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Vints WAJ, Šeikinaitė J, Gökçe E, Kušleikienė S, Šarkinaite M, Valatkeviciene K, Česnaitienė VJ, Verbunt J, Levin O, Masiulis N. Resistance exercise effects on hippocampus subfield volumes and biomarkers of neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation in older adults with low and high risk of mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. GeroScience 2024; 46:3971-3991. [PMID: 38478179 PMCID: PMC11226571 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01110-6] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is suggested to promote hippocampal neuroplasticity by increasing circulating neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory factors. Our aim was to explore the interplay between the effect of progressive resistance exercise on blood biomarker levels, hippocampal neurometabolite levels and hippocampal volume in older adults with a low compared to a high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Seventy apparently healthy male/female older adults (aged 60-85 years old) were randomly allocated to a 12 week lower limb progressive resistance or no intervention, stratified for low (< 26/30) or high (≥ 26/30) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, indicating MCI risk. Outcome measures were blood levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) or kynurenine (KYN); hippocampal total and subfield volumes of the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and 4 (CA4), subiculum, presubiculum, and dentate gyrus measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and hippocampus neurometabolites including total N-acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol (mIns), and total creatine (Cr) measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). We evaluated the intervention effect, cognitive status effect, their interaction and the bivariate relationship between exercise-induced changes between the outcome measures. Higher kynurenine levels (p = 0.015) and lower subiculum volumes (p = 0.043) were found in older adults with high MCI risk compared to older adults with low MCI risk. Exercise-induced CA1 volume changes were negatively correlated with hippocampal tNAA/mIns level changes (r = -0.605, p = 0.006). This study provides valuable insight in the multifactorial processes related to resistance training in older adults with low or high MCI risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter A J Vints
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Adelante Zorggroep, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands.
| | - Julija Šeikinaitė
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine, Institute of Health Science, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Evrim Gökçe
- Sports Rehabilitation Laboratory, Ankara City Hospital, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Simona Kušleikienė
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Milda Šarkinaite
- Department of Radiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kristina Valatkeviciene
- Department of Radiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vida J Česnaitienė
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jeanine Verbunt
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Research School CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Adelante Zorggroep, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands
| | - Oron Levin
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Motor Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Group Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Nerijus Masiulis
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine, Institute of Health Science, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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2
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Zhao T, Hong Y, Yan B, Huang S, Ming GL, Song H. Epigenetic maintenance of adult neural stem cell quiescence in the mouse hippocampus via Setd1a. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5674. [PMID: 38971831 PMCID: PMC11227589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Quiescence, a hallmark of adult neural stem cells (NSCs), is required for maintaining the NSC pool to support life-long continuous neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). Whether long-lasting epigenetic modifications maintain NSC quiescence over the long term in the adult DG is not well-understood. Here we show that mice with haploinsufficiency of Setd1a, a schizophrenia risk gene encoding a histone H3K4 methyltransferase, develop an enlarged DG with more dentate granule cells after young adulthood. Deletion of Setd1a specifically in quiescent NSCs in the adult DG promotes their activation and neurogenesis, which is countered by inhibition of the histone demethylase LSD1. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing and CUT & RUN analyses of cultured quiescent adult NSCs reveal Setd1a deletion-induced transcriptional changes and many Setd1a targets, among which down-regulation of Bhlhe40 promotes quiescent NSC activation in the adult DG in vivo. Together, our study reveals a Setd1a-dependent epigenetic mechanism that sustains NSC quiescence in the adult DG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yan Hong
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bowen Yan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Suming Huang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philedaphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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3
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Dause TJ, Denninger JK, Osap R, Walters AE, Rieskamp JD, Kirby ED. Autocrine VEGF drives neural stem cell proximity to the adult hippocampus vascular niche. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402659. [PMID: 38631901 PMCID: PMC11024344 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The vasculature is a key component of adult brain neural stem cell (NSC) niches. In the adult mammalian hippocampus, NSCs reside in close contact with a dense capillary network. How this niche is maintained is unclear. We recently found that adult hippocampal NSCs express VEGF, a soluble factor with chemoattractive properties for vascular endothelia. Here, we show that global and NSC-specific VEGF loss led to dissociation of NSCs and their intermediate progenitor daughter cells from local vasculature. Surprisingly, though, we found no changes in local vascular density. Instead, we found that NSC-derived VEGF supports maintenance of gene expression programs in NSCs and their progeny related to cell migration and adhesion. In vitro assays revealed that blockade of VEGF receptor 2 impaired NSC motility and adhesion. Our findings suggest that NSCs maintain their own proximity to vasculature via self-stimulated VEGF signaling that supports their motility towards and/or adhesion to local blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Dause
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jiyeon K Denninger
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert Osap
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley E Walters
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joshua D Rieskamp
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Kirby
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- https://ror.org/00rs6vg23 Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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4
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Jimenez-Cyrus D, Adusumilli VS, Stempel MH, Maday S, Ming GL, Song H, Bond AM. Molecular cascade reveals sequential milestones underlying hippocampal neural stem cell development into an adult state. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114339. [PMID: 38852158 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Quiescent adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the mammalian brain arise from proliferating NSCs during development. Beyond acquisition of quiescence, an adult NSC hallmark, little is known about the process, milestones, and mechanisms underlying the transition of developmental NSCs to an adult NSC state. Here, we performed targeted single-cell RNA-seq analysis to reveal the molecular cascade underlying NSC development in the early postnatal mouse dentate gyrus. We identified two sequential steps, first a transition to quiescence followed by further maturation, each of which involved distinct changes in metabolic gene expression. Direct metabolic analysis uncovered distinct milestones, including an autophagy burst before NSC quiescence acquisition and cellular reactive oxygen species level elevation along NSC maturation. Functionally, autophagy is important for the NSC transition to quiescence during early postnatal development. Together, our study reveals a multi-step process with defined milestones underlying establishment of the adult NSC pool in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennisse Jimenez-Cyrus
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Vijay S Adusumilli
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Max H Stempel
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sandra Maday
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Allison M Bond
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, 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; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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5
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Haniff ZR, Bocharova M, Mantingh T, Rucker JJ, Velayudhan L, Taylor DM, Young AH, Aarsland D, Vernon AC, Thuret S. Psilocybin for dementia prevention? The potential role of psilocybin to alter mechanisms associated with major depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108641. [PMID: 38583670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108641] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Major depression is an established risk factor for subsequent dementia, and depression in late life may also represent a prodromal state of dementia. Considering current challenges in the clinical development of disease modifying therapies for dementia, the focus of research is shifting towards prevention and modification of risk factors to alter the neurodegenerative disease trajectory. Understanding mechanistic commonalities underlying affective symptoms and cognitive decline may reveal biomarkers to aid early identification of those at risk of progressing to dementia during the preclinical phase of disease, thus allowing for timely intervention. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is a phenomenon that describes the birth of new neurons in the dentate gyrus throughout life and it is associated with spatial learning, memory and mood regulation. Microglia are innate immune system macrophages in the central nervous system that carefully regulate AHN via multiple mechanisms. Disruption in AHN is associated with both dementia and major depression and microgliosis is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelics promote neuroplasticity, including neurogenesis, and may also be immunomodulatory. In this context, psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist with rapid-acting antidepressant properties has the potential to ameliorate intersecting pathophysiological processes relevant for both major depression and neurodegenerative diseases. In this narrative review, we focus on the evidence base for the effects of psilocybin on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and microglial form and function; which may suggest that psilocybin has the potential to modulate multiple mechanisms of action, and may have implications in altering the progression from major depression to dementia in those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarah R Haniff
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Mariia Bocharova
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Mantingh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - James J Rucker
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Latha Velayudhan
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Allan H Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Division of Academic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Division of Neuroscience of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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6
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Caruso MG, Nicolas S, Lucassen PJ, Mul JD, O’Leary OF, Nolan YM. Ageing, Cognitive Decline, and Effects of Physical Exercise: Complexities, and Considerations from Animal Models. Brain Plast 2024; 9:43-73. [PMID: 38993577 PMCID: PMC11234681 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-230157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In our ageing global population, the cognitive decline associated with dementia and neurodegenerative diseases represents a major healthcare problem. To date, there are no effective treatments for age-related cognitive impairment, thus preventative strategies are urgently required. Physical exercise is gaining traction as a non-pharmacological approach to promote brain health. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), a unique form of brain plasticity which is necessary for certain cognitive functions declines with age and is enhanced in response to exercise. Accumulating evidence from research in rodents suggests that physical exercise has beneficial effects on cognition through its proneurogenic capabilities. Given ethical and technical limitations in human studies, preclinical research in rodents is crucial for a better understanding of such exercise-induced brain and behavioural changes. In this review, exercise paradigms used in preclinical research are compared. We provide an overview of the effects of different exercise paradigms on age-related cognitive decline from middle-age until older-age. We discuss the relationship between the age-related decrease in AHN and the potential impact of exercise on mitigating this decline. We highlight the emerging literature on the impact of exercise on gut microbiota during ageing and consider the role of the gut-brain axis as a future possible strategy to optimize exercise-enhanced cognitive function. Finally, we propose a guideline for designing optimal exercise protocols in rodent studies, which would inform clinical research and contribute to developing preventative strategies for age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giovanna Caruso
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicolas
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joram D. Mul
- Brain Plasticity group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olivia F. O’Leary
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Yvonne M. Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland
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7
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Kaise T, Kageyama R. Transcriptional control of neural stem cell activity. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:617-626. [PMID: 38477464 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the adult brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) are under the control of various molecular mechanisms to produce an appropriate number of neurons that are essential for specific brain functions. Usually, the majority of adult NSCs stay in a non-proliferative and undifferentiated state known as quiescence, occasionally transitioning to an active state to produce newborn neurons. This transition between the quiescent and active states is crucial for the activity of NSCs. Another significant state of adult NSCs is senescence, in which quiescent cells become more dormant and less reactive, ceasing the production of newborn neurons. Although many genes involved in the regulation of NSCs have been identified using genetic manipulation and omics analyses, the entire regulatory network is complicated and ambiguous. In this review, we focus on transcription factors, whose importance has been elucidated in NSCs by knockout or overexpression studies. We mainly discuss the transcription factors with roles in the active, quiescent, and rejuvenation states of adult NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kaise
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
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8
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Chalmers N, Masouti E, Beckervordersandforth R. Astrocytes in the adult dentate gyrus-balance between adult and developmental tasks. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:982-991. [PMID: 38177351 PMCID: PMC11176073 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a major glial cell type in the brain, are indispensable for the integration, maintenance and survival of neurons during development and adulthood. Both life phases make specific demands on the molecular and physiological properties of astrocytes, and most research projects traditionally focus on either developmental or adult astrocyte functions. In most brain regions, the generation of brain cells and the establishment of neural circuits ends with postnatal development. However, few neurogenic niches exist in the adult brain in which new neurons and glial cells are produced lifelong, and the integration of new cells into functional circuits represent a very special form of plasticity. Consequently, in the neurogenic niche, the astrocytes must be equipped to execute both mature and developmental tasks in order to integrate newborn neurons into the circuit and yet maintain overall homeostasis without affecting the preexisting neurons. In this review, we focus on astrocytes of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), and discuss specific features of the astrocytic compartment that may allow the execution of both tasks. Firstly, astrocytes of the adult DG are molecularly, morphologically and functionally diverse, and the distinct astrocytes subtypes are characterized by their localization to DG layers. This spatial separation may lead to a functional specification of astrocytes subtypes according to the neuronal structures they are embedded in, hence a division of labor. Secondly, the astrocytic compartment is not static, but steadily increasing in numbers due to lifelong astrogenesis. Interestingly, astrogenesis can adapt to environmental and behavioral stimuli, revealing an unexpected astrocyte dynamic that allows the niche to adopt to changing demands. The diversity and dynamic of astrocytes in the adult DG implicate a vital contribution to hippocampal plasticity and represent an interesting model to uncover mechanisms how astrocytes simultaneously fulfill developmental and adult tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Chalmers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evangelia Masouti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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9
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Balbim GM, Boa Sorte Silva NC, Ten Brinke L, Falck RS, Hortobágyi T, Granacher U, Erickson KI, Hernández-Gamboa R, Liu-Ambrose T. Aerobic exercise training effects on hippocampal volume in healthy older individuals: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. GeroScience 2024; 46:2755-2764. [PMID: 37943486 PMCID: PMC10828456 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00971-7] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) lasting ≥ 4 weeks on hippocampal volume and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals. Random-effects robust variance estimation models were used to test differences between AET and controls, while meta-regressions tested associations between CRF and hippocampal volume changes. We included eight studies (N = 554) delivering fully supervised AET for 3 to 12 months (M = 7.8, SD = 4.5) with an average AET volume of 129.85 min/week (SD = 45.5) at moderate-to-vigorous intensity. There were no significant effects of AET on hippocampal volume (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI - 0.01 to 0.21, p = 0.073), but AET moderately improved CRF (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.48, p = 0.005). Improvement in CRF was not associated with changes in hippocampal volume (bSE = 0.05, SE = 0.51, p = 0.923). From the limited number of studies, AET does not seem to impact hippocampal volume in cognitively unimpaired, healthy older individuals. Notable methodological limitations across investigations might mask the lack of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Moraes Balbim
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nárlon Cássio Boa Sorte Silva
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lisanne Ten Brinke
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ryan S Falck
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen Medical Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Kinesiology, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Sport Biology, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience, Orlando, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Rebeca Hernández-Gamboa
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
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10
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Dohm-Hansen S, English JA, Lavelle A, Fitzsimons CP, Lucassen PJ, Nolan YM. The 'middle-aging' brain. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:259-272. [PMID: 38508906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Middle age has historically been an understudied period of life compared to older age, when cognitive and brain health decline are most pronounced, but the scope for intervention may be limited. However, recent research suggests that middle age could mark a shift in brain aging. We review emerging evidence on multiple levels of analysis indicating that midlife is a period defined by unique central and peripheral processes that shape future cognitive trajectories and brain health. Informed by recent developments in aging research and lifespan studies in humans and animal models, we highlight the utility of modeling non-linear changes in study samples with wide subject age ranges to distinguish life stage-specific processes from those acting linearly throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dohm-Hansen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jane A English
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aonghus Lavelle
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne M Nolan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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11
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Vafaeva O, Namchaiw P, Murray K, Diaz E, Cheng HJ. Neurosphere culture derived from aged hippocampal dentate gyrus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.16.585365. [PMID: 38559117 PMCID: PMC10980067 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.16.585365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The neurosphere assay is the gold standard for determining proliferative and differentiation potential of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in neurogenesis studies 1-3 . While several in vitro assays have been developed to model the process of neurogenesis, they have predominantly used embryonic and early postnatal NPCs derived from the dentate gyrus (DG). A limitation of these approaches is that they do not provide insight into adult-born NPCs, which are modeled to affect hippocampal function and diseases later in life. Here, we show a novel free-floating neurosphere culture system using NPCs isolated from the DG of mature adult and aged mice. The protocol outlines detailed steps on the isolation, propagation, and maintenance of neurospheres from adult and aged (>12 months old) mouse brain and how to differentiate cultured neurospheres into neurons and astrocytes. Culturing adult and aged NPCs provides an important in vitro model to (1) investigate cellular and molecular properties of this unique cell population and (2) expand the understanding of plasticity in the adult and aging brain. This protocol requires ∼2 hours to complete dissection, dissociation and culture plating, while differentiation to neuronal and astrocytic lineages takes 9 days. By focusing on neurospheres obtained from animals at later ages this model facilitates investigation of important biological questions related to development and differentiation of hippocampal neurons generated throughout adult life.
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12
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Melo Dos Santos LS, Trombetta-Lima M, Eggen B, Demaria M. Cellular senescence in brain aging and neurodegeneration. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 93:102141. [PMID: 38030088 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102141] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of terminal cell cycle arrest associated with various macromolecular changes and a hypersecretory phenotype. In the brain, senescent cells naturally accumulate during aging and at sites of age-related pathologies. Here, we discuss the recent advances in understanding the accumulation of senescent cells in brain aging and disorders. Here we highlight the phenotypical heterogeneity of different senescent brain cell types, highlighting the potential importance of subtype-specific features for physiology and pathology. We provide a comprehensive overview of various senescent cell types in naturally occurring aging and the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we critically discuss the potential of adapting senotherapeutics to improve brain health and reduce pathological progression, addressing limitations and future directions for application and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Melo Dos Santos
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9715RA, Groningen, the Netherlands; School of Sciences, Health and Life, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Ipiranga Avenue, 6681, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - M Trombetta-Lima
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9715RA Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusiglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bjl Eggen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9715RA Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Demaria
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9715RA, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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13
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Janssen P, De Pauw L, Mambretti M, Lara O, Walckiers J, Mackens L, Rooman I, Guillaume B, De Ridder M, Ates G, Massie A. Characterization of the long-term effects of lethal total body irradiation followed by bone marrow transplantation on the brain of C57BL/6 mice. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 100:385-398. [PMID: 37976378 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2283092] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Total body irradiation (TBI) followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is used in pre-clinical research to generate mouse chimeras that allow to study the function of a protein specifically on immune cells. Adverse consequences of irradiation on the juvenile body and brain are well described and include general fatigue, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Yet, the long-term consequences of TBI/BMT performed on healthy adult mice have been poorly investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS We developed a robust protocol to achieve near complete bone marrow replacement in mice using 2x550cGy TBI and evaluated the impact of the procedure on their general health, mood disturbances, memory, brain atrophy, neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability 2 and/or 16 months post-BMT. RESULTS We found a persistent decrease in weight along with long-term impact on locomotion after TBI and BMT. Although the TBI/BMT procedure did not lead to anxiety- or depressive-like behavior 2- or 16-months post-BMT, long-term spatial memory of the irradiated mice was impaired. We also observed radiation-induced impaired neurogenesis and cortical microglia activation 2 months post-BMT. Moreover, higher levels of hippocampal IgG in aged BMT mice suggest an enhanced age-related increase in BBB permeability that could potentially contribute to the observed memory deficit. CONCLUSIONS Overall health of the mice did not seem to be majorly impacted by TBI followed by BMT during adulthood. Yet, TBI-induced alterations in the brain and behavior could lead to erroneous conclusions on the function of a protein on immune cells when comparing mouse chimeras with different genetic backgrounds that might display altered susceptibility to radiation-induced damage. Ultimately, the BMT model we here present could also be used to study the related long-term consequences of TBI and BMT seen in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Janssen
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Centre (ORC), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L De Pauw
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Mambretti
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Centre (ORC), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - O Lara
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Centre (ORC), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Walckiers
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Mackens
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Rooman
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Centre (ORC), VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Guillaume
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre hospitalier de Jolimont, Service de Biochimie Médicale, La Louvière, Belgium
| | - M De Ridder
- Department of Radiotherapy, UZ Brussel, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging & Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Mancini L, Guirao B, Ortica S, Labusch M, Cheysson F, Bonnet V, Phan MS, Herbert S, Mahou P, Menant E, Bedu S, Tinevez JY, Baroud C, Beaurepaire E, Bellaiche Y, Bally-Cuif L, Dray N. Apical size and deltaA expression predict adult neural stem cell decisions along lineage progression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg7519. [PMID: 37656795 PMCID: PMC10854430 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg7519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The maintenance of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain depends on their activation frequency and division mode. Using long-term intravital imaging of NSCs in the zebrafish adult telencephalon, we reveal that apical surface area and expression of the Notch ligand DeltaA predict these NSC decisions. deltaA-negative NSCs constitute a bona fide self-renewing NSC pool and systematically engage in asymmetric divisions generating a self-renewing deltaAneg daughter, which regains the size and behavior of its mother, and a neurogenic deltaApos daughter, eventually engaged in neuronal production following further quiescence-division phases. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations of Notch, DeltaA, and apical size further show that the prediction of activation frequency by apical size and the asymmetric divisions of deltaAneg NSCs are functionally independent of Notch. These results provide dynamic qualitative and quantitative readouts of NSC lineage progression in vivo and support a hierarchical organization of NSCs in differently fated subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Mancini
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Boris Guirao
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Paris 75005, France
| | - Sara Ortica
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
| | - Miriam Labusch
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Felix Cheysson
- LPSM, Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS 8001, Paris 75005, France
| | - Valentin Bonnet
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Paris F-75015, France
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau 91120, France
| | - Minh Son Phan
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Image Analysis Hub, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Herbert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Image Analysis Hub, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Mahou
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, CNRS, INSERM, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Emilie Menant
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, CNRS, INSERM, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Sébastien Bedu
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
| | - Jean-Yves Tinevez
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Image Analysis Hub, Paris, France
| | - Charles Baroud
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Physical Microfluidics and Bioengineering, Paris F-75015, France
- LadHyX, CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau 91120, France
| | - Emmanuel Beaurepaire
- Laboratory for Optics and Biosciences, CNRS, INSERM, Ecole Polytechnique, IP Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Yohanns Bellaiche
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 3215, Inserm U934, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Paris 75005, France
| | - Laure Bally-Cuif
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
| | - Nicolas Dray
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Zebrafish Neurogenetics Unit, Team supported by the Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris 75015, France
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15
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Jiménez Peinado P, Urbach A. From Youthful Vigor to Aging Decline: Unravelling the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Determinants of Hippocampal Neural Stem Cell Aging. Cells 2023; 12:2086. [PMID: 37626896 PMCID: PMC10453598 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since Joseph Altman published his pioneering work demonstrating neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult rats, the number of publications in this field increased exponentially. Today, we know that the adult hippocampus harbors a pool of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) that are the source of life-long neurogenesis and plasticity. The functions of these NSCs are regulated by extrinsic cues arising from neighboring cells and the systemic environment. However, this tight regulation is subject to imbalance with age, resulting in a decline in adult NSCs and neurogenesis, which contributes to the progressive deterioration of hippocampus-related cognitive functions. Despite extensive investigation, the mechanisms underlying this age-related decline in neurogenesis are only incompletely understood, but appear to include an increase in NSC quiescence, changes in differentiation patterns, and NSC exhaustion. In this review, we summarize recent work that has improved our knowledge of hippocampal NSC aging, focusing on NSC-intrinsic mechanisms as well as cellular and molecular changes in the niche and systemic environment that might be involved in the age-related decline in NSC functions. Additionally, we identify future directions that may advance our understanding of NSC aging and the concomitant loss of hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Urbach
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Healthy Aging, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Aging Research Center Jena, Leibniz Institute on Aging, 07745 Jena, Germany
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16
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Amelchenko EM, Bezriadnov DV, Chekhov OA, Anokhin KV, Lazutkin AA, Enikolopov G. Age-related decline in cognitive flexibility is associated with the levels of hippocampal neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1232670. [PMID: 37645372 PMCID: PMC10461065 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1232670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with impairments in learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility, as well as a gradual decline in hippocampal neurogenesis. We investigated the performance of 6-and 14-month-old mice (considered mature adult and late middle age, respectively) in learning and memory tasks based on the Morris water maze (MWM) and determined their levels of preceding and current neurogenesis. While both age groups successfully performed in the spatial version of MWM (sMWM), the older mice were less efficient compared to the younger mice when presented with modified versions of the MWM that required a reassessment of the previously acquired experience. This was detected in the reversal version of MWM (rMWM) and was particularly evident in the context discrimination MWM (cdMWM), a novel task that required integrating various distal cues, local cues, and altered contexts and adjusting previously used search strategies. Older mice were impaired in several metrics that characterize rMWM and cdMWM, however, they showed improvement and narrowed the performance gap with the younger mice after additional training. Furthermore, we analyzed the adult-born mature and immature neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and found a significant correlation between neurogenesis levels in individual mice and their performance in the tasks demanding cognitive flexibility. These results provide a detailed description of the age-related changes in learning and memory and underscore the importance of hippocampal neurogenesis in supporting cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny M. Amelchenko
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | | | - Olga A. Chekhov
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Konstantin V. Anokhin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Advanced Brain Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A. Lazutkin
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Grigori Enikolopov
- Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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17
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Rieskamp JD, Rosado-Burgos I, Christofi JE, Ansar E, Einstein D, Walters AE, Valentini V, Bruno JP, Kirby ED. Excitatory amino acid transporter 1 supports adult hippocampal neural stem cell self-renewal. iScience 2023; 26:107068. [PMID: 37534178 PMCID: PMC10391730 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107068] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the adult mammalian dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, glutamate stimulates neural stem cell (NSC) self-renewing proliferation, providing a link between adult neurogenesis and local circuit activity. Here, we show that glutamate-induced self-renewal of adult DG NSCs requires glutamate transport via excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) to stimulate lipogenesis. Loss of EAAT1 prevented glutamate-induced self-renewing proliferation of NSCs in vitro and in vivo, with little role evident for canonical glutamate receptors. Transcriptomics and further pathway manipulation revealed that glutamate simulation of NSCs relied on EAAT1 transport-stimulated lipogenesis. Our findings demonstrate a critical, direct role for EAAT1 in stimulating NSCs to support neurogenesis in adulthood, thereby providing insights into a non-canonical mechanism by which NSCs sense and respond to their niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Rieskamp
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Jacob E. Christofi
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eliza Ansar
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dalia Einstein
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashley E. Walters
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Valentina Valentini
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - John P. Bruno
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Elizabeth D. Kirby
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Chronic Brain Injury Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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18
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Zhou OY, Brunet A. Seeing is believing: old clones die young. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:371-373. [PMID: 37117790 PMCID: PMC10833654 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The ability of adult neural stem cells to produce new neurons (neurogenesis) declines markedly during aging, but exactly how this occurs is largely unknown. Using sophisticated in vivo imaging, a study in Nature Aging shows that aging affects several steps of neurogenesis — most notably, increasing the death of newborn clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Y Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne Brunet
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Glenn Laboratories for the Biology of Aging, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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