1
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Bobkova NV, Chuvakova LN, Kovalev VI, Zhdanova DY, Chaplygina AV, Rezvykh AP, Evgen'ev MB. A Mouse Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease with Elements of Major Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04346-7. [PMID: 38980563 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
After olfactory bulbectomy, animals are often used as a model of major depression or sporadic Alzheimer's disease and, hence, the status of this model is still disputable. To elucidate the nature of alterations in the expression of the genome after the operation, we analyzed transcriptomes of the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of the olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. Analysis of the functional significance of genes in the brain of OBX mice indicates that the balance of the GABA/glutamatergic systems is disturbed with hyperactivation of the latter in the hippocampus, leading to the development of excitotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in the background of severe mitochondrial dysfunction and astrogliosis. On top of this, the synthesis of neurotrophic factors decreases leading to the disruption of the cytoskeleton of neurons, an increase in the level of intracellular calcium, and the activation of tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, the acetylcholinergic system is deficient in the background of the hyperactivation of acetylcholinesterase. Importantly, the activity of the dopaminergic, endorphin, and opiate systems in OBX mice decreases, leading to hormonal dysfunction. On the other hand, genes responsible for the regulation of circadian rhythms, cell migration, and innate immunity are activated in OBX animals. All this takes place in the background of a drastic downregulation of ribosomal protein genes in the brain. The obtained results indicate that OBX mice represent a model of Alzheimer's disease with elements of major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - L N Chuvakova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Kovalev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - D Y Zhdanova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A V Chaplygina
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences-Federal Research Center, Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A P Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - M B Evgen'ev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991, Moscow, Russia.
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2
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D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Catania MV. Role of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 in the pathophysiology of brain disorders: a glia perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105731. [PMID: 38763180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105731] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a widely expressed RNA binding protein involved in several steps of mRNA metabolism. Mutations in the FMR1 gene encoding FMRP are responsible for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder in aging men. Although FMRP is mainly expressed in neurons, it is also present in glial cells and its deficiency or altered expression can affect functions of glial cells with implications for the pathophysiology of brain disorders. The present review focuses on recent advances on the role of glial subtypes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, in the pathophysiology of FXS and FXTAS, and describes how the absence or reduced expression of FMRP in these cells can impact on glial and neuronal functions. We will also briefly address the role of FMRP in radial glial cells and its effects on neural development, and gliomas and will speculate on the role of glial FMRP in other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - M Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - C M Bonaccorso
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - M V Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy.
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3
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Roh WS, Yoo JH, Dravid SM, Mannaioni G, Krizman EN, Wahl P, Robinson MB, Traynelis SF, Lee CJ, Han KS. Astrocytic PAR1 and mGluR2/3 control synaptic glutamate time course at hippocampal CA1 synapses. Glia 2024. [PMID: 38864289 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes play an essential role in regulating synaptic transmission. This study describes a novel form of modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the mouse hippocampus by astrocytic G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We have previously described astrocytic glutamate release via protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) activation, although the regulatory mechanisms for this are complex. Through electrophysiological analysis and modeling, we discovered that PAR1 activation consistently increases the concentration and duration of glutamate in the synaptic cleft. This effect was not due to changes in the presynaptic glutamate release or alteration in glutamate transporter expression. However, blocking group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) abolished PAR1-mediated regulation of synaptic glutamate concentration, suggesting a role for this GPCR in mediating the effects of PAR1 activation on glutamate release. Furthermore, activation of mGluR2/3 causes glutamate release through the TREK-1 channel in hippocampal astrocytes. These data show that astrocytic GPCRs engage in a novel regulatory mechanism to shape the time course of synaptically-released glutamate in excitatory synapses of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Suk Roh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jae Hong Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Shashank M Dravid
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Creighton University, Department of Pharmacology, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Guido Mannaioni
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence, GA, Italy
| | - Elizabeth N Krizman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip Wahl
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Seok Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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4
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Romagnolo A, Dematteis G, Scheper M, Luinenburg MJ, Mühlebner A, Van Hecke W, Manfredi M, De Giorgis V, Reano S, Filigheddu N, Bortolotto V, Tapella L, Anink JJ, François L, Dedeurwaerdere S, Mills JD, Genazzani AA, Lim D, Aronica E. Astroglial calcium signaling and homeostasis in tuberous sclerosis complex. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:48. [PMID: 38418708 PMCID: PMC10901927 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02711-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign tumors in various organs, including the brain, and is often accompanied by epilepsy, neurodevelopmental comorbidities including intellectual disability and autism. A key hallmark of TSC is the hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which induces alterations in cortical development and metabolic processes in astrocytes, among other cellular functions. These changes could modulate seizure susceptibility, contributing to the progression of epilepsy and its associated comorbidities. Epilepsy is characterized by dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) channels and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. These factors contribute to hyperexcitability, disrupted synaptogenesis, and altered synchronization of neuronal networks, all of which contribute to seizure activity. This study investigates the intricate interplay between altered Ca2+ dynamics, mTOR pathway dysregulation, and cellular metabolism in astrocytes. The transcriptional profile of TSC patients revealed significant alterations in pathways associated with cellular respiration, ER and mitochondria, and Ca2+ regulation. TSC astrocytes exhibited lack of responsiveness to various stimuli, compromised oxygen consumption rate and reserve respiratory capacity underscoring their reduced capacity to react to environmental changes or cellular stress. Furthermore, our study revealed significant reduction of store operated calcium entry (SOCE) along with strong decrease of basal mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ influx in TSC astrocytes. In addition, we observed alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential, characterized by increased depolarization in TSC astrocytes. Lastly, we provide initial evidence of structural abnormalities in mitochondria within TSC patient-derived astrocytes, suggesting a potential link between disrupted Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between Ca2+ signaling, mitochondria dynamics, apoptosis, and mTOR hyperactivation. Further exploration is required to shed light on the pathophysiology of TSC and on TSC associated neuropsychiatric disorders offering further potential avenues for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Romagnolo
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Van Hecke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica De Giorgis
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Simone Reano
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Bortolotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Jasper J Anink
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth François
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-L'Alleud, Belgium
| | | | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
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5
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Beckers P, Doyen PJ, Hermans E. Modulation of Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Calcium Mobilization by Regulator of G Protein Signaling 4 (RGS4) in Cultured Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38391904 PMCID: PMC10886878 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acting as GTPase activating proteins promoting the silencing of activated G-proteins, regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs) are generally considered negative modulators of cell signaling. In the CNS, the expression of RGS4 is altered in diverse pathologies and its upregulation was reported in astrocytes exposed to an inflammatory environment. In a model of cultured cortical astrocytes, we herein investigate the influence of RGS4 on intracellular calcium signaling mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5), which is known to support the bidirectional communication between neurons and glial cells. RGS4 activity was manipulated by exposure to the inhibitor CCG 63802 or by infecting the cells with lentiviruses designed to achieve the silencing or overexpression of RGS4. The pharmacological inhibition or silencing of RGS4 resulted in a decrease in the percentage of cells responding to the mGluR5 agonist DHPG and in the proportion of cells showing typical calcium oscillations. Conversely, RGS4-lentivirus infection increased the percentage of cells showing calcium oscillations. While the physiological implication of cytosolic calcium oscillations in astrocytes is still under investigation, the fine-tuning of calcium signaling likely determines the coding of diverse biological events. Indirect signaling modulators such as RGS4 inhibitors, used in combination with receptor ligands, could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for diverse neurological disorders with improved efficacy and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.B.); (P.J.D.)
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6
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Datta D, Perone I, Morozov YM, Arellano J, Duque A, Rakic P, van Dyck CH, Arnsten AFT. Localization of PDE4D, HCN1 channels, and mGluR3 in rhesus macaque entorhinal cortex may confer vulnerability in Alzheimer's disease. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:11501-11516. [PMID: 37874022 PMCID: PMC10724870 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease cortical tau pathology initiates in the layer II cell clusters of entorhinal cortex, but it is not known why these specific neurons are so vulnerable. Aging macaques exhibit the same qualitative pattern of tau pathology as humans, including initial pathology in layer II entorhinal cortex clusters, and thus can inform etiological factors driving selective vulnerability. Macaque data have already shown that susceptible neurons in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex express a "signature of flexibility" near glutamate synapses on spines, where cAMP-PKA magnification of calcium signaling opens nearby potassium and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels to dynamically alter synapse strength. This process is regulated by PDE4A/D, mGluR3, and calbindin, to prevent toxic calcium actions; regulatory actions that are lost with age/inflammation, leading to tau phosphorylation. The current study examined whether a similar "signature of flexibility" expresses in layer II entorhinal cortex, investigating the localization of PDE4D, mGluR3, and HCN1 channels. Results showed a similar pattern to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with PDE4D and mGluR3 positioned to regulate internal calcium release near glutamate synapses, and HCN1 channels concentrated on spines. As layer II entorhinal cortex stellate cells do not express calbindin, even when young, they may be particularly vulnerable to magnified calcium actions and ensuing tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadeep Datta
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Isabella Perone
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yury M Morozov
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jon Arellano
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alvaro Duque
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Departments of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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7
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Provenzano F, Torazza C, Bonifacino T, Bonanno G, Milanese M. The Key Role of Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Commitment to Glutamate Excitotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15430. [PMID: 37895110 PMCID: PMC10607805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015430] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence supporting non-neuronal cells as active contributors to neurodegenerative disorders. Among glial cells, astrocytes play a pivotal role in driving amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression, leading the scientific community to focus on the "astrocytic signature" in ALS. Here, we summarized the main pathological mechanisms characterizing astrocyte contribution to MN damage and ALS progression, such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, energy metabolism impairment, miRNAs and extracellular vesicles contribution, autophagy dysfunction, protein misfolding, and altered neurotrophic factor release. Since glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most relevant ALS features, we focused on the specific contribution of ALS astrocytes in this aspect, highlighting the known or potential molecular mechanisms by which astrocytes participate in increasing the extracellular glutamate level in ALS and, conversely, undergo the toxic effect of the excessive glutamate. In this scenario, astrocytes can behave as "producers" and "targets" of the high extracellular glutamate levels, going through changes that can affect themselves and, in turn, the neuronal and non-neuronal surrounding cells, thus actively impacting the ALS course. Moreover, this review aims to point out knowledge gaps that deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, 16148 Genova, Italy; (F.P.); (C.T.); (G.B.); (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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8
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Torazza C, Provenzano F, Gallia E, Cerminara M, Balbi M, Bonifacino T, Tessitore S, Ravera S, Usai C, Musante I, Puliti A, Van Den Bosch L, Jafar-nejad P, Rigo F, Milanese M, Bonanno G. Genetic Downregulation of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Dampens the Reactive and Neurotoxic Phenotype of Adult ALS Astrocytes. Cells 2023; 12:1952. [PMID: 37566031 PMCID: PMC10416852 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151952] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Astrocytes display a toxic phenotype in ALS, which results in MN damage. Glutamate (Glu)-mediated excitotoxicity and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) play a pathological role in the disease progression. We previously demonstrated that in vivo genetic ablation or pharmacological modulation of mGluR5 reduced astrocyte activation and MN death, prolonged survival and ameliorated the clinical progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. This study aimed to investigate in vitro the effects of mGluR5 downregulation on the reactive spinal cord astrocytes cultured from adult late symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We observed that mGluR5 downregulation in SOD1G93A astrocytes diminished the cytosolic Ca2+ overload under resting conditions and after mGluR5 simulation and reduced the expression of the reactive glial markers GFAP, S100β and vimentin. In vitro exposure to an anti-mGluR5 antisense oligonucleotide or to the negative allosteric modulator CTEP also ameliorated the altered reactive astrocyte phenotype. Downregulating mGluR5 in SOD1G93A mice reduced the synthesis and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and ameliorated the cellular bioenergetic profile by improving the diminished oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis and by lowering the excessive lactate dehydrogenase activity. Most relevantly, mGluR5 downregulation hampered the neurotoxicity of SOD1G93A astrocytes co-cultured with spinal cord MNs. We conclude that selective reduction in mGluR5 expression in SOD1G93A astrocytes positively modulates the astrocyte reactive phenotype and neurotoxicity towards MNs, further supporting mGluR5 as a promising therapeutic target in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Torazza
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Francesca Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Elena Gallia
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Cerminara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Tessitore
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Via Alberti L.B. 2, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Cesare Usai
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Musante
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (M.C.); (A.P.)
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- VIB-Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA; (P.J.-n.); (F.R.)
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy; (C.T.); (F.P.); (E.G.); (M.B.); (T.B.); (S.T.); (G.B.)
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9
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Spencer KR, Portal DE, Aisner J, Stein MN, Malhotra J, Shih W, Chan N, Silk AW, Ganesan S, Goodin S, Gounder M, Lin H, Li J, Cerchio R, Marinaro C, Chen S, Mehnert JM. A phase I trial of riluzole and sorafenib in patients with advanced solid tumors: CTEP #8850. Oncotarget 2023; 14:302-315. [PMID: 37036756 PMCID: PMC10085060 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (GRM1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple cancers. Riluzole, an inhibitor of glutamate release, showed synergistic antitumor activity in combination with the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib in preclinical models. This phase I trial identified the toxicity profile, dose-limiting toxicities, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of riluzole combined with sorafenib in patients with advanced cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with refractory solid tumors were enrolled utilizing a 3+3 dose-escalation design. Riluzole was given at 100 mg PO BID in combination with sorafenib, beginning at 200 mg PO daily and escalating in 200 mg increments per level in 28-day cycles. Restaging evaluations were performed every 2 cycles. RESULTS 35 patients were enrolled over 4 dose levels. The MTD was declared at dose level 3 (riluzole: 100 mg PO BID; sorafenib: 400 mg AM/200 mg PM). Pharmacokinetic analyses did not reveal definitive evidence of drug-drug interactions. Consistent decreases in phospho-forms of ERK and AKT in tumor tissue analyses with accompanying decrease in GRM1 expression and increase in pro-apoptotic BIM suggest target engagement by the combination. Best responses included a partial response in 1 (2.9%) patient with pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with a KANK4-RAF1 fusion, and stable disease in 11 (36%) patients. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with riluzole and sorafenib was safe and tolerable in patients with advanced solid tumors. The partial response in a patient with a RAF1 fusion suggests that further exploration in a genomically selected cohort may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Spencer
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Daniella E. Portal
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joseph Aisner
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mark N. Stein
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jyoti Malhotra
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Weichung Shih
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Nancy Chan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ann W. Silk
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Susan Goodin
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Murugesan Gounder
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hongxia Lin
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Jiadong Li
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Robert Cerchio
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christina Marinaro
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Janice M. Mehnert
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Perlmutter Cancer Center of NYU Langone Health, NY 10016, USA
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10
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Henning L, Unichenko P, Bedner P, Steinhäuser C, Henneberger C. Overview Article Astrocytes as Initiators of Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1091-1099. [PMID: 36244037 PMCID: PMC10030460 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a dual role in the brain. On the one hand, they are active signaling partners of neurons and can for instance control synaptic transmission and its plasticity. On the other hand, they fulfill various homeostatic functions such as clearance of glutamate and K+ released from neurons. The latter is for instance important for limiting neuronal excitability. Therefore, an impairment or failure of glutamate and K+ clearance will lead to increased neuronal excitability, which could trigger or aggravate brain diseases such as epilepsy, in which neuronal hyperexcitability plays a role. Experimental data indicate that astrocytes could have such a causal role in epilepsy, but the role of astrocytes as initiators of epilepsy and the relevant mechanisms are under debate. In this overview, we will discuss the potential mechanisms with focus on K+ clearance, glutamate uptake and homoeostasis and related mechanisms, and the evidence for their causative role in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Henning
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petr Unichenko
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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11
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Sah N, Zhang Z, Chime A, Fowler A, Mendez-Trendler A, Sharma A, Kannan RM, Slusher B, Kannan S. Dendrimer-Conjugated Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II Inhibitor Restores Microglial Changes in a Rabbit Model of Cerebral Palsy. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:268-275. [PMID: 36990069 PMCID: PMC10614263 DOI: 10.1159/000530389] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that maternal endotoxin exposure leads to a phenotype of cerebral palsy and pro-inflammatory microglia in the brain in neonatal rabbits. "Activated" microglia overexpress the enzyme glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) that hydrolyzes N-acetylaspartylglutamate to N-acetylaspartate and glutamate, and we have shown previously that inhibiting microglial GCPII is neuroprotective. Glutamate-induced injury and associated immune signaling can alter microglial responses including microglial process movements for surveillance and phagocytosis. We hypothesize that inhibition of GCPII activity could alter microglial phenotype and normalize microglial process movement/dynamics. Newborn rabbit kits exposed to endotoxin in utero, when treated with dendrimer-conjugated 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (D-2PMPA), a potent and selective inhibitor of microglial GCPII, showed profound changes in microglial phenotype within 48 h of treatment. Live imaging of hippocampal microglia in ex vivo brain slice preparations revealed larger cell body and phagocytic cup sizes with less stable microglia processes in CP kits compared to healthy controls. D-2PMPA treatment led to significant reversal of microglial process stability to healthy control levels. Our results emphasize the importance of microglial process dynamics in determining the state of microglial function in the developing brain and demonstrate how GCPII inhibition specifically in microglia can effectively change the microglial process motility to healthy control levels, potentially impacting migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirnath Sah
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI, USA
| | - Alicia Chime
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Fowler
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Mendez-Trendler
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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12
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The Role of Glutamate Receptors in Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030783. [PMID: 36979762 PMCID: PMC10045847 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing an indispensable role in neuronal development and memory formation. The dysregulation of glutamate receptors and the glutamatergic system is involved in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, especially epilepsy. There are two main classes of glutamate receptor, namely ionotropic and metabotropic (mGluRs) receptors. The former stimulate fast excitatory neurotransmission, are N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), and kainate; while the latter are G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate glutamatergic activity via intracellular messenger systems. Glutamate, glutamate receptors, and regulation of astrocytes are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of acute seizure and chronic epilepsy. Some glutamate receptor antagonists have been shown to be effective for the treatment of epilepsy, and research and clinical trials are ongoing.
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13
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Onisiforou A, Georgiou P, Zanos P. Role of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in ketamine's antidepressant actions. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173531. [PMID: 36841543 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder afflicting around 16-17 % of the global population and is accompanied by recurrent episodes of low mood, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Current pharmacological interventions take several weeks to even months for an improvement in depressive symptoms to emerge, with a significant percentage of individuals not responding to these medications at all, thus highlighting the need for rapid and effective next-generation treatments for MDD. Pre-clinical studies in animals have demonstrated that antagonists of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2/3 (mGlu2/3 receptor) exert rapid antidepressant-like effects, comparable to the actions of ketamine. Therefore, it is possible that mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptors to have a regulatory role on the unique antidepressant properties of ketamine, or that convergent intracellular mechanisms exist between mGlu2/3 receptor signaling and ketamine's effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the literature on these convergent processes underlying the antidepressant action of mGlu2/3 receptor inhibitors and ketamine. Importantly, combining sub-threshold doses of mGlu2/3 receptor inhibitors with sub-antidepressant ketamine doses induce synergistic antidepressant-relevant behavioral effects. We review the evidence supporting these combinatorial effects since sub-effective dosages of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists and ketamine could reduce the risk for the emergence of significant adverse events compared with taking normal dosages. Overall, deconvolution of ketamine's pharmacological targets will give critical insights to influence the development of next-generation antidepressant treatments with rapid actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Onisiforou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus.
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14
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Kruyer A, Kalivas PW, Scofield MD. Astrocyte regulation of synaptic signaling in psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:21-36. [PMID: 35577914 PMCID: PMC9700696 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01338-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, the field of neuroscience has evolved toward recognizing the critical role of astroglia in shaping neuronal synaptic activity and along with the pre- and postsynapse is now considered an equal partner in tripartite synaptic transmission and plasticity. The relative youth of this recognition and a corresponding deficit in reagents and technologies for quantifying and manipulating astroglia relative to neurons continues to hamper advances in understanding tripartite synaptic physiology. Nonetheless, substantial advances have been made and are reviewed herein. We review the role of astroglia in synaptic function and regulation of behavior with an eye on how tripartite synapses figure into brain pathologies underlying behavioral impairments in psychiatric disorders, both from the perspective of measures in postmortem human brains and more subtle influences on tripartite synaptic regulation of behavior in animal models of psychiatric symptoms. Our goal is to provide the reader a well-referenced state-of-the-art understanding of current knowledge and predict what we may discover with deeper investigation of tripartite synapses using reagents and technologies not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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15
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Yadav P, Podia M, Kumari SP, Mani I. Glutamate receptor endocytosis and signaling in neurological conditions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 196:167-207. [PMID: 36813358 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The non-essential amino acid glutamate acts as a major excitatory neurotransmitter and plays a significant role in the central nervous system (CNS). It binds with two different types of receptors, ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), responsible for the postsynaptic excitation of neurons. They are important for memory, neural development and communication, and learning. Endocytosis and subcellular trafficking of the receptor are essential for the regulation of receptor expression on the cell membrane and excitation of the cells. The endocytosis and trafficking of the receptor are dependent on its type, ligand, agonist, and antagonist present. This chapter discusses the types of glutamate receptors, their subtypes, and the regulation of their internalization and trafficking. The roles of glutamate receptors in neurological diseases are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansi Podia
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Prabha Kumari
- Department of Microbiology, Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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16
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Celli R, Striano P, Citraro R, Di Menna L, Cannella M, Imbriglio T, Koko M, Consortium EEC, De Sarro G, Monn JA, Battaglia G, van Luijtelaar G, Nicoletti F, Russo E, Leo A. mGlu3 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as a Target for the Treatment of Absence Epilepsy: Preclinical and Human Genetics Data. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:105-118. [PMID: 35579153 PMCID: PMC10193767 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220509160511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that different metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor subtypes are potential drug targets for treating absence epilepsy. However, no information is available on mGlu3 receptors. OBJECTIVE To examine whether (i) changes of mGlu3 receptor expression/signaling are found in the somatosensory cortex and thalamus of WAG/Rij rats developing spontaneous absence seizures; (ii) selective activation of mGlu3 receptors with LY2794193 affects the number and duration of spikewave discharges (SWDs) in WAG/Rij rats; and (iii) a genetic variant of GRM3 (encoding the mGlu3 receptor) is associated with absence epilepsy. METHODS Animals: immunoblot analysis of mGlu3 receptors, GAT-1, GLAST, and GLT-1; realtime PCR analysis of mGlu3 mRNA levels; assessment of mGlu3 receptor signaling; EEG analysis of SWDs; assessment of depressive-like behavior. Humans: search for GRM3 and GRM5 missense variants in 196 patients with absence epilepsy or other Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy (IGE)/ Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE) and 125,748 controls. RESULTS mGlu3 protein levels and mGlu3-mediated inhibition of cAMP formation were reduced in the thalamus and somatosensory cortex of pre-symptomatic (25-27 days old) and symptomatic (6-7 months old) WAG/Rij rats compared to age-matched controls. Treatment with LY2794193 (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced absence seizures and depressive-like behavior in WAG/Rij rats. LY2794193 also enhanced GAT1, GLAST, and GLT-1 protein levels in the thalamus and somatosensory cortex. GRM3 and GRM5 gene variants did not differ between epileptic patients and controls. CONCLUSION We suggest that mGlu3 receptors modulate the activity of the cortico-thalamo-cortical circuit underlying SWDs and that selective mGlu3 receptor agonists are promising candidate drugs for absence epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mahmoud Koko
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, FAS@UMG Research Center, Catanzaro, Italy
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17
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Wiah S, Roper A, Zhao P, Shekarabi A, Watson MN, Farkas DJ, Potula R, Reitz AB, Rawls SM. Troriluzole inhibits methamphetamine place preference in rats and normalizes methamphetamine-evoked glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) protein levels in the mesolimbic pathway. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 242:109719. [PMID: 36521236 PMCID: PMC9850846 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109719] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Riluzole, approved to manage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is mechanistically unique among glutamate-based therapeutics because it reduces glutamate transmission through a dual mechanism (i.e., reduces glutamate release and enhances glutamate reuptake). The profile of riluzole is favorable for normalizing glutamatergic dysregulation that perpetuates methamphetamine (METH) dependence, but pharmacokinetic and metabolic liabilities hinder repurposing. To mitigate these limitations, we synthesized troriluzole (TRLZ), a third-generation prodrug of riluzole, and tested the hypothesis that TRLZ inhibits METH hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference (CPP) and normalizes METH-induced changes in mesolimbic glutamate biomarkers. TRLZ (8, 16 mg/kg) reduced hyperlocomotion caused by METH (1 mg/kg) without affecting spontaneous activity. TRLZ (1, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg) administered during METH conditioning (0.5 mg/kg x 4 d) inhibited development of METH place preference, and TRLZ (16 mg/kg) administered after METH conditioning reduced expression of CPP. In rats with established METH place preference, TRLZ (16 mg/kg) accelerated extinction of CPP. In cellular studies, chronic METH enhanced mRNA levels of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Repeated METH also caused enhancement of GCPII protein levels in the VTA that was prevented by TRLZ (16 mg/kg). TRLZ (16 mg/kg) administered during chronic METH did not affect brain or plasma levels of METH. These results indicate that TRLZ, already in clinical trials for cerebellar ataxia, reduces development, expression and maintenance of METH CPP. Moreover, normalization of METH-induced GCPII levels in mesolimbic substrates by TRLZ points toward studying GCPII as a therapeutic target of TRLZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonita Wiah
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail Roper
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pingwei Zhao
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aryan Shekarabi
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mia N Watson
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Farkas
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raghava Potula
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen B Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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de Lima IB, Ribeiro FM. The Implication of Glial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:164-182. [PMID: 34951388 PMCID: PMC10190153 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223140303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) was first identified more than 100 years ago, yet aspects pertaining to its origin and the mechanisms underlying disease progression are not well known. To this date, there is no therapeutic approach or disease-modifying drug that could halt or at least delay disease progression. Until recently, glial cells were seen as secondary actors in brain homeostasis. Although this view was gradually refuted and the relevance of glial cells for the most diverse brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission was vastly proved, many aspects of its functioning, as well as its role in pathological conditions, remain poorly understood. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells were shown to be involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Besides its relevance for glial function, glutamatergic receptors are also central in the pathology of AD, and recent studies have shown that glial mGluRs play a role in the establishment and progression of AD. AD-related alterations in Ca2+ signalling, APP processing, and Aβ load, as well as AD-related neurodegeneration, are influenced by glial mGluRs. However, different types of mGluRs play different roles, depending on the cell type and brain region that is being analysed. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the current understanding of glial mGluRs and their implication in AD, providing an insight for future therapeutics and identifying existing research gaps worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B.Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Mao LM, Mathur N, Mahmood T, Rajan S, Chu XP, Wang JQ. Phosphorylation and regulation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2/3) in neurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1022544. [PMID: 36407098 PMCID: PMC9669598 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1022544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors (mGlu2/3) are Gαi/o-coupled receptors and are primarily located on presynaptic axonal terminals in the central nervous system. Like ionotropic glutamate receptors, group II mGlu receptors are subject to regulation by posttranslational phosphorylation. Pharmacological evidence suggests that several serine/threonine protein kinases possess the ability to regulate mGlu2/3 receptors. Detailed mapping of phosphorylation residues has revealed that protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates mGlu2/3 receptors at a specific serine site on their intracellular C-terminal tails in heterologous cells or neurons, which underlies physiological modulation of mGlu2/3 signaling. Casein kinases promote mGlu2 phosphorylation at a specific site. Tyrosine protein kinases also target group II receptors to induce robust phosphorylation. A protein phosphatase was found to specifically bind to mGlu3 receptors and dephosphorylate the receptor at a PKA-sensitive site. This review summarizes recent progress in research on group II receptor phosphorylation and the phosphorylation-dependent regulation of group II receptor functions. We further explore the potential linkage of mGlu2/3 phosphorylation to various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, and discuss future research aimed at analyzing novel biochemical and physiological properties of mGlu2/3 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Mao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Nirav Mathur
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Tayyibah Mahmood
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Sri Rajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Xiang-Ping Chu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - John Q. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States,Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States,*Correspondence: John Q. Wang,
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Dogra S, Putnam J, Conn PJ. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 as a potential therapeutic target for psychiatric and neurological disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 221:173493. [PMID: 36402243 PMCID: PMC9729465 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and abnormalities in the glutamatergic system underlie various CNS disorders. As metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3 receptor) regulates glutamatergic transmission in various brain areas, emerging literature suggests that targeting mGlu3 receptors can be a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. For example, mGlu3 receptor negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) induce rapid antidepressant-like effects in both acute and chronic stress models. Activation of mGlu3 receptors can enhance cognition in the rodents modeling schizophrenia-like pathophysiology. The mGlu3 receptors expressed in the astrocytes induce neuroprotective effects. Although polymorphisms in GRM3 have been shown to be associated with addiction, there is not significant evidence about the efficacy of mGlu3 receptor ligands in rodent models of addiction. Collectively, drugs targeting mGlu3 receptors may provide an alternative approach to fill the unmet clinical need for safer and more efficacious therapeutics for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Dogra
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jason Putnam
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Li SH, Abd-Elrahman KS, Ferguson SS. Targeting mGluR2/3 for treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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22
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Kruyer A. Astrocyte Heterogeneity in Regulation of Synaptic Activity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193135. [PMID: 36231097 PMCID: PMC9562199 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our awareness of the number of synapse regulatory functions performed by astroglia is rapidly expanding, raising interesting questions regarding astrocyte heterogeneity and specialization across brain regions. Whether all astrocytes are poised to signal in a multitude of ways, or are instead tuned to surrounding synapses and how astroglial signaling is altered in psychiatric and cognitive disorders are fundamental questions for the field. In recent years, molecular and morphological characterization of astroglial types has broadened our ability to design studies to better analyze and manipulate specific functions of astroglia. Recent data emerging from these studies will be discussed in depth in this review. I also highlight remaining questions emerging from new techniques recently applied toward understanding the roles of astrocytes in synapse regulation in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Characterization of a mGluR5 Knockout Rat Model with Hallmarks of Fragile X Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091308. [PMID: 36143345 PMCID: PMC9504063 DOI: 10.3390/life12091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of reported cases of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased significantly in the last few decades, but the etiology of these diseases remains poorly understood. There is evidence of a fundamental link between genetic abnormalities and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and the most common monogenetic inheritable form of ASDs is Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Previous studies indicate that FXS is linked to glutamate signaling regulation by the G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), which has been shown to have a regulatory role in neuroinflammation. We characterized the effect of knocking out mGluR5 in an organism known to have complex cognitive functions—the rat. The heterozygous phenotype is the most clinically relevant; therefore, we performed analysis in heterozygous pups. We showed developmental abnormalities in heterozygous mGluR5 knockout rats, as well as a significant increase in chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL) expression, a hallmark indicator of early onset inflammation. We quantified an increase in microglial density in the knockout pups and quantified morphological phenotypes representative of greater reactivity in the male vs. female and postnatal day 28 heterozygous pups compared to postnatal day 14 heterozygous pups. In response to injury, reactive microglia release matrix metalloproteases, contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, and are responsible for eradicating cellular and molecular debris. In our study, the changes in microglial density and reactivity correlated with abnormalities in the mRNA expression levels of ECM proteins and with the density of perineuronal nets. We saw atypical neuropsychiatric behavior in open field and elevated plus tests in heterozygous pups compared to wild-type litter and age-matched controls. These results demonstrate the pathological potential of the mGluR5 knockout in rats and further support the presence of neuroinflammatory roots in ASDs.
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Kruyer A, Angelis A, Garcia-Keller C, Li H, Kalivas PW. Plasticity in astrocyte subpopulations regulates heroin relapse. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo7044. [PMID: 35947652 PMCID: PMC9365285 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo7044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) produces detrimental personal and societal consequences. Astrocytes are a major cell group in the brain that receives little attention in mediating OUD. We determined how astrocytes and the astroglial glutamate transporter, GLT-1, in the nucleus accumbens core adapt and contribute to heroin seeking in rats. Seeking heroin, but not sucrose, produced two transient forms of plasticity in different astroglial subpopulations. Increased morphological proximity to synapses occurred in one subpopulation and increased extrasynaptic GLT-1 expression in another. Augmented synapse proximity by astroglia occurred selectively at D2-dopamine receptor-expressing dendrites, while changes in GLT-1 were not neuron subtype specific. mRNA-targeted antisense inhibition of either morphological or GLT-1 plasticity promoted cue-induced heroin seeking. Thus, we show that heroin cues induce two distinct forms of transient plasticity in separate astroglial subpopulations that dampen heroin relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ariana Angelis
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Hong Li
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Barbone GE, Bravin A, Mittone A, Pacureanu A, Mascio G, Di Pietro P, Kraiger MJ, Eckermann M, Romano M, Hrabě de Angelis M, Cloetens P, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Coan P. X-ray multiscale 3D neuroimaging to quantify cellular aging and neurodegeneration postmortem in a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:4338-4357. [PMID: 35852558 PMCID: PMC9606093 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Modern neuroimaging lacks the tools necessary for whole-brain, anatomically dense neuronal damage screening. An ideal approach would include unbiased histopathologic identification of aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Methods
We report the postmortem application of multiscale X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (X-PCI-CT) for the label-free and dissection-free organ-level to intracellular-level 3D visualization of distinct single neurons and glia. In deep neuronal populations in the brain of aged wild-type and of 3xTgAD mice (a triply-transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease), we quantified intracellular hyperdensity, a manifestation of aging or neurodegeneration.
Results
In 3xTgAD mice, the observed hyperdensity was identified as amyloid-β and hyper-phosphorylated tau protein deposits with calcium and iron involvement, by correlating the X-PCI-CT data to immunohistochemistry, X-ray fluorescence microscopy, high-field MRI, and TEM. As a proof-of-concept, X-PCI-CT was used to analyze hippocampal and cortical brain regions of 3xTgAD mice treated with LY379268, selective agonist of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2/3 receptors). Chronic pharmacologic activation of mGlu2/3 receptors significantly reduced the hyperdensity particle load in the ventral cortical regions of 3xTgAD mice, suggesting a neuroprotective effect with locoregional efficacy.
Conclusions
This multiscale micro-to-nano 3D imaging method based on X-PCI-CT enabled identification and quantification of cellular and sub-cellular aging and neurodegeneration in deep neuronal and glial cell populations in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. This approach quantified the localized and intracellular neuroprotective effects of pharmacological activation of mGlu2/3 receptors.
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26
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Silk AW, Saraiya B, Groisberg R, Chan N, Spencer K, Girda E, Shih W, Palmeri M, Saunders T, Berman RM, Coric V, Chen S, Zloza A, Vieth J, Mehnert JM, Malhotra J. A phase Ib dose-escalation study of troriluzole (BHV-4157), an oral glutamatergic signaling modulator, in combination with nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:107. [PMID: 35780243 PMCID: PMC9250196 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamate signaling activates MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in tumor cells. Treatment with riluzole, a glutamate release inhibitor, has been previously shown to be safe in melanoma patients and produced biologic effects, but did not lead to radiographic responses, possibly due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, we conducted a phase Ib trial to determine the safety and tolerability of the combination of the riluzole prodrug troriluzole (BHV-4157, trigriluzole) and the PD-1 antibody nivolumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS Patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors and measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 were treated with increasing doses of troriluzole using a semi-Bayesian modified toxicity probability interval dose escalation procedure. Troriluzole monotherapy was orally self-administered for a 14-day lead-in period followed by continuation of troriluzole in combination with nivolumab 240 mg IV every 2 weeks. Endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy. RESULTS We enrolled 14 patients with advanced solid tumors (melanoma = 3, NSCLC = 3, renal cell carcinoma = 2, bladder/urothelial = 2, ovarian cancer = 1, adenoid cystic carcinoma = 1, pleural mesothelial = 1, head and neck cancer = 1). Eleven patients had cancer progression on prior therapy with PD-1 or PD-L1 agent. Patients received troriluzole total daily doses from 140 to 560 mg (divided). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) occurring in ≥ 5 patients (> 35%) were transaminitis and increased lipase. DLT (dose-limiting toxicity) occurred in 3 patients: (1) grade 3 anorexia, (2) grade 3 fatigue and, (3) grade 3 atrial fibrillation. Six patients were treated at the MTD (maximum tolerated dose). No subjects discontinued treatment due to AEs. One response occurred (7%), which was a partial response in a subject who had PD-1 refractory disease. The 6-month PFS rate was 21%. PK data showed that the prodrug troriluzole was efficiently cleaved into riluzole by 2-h post-dosing in all dose cohorts tested. CONCLUSION The combination of troriluzole and nivolumab was safe and well-tolerated. The MTD of troriluzole was determined to be 420 mg total daily dose. The observed antitumor activity, primarily disease stabilization, is of interest in patients with PD-1 resistant tumors. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03229278.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Silk
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Room LW503, Boston, MA, USA.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Biren Saraiya
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Roman Groisberg
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Nancy Chan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen Spencer
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Eugenia Girda
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Weichung Shih
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Chi-Square Consulting LLC, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Marisa Palmeri
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Tracie Saunders
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Vlad Coric
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Suzie Chen
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers University School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew Zloza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rush University Medical Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua Vieth
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- JDRF International, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janice M Mehnert
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center and New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jyoti Malhotra
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Szu JI, Binder DK. Mechanisms Underlying Aquaporin-4 Subcellular Mislocalization in Epilepsy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:900588. [PMID: 35734218 PMCID: PMC9207308 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.900588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures. Mechanisms underlying seizure activity have been intensely investigated. Alterations in astrocytic channels and transporters have shown to be a critical player in seizure generation and epileptogenesis. One key protein involved in such processes is the astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Studies have revealed that perivascular AQP4 redistributes away from astrocyte endfeet and toward the neuropil in both clinical and preclinical studies. This subcellular mislocalization significantly impacts neuronal hyperexcitability and understanding how AQP4 becomes dysregulated in epilepsy is beginning to emerge. In this review, we evaluate the role of AQP4 dysregulation and mislocalization in epilepsy.
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Turati J, Rudi J, Beauquis J, Carniglia L, López Couselo F, Saba J, Caruso C, Saravia F, Lasaga M, Durand D. A metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3R) isoform playing neurodegenerative roles in astrocytes is prematurely up-regulated in an Alzheimer's model. J Neurochem 2022; 161:366-382. [PMID: 35411603 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Subtype 3 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu3R) displays a broad range of neuroprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that mGlu3R activation in astrocytes protects hippocampal neurons from Aβ neurotoxicity through stimulation of both neurotrophin release and Aβ uptake. Alternative-spliced variants of mGlu3R were found in human brains. The most prevalent variant, mGlu3Δ4, lacks exon 4 encoding the transmembrane domain and can inhibit ligand binding to mGlu3R. To date, neither its role in neurodegenerative disorders nor its endogenous expression in CNS cells has been addressed. The present paper describes for the first time an association between altered hippocampal expression of mGlu3Δ4 and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the preclinical murine model PDAPP-J20, as well as a deleterious effect of mGlu3Δ4 in astrocytes. As assessed by western blot, hippocampal mGlu3R levels progressively decreased with age in PDAPP-J20 mice. On the contrary, mGlu3Δ4 levels were drastically increased with aging in nontransgenic mice, but prematurely over-expressed in 5-month-old PDAPP-J20-derived hippocampi, prior to massive senile plaque deposition. Also, we found that mGlu3Δ4 co-precipitated with mGlu3R mainly in 5-month-old PDAPP-J20 mice. We further showed by western blot that primary cultured astrocytes and neurons expressed mGlu3Δ4, whose levels were reduced by Aβ, thereby discouraging a causal effect of Aβ on mGlu3Δ4 induction. However, heterologous expression of mGlu3Δ4 in astrocytes induced cell death, inhibited mGlu3R expression, and prevented mGlu3R-dependent Aβ glial uptake. Indeed, mGlu3Δ4 promoted neurodegeneration in neuron-glia co-cultures. These results provide evidence of an inhibitory role of mGlu3Δ4 in mGlu3R-mediated glial neuroprotective pathways, which may lie behind AD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Turati
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Rudi
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,IATIMET Instituto Alberto C. Taquini de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Beauquis
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Envejecimiento, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico López Couselo
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Saba
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Flavia Saravia
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Envejecimiento, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- INBIOMED Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Woo E, Datta D, Arnsten AFT. Glutamate Metabotropic Receptor Type 3 (mGlu3) Localization in the Rat Prelimbic Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:849937. [PMID: 35444520 PMCID: PMC9013768 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.849937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptors type 3 (mGlu3, encoded by GRM3) are increasingly related to cognitive functioning, including the working memory operations of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In rhesus monkeys, mGlu3 are most commonly expressed on glia (36%), but are also very prominent on layer III dendritic spines (23%) in the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) where they enhance working memory-related neuronal firing. In contrast, mGlu2 are predominately presynaptic in layer III of macaque dlPFC, indicating a pre- vs. post-synaptic dissociation by receptor subtype. The current study examined the cellular and subcellular localizations of mGlu3 in the rat prelimbic medial PFC (PL mPFC), a region needed for spatial working memory performance in rodents. Multiple label immunofluorescence demonstrated mGlu3 expression in neurons and astrocytes, with rare labeling in microglia. Immunoelectron microscopy of layers III and V found that the predominant location for mGlu3 was on axons (layer III: 35.9%; layer V: 44.1%), with labeling especially prominent within the intervaricose segments distant from axon terminals. mGlu3 were also found on glia (likely astrocytes), throughout the glial membrane (layer III: 28.2%; layer V: 29.5%). Importantly, mGlu3 could be seen on dendritic spines, especially in layer III (layer III: 15.6%; layer V: 8.2%), with minor labeling on dendrites. These data show that there are some similarities between mGlu3 expression in rat PL mPFC and macaque dlPFC, but the spine expression enriches and differentiates in the more recently evolved primate dlPFC.
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Prevention of L-Dopa-Induced Dyskinesias by MPEP Blockade of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Is Associated with Reduced Inflammation in the Brain of Parkinsonian Monkeys. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040691. [PMID: 35203338 PMCID: PMC8870609 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory markers were found in brains of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. After years of L-Dopa symptomatic treatment, most PD patients develop dyskinesias. The relationship between inflammation and L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) is still unclear. We previously reported that MPEP (a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonist) reduced the development of LID in de novo MPTP-lesioned monkeys. We thus investigated if MPEP reduced the brain inflammatory response in these MPTP-lesioned monkeys and the relationship to LID. The panmacrophage/microglia marker Iba1, the phagocytosis-related receptor CD68, and the astroglial protein GFAP were measured by Western blots. The L-Dopa-treated dyskinetic MPTP monkeys had increased Iba1 content in the putamen, substantia nigra, and globus pallidus, which was prevented by MPEP cotreatment; similar findings were observed for CD68 contents in the putamen and globus pallidus. There was a strong positive correlation between dyskinesia scores and microglial markers in these regions. GFAP contents were elevated in MPTP + L-Dopa-treated monkeys among these brain regions and prevented by MPEP in the putamen and subthalamic nucleus. In conclusion, these results showed increased inflammatory markers in the basal ganglia associated with LID and revealed that MPEP inhibition of glutamate activity reduced LID and levels of inflammatory markers.
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Bauminger H, Zaidan H, Akirav I, Gaisler-Salomon I. Anandamide Hydrolysis Inhibition Reverses the Long-Term Behavioral and Gene Expression Alterations Induced by MK-801 in Male Rats: Differential CB1 and CB2 Receptor-Mediated Effects. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:795-803. [PMID: 35092675 PMCID: PMC9212101 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
NMDA receptor blockade in rodents is commonly used to induce schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities, including cognitive deficits and social dysfunction. Aberrant glutamate and GABA transmission, particularly in adolescence, is implicated in these behavioral abnormalities. The endocannabinoid system modulates glutamate and GABA transmission, but the impact of endocannabinoid modulation on cognitive and social dysfunction is unclear. Here, we asked whether late-adolescence administration of the anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor URB597 can reverse behavioral deficits induced by early-adolescence administration of the NMDA receptor blocker MK-801. In parallel, we assessed the impact of MK-801 and URB597 on mRNA expression of glutamate and GABA markers. We found that URB597 prevented MK-801-induced novel object recognition deficits and social interaction abnormalities in adult rats, and reversed glutamate and GABA aberrations in the prelimbic PFC. URB597-mediated reversal of MK-801-induced social interaction deficits was mediated by the CB1 receptor, whereas the reversal of cognitive deficits was mediated by the CB2 receptor. This was paralleled by the reversal of CB1 and CB2 receptor expression abnormalities in the basolateral amygdala and prelimbic PFC, respectively. Together, our findings show that interfering with NMDA receptor function in early adolescence has a lasting impact on phenotypes resembling the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia and on glutamate and GABA marker expression in the PFC. Prevention of behavioral and molecular abnormalities by late-adolescence URB597 via CB1 and CB2 receptors suggests that endocannabinoid stimulation may have therapeutic potential in addressing treatment-resistant symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Bauminger
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Hiba Zaidan
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Inna Gaisler-Salomon
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +972-4-8249674, fax: +972-4-8263157, e-mail:
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Datta D, Leslie SN, Woo E, Amancharla N, Elmansy A, Lepe M, Mecca AP, Slusher BS, Nairn AC, Arnsten AFT. Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II in Aging Rat Prefrontal Cortex Impairs Working Memory Performance. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:760270. [PMID: 34867287 PMCID: PMC8634091 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.760270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) expression in brain is increased by inflammation, and reduces NAAG (N-acetyl aspartyl glutamate) stimulation of mGluR3 signaling. Genetic insults in this signaling cascade are increasingly linked to cognitive disorders in humans, where increased GCPII and or decreased NAAG-mGluR3 are associated with impaired prefrontal cortical (PFC) activation and cognitive impairment. As aging is associated with increased inflammation and PFC cognitive deficits, the current study examined GCPII and mGluR3 expression in the aging rat medial PFC, and tested whether GCPII inhibition with 2-(3-mercaptopropyl) pentanedioic acid (2-MPPA) would improve working memory performance. We found that GCPII protein was expressed on astrocytes and some microglia as expected from previous studies, but was also prominently expressed on neurons, and showed increased levels with advancing age. Systemic administration of the GCPII inhibitor, 2-MPPA, improved working memory performance in young and aged rats, and also improved performance after local infusion into the medial PFC. As GCPII inhibitors are well-tolerated, they may provide an important new direction for treatment of cognitive disorders associated with aging and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadeep Datta
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Shannon N Leslie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Elizabeth Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Nishita Amancharla
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ayah Elmansy
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Miguel Lepe
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Adam P Mecca
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Barbara S Slusher
- Department of Neurology and Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Angus C Nairn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Amy F T Arnsten
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Schulte A, Bieniussa L, Gupta R, Samtleben S, Bischler T, Doering K, Sodmann P, Rittner H, Blum R. Homeostatic calcium fluxes, ER calcium release, SOCE, and calcium oscillations in cultured astrocytes are interlinked by a small calcium toolkit. Cell Calcium 2021; 101:102515. [PMID: 34896701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
How homeostatic ER calcium fluxes shape cellular calcium signals is still poorly understood. Here we used dual-color calcium imaging (ER-cytosol) and transcriptome analysis to link candidates of the calcium toolkit of astrocytes with homeostatic calcium signals. We found molecular and pharmacological evidence that P/Q-type channel Cacna1a contributes to depolarization-dependent calcium entry in astrocytes. For stimulated ER calcium release, the cells express the phospholipase Cb3, IP3 receptors Itpr1 and Itpr2, but no ryanodine receptors (Ryr1-3). After IP3-induced calcium release, Stim1/2 - Orai1/2/3 most likely mediate SOCE. The Serca2 (Atp2a2) is the candidate for refilling of the ER calcium store. The cells highly express adenosine receptor Adora1a for IP3-induced calcium release. Accordingly, adenosine induces fast ER calcium release and subsequent ER calcium oscillations. After stimulation, calcium refilling of the ER depends on extracellular calcium. In response to SOCE, astrocytes show calcium-induced calcium release, notably even after ER calcium was depleted by extracellular calcium removal in unstimulated cells. In contrast, spontaneous ER-cytosol calcium oscillations were not fully dependent on extracellular calcium, as ER calcium oscillations could persist over minutes in calcium-free solution. Additionally, cell-autonomous calcium oscillations show a second-long spatial and temporal delay in the signal dynamics of ER and cytosolic calcium. Our data reveal a rather strong contribution of homeostatic calcium fluxes in shaping IP3-induced and calcium-induced calcium release as well as spatiotemporal components of intracellular calcium oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Schulte
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany; Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078 Germany
| | - Linda Bieniussa
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078 Germany; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rohini Gupta
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany; Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078 Germany
| | - Samira Samtleben
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078 Germany; Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, MSM, Edmonton, T6G 2H7 Canada
| | - Thorsten Bischler
- Core Unit Systems Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany
| | - Kristina Doering
- Core Unit Systems Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany; Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Sodmann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany
| | - Heike Rittner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97074 Germany
| | - Robert Blum
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080 Germany; Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078 Germany.
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Verkerke M, Hol EM, Middeldorp J. Physiological and Pathological Ageing of Astrocytes in the Human Brain. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2662-2675. [PMID: 33559106 PMCID: PMC8437874 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ageing is the greatest risk factor for dementia, although physiological ageing by itself does not lead to cognitive decline. In addition to ageing, APOE ε4 is genetically the strongest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and is highly expressed in astrocytes. There are indications that human astrocytes change with age and upon expression of APOE4. As these glial cells maintain water and ion homeostasis in the brain and regulate neuronal transmission, it is likely that age- and APOE4-related changes in astrocytes have a major impact on brain functioning and play a role in age-related diseases. In this review, we will discuss the molecular and morphological changes of human astrocytes in ageing and the contribution of APOE4. We conclude this review with a discussion on technical issues, innovations, and future perspectives on how to gain more knowledge on astrocytes in the human ageing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Verkerke
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunobiology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), P.O. Box 3306, 2280 GH, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
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35
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Ponroy Bally B, Murai KK. Astrocytes in Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:702685. [PMID: 34483840 PMCID: PMC8416355 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.702685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in which delays and impairments in brain development and function lead to neurological and cognitive phenotypes. Traditionally, a neurocentric approach, focusing on neurons and their connectivity, has been applied to understanding the mechanisms involved in DS brain pathophysiology with an emphasis on how triplication of chromosome 21 leads to alterations in neuronal survival and homeostasis, synaptogenesis, brain circuit development, and neurodegeneration. However, recent studies have drawn attention to the role of non-neuronal cells, especially astrocytes, in DS. Astrocytes comprise a large proportion of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and are critical for brain development, homeostasis, and function. As triplication of chromosome 21 occurs in all cells in DS (with the exception of mosaic DS), a deeper understanding of the impact of trisomy 21 on astrocytes in DS pathophysiology is warranted and will likely be necessary for determining how specific brain alterations and neurological phenotypes emerge and progress in DS. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of astrocytes in DS, and discuss how specific perturbations in this cell type can impact the brain across the lifespan from early brain development to adult stages. Finally, we highlight how targeting, modifying, and/or correcting specific molecular pathways and properties of astrocytes in DS may provide an effective therapeutic direction given the important role of astrocytes in regulating brain development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Ponroy Bally
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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36
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Wang YT, Wang XL, Feng ST, Chen NH, Wang ZZ, Zhang Y. Novel rapid-acting glutamatergic modulators: Targeting the synaptic plasticity in depression. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105761. [PMID: 34242798 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is severely prevalent, and conventional monoaminergic antidepressants gradually exhibit low therapeutic efficiency, especially for patients with treatment-resistant depression. A neuroplasticity hypothesis is an emerging advancement in the mechanism of depression, mainly expressed in the glutamate system, e.g., glutamate receptors and signaling. Dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission is currently considered to be closely associated with the pathophysiology of MDD. Biological function, pharmacological action, and signal attributes in the glutamate system both regulate the neural process. Specific functional subunits could be therapeutic targets to explore the novel glutamatergic modulators, which have fast-acting, and relatively sustained antidepressant effects. Here, the present review summarizes the pathophysiology of MDD found in the glutamate system, exploring the role of glutamate receptors and their downstream effects. These convergent mechanisms have prompted the development of other modulators targeting on glutamate system, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists, selective GluN2B-specific antagonists, glycine binding site agents, and regulators of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Relevant researches underly the putative mechanisms of these drugs, which reverse the damage of depression by regulating glutamatergic neurotransmission. It also provides further insight into the mechanism of depression and exploring potential targets for novel agent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Si-Tong Feng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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37
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Busceti CL, Ginerete RP, Di Menna L, D'Errico G, Cisani F, Di Pietro P, Imbriglio T, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Fornai F, Monn JA, Pittaluga A, Nicoletti F. Behavioural and biochemical responses to methamphetamine are differentially regulated by mGlu2 and mGlu3 metabotropic glutamate receptors in male mice. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108692. [PMID: 34217776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors) shape mechanisms of methamphetamine addiction, but the individual role played by the two subtypes is unclear. We measured methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and motor responses to single or repeated injections of methamphetamine in wild-type, mGlu2-/-, and mGlu3-/-mice. Only mGlu3-/-mice showed methamphetamine preference in the CPP test. Motor response to the first methamphetamine injection was dramatically reduced in mGlu2-/-mice, unless these mice were treated with the mGlu5 receptor antagonist, MTEP. In contrast, methamphetamine-induced sensitization was increased in mGlu3-/-mice compared to wild-type mice. Only mGlu3-/-mice sensitized to methamphetamine showed increases in phospho-ERK1/2 levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and free radical formation in the NAc and medial prefrontal cortex. These changes were not detected in mGlu2-/-mice. We also measured a series of biochemical parameters related to the mechanism of action of methamphetamine in naïve mice to disclose the nature of the differential behavioural responses of the three genotypes. We found a reduced expression and activity of dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 in the NAc and striatum of mGlu2-/-and mGlu3-/-mice, whereas expression of the DAT adaptor, syntaxin 1A, was selectively increased in the striatum of mGlu3-/-mice. Methamphetamine-stimulated dopamine release in striatal slices was largely reduced in mGlu2-/-, but not in mGlu3-/-, mice. These findings suggest that drugs that selectively enhance mGlu3 receptor activity or negatively modulate mGlu2 receptors might be beneficial in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction and associated brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Valeria Bruno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pittaluga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
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38
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Rodríguez-Campuzano AG, Ortega A. Glutamate transporters: Critical components of glutamatergic transmission. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108602. [PMID: 33991564 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system. Once released, it binds to specific membrane receptors and transporters activating a wide variety of signal transduction cascades, as well as its removal from the synaptic cleft in order to avoid its extracellular accumulation and the overstimulation of extra-synaptic receptors that might result in neuronal death through a process known as excitotoxicity. Although neurodegenerative diseases are heterogenous in clinical phenotypes and genetic etiologies, a fundamental mechanism involved in neuronal degeneration is excitotoxicity. Glutamate homeostasis is critical for brain physiology and Glutamate transporters are key players in maintaining low extracellular Glutamate levels. Therefore, the characterization of Glutamate transporters has been an active area of glutamatergic research for the last 40 years. Transporter activity its regulated at different levels: transcriptional and translational control, transporter protein trafficking and membrane mobility, and through extensive post-translational modifications. The elucidation of these mechanisms has emerged as an important piece to shape our current understanding of glutamate actions in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada G Rodríguez-Campuzano
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07000, Mexico
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Apartado Postal 14-740, Ciudad de México, 07000, Mexico.
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39
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Lim D, Semyanov A, Genazzani A, Verkhratsky A. Calcium signaling in neuroglia. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 362:1-53. [PMID: 34253292 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glial cells exploit calcium (Ca2+) signals to perceive the information about the activity of the nervous tissue and the tissue environment to translate this information into an array of homeostatic, signaling and defensive reactions. Astrocytes, the best studied glial cells, use several Ca2+ signaling generation pathways that include Ca2+ entry through plasma membrane, release from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and from mitochondria. Activation of metabotropic receptors on the plasma membrane of glial cells is coupled to an enzymatic cascade in which a second messenger, InsP3 is generated thus activating intracellular Ca2+ release channels in the ER endomembrane. Astrocytes also possess store-operated Ca2+ entry and express several ligand-gated Ca2+ channels. In vivo astrocytes generate heterogeneous Ca2+ signals, which are short and frequent in distal processes, but large and relatively rare in soma. In response to neuronal activity intracellular and inter-cellular astrocytic Ca2+ waves can be produced. Astrocytic Ca2+ signals are involved in secretion, they regulate ion transport across cell membranes, and are contributing to cell morphological plasticity. Therefore, astrocytic Ca2+ signals are linked to fundamental functions of the central nervous system ranging from synaptic transmission to behavior. In oligodendrocytes, Ca2+ signals are generated by plasmalemmal Ca2+ influx, or by release from intracellular stores, or by combination of both. Microglial cells exploit Ca2+ permeable ionotropic purinergic receptors and transient receptor potential channels as well as ER Ca2+ release. In this contribution, basic morphology of glial cells, glial Ca2+ signaling toolkit, intracellular Ca2+ signals and Ca2+-regulated functions are discussed with focus on astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Armando Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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40
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Di Marco B, Dell'Albani P, D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Musumeci SA, Drago F, Bardoni B, Catania MV. Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) control stress granule formation in astrocytes. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 154:105338. [PMID: 33775821 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common form of intellectual disability and autism caused by the lack of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein involved in RNA transport and protein synthesis. Upon cellular stress, global protein synthesis is blocked and mRNAs are recruited into stress granules (SGs), together with RNA-binding proteins including FMRP. Activation of group-I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors stimulates FMRP-mediated mRNA transport and protein synthesis, but their role in SGs formation is unexplored. To this aim, we pre-treated wild type (WT) and Fmr1 knockout (KO) cultured astrocytes with the group-I-mGlu receptor agonist (S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) and exposed them to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2), a widely used inducer of SGs formation. In WT cultures the activation of group-I mGlu receptors reduced SGs formation and recruitment of FMRP into SGs, and also attenuated phosphorylation of eIF2α, a key event crucially involved in SGs formation and inhibition of protein synthesis. In contrast, Fmr1 KO astrocytes, which exhibited a lower number of SGs than WT astrocytes, did not respond to agonist stimulation. Interestingly, the mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator (NAM) 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) antagonized DHPG-mediated SGs reduction in WT and reversed SGs formation in Fmr1 KO cultures. Our findings reveal a novel function of mGlu5 receptor as modulator of SGs formation and open new perspectives for understanding cellular response to stress in FXS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Di Marco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation - The National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - P Dell'Albani
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation - The National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - S D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation - The National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - M Spatuzza
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - F Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotecnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - B Bardoni
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS UMR7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Valbonne 06560, France
| | - M V Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation - The National Research Council of Italy (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy; Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
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41
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Alcoreza OB, Patel DC, Tewari BP, Sontheimer H. Dysregulation of Ambient Glutamate and Glutamate Receptors in Epilepsy: An Astrocytic Perspective. Front Neurol 2021; 12:652159. [PMID: 33828523 PMCID: PMC8019783 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.652159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the important functions that glutamate serves in excitatory neurotransmission, understanding the regulation of glutamate in physiological and pathological states is critical to devising novel therapies to treat epilepsy. Exclusive expression of pyruvate carboxylase and glutamine synthetase in astrocytes positions astrocytes as essential regulators of glutamate in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, astrocytes can significantly alter the volume of the extracellular space (ECS) in the CNS due to their expression of the bi-directional water channel, aquaporin-4, which are enriched at perivascular endfeet. Rapid ECS shrinkage has been observed following epileptiform activity and can inherently concentrate ions and neurotransmitters including glutamate. This review highlights our emerging knowledge on the various potential contributions of astrocytes to epilepsy, particularly supporting the notion that astrocytes may be involved in seizure initiation via failure of homeostatic responses that lead to increased ambient glutamate. We also review the mechanisms whereby ambient glutamate can influence neuronal excitability, including via generation of the glutamate receptor subunit GluN2B-mediated slow inward currents, as well as indirectly affect neuronal excitability via actions on metabotropic glutamate receptors that can potentiate GluN2B currents and influence neuronal glutamate release probabilities. Additionally, we discuss evidence for upregulation of System x c - , a cystine/glutamate antiporter expressed on astrocytes, in epileptic tissue and changes in expression patterns of glutamate receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar B Alcoreza
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States.,School of Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Dipan C Patel
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Bhanu P Tewari
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
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Bonifácio VDB, Pereira SA, Serpa J, Vicente JB. Cysteine metabolic circuitries: druggable targets in cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:862-879. [PMID: 33223534 PMCID: PMC7921671 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To enable survival in adverse conditions, cancer cells undergo global metabolic adaptations. The amino acid cysteine actively contributes to cancer metabolic remodelling on three different levels: first, in its free form, in redox control, as a component of the antioxidant glutathione or its involvement in protein s-cysteinylation, a reversible post-translational modification; second, as a substrate for the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which feeds the mitochondrial electron transfer chain and mediates per-sulphidation of ATPase and glycolytic enzymes, thereby stimulating cellular bioenergetics; and, finally, as a carbon source for epigenetic regulation, biomass production and energy production. This review will provide a systematic portrayal of the role of cysteine in cancer biology as a source of carbon and sulphur atoms, the pivotal role of cysteine in different metabolic pathways and the importance of H2S as an energetic substrate and signalling molecule. The different pools of cysteine in the cell and within the body, and their putative use as prognostic cancer markers will be also addressed. Finally, we will discuss the pharmacological means and potential of targeting cysteine metabolism for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco D B Bonifácio
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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Bridging the Metabolic Parallels Between Neurological Diseases and Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1311:229-248. [PMID: 34014547 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-65768-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the many recent breakthroughs in cancer research, oncology has traditionally been seen as a distinct field from other diseases. Recently, more attention has been paid to repurposing established therapeutic strategies and targets of other diseases towards cancer treatment, with some of these attempts generating promising outcomes [1, 2]. Recent studies using advanced metabolomics technologies [3] have shown evidence of close metabolic similarities between cancer and neurological diseases. These studies have unveiled several metabolic characteristics shared by these two categories of diseases, including metabolism of glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) [4-6]. The striking metabolic overlap between cancer and neurological diseases sheds light on novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. For example, 2-(phosphonomethyl) pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA), one of the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCP II) inhibitors that prevent the conversion of NAAG to glutamate, has been shown to suppress cancer growth [6, 7]. These promising results have led to an increased interest in integrating this metabolic overlap between cancer and neurological diseases into the study of cancer metabolism. The advantages of studying this metabolic overlap include not only drug repurposing but also translating existing knowledge from neurological diseases to the field of cancer research. This chapter discusses the specific overlapping metabolic features between cancer and neurological diseases, focusing on glutamine, GABA, and NAAG metabolisms. Understanding the interconnections between cancer and neurological diseases will guide researchers and clinicians to find more effective cancer treatments.
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Gregory KJ, Goudet C. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. CXI. Pharmacology, Signaling, and Physiology of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:521-569. [PMID: 33361406 DOI: 10.1124/pr.119.019133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors respond to glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, mediating a modulatory role that is critical for higher-order brain functions such as learning and memory. Since the first mGlu receptor was cloned in 1992, eight subtypes have been identified along with many isoforms and splice variants. The mGlu receptors are transmembrane-spanning proteins belonging to the class C G protein-coupled receptor family and represent attractive targets for a multitude of central nervous system disorders. Concerted drug discovery efforts over the past three decades have yielded a wealth of pharmacological tools including subtype-selective agents that competitively block or mimic the actions of glutamate or act allosterically via distinct sites to enhance or inhibit receptor activity. Herein, we review the physiologic and pathophysiological roles for individual mGlu receptor subtypes including the pleiotropic nature of intracellular signal transduction arising from each. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of prototypical and commercially available orthosteric agonists and antagonists as well as allosteric modulators, including ligands that have entered clinical trials. Finally, we highlight emerging areas of research that hold promise to facilitate rational design of highly selective mGlu receptor-targeting therapeutics in the future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The metabotropic glutamate receptors are attractive therapeutic targets for a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Over the past three decades, intense discovery efforts have yielded diverse pharmacological tools acting either competitively or allosterically, which have enabled dissection of fundamental biological process modulated by metabotropic glutamate receptors and established proof of concept for many therapeutic indications. We review metabotropic glutamate receptor molecular pharmacology and highlight emerging areas that are offering new avenues to selectively modulate neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Gregory
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
| | - Cyril Goudet
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (K.J.G.) and Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), University of Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France (C.G.)
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Caudal LC, Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. The Paradox of Astroglial Ca 2 + Signals at the Interface of Excitation and Inhibition. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:609947. [PMID: 33324169 PMCID: PMC7726216 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.609947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Astroglial networks constitute a non-neuronal communication system in the brain and are acknowledged modulators of synaptic plasticity. A sophisticated set of transmitter receptors in combination with distinct secretion mechanisms enables astrocytes to sense and modulate synaptic transmission. This integrative function evolved around intracellular Ca2+ signals, by and large considered as the main indicator of astrocyte activity. Regular brain physiology meticulously relies on the constant reciprocity of excitation and inhibition (E/I). Astrocytes are metabolically, physically, and functionally associated to the E/I convergence. Metabolically, astrocytes provide glutamine, the precursor of both major neurotransmitters governing E/I in the central nervous system (CNS): glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Perisynaptic astroglial processes are structurally and functionally associated with the respective circuits throughout the CNS. Astonishingly, in astrocytes, glutamatergic as well as GABAergic inputs elicit similar rises in intracellular Ca2+ that in turn can trigger the release of glutamate and GABA as well. Paradoxically, as gliotransmitters, these two molecules can thus strengthen, weaken or even reverse the input signal. Therefore, the net impact on neuronal network function is often convoluted and cannot be simply predicted by the nature of the stimulus itself. In this review, we highlight the ambiguity of astrocytes on discriminating and affecting synaptic activity in physiological and pathological state. Indeed, aberrant astroglial Ca2+ signaling is a key aspect of pathological conditions exhibiting compromised network excitability, such as epilepsy. Here, we gather recent evidence on the complexity of astroglial Ca2+ signals in health and disease, challenging the traditional, neuro-centric concept of segregating E/I, in favor of a non-binary, mutually dependent perspective on glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Caudal
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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Cui X, Zhang F, Zhang H, Huang X, Wang K, Huang T, Yang X, Zou L. Neuroprotective Effect of Optogenetics Varies With Distance From Channelrhodopsin-2 Expression in an Amyloid-β-Injected Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:583628. [PMID: 33162881 PMCID: PMC7584457 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.583628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Optogenetics uses a combination of genetic engineering and light to activate or inhibit specific neurons in the brain. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of activation of glutamatergic neurons in the hippocampus of mice injected with Aβ1-42 on memory function and biomarkers of neuroinflammation and neuroprotection in the brain to elucidate the clinical utility of optogenetic neuromodulation in AD. Methods: AAV5–CaMKII–channelrhodopsin-2 (CHR2)–mCherry (Aβ-CHR2 mice) or AAV5—CaMKII–mCherry (Aβ-non-CHR2 mice) was injected into the dentate gyrus (DG) of the bilateral hippocampus of an Aβ1-42-injected mouse model of AD. The novel object recognition test was used to investigate working memory (M1), short-term memory (M2), and long-term memory (M3) after Aβ1-42 injection. Hippocampus tissues were collected for immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Compared to controls, M1 and M2 were significantly higher in Aβ-CHR2 mice, but there was no significant difference in M3; NeuN and synapsin expression were significantly increased in the DG of Aβ-CHR2 mice, but not in CA1, CA3, the subventricular zone (SVZ), or the entorhinal cortex (ENT); GluR2 and IL-10 expressions were significantly increased, and GFAP expression was significantly decreased, in CA1, CA3, the DG, and the SVZ of Aβ-CHR2 mice, but not in the ENT. Conclusion: Activation of glutamatergic neurons by optogenetics in the bilateral DG of an Aβ-injected mouse model of AD improved M1 and M2, but not M3. A single-target optogenetics strategy has spatial limitations; therefore, a multiple targeted optogenetics approach to AD therapy should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Cui
- Department of Neurology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Second Clinical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Second Clinical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, People's Hospital of Yuxi, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yuxi, China
| | - Xifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liangyu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Second Clinical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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47
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Peterson AR, Binder DK. Astrocyte Glutamate Uptake and Signaling as Novel Targets for Antiepileptogenic Therapy. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1006. [PMID: 33013665 PMCID: PMC7505989 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate and respond to extracellular glutamate levels in the central nervous system (CNS) via the Na+-dependent glutamate transporters glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) and the metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) 3 and mGluR5. Both impaired astrocytic glutamate clearance and changes in metabotropic glutamate signaling could contribute to the development of epilepsy. Dysregulation of astrocytic glutamate transporters, GLT-1 and GLAST, is a common finding across patients and preclinical seizure models. Astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptors, particularly mGluR5, have been shown to be dysregulated in both humans and animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this review, we synthesize the available evidence regarding astrocytic glutamate homeostasis and astrocytic mGluRs in the development of epilepsy. Modulation of astrocyte glutamate uptake and/or mGluR activation could lead to novel glial therapeutics for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Peterson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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48
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Serpa J. Cysteine as a Carbon Source, a Hot Spot in Cancer Cells Survival. Front Oncol 2020; 10:947. [PMID: 32714858 PMCID: PMC7344258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo a metabolic rewiring in order to fulfill the energy and biomass requirements. Cysteine is a pivotal organic compound that contributes for cancer metabolic remodeling at three different levels: (1) in redox control, free or as a component of glutathione; (2) in ATP production, via hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production, serving as a donor to electron transport chain (ETC), and (3) as a carbon source for biomass and energy production. In the present review, emphasis will be given to the role of cysteine as a carbon source, focusing on the metabolic reliance on cysteine, benefiting the metabolic fitness and survival of cancer cells. Therefore, the interplay between cysteine metabolism and other metabolic pathways, as well as the regulation of cysteine metabolism related enzymes and transporters, will be also addressed. Finally, the usefulness of cysteine metabolic route as a target in cancer treatment will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School - Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal
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49
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Nguyen T, Kirsch BJ, Asaka R, Nabi K, Quinones A, Tan J, Antonio MJ, Camelo F, Li T, Nguyen S, Hoang G, Nguyen K, Udupa S, Sazeides C, Shen YA, Elgogary A, Reyes J, Zhao L, Kleensang A, Chaichana KL, Hartung T, Betenbaugh MJ, Marie SK, Jung JG, Wang TL, Gabrielson E, Le A. Uncovering the Role of N-Acetyl-Aspartyl-Glutamate as a Glutamate Reservoir in Cancer. Cell Rep 2020; 27:491-501.e6. [PMID: 30970252 PMCID: PMC6472703 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) is a peptide-based neurotransmitter that has been extensively studied in many neurological diseases. In this study, we show a specific role of NAAG in cancer. We found that NAAG is more abundant in higher grade cancers and is a source of glutamate in cancers expressing glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII), the enzyme that hydrolyzes NAAG to glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA). Knocking down GCPII expression through genetic alteration or pharmacological inhibition of GCPII results in a reduction of both glutamate concentrations and cancer growth. Moreover, targeting GCPII in combination with glutaminase inhibition accentuates these effects. These findings suggest that NAAG serves as an important reservoir to provide glutamate to cancer cells through GCPII when glutamate production from other sources is limited. Thus, GCPII is a viable target for cancer therapy, either alone or in combination with glutaminase inhibition. Nguyen et al. show that NAAG is more abundant in higher grade cancers and a source of glutamate in cancers expressing GCPII, the enzyme that hydrolyzes NAAG to glutamate and NAA. The results suggest that GCPII is a viable target for cancer therapy, either alone or in combination with glutaminase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brian James Kirsch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ryoichi Asaka
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Karim Nabi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Addison Quinones
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Felipe Camelo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stephanie Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Giang Hoang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kiet Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sunag Udupa
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Christos Sazeides
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amira Elgogary
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Juvenal Reyes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kaisorn Lee Chaichana
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Michael J Betenbaugh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Suely K Marie
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jin G Jung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anne Le
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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50
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Li Q, Jin R, Zhang S, Sun X, Wu J. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist promotes retinal ganglion cell survival by reducing neuronal excitotoxicity in a rat chronic ocular hypertension model. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108016. [PMID: 32101763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is characterized by the selective death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR II) activation has been linked to RGC survival, however, the mechanism by which it promotes neuronal survival remains poorly defined. In the present work, we show that extracellular application of LY341495, an mGluR II antagonist could increase the RGC firing frequency, suggesting that activation of mGluR II by endogenously released glutamate could modulate RGC excitability. LY354740, an mGluR II agonist, significantly decreased RGC excitability and the reduced presynaptic excitatory inputs and post-synaptic Ca2+-permeable currents mediated the LY354740-induced effects. By using a well-characterized in vivo male Sprague-Dawley rat glaucoma model, we further demonstrate that in the early stage of experimental glaucoma, the expression of mGluR II dimer-formed protein was significantly reduced, and pre-activation of mGluR II by intravitreal injection of LY354740 before establishment of the glaucoma model could effectively reduce excitatory inputs, thereby reversing hyperexcitability induced by elevated intraocular pressure. Furthermore, LY354740 could increase the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the glaucomatous retinas, further protecting RGCs. Our study indicates that the abnormal expression of mGluR II may accelerate RGC apoptosis in glaucoma, and demonstrates that mGluR II agonist LY354740 can be used as a novel method to counter RGC apoptosis in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ruiri Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Songjiang Central Hospital, Shanghai, 201600, China
| | - Shenghai Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Jihong Wu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, 200031, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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