Cross-talk between energy and redox metabolism in astrocyte-neuron functional cooperation

Metabolic reprogramming: a new option for the treatment of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries impose a notably economic burden on society, mainly because of the severe after-effects they cause. Despite the ongoing development of various therapies for spinal cord injuries, their effectiveness remains unsatisfactory. However, a deeper understanding of metabolism has opened up a new therapeutic opportunity in the form of metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we explore the metabolic changes that occur during spinal cord injuries, their consequences, and the therapeutic tools available for metabolic reprogramming. Normal spinal cord metabolism is characterized by independent cellular metabolism and intercellular metabolic coupling. However, spinal cord injury results in metabolic disorders that include disturbances in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These metabolic disturbances lead to corresponding pathological changes, including the failure of axonal regeneration, the accumulation of scarring, and the activation of microglia. To rescue spinal cord injury at the metabolic level, potential metabolic reprogramming approaches have emerged, including replenishing metabolic substrates, reconstituting metabolic couplings, and targeting mitochondrial therapies to alter cell fate. The available evidence suggests that metabolic reprogramming holds great promise as a next-generation approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury. To further advance the metabolic treatment of the spinal cord injury, future efforts should focus on a deeper understanding of neurometabolism, the development of more advanced metabolomics technologies, and the design of highly effective metabolic interventions.

Deletion of Nrf2 induced severe oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice model of diabetic bladder dysfunction

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway has been confirmed as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), however few studies revealed its effect in diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD). Herein, we reported a Nrf2 deletion diabetic mouse model induced by 8-week high-fat diet feeding combined with streptozocin (STZ) injection in Nrf2 knockout mice. Besides, wild-type mice (WT) were used as control group, wild-type mice with high-fat diet feeding and STZ injection as diabetic group (WT-T2DM), and Nrf2 knockout mice as Nrf2 deletion group (KO). The pathophysiological indexes and bladder morphology showed typical pathological features of diabetic bladder dysfunction in Nrf2 knockout diabetic mouse mice (KO-T2DM). ELISA results showed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bladder was were up-regulated in both WT-T2DM and KO-T2DM group, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in these two groups. Compared with WT-T2DM group, western blot analysis of the bladder showed down-regulated expression of NQO1 and HO-1 in KO-T2DM group. However, apoptosis, marked by Caspase3 and bax/bcl-2 ratio, was increased in KO-T2DM group. Neurotrophic factor (NGF) was significantly decreased in DBD model, and even much lower in KO-T2DM group. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that deletion of Nrf2 lead to severe oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lower level of neurotrophic factor, and provided the first set of experimental evidence, in a mouse model, to support Nrf2 as a promising target for DBD.

Up-regulating GABA transporter-3 in the zona incerta prevents surgery-induced memory impairment in mice

Clinical surgery can lead to severe neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions. It has been reported that astrocytes mediate memory formation and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), however, the thalamic mechanism of astrocytes in mediating POCD remains unknown. Here, we report that reactive astrocytes in zona incerta (ZI) mediate surgery-induced recognition memory impairment in male mice. Immunostaining results showed that astrocytes are activated with GABA transporter-3 (GAT-3) being down-expressed, and neurons were suppressed in the ZI. Besides, our work revealed that reactive astrocytes caused increased tonic current in ZI neurons. Up-regulating the expression of GAT-3 in astrocytes ameliorates surgery-induced recognition memory impairment. Together, our work demonstrates that the reactive astrocytes in the ZI play a crucial role in surgery-induced memory impairment, which provides a new target for the treatment of surgery-induced neural dysfunctions.

Lactylation: A Novel Post-Translational Modification with Clinical Implications in CNS Diseases

Lactate, an important metabolic product, provides energy to neural cells during energy depletion or high demand and acts as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system. Recent studies revealed that lactate-mediated protein lactylation regulates gene transcription and influences cell fate, metabolic processes, inflammation, and immune responses. This review comprehensively examines the regulatory roles and mechanisms of lactylation in neurodevelopment, neuropsychiatric disorders, brain tumors, and cerebrovascular diseases. This analysis indicates that lactylation has multifaceted effects on central nervous system function and pathology, particularly in hypoxia-induced brain damage. Highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target, lactylation may play a significant role in treating neurological diseases. By summarizing current findings, this review aims to provide insights and guide future research and clinical strategies for central nervous system disorders.

Brain development and bioenergetic changes

Bioenergetics describe the biochemical processes responsible for energy supply in organisms. When these changes become dysregulated in brain development, multiple neurodevelopmental diseases can occur, implicating bioenergetics as key regulators of neural development. Historically, the discovery of disease processes affecting individual stages of brain development has revealed critical roles that bioenergetics play in generating the nervous system. Bioenergetic-dependent neurodevelopmental disorders include neural tube closure defects, microcephaly, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, mTORopathies, and oncogenic processes. Developmental timing and cell-type specificity of these changes determine the long-term effects of bioenergetic disease mechanisms on brain form and function. Here, we discuss key metabolic regulators of neural progenitor specification, neuronal differentiation (neurogenesis), and gliogenesis. In general, transitions between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation are regulated in early brain development and in oncogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial maturity play key roles later in differentiation. We also discuss how bioenergetics interface with the developmental regulation of other key neural elements, including the cerebrospinal fluid brain environment. While questions remain about the interplay between bioenergetics and brain development, this review integrates the current state of known key intersections between these processes in health and disease.

Metformin ameliorates neuroinflammatory environment for neurons and astrocytes during in vitro and in vivo stroke and tobacco smoke chemical exposure: Role of Nrf2 activation

Despite the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain-protecting tissues, some types of CNS injury or stress can cause cerebral cytokine production and profound alterations in brain function. Neuroinflammation, which can also be accompanied by increased cerebral cytokine production, has a remarkable impact on the pathogenesis of many neurological illnesses, including loss of BBB integrity and ischemic stroke, yet effective treatment choices for these diseases are currently lacking. Although little is known about the brain effects of Metformin (MF), a commonly prescribed first-line antidiabetic drug, prior research suggested that it may be useful in preventing BBB deterioration and the increased risk of stroke caused by tobacco smoking (TS). Therefore, reducing neuroinflammation by escalating anti-inflammatory cytokine production and declining pro-inflammatory cytokine production could prove an effective therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke. Hence, the current investigation was planned to explore the potential role of MF against stroke and TS-induced neuroinflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Our studies revealed that MF suppressed releasing pro-inflammatory mediators like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by aiming at the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in primary neurons and astrocytes. MF also upregulated anti-inflammatory mediators, like interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-4 (IL-4), by upregulating the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. Adolescent mice receiving MF along with TS exposure also showed a notable decrease in NF-κB expression compared to the mice not treated with MF and significantly decreased the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and MIP-2 and increased the levels of IL-10 and IL-4 through the activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. These results suggest that MF has anti-neuroinflammatory effects via inhibiting NF-κB signaling by activating Nrf2-ARE. These studies support that MF could be a strong candidate drug for treating and or preventing TS-induced neuroinflammation and ischemic stroke.

Pathological remodeling of reactive astrocytes: Involvement of DNA methylation and downregulation of homeostatic genes

Astrocytes provide metabolic support to neurons, maintain ionic and water homeostasis, and uptake and recycle neurotransmitters. After exposure to the prototypical PAMP lipopolysaccharide (LPS), reactive astrocytes increase the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, facilitating neurodegeneration. In this study, we analyzed the expression of homeostatic genes in astrocytes exposed to LPS and identified the epigenetic factors contributing to the suppression of homeostatic genes in reactive astrocytes. Primary astrocytic cultures were acutely exposed to LPS and allowed to recover for 24, 72 h, and 7 days. As expected, LPS exposure induced reactive astrogliosis and increased the expression of pro-inflammatory IL-1B and IL-6. Interestingly, the acute exposure resulted in persistent hypermethylation of astroglial DNA. Similar hypermethylation was observed in highly reactive astrocytes from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) penumbra in vivo. Hypermethylation was accompanied by decreased expression of homeostatic genes including LDHA and Scl16a1 (MCT1) both involved in the lactate shuttle to neurons; glutamine synthase (GS) responsible for glutamate processing; Kcnj10 (Kir4.1) important for K+ homeostasis, and the water channel aquaporin-4 (Aqp4). Furthermore, the master regulator of DNA methylation, MAFG-1, as well as DNA methyl transferases DNMT1 and DNMT3a were overexpressed. The downregulation of homeostatic genes correlated with increased methylation of CpG islands in their promoters, as assessed by methylation-sensitive PCR and increased DNMT3a binding to the GS promoter. Treatment with decitabine, a DNMT inhibitor, prevented the LPS- and the HMGB-1-induced downregulation of homeostatic genes. Decitabine treatment also prevented the neurotoxic effects of these astrocytes in primary cortical cultures. In summary, our findings reveal that the pathological remodeling of reactive astrocytes encompasses not only the pro-inflammatory response but, significantly, also entails a long-term suppression of homeostatic gene expression with methylation of crucial CpG islands within their promoters.

Single-mitochondrion sequencing uncovers distinct mutational patterns and heteroplasmy landscape in mouse astrocytes and neurons

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial (mt) heteroplasmy can cause adverse biological consequences when deleterious mtDNA mutations accumulate disrupting "normal" mt-driven processes and cellular functions. To investigate the heteroplasmy of such mtDNA changes, we developed a moderate throughput mt isolation procedure to quantify the mt single-nucleotide variant (SNV) landscape in individual mouse neurons and astrocytes. In this study, we amplified mt-genomes from 1645 single mitochondria isolated from mouse single astrocytes and neurons to (1) determine the distribution and proportion of mt-SNVs as well as mutation pattern in specific target regions across the mt-genome, (2) assess differences in mtDNA SNVs between neurons and astrocytes, and (3) study co-segregation of variants in the mouse mtDNA.

RESULTS

(1) The data show that specific sites of the mt-genome are permissive to SNV presentation while others appear to be under stringent purifying selection. Nested hierarchical analysis at the levels of mitochondrion, cell, and mouse reveals distinct patterns of inter- and intra-cellular variation for mt-SNVs at different sites. (2) Further, differences in the SNV incidence were observed between mouse neurons and astrocytes for two mt-SNV 9027:G > A and 9419:C > T showing variation in the mutational propensity between these cell types. Purifying selection was observed in neurons as shown by the Ka/Ks statistic, suggesting that neurons are under stronger evolutionary constraint as compared to astrocytes. (3) Intriguingly, these data show strong linkage between the SNV sites at nucleotide positions 9027 and 9461.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that segregation as well as clonal expansion of mt-SNVs is specific to individual genomic loci, which is important foundational data in understanding of heteroplasmy and disease thresholds for mutation of pathogenic variants.

Effects of 1, 2-bis (2,4, 6-tribromophenoxy) ethane and bis (2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate on serum metabolic and lipid profiles in male rats

This study explored the effects of 1, 2-bis (2,4, 6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) on serum metabolites and lipids in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats were orally gavaged 250 mg/kg bw of BTBPE and 500 mg/kg bw of TBPH for 28 consecutive days. Serum samples were collected for metabolomics and lipidomics analysis. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to explore changes in rat metabolic patterns. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression models were established using serum levels of total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and rats' grouping information as variables to screen for robust differential substances. SuperPred was the database to obtain potential targets. The metabolomics and lipidomics results showed that BTBPE and TBPH had an impact on rat metabolic patterns, affecting pathways such as vitamin B6 synthesis. For BTBPE treatment, pyridoxal and ceramide (Cer) 24:0;4O were selected as differential substances related to thyroid hormones. For TBPH treatment, dehydroascorbic acid, acylcarnitine (CAR) 19:0, and diglyceride (DG) 38:4 were selected as differential substances related to thyroid hormones. Serotonin 2c receptor and cyclooxygenase-2 were chosen as potential targets of BTBPE and TBPH, respectively. In conclusion, this study found that BTBPE and TBPH impacted the metabolism of rats, and this effect may be related to changes in thyroid function.

Neuroprotective effects of lactate and ketone bodies in acute brain injury

The goal of neurocritical care is to prevent and reverse the pathologic cascades of secondary brain injury by optimizing cerebral blood flow, oxygen supply and substrate delivery. While glucose is an essential energetic substrate for the brain, we frequently observe a strong decrease in glucose delivery and/or a glucose metabolic dysregulation following acute brain injury. In parallel, during the last decades, lactate and ketone bodies have been identified as potential alternative fuels to provide energy to the brain, both under physiological conditions and in case of glucose shortage. They are now viewed as integral parts of brain metabolism. In addition to their energetic role, experimental evidence also supports their neuroprotective properties after acute brain injury, regulating in particular intracranial pressure control, decreasing ischemic volume, and leading to an improvement in cognitive functions as well as survival. In this review, we present preclinical and clinical evidence exploring the mechanisms underlying their neuroprotective effects and identify research priorities for promoting lactate and ketone bodies use in brain injury.

Single-Mitochondrion Sequencing Uncovers Distinct Mutational Patterns and Heteroplasmy Landscape in Mouse Astrocytes and Neurons

Background

Mitochondrial (mt) heteroplasmy can cause adverse biological consequences when deleterious mtDNA mutations accumulate disrupting 'normal' mt-driven processes and cellular functions. To investigate the heteroplasmy of such mtDNA changes we developed a moderate throughput mt isolation procedure to quantify the mt single-nucleotide variant (SNV) landscape in individual mouse neurons and astrocytes In this study we amplified mt-genomes from 1,645 single mitochondria (mts) isolated from mouse single astrocytes and neurons to 1. determine the distribution and proportion of mt-SNVs as well as mutation pattern in specific target regions across the mt-genome, 2. assess differences in mtDNA SNVs between neurons and astrocytes, and 3. Study cosegregation of variants in the mouse mtDNA.

Results

1. The data show that specific sites of the mt-genome are permissive to SNV presentation while others appear to be under stringent purifying selection. Nested hierarchical analysis at the levels of mitochondrion, cell, and mouse reveals distinct patterns of inter- and intra-cellular variation for mt-SNVs at different sites. 2. Further, differences in the SNV incidence were observed between mouse neurons and astrocytes for two mt-SNV 9027:G>A and 9419:C>T showing variation in the mutational propensity between these cell types. Purifying selection was observed in neurons as shown by the Ka/Ks statistic, suggesting that neurons are under stronger evolutionary constraint as compared to astrocytes. 3. Intriguingly, these data show strong linkage between the SNV sites at nucleotide positions 9027 and 9461.

Conclusion

This study suggests that segregation as well as clonal expansion of mt-SNVs is specific to individual genomic loci, which is important foundational data in understanding of heteroplasmy and disease thresholds for mutation of pathogenic variants.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 enhances learning and memory performance in mice by regulating hippocampal L-lactate homeostasis

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is one endogenous metabolic molecule that functions as a regulator in glucose and lipid homeostasis. However, the effect of FGF21 on L-lactate homeostasis and its mechanism remains unclear until now. Forty-five Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: control, L-lactate, and FGF21 (1.5 mg/kg) groups. At the end of the treatment, nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics, and key proteins related to L-lactate homeostasis were determined respectively to evaluate the efficacy of FGF21 and its mechanisms. The results showed that, compared to the vehicle group, the L-lactate-treated mice displayed learning and memory performance impairments, as well as reduced hippocampal ATP and NADH levels, but increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis, which suggesting inhibited L-lactate-pyruvate conversion in the brain. Conversely, FGF21 treatment ameliorated the L-lactate accumulation state, accompanied by restoration of the learning and memory defects, indicating enhanced L-lactate uptake and utilization in hippocampal neurons. We demonstrated that maintaining constant L-lactate-pyruvate flux is essential for preserving neuronal bioenergetic and redox levels. FGF21 contributed to preparing the brain for situations of high availability of L-lactate, thus preventing neuronal vulnerability in metabolic reprogramming.

Protein vicinal thiols as intrinsic probes of brain redox states in health, aging, and ischemia

The nature of brain redox metabolism in health, aging, and disease remains to be fully established. Reversible oxidations, to disulfide bonds, of closely spaced (vicinal) protein thiols underlie the catalytic maintenance of redox homeostasis by redoxin enzymes, including thioredoxin peroxidases (peroxiredoxins), and have been implicated in redox buffering and regulation. We propose that non-peroxidase proteins containing vicinal thiols that are responsive to physiological redox perturbations may serve as intrinsic probes of brain redox metabolism. Using redox phenylarsine oxide (PAO)-affinity chromatography, we report that PAO-binding vicinal thiols on creatine kinase B and alpha-enolase from healthy rat brains were preferentially oxidized compared to other selected proteins, including neuron-specific (gamma) enolase, under conditions designed to trap in vivo protein thiol redox states. Moreover, measures of the extents of oxidations of vicinal thiols on total protein, and on creatine kinase B and alpha-enolase, showed that vicinal thiol-linked redox states were stable over the lifespan of rats and revealed a transient reductive shift in these redox couples following decapitation-induced global ischemia. Finally, formation of disulfide-linked complexes between peroxiredoxin-2 and brain proteins was demonstrated on redox blots, supporting a link between protein vicinal thiol redox states and the peroxidase activities of peroxiredoxins. The implications of these findings with respect to underappreciated aspects of brain redox metabolism in health, aging, and ischemia are discussed.

The role of reactive oxygen species in the regulation of the blood-brain barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of metabolites and cells between the blood and brain, and maintains central nervous system homeostasis. Various factors affect BBB barrier functions, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can act as stressors, damaging biological molecules, but they also serve as secondary messengers in intracellular signaling cascades during redox signaling. The impact of ROS on the BBB has been observed in multiple sclerosis, stroke, trauma, and other neurological disorders, making blocking ROS generation a promising therapeutic strategy for BBB dysfunction. However, it is important to consider ROS generation during normal BBB functioning for signaling purposes. This review summarizes data on proteins expressed by BBB cells that can be targets of redox signaling or oxidative stress. It also provides examples of signaling molecules whose impact may cause ROS generation in the BBB, as well as discusses the most common diseases associated with BBB dysfunction and excessive ROS generation, open questions that arise in the study of this problem, and possible ways to overcome them.

Identification of the abnormalities in astrocytic functions as potential drug targets for neurodegenerative disease

INTRODUCTION

Historically, astrocytes were seen primarily as a supportive cell population within the brain; with neurodegenerative disease research focusing exclusively on malfunctioning neurons. However, astrocytes perform numerous tasks that are essential for maintenance of the central nervous system`s complex processes. Disruption of these functions can have negative consequences; hence, it is unsurprising to observe a growing amount of evidence for the essential role of astrocytes in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting astrocytic functions may serve as a potential disease-modifying drug therapy in the future.

AREAS COVERED

The present review emphasizes the key astrocytic functions associated with neurodegenerative diseases and explores the possibility of pharmaceutical interventions to modify these processes. In addition, the authors provide an overview of current advancement in this field by including studies of possible drug candidates.

EXPERT OPINION

Glial research has experienced a significant renaissance in the last quarter-century. Understanding how disease pathologies modify or are caused by astrocyte functions is crucial when developing treatments for brain diseases. Future research will focus on building advanced models that can more precisely correlate to the state in the human brain, with the goal of routinely testing therapies in these models.

Neural circuits regulating visceral pain

Visceral hypersensitivity, a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain, which is a major challenge for both patients and health providers. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. In this review, we focus on the anterior cingulate cortex and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to highlight the progress in identifying the neural circuits involved in visceral pain. We also discuss several neural circuit mechanisms and emphasize the importance of cross-species, multiangle approaches and the identification of specific neurons in determining the neural circuits that control visceral pain.

Non-stem cell-derived exosomes: a novel therapeutics for neurotrauma

Neurotrauma, encompassing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) impacts a significant portion of the global population. While spontaneous recovery post-TBI or SCI is possible, recent advancements in cell-based therapies aim to bolster these natural reparative mechanisms. Emerging research indicates that the beneficial outcomes of such therapies might be largely mediated by exosomes secreted from the administered cells. While stem cells have garnered much attention, exosomes derived from non-stem cells, including neurons, Schwann cells, microglia, and vascular endothelial cells, have shown notable therapeutic potential. These exosomes contribute to angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and axon remodeling, and display anti-inflammatory properties, marking them as promising agents for neurorestorative treatments. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the current methodologies, challenges, and future directions regarding the therapeutic role of non-stem cell-derived exosomes in neurotrauma.

PFKFB3 in neovascular eye disease: unraveling mechanisms and exploring therapeutic strategies

BACKGROUND

Neovascular eye disease is characterized by pathological neovascularization, with clinical manifestations such as intraocular exudation, bleeding, and scar formation, ultimately leading to blindness in millions of individuals worldwide. Pathologic ocular angiogenesis often occurs in common fundus diseases including proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targets the core pathology of ocular angiogenesis.

MAIN BODY

In recent years, therapies targeting metabolism to prevent angiogenesis have also rapidly developed, offering assistance to patients with a poor prognosis while receiving anti-VEGF therapy and reducing the side effects associated with long-term VEGF usage. Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a key enzyme in targeted metabolism, has been shown to have great potential, with antiangiogenic effects and multiple protective effects in the treatment of neovascular eye disease. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of common types of neovascular eye diseases; discuss the protective effect and potential mechanism of targeting PFKFB3, including the related inhibitors of PFKFB3; and look forward to the future exploration directions and therapeutic prospects of PFKFB3 in neovascular eye disease.

CONCLUSION

Neovascular eye disease, the most common and severely debilitating retinal disease, is largely incurable, necessitating the exploration of new treatment methods. PFKFB3 has been shown to possess various potential protective mechanisms in treating neovascular eye disease. With the development of several drugs targeting PFKFB3 and their gradual entry into clinical research, targeting PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for the future of neovascular eye disease.

Astrocyte-targeted siRNA delivery by adenosine-functionalized LNP in mouse TBI model

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces pro-inflammatory polarization of astrocytes and causes secondary disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain damage. Herein, we report a successful astrocyte-targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by ligand functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated from adenosine-conjugated lipids and a novel ionizable lipid (denoted by Ad4 LNPs). Systemic administration of Ad4 LNPs carrying siRNA against TLR4 to the mice TBI model resulted in the specific internalization of the LNPs by astrocytes in the vicinity of damaged brain tissue. A substantial knockdown of TLR4 at both mRNA and protein levels in the brain was observed, which led to a significant decrease of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase of key anti-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Dye leakage measurement suggested that the Ad4-LNP-mediated knockdown of TLR4 attenuated the TBI-induced BBB disruption. Together, our data suggest that Ad4 LNP is a promising vehicle for astrocyte-specific delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.

Mitochondrial complex I ROS production and redox signaling in hypoxia

Mitochondria are a main source of cellular energy. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the major process of aerobic respiration. Enzyme complexes of the electron transport chain (ETC) pump protons to generate a protonmotive force (Δp) that drives OXPHOS. Complex I is an electron entry point into the ETC. Complex I oxidizes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and transfers electrons to ubiquinone in a reaction coupled with proton pumping. Complex I also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) under various conditions. The enzymatic activities of complex I can be regulated by metabolic conditions and serves as a regulatory node of the ETC. Complex I ROS plays diverse roles in cell metabolism ranging from physiologic to pathologic conditions. Progress in our understanding indicates that ROS release from complex I serves important signaling functions. Increasing evidence suggests that complex I ROS is important in signaling a mismatch in energy production and demand. In this article, we review the role of ROS from complex I in sensing acute hypoxia.

Protective Role of AMPK against PINK1B9 Flies' Neurodegeneration with Improved Mitochondrial Function

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)'s effect in PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) mutant Parkinson's disease (PD) transgenic flies and the related mechanism is seldom studied. The classic MHC-Gal4/UAS PD transgenic flies was utilized to generate the disease characteristics specifically expressed in flies' muscles, and Western blot (WB) was used to measure the expression of the activated form of AMPK to investigate whether activated AMPK alters in PINK1B9 PD flies. MHC-Gal4 was used to drive AMPK overexpression in PINK1B9 flies to demonstrate the crucial role of AMPK in PD pathogenesis. The abnormal wing posture and climbing ability of PINK1B9 PD transgenic flies were recorded. Mitochondrial morphology via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ATP and NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S3 (NDUFS3) protein levels were tested to evaluate the alteration of the mitochondrial function in PINK1B9 PD flies. Phosphorylated AMPKα dropped significantly in PINK1B9 flies compared to controls, and AMPK overexpression rescued PINKB9 flies' abnormal wing posture rate. The elevated dopaminergic neuron number in PPL1 via immunofluorescent staining was observed. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PINK1B9 flies has been ameliorated with increased ATP level, restored mitochondrial morphology in muscle, and increased NDUFS3 protein expression. Conclusively, AMPK overexpression could partially rescue the PD flies via improving PINK1B9 flies' mitochondrial function.

The many "Neurofaces" of Prohibitins 1 and 2: Crucial for the healthy brain, dysregulated in numerous brain disorders

Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) are proteins that are nearly ubiquitously expressed. They are localized in mitochondria, cytosol and cell nuclei. In the healthy CNS, they occur in neurons and non-neuronal cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells) and fulfill pivotal functions in brain development and aging, the regulation of brain metabolism, maintenance of structural integrity, synapse formation, aminoacidergic neurotransmission and, probably, regulation of brain action of certain hypothalamic-pituitary hormones.With regard to the diseased brain there is increasing evidence that prohibitins are prominently involved in numerous major diseases of the CNS, which are summarized and discussed in the present review (brain tumors, neurotropic viruses, Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, Fronto-temporal and vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, Multiple sclerosis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, alcohol use disorder, schizophrenia and autism). Unfortunately, there is no PHB-targeted therapy available for any of these diseases.

Brain Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on Down, Rett and Fragile X Syndromes

Mitochondria, far beyond their prominent role as cellular powerhouses, are complex cellular organelles active as central metabolic hubs that are capable of integrating and controlling several signaling pathways essential for neurological processes, including neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. On the other hand, mitochondria are themselves regulated from a series of signaling proteins to achieve the best efficiency in producing energy, in establishing a network and in performing their own de novo synthesis or clearance. Dysfunctions in signaling processes that control mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and bioenergetics are increasingly associated with impairment in brain development and involved in a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review recent evidence proving the emerging role of mitochondria as master regulators of brain bioenergetics, highlighting their control skills in brain neurodevelopment and cognition. We analyze, from a mechanistic point of view, mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction as causally interrelated to the origins of typical genetic intellectual disability-related neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Down, Rett and Fragile X syndromes. Finally, we discuss whether mitochondria can become therapeutic targets to improve brain development and function from a holistic perspective.

A special issue in Essays in Biochemistry on astrocytes-more than a neuronal support network

Astrocytes are a type of non-neuronal, glial cells, anatomically placed in the intersection between the brain blood vessels and other neural cells-including neurons. Such a strategic situation confers these cells a unique opportunity to sense circulating molecules and adapt according to different organismal conditions. By acting as sentinel cells, astrocytes thus co-ordinate gene expression profiles, immune responses, signal transduction pathways, and metabolic programs that play essential roles in the formation of brain circuits to modulate neurotransmission and higher-order organismal functions.