1
|
Sun B, Li L, Luo J. Brain endothelial cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway in aging and neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:2005-2007. [PMID: 39254560 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Sun
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Sun B, Li L, Luo J)
| | - Lulin Li
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Sun B, Li L, Luo J)
| | - Jian Luo
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Sun B, Li L, Luo J)
- Polytrauma System of Care, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA (Luo J)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang R, Shu RR, Seldin L. Noncanonical functions of adhesion proteins in inflammation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C505-C515. [PMID: 38981610 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00292.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cell adhesion proteins localize to epithelial and endothelial cell membranes to form junctional complexes between neighboring cells or between cells and the underlying basement membrane. The structural and functional integrities of these junctions are critical to establish cell polarity and maintain tissue barrier function, while also facilitating leukocyte migration and adhesion to sites of inflammation. In addition to their adhesive properties, however, junctional proteins can also serve important noncanonical functions in inflammatory signaling and transcriptional regulation. Intriguingly, recent work has unveiled novel roles for cell adhesion proteins as both signaling initiators and downstream targets during inflammation. In this review, we discuss both the traditional functions of junction proteins in cell adhesion and tissue barrier function as well as their noncanonical signaling roles that have been implicated in facilitating diverse inflammatory pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruochong Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Raphael R Shu
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Lindsey Seldin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu Y, Xie GM, Liu RQ, Xie JL, Zhang J, Zhang J. From aberrant neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: Insights into the hub gene associated with autism and alzheimer's disease. Brain Res 2024; 1838:148992. [PMID: 38729333 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Guang-Ming Xie
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Rong-Qi Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Jun-Ling Xie
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200010, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Preeti K, Sood A, Fernandes V, Khan I, Khatri DK, Singh SB. Experimental Type 2 diabetes and lipotoxicity-associated neuroinflammation involve mitochondrial DNA-mediated cGAS/STING axis: implication of Type-1 interferon response in cognitive impairment. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6217-6244. [PMID: 38285288 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Type-1 IFN (interferon)-associated innate immune response is increasingly getting attention in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, its significance in T2DM/lipotoxicity-induced neuroglia changes and cognitive impairment is missing. The present study aims to evaluate the involvement of cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase)-STING (stimulator of interferon gene), IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor-3), TBK (TANK binding kinase)-mediated Type-1 IFN response in the diabetic brain, and lipotoxicity (palmitate-bovine serum albumin conjugate/PA-BSA)-induced changes in cells (neuro2a and BV2). T2DM was induced in C57/BL6 mice by feeding on a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% Kcal) for 16 weeks and injecting a single dose of streptozotocin (100 mg/kg, i.p) in the 12th week. Plasma biochemical parameter analysis, neurobehavioral assessment, protein expression, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction study were carried out to decipher the hypothesis. T2DM-associated metabolic and lipotoxic stress led to mitochondrial impairment causing leakage of mtDNA to the cytoplasm further commencing cGAS activation and its downstream signaling. The diseased hippocampus and cortex showed decreased expression of synaptophysin (p < 0.01) and PSD-95 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) with increased expression of cGAS (p < 0.001), p-STING (p < 0.001), p-STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription) (p < 0.01), and IFN-β (p < 0.001) compared to normal control. The IFN-β/p-STAT1-mediated microglia activation was executed employing a conditioned media approach. C-176, a selective STING inhibitor, alleviated cGAS/p-STING/IFN-β expression and proinflammatory microglia/M1-associated markers (CD16 expression, CXCL10, TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA fold change) in the diabetic brain. The present study suggests Type-1IFN response may result in neuroglia dyshomeostasis affecting normal brain function. Alleviating STING signaling has the potential to protect T2DM-associated central ailment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Preeti
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Anika Sood
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Valencia Fernandes
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Islauddin Khan
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
- Department of Pharmacology, Shobhaben Pratapbai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-University, Mumbai, 400056, India.
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience Lab, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vavougios GD, Mavridis T, Doskas T, Papaggeli O, Foka P, Hadjigeorgiou G. SARS-CoV-2-Induced Type I Interferon Signaling Dysregulation in Olfactory Networks Implications for Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4565-4579. [PMID: 38785545 PMCID: PMC11119810 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050277] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon signaling (IFN-I) perturbations are major drivers of COVID-19. Dysregulated IFN-I in the brain, however, has been linked to both reduced cognitive resilience and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Previous works from our group have proposed a model where peripheral induction of IFN-I may be relayed to the CNS, even in the absence of fulminant infection. The aim of our study was to identify significantly enriched IFN-I signatures and genes along the transolfactory route, utilizing published datasets of the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb amygdala transcriptomes of COVID-19 patients. We furthermore sought to identify these IFN-I signature gene networks associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology and risk. Gene expression data involving the nasal epithelium, olfactory bulb, and amygdala of COVID-19 patients and transcriptomic data from Alzheimer's disease patients were scrutinized for enriched Type I interferon pathways. Gene set enrichment analyses and gene-Venn approaches were used to determine genes in IFN-I enriched signatures. The Agora web resource was used to identify genes in IFN-I signatures associated with Alzheimer's disease risk based on its aggregated multi-omic data. For all analyses, false discovery rates (FDR) <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Pathways associated with type I interferon signaling were found in all samples tested. Each type I interferon signature was enriched by IFITM and OAS family genes. A 14-gene signature was associated with COVID-19 CNS and the response to Alzheimer's disease pathology, whereas nine genes were associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease based on Agora. Our study provides further support to a type I interferon signaling dysregulation along the extended olfactory network as reconstructed herein, ranging from the nasal epithelium and extending to the amygdala. We furthermore identify the 14 genes implicated in this dysregulated pathway with Alzheimer's disease pathology, among which HLA-C, HLA-B, HLA-A, PSMB8, IFITM3, HLA-E, IFITM1, OAS2, and MX1 as genes with associated conferring increased risk for the latter. Further research into its druggability by IFNb therapeutics may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George D. Vavougios
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Theodoros Mavridis
- Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital (TUH)/The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Incorporating the National Children’s Hospital (AMNCH), D24 NR0A Dublin, Ireland;
| | | | - Olga Papaggeli
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece; (O.P.); (P.F.)
| | - Pelagia Foka
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece; (O.P.); (P.F.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cao W. In sickness and in health-Type I interferon and the brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1403142. [PMID: 38774266 PMCID: PMC11106474 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1403142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) represent a group of pleiotropic cytokines renowned for their antiviral activity and immune regulatory functions. A multitude of studies have unveiled a critical role of IFN-I in the brain, influencing various neurological processes and diseases. In this mini-review, I highlight recent findings on IFN-I's effects on brain aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, and central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. The multifaceted influence of IFN-I on brain health and disease sheds light on the complex interplay between immune responses and neurological processes. Of particular interest is the cGAS-STING-IFN-I axis, which extensively participates in brain aging and various forms of neurodegeneration. Understanding the intricate role of IFN-I and its associated pathways in the CNS not only advances our comprehension of brain health and disease but also presents opportunities for developing interventions to modify the process of neurodegeneration and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lawrence JH, Patel A, King MW, Nadarajah CJ, Daneman R, Musiek ES. Microglia drive diurnal variation in susceptibility to inflammatory blood-brain barrier breakdown. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588924. [PMID: 38645230 PMCID: PMC11030435 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is critical for maintaining brain homeostasis but is susceptible to inflammatory dysfunction. Permeability of the BBB to lipophilic molecules shows circadian variation due to rhythmic transporter expression, while basal permeability to polar molecules is non-rhythmic. Whether daily timing influences BBB permeability in response to inflammation is unknown. Here, we induced systemic inflammation through repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections either in the morning (ZT1) or evening (ZT13) under standard lighting conditions, then examined BBB permeability to a polar molecule, sodium fluorescein. We observed clear diurnal variation in inflammatory BBB permeability, with a striking increase in paracellular leak across the BBB specifically following evening LPS injection. Evening LPS led to persisting glia activation and inflammation in the brain that was not observed in the periphery. The exaggerated evening neuroinflammation and BBB disruption were suppressed by microglial depletion or through keeping mice in constant darkness. Our data show that diurnal rhythms in microglial inflammatory responses to LPS drive daily variability in BBB breakdown and reveals time-of-day as a key regulator of inflammatory BBB disruption.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wasielewska JM, Szostak K, McInnes LE, Quek H, Chaves JCS, Liddell JR, Koistinaho J, Oikari LE, Donnelly PS, White AR. Patient-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Model for Screening Copper Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes as Potential Therapeutics in Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1432-1455. [PMID: 38477556 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00743] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia characterized by a progressive cognitive decline. Addressing neuroinflammation represents a promising therapeutic avenue to treat AD; however, the development of effective antineuroinflammatory compounds is often hindered by their limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Consequently, there is an urgent need for accurate, preclinical AD patient-specific BBB models to facilitate the early identification of immunomodulatory drugs capable of efficiently crossing the human AD BBB. This study presents a unique approach to BBB drug permeability screening as it utilizes the familial AD patient-derived induced brain endothelial-like cell (iBEC)-based model, which exhibits increased disease relevance and serves as an improved BBB drug permeability assessment tool when compared to traditionally employed in vitro models. To demonstrate its utility as a small molecule drug candidate screening platform, we investigated the effects of diacetylbis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(atsm)) and a library of metal bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes─a class of compounds exhibiting antineuroinflammatory therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders. By evaluating the toxicity, cellular accumulation, and permeability of those compounds in the AD patient-derived iBEC, we have identified 3,4-hexanedione bis(N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) (CuII(dtsm)) as a candidate with good transport across the AD BBB. Furthermore, we have developed a multiplex approach where AD patient-derived iBEC were combined with immune modulators TNFα and IFNγ to establish an in vitro model representing the characteristic neuroinflammatory phenotype at the patient's BBB. Here, we observed that treatment with CuII(dtsm) not only reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes but also reversed the detrimental effects of TNFα and IFNγ on the integrity and function of the AD iBEC monolayer. This suggests a novel pathway through which copper bis(thiosemicarbazone) complexes may exert neurotherapeutic effects on AD by mitigating BBB neuroinflammation and related BBB integrity impairment. Together, the presented model provides an effective and easily scalable in vitro BBB platform for screening AD drug candidates. Its improved translational potential makes it a valuable tool for advancing the development of metal-based compounds aimed at modulating neuroinflammation in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kathryn Szostak
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hazel Quek
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014,Finland
- Neuroscience Centre, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute for Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jimenez-Uribe AP, Mangos S, Hahm E. Type I IFN in Glomerular Disease: Scarring beyond the STING. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2497. [PMID: 38473743 PMCID: PMC10931919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052497] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of nephrology has recently directed a considerable amount of attention towards the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) molecule since it appears to be a potent driver of chronic kidney disease (CKD). STING and its activator, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), along with intracellular RIG-like receptors (RLRs) and toll-like receptors (TLRs), are potent inducers of type I interferon (IFN-I) expression. These cytokines have been long recognized as part of the mechanism used by the innate immune system to battle viral infections; however, their involvement in sterile inflammation remains unclear. Mounting evidence pointing to the involvement of the IFN-I pathway in sterile kidney inflammation provides potential insights into the complex interplay between the innate immune system and damage to the most sensitive segment of the nephron, the glomerulus. The STING pathway is often cited as one cause of renal disease not attributed to viral infections. Instead, this pathway can recognize and signal in response to host-derived nucleic acids, which are also recognized by RLRs and TLRs. It is still unclear, however, whether the development of renal diseases depends on subsequent IFN-I induction or other processes involved. This review aims to explore the main endogenous inducers of IFN-I in glomerular cells, to discuss what effects autocrine and paracrine signaling have on IFN-I induction, and to identify the pathways that are implicated in the development of glomerular damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eunsil Hahm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (A.P.J.-U.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang K, Tang Z, Xing C, Yan N. STING signaling in the brain: Molecular threats, signaling activities, and therapeutic challenges. Neuron 2024; 112:539-557. [PMID: 37944521 PMCID: PMC10922189 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune signaling protein critical to infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. STING signaling is also emerging as an exciting and integral part of many neurological diseases. Here, we discuss recent advances in STING signaling in the brain. We summarize how molecular threats activate STING signaling in the diseased brain and how STING signaling activities in glial and neuronal cells cause neuropathology. We also review human studies of STING neurobiology and consider therapeutic challenges in targeting STING to treat neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yang
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhen Tang
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cong Xing
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Nan Yan
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asghari K, Niknam Z, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Chodari L. Cellular junction dynamics and Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:273. [PMID: 38302794 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09242-w] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of not only the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction but also significant alterations in cellular junctions in AD pathogenesis. In this review article, we explore the role of the BBB and cellular junctions in AD pathology, with a specific focus on the hippocampus. The BBB acts as a crucial protective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating molecular transport. Preservation of BBB integrity relies on various junctions, including gap junctions formed by connexins, tight junctions composed of proteins such as claudins, occludin, and ZO-1, as well as adherence junctions involving molecules like vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, Nectins, and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Abnormalities in these junctions and junctional components contribute to impaired neuronal signaling and increased cerebrovascular permeability, which are closely associated with AD advancement. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms governing BBB and cellular junction dysfunctions within the context of AD, this review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of AD and identifies potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Asghari
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Biswas K. Microglia mediated neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases: A review on the cell signaling pathways involved in microglial activation. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 383:578180. [PMID: 37672840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the immune sentinels of the central nervous system (CNS), have emerged to be the central players in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies on large genome databases and omics studies in fact provide support to the idea that microglial cells could be the drivers of these diseases. Microglial cells have the capacity to undergo morphological and phenotypic transformations depending on its microenvironment. From the homeostatic ramified state, they can shift their phenotypes between the two extremes, known as the proinflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, with intermediate transitional states, characterized by different transcriptional signature and release of inflammatory mediators. The temporal regulation of the release of the inflammatory factors are critical for damage control and steering the microglia back towards homeostatic conditions. A dysregulation in these can lead to excessive tissue damage and neuronal death. Therefore, targeting the cell signaling pathways that are the underpinnings of microglial modulations are considered to be an important avenue for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review we have discussed various signaling pathways that trigger microglial activation from its ramified state and highlight the mechanisms of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation that are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the cellular factors that drive microglia towards a proinflammatory phenotype are components of the immune system signaling pathways and cell proliferation, along with certain ion channels. The anti-inflammatory phenotype is mainly elicited by purinoceptors, metabolic receptors and other receptors that primarily suppress the production proinflammatory mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushiki Biswas
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University Main campus, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Duarte N, Shafi AM, Penha-Gonçalves C, Pais TF. Endothelial type I interferon response and brain diseases: identifying STING as a therapeutic target. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1249235. [PMID: 37791071 PMCID: PMC10542901 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1249235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium layer lining the inner surface of blood vessels serves relevant physiological functions in all body systems, including the exchanges between blood and extravascular space. However, endothelial cells also participate in innate and adaptive immune response that contribute to the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders. Type I Interferon (IFN) signaling is an inflammatory response triggered by a variety of pathogens, but it can also be induced by misplaced DNA in the cytosol caused by cell stress or gene mutations. Type I IFN produced by blood leukocytes or by the endothelium itself is well-known to activate the interferon receptor (IFNAR) in endothelial cells. Here, we discuss the induction of type I IFN secretion and signaling in the endothelium, specifically in the brain microvasculature where endothelial cells participate in the tight blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier is targeted during neuroinflammatory disorders such as infection, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. We focus on type I IFN induction through the cGAS-STING activation pathway in endothelial cells in context of autoinflammatory type I interferonopathies, inflammation and infection. By comparing the pathophysiology of two separate infectious diseases-cerebral malaria induced by Plasmodium infection and COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection-we emphasize the relevance of type I IFN and STING-induced vasculopathy in organ dysfunction. Investigating the role of endothelial cells as active type I IFN producers and responders in disease pathogenesis could lead to new therapeutic targets. Namely, endothelial dysfunction and brain inflammation may be avoided with strategies that target excessive STING activation in endothelial cells.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang W, Xiao D, Mao Q, Xia H. Role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:267. [PMID: 37433768 PMCID: PMC10336149 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and so on, have suggested that inflammation is not only a result of neurodegeneration but also a crucial player in this process. Protein aggregates which are very common pathological phenomenon in neurodegeneration can induce neuroinflammation which further aggravates protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Actually, inflammation even happens earlier than protein aggregation. Neuroinflammation induced by genetic variations in CNS cells or by peripheral immune cells may induce protein deposition in some susceptible population. Numerous signaling pathways and a range of CNS cells have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, although they are still far from being completely understood. Due to the limited success of traditional treatment methods, blocking or enhancing inflammatory signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration are considered to be promising strategies for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, and many of them have got exciting results in animal models or clinical trials. Some of them, although very few, have been approved by FDA for clinical usage. Here we comprehensively review the factors affecting neuroinflammation and the major inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the pathogenicity of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also summarize the current strategies, both in animal models and in the clinic, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Zhang
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 199 South Chang'an Road, Xi'an, 710062, P.R. China
| | - Dan Xiao
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Air Force Medical University, No. 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, P.R. China
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, No. 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Qinwen Mao
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Haibin Xia
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 199 South Chang'an Road, Xi'an, 710062, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Adetunji JA, Fasae KD, Awe AI, Paimo OK, Adegoke AM, Akintunde JK, Sekhoacha MP. The protective roles of citrus flavonoids, naringenin, and naringin on endothelial cell dysfunction in diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17166. [PMID: 37484296 PMCID: PMC10361329 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelial cells (ECs) make up the inner lining of blood vessels, acting as a barrier separating the blood and the tissues in several organs. ECs maintain endothelium integrity by controlling the constriction and relaxation of the vasculature, blood fluidity, adhesion, and migration. These actions of ECs are efficiently coordinated via an intricate signaling network connecting receptors, and a wide range of cellular macromolecules. ECs are naturally quiescent i.e.; they are not stimulated and do not proliferate. Upon infection or disease, ECs become activated, and this alteration is pivotal in the pathogenesis of a spectrum of human neurological, cardiovascular, diabetic, cancerous, and viral diseases. Considering the central position that ECs play in disease pathogenesis, therapeutic options have been targeted at improving ECs integrity, assembly, functioning, and health. The dietary intake of flavonoids present in citrus fruits has been associated with a reduced risk of endothelium dysfunction. Naringenin (NGN) and Naringin (NAR), major flavonoids in grapefruit, tomatoes, and oranges possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and cell survival potentials, which improve the health of the vascular endothelium. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and present the advances in understanding of the mechanisms through which NGN and NAR modulate the biomarkers of vascular dysfunction and protect the endothelium against unresolved inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, and angiogenesis. We also provide perspectives and suggest further studies that will help assess the efficacy of citrus flavonoids in the therapeutics of human vascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joy A. Adetunji
- Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kehinde D. Fasae
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Ayobami I. Awe
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, USA
| | - Oluwatomiwa K. Paimo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji M. Adegoke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
- Cancer Research and Molecular Biology Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200005, Nigeria
| | - Jacob K. Akintunde
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Mamello P. Sekhoacha
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shafqat A, Noor Eddin A, Adi G, Al-Rimawi M, Abdul Rab S, Abu-Shaar M, Adi K, Alkattan K, Yaqinuddin A. Neutrophil extracellular traps in central nervous system pathologies: A mini review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1083242. [PMID: 36873885 PMCID: PMC9981681 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1083242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the first cells to be recruited to sites of acute inflammation and contribute to host defense through phagocytosis, degranulation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Neutrophils are rarely found in the brain because of the highly selective blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, several diseases disrupt the BBB and cause neuroinflammation. In this regard, neutrophils and NETs have been visualized in the brain after various insults, including traumatic (traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury), infectious (bacterial meningitis), vascular (ischemic stroke), autoimmune (systemic lupus erythematosus), neurodegenerative (multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease), and neoplastic (glioma) causes. Significantly, preventing neutrophil trafficking into the central nervous system or NET production in these diseases alleviates brain pathology and improves neurocognitive outcomes. This review summarizes the major studies on the contribution of NETs to central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Collapse
|