in CNS diseases and treatment. An in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation was developed by Faustmann et al. (2003), which allows to study the endogenous inflammatory reaction and the cytokine expression under drugs in a differentiated manner. Commonly used antiepileptic drugs (e.g., levetiracetam, valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and gabapentin), immunomodulatory drugs (e.g., dexamethasone and interferon-beta), hormones and psychotropic drugs (e.g., venlafaxine) were already investigated, contributing to better understanding mechanisms of actions of CNS drugs and their pro- or anti-inflammatory properties concerning glial cells. Furthermore, the effects of drugs on glial cell viability, proliferation and astrocytic network were demonstrated. The in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation proved to be suitable as unique in vitro model for pharmacological investigations on astrocytes and microglia with future potential (e.g., cancer drugs, antidementia drugs, and toxicologic studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Franco Corvace
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Timo Jendrik Faustmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex group of neuropsychiatric disorders, typically comprising both manic and depressive episodes. The underlying neuropathology of BD is not established, but a consistent feature is progressive thinning of cortical grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in specific pathways, due to loss of subpopulations of neurons and astrocytes, with accompanying disturbance of connectivity. Dysregulation of astrocyte homeostatic functions are implicated in BD, notably regulation of glutamate, calcium signalling, circadian rhythms and metabolism. Furthermore, the beneficial therapeutic effects of the frontline treatments for BD are due at least in part to their positive actions on astrocytes, notably lithium, valproic acid (VPA) and carbamazepine (CBZ), as well as antidepressants and antipsychotics that are used in the management of this disorder. Treatments for BD are ineffective in a large proportion of cases, and astrocytes represent new therapeutic targets that can also serve as biomarkers of illness progression and treatment responsiveness in BD.
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