1
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Endo F. Deciphering the spectrum of astrocyte diversity: Insights into molecular, morphological, and functional dimensions in health and neurodegenerative diseases. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00098-1. [PMID: 39098767 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant and morphologically complex glial cells that play active roles in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research has identified shared and region-specific astrocytic genes and functions, elucidated the cellular origins of their regional diversity, and uncovered the molecular networks for astrocyte morphology, which are essential for their functional complexity. Reactive astrocytes exhibit a wide range of functional diversity in a context-specific manner in CNS disorders. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the molecular and morphological diversity of astrocytes in healthy individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Endo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan.
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2
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Martínez P, Silva M, Abarzúa S, Tevy MF, Jaimovich E, Constantine-Paton M, Bustos FJ, van Zundert B. Skeletal myotubes expressing ALS mutant SOD1 induce pathogenic changes, impair mitochondrial axonal transport, and trigger motoneuron death. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595817. [PMID: 38826246 PMCID: PMC11142234 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of motoneurons (MNs), and despite progress, there is no effective treatment. A large body of evidence shows that astrocytes expressing ALS-linked mutant proteins cause non-cell autonomous toxicity of MNs. Although MNs innervate muscle fibers and ALS is characterized by the early disruption of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and axon degeneration, there are controversies about whether muscle contributes to non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. In this study, we generated primary skeletal myotubes from myoblasts derived from ALS mice expressing human mutant SOD1 G93A (termed hereafter mutSOD1). Characterization revealed that mutSOD1 skeletal myotubes display intrinsic phenotypic and functional differences compared to control myotubes generated from non-transgenic (NTg) littermates. Next, we analyzed whether ALS myotubes exert non-cell-autonomous toxicity to MNs. We report that conditioned media from mutSOD1 myotubes (mutSOD1-MCM), but not from control myotubes (NTg-MCM), induced robust death of primary MNs in mixed spinal cord cultures and compartmentalized microfluidic chambers. Our study further revealed that applying mutSOD1-MCM to the MN axonal side in microfluidic devices rapidly reduces mitochondrial axonal transport while increasing Ca2+ transients and reactive oxygen species (i.e., H 2 O 2 ). These results indicate that soluble factor(s) released by mutSOD1 myotubes cause MN axonopathy that leads to lethal pathogenic changes.
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3
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Rogujski P, Lukomska B, Janowski M, Stanaszek L. Glial-restricted progenitor cells: a cure for diseased brain? Biol Res 2024; 57:8. [PMID: 38475854 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00486-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is home to neuronal and glial cells. Traditionally, glia was disregarded as just the structural support across the brain and spinal cord, in striking contrast to neurons, always considered critical players in CNS functioning. In modern times this outdated dogma is continuously repelled by new evidence unravelling the importance of glia in neuronal maintenance and function. Therefore, glia replacement has been considered a potentially powerful therapeutic strategy. Glial progenitors are at the center of this hope, as they are the source of new glial cells. Indeed, sophisticated experimental therapies and exciting clinical trials shed light on the utility of exogenous glia in disease treatment. Therefore, this review article will elaborate on glial-restricted progenitor cells (GRPs), their origin and characteristics, available sources, and adaptation to current therapeutic approaches aimed at various CNS diseases, with particular attention paid to myelin-related disorders with a focus on recent progress and emerging concepts. The landscape of GRP clinical applications is also comprehensively presented, and future perspectives on promising, GRP-based therapeutic strategies for brain and spinal cord diseases are described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rogujski
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Lukomska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luiza Stanaszek
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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4
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Scarian E, Viola C, Dragoni F, Di Gerlando R, Rizzo B, Diamanti L, Gagliardi S, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O. New Insights into Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2698. [PMID: 38473944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052698] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are two important and well-studied pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Due to elevated oxygen consumption, the high presence of easily oxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids and the weak antioxidant defenses, the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative injury. Uncertainty exists over whether these deficits contribute to the development of NDDs or are solely a consequence of neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, these two pathological hallmarks are linked, and it is known that OS can affect the inflammatory response. In this review, we will overview the last findings about these two pathways in the principal NDDs. Moreover, we will focus more in depth on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to understand how anti-inflammatory and antioxidants drugs have been used for the treatment of this still incurable motor neuron (MN) disease. Finally, we will analyze the principal past and actual clinical trials and the future perspectives in the study of these two pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveljn Scarian
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Viola
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Dragoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Di Gerlando
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Adolfo Ferrata, 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bartolo Rizzo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Via Mondino 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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5
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Liddell JR, Hilton JBW, Kysenius K, Billings JL, Nikseresht S, McInnes LE, Hare DJ, Paul B, Mercer SW, Belaidi AA, Ayton S, Roberts BR, Beckman JS, McLean CA, White AR, Donnelly PS, Bush AI, Crouch PJ. Microglial ferroptotic stress causes non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:14. [PMID: 38317225 PMCID: PMC10840184 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00691-8] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterised by lipid peroxidation as the terminal endpoint and a requirement for iron. Although it protects against cancer and infection, ferroptosis is also implicated in causing neuronal death in degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The precise role for ferroptosis in causing neuronal death is yet to be fully resolved. METHODS To elucidate the role of ferroptosis in neuronal death we utilised co-culture and conditioned medium transfer experiments involving microglia, astrocytes and neurones. We ratified clinical significance of our cell culture findings via assessment of human CNS tissue from cases of the fatal, paralysing neurodegenerative condition of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We utilised the SOD1G37R mouse model of ALS and a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor to verify pharmacological significance in vivo. RESULTS We found that sublethal ferroptotic stress selectively affecting microglia triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Central to this cascade is the conversion of astrocytes to a neurotoxic state. We show that spinal cord tissue from human cases of ALS exhibits a signature of ferroptosis that encompasses atomic, molecular and biochemical features. Further, we show the molecular correlation between ferroptosis and neurotoxic astrocytes evident in human ALS-affected spinal cord is recapitulated in the SOD1G37R mouse model where treatment with a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor, CuII(atsm), ameliorated these markers and was neuroprotective. CONCLUSIONS By showing that microglia responding to sublethal ferroptotic stress culminates in non-cell autonomous neuronal death, our results implicate microglial ferroptotic stress as a rectifiable cause of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disease. As ferroptosis is currently primarily regarded as an intrinsic cell death phenomenon, these results introduce an entirely new pathophysiological role for ferroptosis in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - James B W Hilton
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica L Billings
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sara Nikseresht
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dominic J Hare
- Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Bence Paul
- School of Earth Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen W Mercer
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdel A Belaidi
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3005, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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6
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He D, Xu Y, Liu M, Cui L. The Inflammatory Puzzle: Piecing together the Links between Neuroinflammation and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:96-114. [PMID: 37307819 PMCID: PMC10796096 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0519] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that has a complex genetic basis. Through advancements in genetic screening, researchers have identified more than 40 mutant genes associated with ALS, some of which impact immune function. Neuroinflammation, with abnormal activation of immune cells and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system, significantly contributes to the pathophysiology of ALS. In this review, we examine recent evidence on the involvement of ALS-associated mutant genes in immune dysregulation, with a specific focus on the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway and N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-mediated immune regulation in the context of neurodegeneration. We also discuss the perturbation of immune cell homeostasis in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues in ALS. Furthermore, we explore the advancements made in the emerging genetic and cell-based therapies for ALS. This review underscores the complex relationship between ALS and neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential to identify modifiable factors for therapeutic intervention. A deeper understanding of the connection between neuroinflammation and the risk of ALS is crucial for advancing effective treatments for this debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di He
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, China
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7
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Jensen BK. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions Contributing to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:285-318. [PMID: 39190080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex disease impacting motor neurons of the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord. Disease etiology is quite heterogeneous with over 40 genes causing the disease and a vast ~90% of patients having no prior family history. Astrocytes are major contributors to ALS, particularly through involvement in accelerating disease progression. Through study of genetic forms of disease including SOD1, TDP43, FUS, C9orf72, VCP, TBK1, and more recently patient-derived cells from sporadic individuals, many biological mechanisms have been identified to cause intrinsic or glial-mediated neurotoxicity to motor neurons. Overall, many of the normally supportive and beneficial roles that astrocytes contribute to neuronal health and survival instead switch to become deleterious and neurotoxic. While the exact pathways may differ based on disease-origin, altered astrocyte-neuron communication is a common feature of ALS. Within this chapter, distinct genetic forms are examined in detail, along with what is known from sporadic patient-derived cells. Overall, this chapter highlights the interplay between astrocytes and neurons in this complex disease and describes the key features underlying: astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity, excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, protein dyshomeostasis, metabolic imbalance, inflammation, trophic factor withdrawal, blood-brain/blood-spinal cord barrier involvement, disease spreading, and the extracellular matrix/cell adhesion/TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid K Jensen
- Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Albini M, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Cesca F. Astrocytes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Neurosci Res 2023; 197:42-51. [PMID: 36780947 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging in the neuroscience field as crucial modulators of brain functions, from the molecular control of synaptic plasticity to orchestrating brain-wide circuit activity for cognitive processes. The cellular pathways through which astrocytes modulate neuronal activity and plasticity are quite diverse. In this review, we focus on neurotrophic pathways, mostly those mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Neurotrophins are a well-known family of trophic factors with pleiotropic functions in neuronal survival, maturation and activity. Within the brain, BDNF is the most abundantly expressed and most studied of all neurotrophins. While we have detailed knowledge of the effect of BDNF on neurons, much less is known about its physiology on astroglia. However, over the last years new findings emerged demonstrating that astrocytes take an active part into BDNF physiology. In this work, we discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about astrocytes and BDNF. Indeed, astrocytes sense extracellular BDNF through its specific TrkB receptors and activate intracellular responses that greatly vary depending on the brain area, stage of development and receptors expressed. Astrocytes also uptake and recycle BDNF / proBDNF at synapses contributing to synaptic plasticity. Finally, experimental evidence is now available describing deficits in astrocytic BDNF in several neuropathologies, suggesting that astrocytic BDNF may represent a promising target for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Albini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Italy; IIT Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- IIT Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Genova, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Cesca
- IIT Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Genova, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy.
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9
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Mimic S, Aru B, Pehlivanoğlu C, Sleiman H, Andjus PR, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immunology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - role of the innate and adaptive immunity. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1277399. [PMID: 38105925 PMCID: PMC10723830 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1277399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aims to summarize the latest evidence about the role of innate and adaptive immunity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons, which involves essential cells of the immune system that play a basic role in innate or adaptive immunity, that can be neurotoxic or neuroprotective for neurons. However, distinguishing between the sole neurotoxic or neuroprotective function of certain cells such as astrocytes can be challenging due to intricate nature of these cells, the complexity of the microenvironment and the contextual factors. In this review, in regard to innate immunity we focus on the involvement of monocytes/macrophages, microglia, the complement, NK cells, neutrophils, mast cells, and astrocytes, while regarding adaptive immunity, in addition to humoral immunity the most important features and roles of T and B cells are highlighted, specifically different subsets of CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells. The role of autoantibodies and cytokines is also discussed in distinct sections of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Mimic
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Başak Aru
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Pehlivanoğlu
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hadi Sleiman
- Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Pavle R. Andjus
- Centre for Laser Microscopy, Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry “Jean Giaja”, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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10
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Iyer AK, Schoch KM, Verbeck A, Galasso G, Chen H, Smith S, Oldenborg A, Miller TM, Karch CM, Bonni A. Targeted ASO-mediated Atp1a2 knockdown in astrocytes reduces SOD1 aggregation and accelerates disease onset in mutant SOD1 mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294731. [PMID: 38015828 PMCID: PMC10683999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte-specific ion pump α2-Na+/K+-ATPase plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we test the effect of Atp1a2 mRNA-specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to induce α2-Na+/K+-ATPase knockdown in the widely used ALS animal model, SOD1*G93A mice. Two ASOs led to efficient Atp1a2 knockdown and significantly reduced SOD1 aggregation in vivo. Although Atp1a2 ASO-treated mice displayed no off-target or systemic toxicity, the ASO-treated mice exhibited an accelerated disease onset and shorter lifespan than control mice. Transcriptomics studies reveal downregulation of genes involved in oxidative response, metabolic pathways, trans-synaptic signaling, and upregulation of genes involved in glutamate receptor signaling and complement activation, suggesting a potential role for these molecular pathways in de-coupling SOD1 aggregation from survival in Atp1a2 ASO-treated mice. Together, these results reveal a role for α2-Na+/K+-ATPase in SOD1 aggregation and highlight the critical effect of temporal modulation of genetically validated therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhirami K. Iyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Schoch
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Anthony Verbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Grant Galasso
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarah Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Anna Oldenborg
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Timothy M. Miller
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Celeste M. Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Azad Bonni
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Centre Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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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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12
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Xie M, Pallegar PN, Parusel S, Nguyen AT, Wu LJ. Regulation of cortical hyperexcitability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: focusing on glial mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:75. [PMID: 37858176 PMCID: PMC10585818 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00665-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, paralysis, and eventually death. Motor cortical hyperexcitability is a common phenomenon observed at the presymptomatic stage of ALS. Both cell-autonomous (the intrinsic properties of motor neurons) and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms (cells other than motor neurons) are believed to contribute to cortical hyperexcitability. Decoding the pathological relevance of these dynamic changes in motor neurons and glial cells has remained a major challenge. This review summarizes the evidence of cortical hyperexcitability from both clinical and preclinical research, as well as the underlying mechanisms. We discuss the potential role of glial cells, particularly microglia, in regulating abnormal neuronal activity during the disease progression. Identifying early changes such as neuronal hyperexcitability in the motor system may provide new insights for earlier diagnosis of ALS and reveal novel targets to halt the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manling Xie
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Praveen N Pallegar
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sebastian Parusel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Aivi T Nguyen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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13
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Lemos JP, Tenório LPG, Mouly V, Butler-Browne G, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Savino W, Smeriglio P. T cell biology in neuromuscular disorders: a focus on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202834. [PMID: 37920473 PMCID: PMC10619758 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a continuous interaction between the immune system, the nerve and the muscle in neuromuscular disorders of different pathogenetic origins, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the focus of this review. Herein we highlight the complexity of the cellular and molecular interactions involving the immune system in neuromuscular disorders, as exemplified by DMD and ALS. We describe the distinct types of cell-mediated interactions, such as cytokine/chemokine production as well as cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions between T lymphocytes and other immune cells, which target cells of the muscular or nervous tissues. Most of these interactions occur independently of exogenous pathogens, through ligand-receptor binding and subsequent signal transduction cascades, at distinct levels of specificity. Although this issue reveals the complexity of the system, it can also be envisioned as a window of opportunity to design therapeutic strategies (including synthetic moieties, cell and gene therapy, as well as immunotherapy) by acting upon one or more targets. In this respect, we discuss ongoing clinical trials using VLA-4 inhibition in DMD, and in ALS, with a focus on regulatory T cells, both revealing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Pereira Lemos
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Liliane Patrícia Gonçalves Tenório
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vincent Mouly
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler-Browne
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
| | - Daniella Arêas Mendes-da-Cruz
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Piera Smeriglio
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France
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14
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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You J, Youssef MMM, Santos JR, Lee J, Park J. Microglia and Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Disease-Associated States, Pathological Roles, and Therapeutic Potential. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1307. [PMID: 37887017 PMCID: PMC10603852 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microglial and astrocytic reactivity is a prominent feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Microglia and astrocytes have been increasingly appreciated to play pivotal roles in disease pathogenesis. These cells can adopt distinct states characterized by a specific molecular profile or function depending on the different contexts of development, health, aging, and disease. Accumulating evidence from ALS rodent and cell models has demonstrated neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions from microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we focused on the recent advancements of knowledge in microglial and astrocytic states and nomenclature, the landmark discoveries demonstrating a clear contribution of microglia and astrocytes to ALS pathogenesis, and novel therapeutic candidates leveraging these cells that are currently undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin You
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Mohieldin M. M. Youssef
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Jhune Rizsan Santos
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jooyun Lee
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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16
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Baranes K, Hastings N, Rahman S, Poulin N, Tavares JM, Kuan W, Syed N, Kunz M, Blighe K, Belgard TG, Kotter MRN. Transcription factor combinations that define human astrocyte identity encode significant variation of maturity and function. Glia 2023; 71:1870-1889. [PMID: 37029764 PMCID: PMC10952910 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that cellular identity can be reduced to the distinct gene regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors (TFs). However, redundancy exists in these states as different combinations of TFs can induce broadly similar cell types. We previously demonstrated that by overcoming gene silencing, it is possible to deterministically reprogram human pluripotent stem cells directly into cell types of various lineages. In the present study we leverage the consistency and precision of our approach to explore four different TF combinations encoding astrocyte identity, based on previously published reports. Analysis of the resulting induced astrocytes (iAs) demonstrated that all four cassettes generate cells with the typical morphology of in vitro astrocytes, which expressed astrocyte-specific markers. The transcriptional profiles of all four iAs clustered tightly together and displayed similarities with mature human astrocytes, although maturity levels differed between cells. Importantly, we found that the TF cassettes induced iAs with distinct differences with regards to their cytokine response and calcium signaling. In vivo transplantation of selected iAs into immunocompromised rat brains demonstrated long term stability and integration. In conclusion, all four TF combinations were able to induce stable astrocyte-like cells that were morphologically similar but showed subtle differences with respect to their transcriptome. These subtle differences translated into distinct differences with regards to cell function, that could be related to maturation state and/or regional identity of the resulting cells. This insight opens an opportunity to precision-engineer cells to meet functional requirements, for example, in the context of therapeutic cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koby Baranes
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Saifur Rahman
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Noah Poulin
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Joana M. Tavares
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Wei‐Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | - Najeeb Syed
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | - Meik Kunz
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | | | | | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
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17
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Rojas F, Aguilar R, Almeida S, Fritz E, Corvalán D, Ampuero E, Abarzúa S, Garcés P, Amaro A, Diaz I, Arredondo C, Cortes N, Sanchez M, Mercado C, Varela-Nallar L, Gao FB, Montecino M, van Zundert B. Mature iPSC-derived astrocytes of an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43 A90V mutation display a mild reactive state and release polyP toxic to motoneurons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1226604. [PMID: 37645251 PMCID: PMC10461635 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1226604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy central nervous system and astrocyte dysfunction has been implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There is compelling evidence that mouse and human ALS and ALS/FTD astrocytes can reduce the number of healthy wild-type motoneurons (MNs) in co-cultures or after treatment with astrocyte conditioned media (ACM), independently of their genotype. A growing number of studies have shown that soluble toxic factor(s) in the ACM cause non-cell autonomous MN death, including our recent identification of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) that is excessively released from mouse primary astrocytes (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived astrocytes (TARDBP) to kill MNs. However, others have reported that astrocytes carrying mutant TDP43 do not produce detectable MN toxicity. This controversy is likely to arise from the findings that human iPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit a rather immature and/or reactive phenotype in a number of studies. Here, we have succeeded in generating a highly homogenous population of functional quiescent mature astrocytes from control subject iPSCs. Using identical conditions, we also generated mature astrocytes from an ALS/FTD patient carrying the TDP43A90V mutation. These mutant TDP43 patient-derived astrocytes exhibit key pathological hallmarks, including enhanced cytoplasmic TDP-43 and polyP levels. Additionally, mutant TDP43 astrocytes displayed a mild reactive signature and an aberrant function as they were unable to promote synaptogenesis of hippocampal neurons. The polyP-dependent neurotoxic nature of the TDP43A90V mutation was further confirmed as neutralization of polyP in ACM derived from mutant TDP43 astrocytes prevented MN death. Our results establish that human astrocytes carrying the TDP43A90V mutation exhibit a cell-autonomous pathological signature, hence providing an experimental model to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation of the neurotoxic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Rojas
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Elsa Fritz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela Corvalán
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Estibaliz Ampuero
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Abarzúa
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Polett Garcés
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Armando Amaro
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Diaz
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Arredondo
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Cortes
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mario Sanchez
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Constanza Mercado
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Varela-Nallar
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Martin Montecino
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute Center for Genome Regulation CRG, Santiago, Chile
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMMS), Worcester, MA, United States
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18
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Carata E, Muci M, Di Giulio S, Mariano S, Panzarini E. Looking to the Future of the Role of Macrophages and Extracellular Vesicles in Neuroinflammation in ALS. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11251. [PMID: 37511010 PMCID: PMC10379393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a common pathological feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although scientific evidence to date does not allow defining neuroinflammation as an ALS trigger, its role in exacerbating motor neuron (MNs) degeneration and disease progression is attracting research interest. Activated CNS (Central Nervous System) glial cells, proinflammatory peripheral and infiltrated T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, as well as the immunoreactive molecules they release, represent the active players for the role of immune dysregulation enhancing neuroinflammation. The crosstalk between the peripheral and CNS immune cells significantly correlates with the survival of ALS patients since the modification of peripheral macrophages can downregulate inflammation at the periphery along the nerves and in the CNS. As putative vehicles for misfolded protein and inflammatory mediators between cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have also drawn particular attention in the field of ALS. Both CNS and peripheral immune cells release EVs, which are able to modulate the behavior of neighboring recipient cells; unfortunately, the mechanisms involved in EVs-mediated communication in neuroinflammation remain unclear. This review aims to synthesize the current literature regarding EV-mediated cell-to-cell communication in the brain under ALS, with a particular point of view on the role of peripheral macrophages in responding to inflammation to understand the biological process and exploit it for ALS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Carata
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Marco Muci
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Simona Di Giulio
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania Mariano
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisa Panzarini
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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19
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Valori CF, Sulmona C, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Astrocytes: Dissecting Their Diverse Roles in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Cells 2023; 12:1450. [PMID: 37296571 PMCID: PMC10252425 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders often co-occurring in the same patient, a feature that suggests a common origin of the two diseases. Consistently, pathological inclusions of the same proteins as well as mutations in the same genes can be identified in both ALS/FTD. Although many studies have described several disrupted pathways within neurons, glial cells are also regarded as crucial pathogenetic contributors in ALS/FTD. Here, we focus our attention on astrocytes, a heterogenous population of glial cells that perform several functions for optimal central nervous system homeostasis. Firstly, we discuss how post-mortem material from ALS/FTD patients supports astrocyte dysfunction around three pillars: neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation, and atrophy/degeneration. Furthermore, we summarize current attempts at monitoring astrocyte functions in living patients using either novel imaging strategies or soluble biomarkers. We then address how astrocyte pathology is recapitulated in animal and cellular models of ALS/FTD and how we used these models both to understand the molecular mechanisms driving glial dysfunction and as platforms for pre-clinical testing of therapeutics. Finally, we present the current clinical trials for ALS/FTD, restricting our discussion to treatments that modulate astrocyte functions, directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara F. Valori
- Molecular Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 72072 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Sulmona
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Liliana Brambilla
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Laboratory for Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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20
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Neel DV, Basu H, Gunner G, Bergstresser MD, Giadone RM, Chung H, Miao R, Chou V, Brody E, Jiang X, Lee E, Watts ME, Marques C, Held A, Wainger B, Lagier-Tourenne C, Zhang YJ, Petrucelli L, Young-Pearse TL, Chen-Plotkin AS, Rubin LL, Lieberman J, Chiu IM. Gasdermin-E mediates mitochondrial damage in axons and neurodegeneration. Neuron 2023; 111:1222-1240.e9. [PMID: 36917977 PMCID: PMC10121894 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and axon loss are hallmarks of neurologic diseases. Gasdermin (GSDM) proteins are executioner pore-forming molecules that mediate cell death, yet their roles in the central nervous system (CNS) are not well understood. Here, we find that one GSDM family member, GSDME, is expressed by both mouse and human neurons. GSDME plays a role in mitochondrial damage and axon loss. Mitochondrial neurotoxins induced caspase-dependent GSDME cleavage and rapid localization to mitochondria in axons, where GSDME promoted mitochondrial depolarization, trafficking defects, and neurite retraction. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated proteins TDP-43 and PR-50 induced GSDME-mediated damage to mitochondria and neurite loss. GSDME knockdown protected against neurite loss in ALS patient iPSC-derived motor neurons. Knockout of GSDME in SOD1G93A ALS mice prolonged survival, ameliorated motor dysfunction, rescued motor neuron loss, and reduced neuroinflammation. We identify GSDME as an executioner of neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction that may contribute to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan V Neel
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Himanish Basu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Georgia Gunner
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Richard M Giadone
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Haeji Chung
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rui Miao
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vicky Chou
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eliza Brody
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michelle E Watts
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Christine Marques
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Brian Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yong-Jie Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Tracy L Young-Pearse
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alice S Chen-Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lee L Rubin
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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21
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de Oliveira LMG, Carreira RB, de Oliveira JVR, do Nascimento RP, Dos Santos Souza C, Trias E, da Silva VDA, Costa SL. Impact of Plant-Derived Compounds on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:288-309. [PMID: 36800114 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal illness characterized by progressive motor neuron degeneration. Conventional therapies for ALS are based on treatment of symptoms, and the disease remains incurable. Molecular mechanisms are unclear, but studies have been pointing to involvement of glia, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and glutamate excitotoxicity as a key factor. Nowadays, we have few treatments for this disease that only delays death, but also does not stop the neurodegenerative process. These treatments are based on glutamate blockage (riluzole), tyrosine kinase inhibition (masitinib), and antioxidant activity (edaravone). In the past few years, plant-derived compounds have been studied for neurodegenerative disorder therapies based on neuroprotection and glial cell response. In this review, we describe mechanisms of action of natural compounds associated with neuroprotective effects, and the possibilities for new therapeutic strategies in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Matheus Gonçalves de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Barreto Carreira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Juciele Valeria Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ravena Pereira do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Cleide Dos Santos Souza
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Victor Diogenes Amaral da Silva
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
| | - Silvia Lima Costa
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40110-100, Brazil.
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22
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Dennys CN, Roussel F, Rodrigo R, Zhang X, Sierra Delgado A, Hartlaub A, Saelim-Ector A, Ray W, Heintzman S, Fox A, Kolb SJ, Beckman J, Franco MC, Meyer K. CuATSM effectively ameliorates ALS patient astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity in human in vitro models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Glia 2023; 71:350-365. [PMID: 36213964 PMCID: PMC10092379 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Patient diversity and unknown disease cause are major challenges for drug development and clinical trial design for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Transgenic animal models do not adequately reflect the heterogeneity of ALS. Direct reprogramming of patient fibroblasts to neuronal progenitor cells and subsequent differentiation into patient astrocytes allows rapid generation of disease relevant cell types. Thus, this methodology can facilitate compound testing in a diverse genetic background resulting in a more representative population for therapeutic evaluation. Here, we used established co-culture assays with motor neurons and reprogrammed patient skin-derived astrocytes (iAs) to evaluate the effects of (SP-4-2)-[[2,2'-(1,2-dimethyl-1,2-ethanediylidene)bis[N-methylhydrazinecarbothioamidato-κN2 ,κS]](2-)]-copper (CuATSM), currently in clinical trial for ALS in Australia. Pretreatment of iAs with CuATSM had a differential effect on neuronal survival following co-culture with healthy motor neurons. Using this assay, we identified responding and non-responding cell lines for both sporadic and familial ALS (mutant SOD1 and C9ORF72). Importantly, elevated mitochondrial respiration was the common denominator in all CuATSM-responders, a metabolic phenotype not observed in non-responders. Pre-treatment of iAs with CuATSM restored mitochondrial activity to levels comparable to healthy controls. Hence, this metabolic parameter might allow selection of patient subpopulations best suited for CuATSM treatment. Moreover, CuATSM might have additional therapeutic value for mitochondrial disorders. Enhanced understanding of patient-specific cellular and molecular profiles could help improve clinical trial design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Florence Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Sierra Delgado
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Annalisa Hartlaub
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Asya Saelim-Ector
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Will Ray
- Mathematics Department, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph Beckman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Maria Clara Franco
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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23
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Stoklund Dittlau K, Van Den Bosch L. Why should we care about astrocytes in a motor neuron disease? FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1047540. [PMID: 39086676 PMCID: PMC11285655 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1047540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease in adults, causing progressive degeneration of motor neurons, which results in muscle atrophy, respiratory failure and ultimately death of the patients. The pathogenesis of ALS is complex, and extensive efforts have focused on unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms with a large emphasis on the dying motor neurons. However, a recent shift in focus towards the supporting glial population has revealed a large contribution and influence in ALS, which stresses the need to explore this area in more detail. Especially studies into astrocytes, the residential homeostatic supporter cells of neurons, have revealed a remarkable astrocytic dysfunction in ALS, and therefore could present a target for new and promising therapeutic entry points. In this review, we provide an overview of general astrocyte function and summarize the current literature on the role of astrocytes in ALS by categorizing the potentially underlying molecular mechanisms. We discuss the current efforts in astrocyte-targeted therapy, and highlight the potential and shortcomings of available models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- KU Leuven—University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Liu X, Zhang J, Li J, Song C, Shi Y. Pharmacological Inhibition of ALCAT1 Mitigates Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Attenuating SOD1 Protein Aggregation. Mol Metab 2022; 63:101536. [PMID: 35772643 PMCID: PMC9287437 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Mutations in the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive fatal neuromuscular disease characterized by motor neurons death and severe skeletal muscle degeneration. However, there is no effective treatment for this debilitating disease, since the underlying cause for the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated a role of acyl-CoA:lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1 (ALCAT1), an acyltransferase that promotes mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related diseases by catalyzing pathological remodeling of cardiolipin, in promoting the development of ALS in the SOD1G93A transgenic mice. Methods Using SOD1G93A transgenic mice with targeted deletion of the ALCAT1 gene and treated with Dafaglitapin (Dafa), a very potent and highly selective ALCAT1 inhibitor, we determined whether ablation or pharmaceutical inhibition of ALCAT1 by Dafa would mitigate ALS and the underlying pathogenesis by preventing pathological remodeling of cardiolipin, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction by multiple approaches, including lifespan analysis, behavioral tests, morphological and functional analysis of skeletal muscle, electron microscopic and Seahorse analysis of mitochondrial morphology and respiration, western blot analysis of the SOD1G93A protein aggregation, and lipidomic analysis of cardiolipin content and acyl composition in mice spinal cord. Results ALCAT1 protein expression is potently upregulated in the skeletal muscle of the SOD1G93A mice. Consequently, ablation or pharmacological inhibition of ALCAT1 by Dafa attenuates motor neuron dysfunction, neuronal inflammation, and skeletal muscle atrophy in SOD1G93A mice by preventing SOD1G93A protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and pathological CL remodeling, leading to moderate extension of lifespan in the SOD1G93A transgenic mice. Conclusions ALCAT1 promotes the development of ALS by linking SOD1G93A protein aggregation to mitochondrial dysfunction, implicating Dafa as a potential treatment for this debilitating disorder. ALCAT1 is potently upregulated in the skeletal muscle of SOD1G93A mice, a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Upregulated ALCAT1 promotes SOD1G93A protein aggregation through oxidative stress and pathological cardiolipin remodeling. Inactivation of ALCAT1 attenuates neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and extends the lifespan of SOD1G93A mice. Targeting ALCAT1 as a potential strategy for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengjie Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuguang Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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25
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Tan HY, Yong YK, Xue YC, Liu H, Furihata T, Shankar EM, Ng CS. cGAS and DDX41-STING mediated intrinsic immunity spreads intercellularly to promote neuroinflammation in SOD1 ALS model. iScience 2022; 25:104404. [PMID: 35712074 PMCID: PMC9194172 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation exacerbates the progression of SOD1-driven amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that misfolded SOD1 (SOD1Mut)-causing ALS results in mitochondrial damage, thus triggering the release of mtDNA and an RNA:DNA hybrid into the cytosol in an mPTP-independent manner to activate IRF3- and IFNAR-dependent type I interferon (IFN-I) and interferon-stimulating genes. The neuronal hyper-IFN-I and pro-inflammatory responses triggered in ALS-SOD1Mut were sufficiently robust to cause a strong physiological outcome in vitro and in vivo. cGAS/DDX41-STING-signaling is amplified in bystander cells through inter-neuronal gap junctions. Our results highlight the importance of a common DNA-sensing pathway between SOD1 and TDP-43 in influencing the progression of ALS. Constitutive basal activation of IFN-I was found in the SOD1-ALS animal model SOD1-ALS damaged mitochondria to release mtDNA and RNA:DNA to activate the STING-pathway Blocking cGAS and STING diminishes neurodegeneration in vivo in the SOD1-ALS model Connexin and pannexin channels are required to propagate neuroinflammation in SOD1-ALS
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yien Tan
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yean Kong Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yuan Chao Xue
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huitao Liu
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Esaki Muthu Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Chen Seng Ng
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
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26
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Luo J. TGF-β as a Key Modulator of Astrocyte Reactivity: Disease Relevance and Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1206. [PMID: 35625943 PMCID: PMC9138510 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for normal brain development and functioning. They respond to brain injury and disease through a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis, where the reactivity is highly heterogenous and context-dependent. Reactive astrocytes are active contributors to brain pathology and can exert beneficial, detrimental, or mixed effects following brain insults. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as one of the key factors regulating astrocyte reactivity. The genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease alters pathological and functional outcomes. This review aims to provide recent understanding regarding astrocyte reactivity and TGF-β signaling in brain injury, aging, and neurodegeneration. Further, it explores how TGF-β signaling modulates astrocyte reactivity and function in the context of CNS disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Luo
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VAPAHCS, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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27
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Rauf A, Badoni H, Abu-Izneid T, Olatunde A, Rahman MM, Painuli S, Semwal P, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103194. [PMID: 35630670 PMCID: PMC9146652 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Himani Badoni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Premnagar, Dehradun 248006, India;
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University for Science and Technology, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Premnagar, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed To Be University), Dehradun 248002, India;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohammad S. Mubarak
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
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28
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Kobashi S, Terashima T, Katagi M, Urushitani M, Kojima H. Bone marrow-derived inducible microglia-like cells ameliorate motor function and survival in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:789-801. [PMID: 35393241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Neuroinflammation in the spinal cord plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ALS, and microglia are involved in neuroinflammation. Microglia mainly have two opposite phenotypes involving cytotoxic and neuroprotective properties, and neuroprotective microglia are expected to be a novel application for the treatment of ALS. Therefore, to establish a clinically applicable therapeutic method using neuroprotective microglia, the authors investigated the effect of inducing neuroprotective microglia-like cells from bone marrow for transplantation into ALS model mice. METHODS Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells were isolated from green fluorescent protein mice and cultured using different protocols of cytokine treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-4. Cells with a high potency of proliferation and differentiation into microglia were evaluated by gene analysis, flow cytometry and direct neuroprotective effects in vitro. These cells were named bone marrow-derived inducible microglia-like (BM-iMG) cells and transplanted into the spinal cords of ALS model mice, and behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling were performed. RESULTS Three-day GM-CSF and 4-day GM-CSF + IL-4 stimulations were most effective in inducing BM-iMG cells from the bone marrow. Transplantation of BM-iMG cells improved motor function, prolonged survival and suppressed neuronal cell death, astrogliosis and microgliosis in the spinal cords of ALS mice. Moreover, neuroprotective genes such as Arg1 and Mrc1 were upregulated, whereas pro-inflammatory genes such as Nos2 and Il6 were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS Intraspinal transplantation of BM-iMG cells demonstrated therapeutic effects in a mouse model of ALS. Further studies and clinical applications in patients with ALS are expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Kobashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan; Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Tomoya Terashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
| | - Miwako Katagi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hideto Kojima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
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29
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Cx43 hemichannels contribute to astrocyte-mediated toxicity in sporadic and familial ALS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2107391119. [PMID: 35312356 PMCID: PMC9060483 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107391119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our results demonstrate that connexin 43 hemichannels are the conduits for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocyte-mediated motor neuron toxicity and disease spread, acting as a common mechanism that can target both familial ALS and sporadic ALS populations. Furthermore, our present work provides proof of principle that tonabersat, as a drug already studied in clinical trials for other indications, could serve as a potential ALS therapeutic. Connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions and hemichannels mediate astrocyte intercellular communication in the central nervous system under normal conditions and contribute to astrocyte-mediated neurotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we show that astrocyte-specific knockout of Cx43 in a mouse model of ALS slows disease progression both spatially and temporally, provides motor neuron (MN) protection, and improves survival. In addition, Cx43 expression is up-regulated in human postmortem tissue and cerebrospinal fluid from ALS patients. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived astrocytes (hiPSC-A) from both familial and sporadic ALS, we establish that Cx43 is up-regulated and that Cx43-hemichannels are enriched at the astrocyte membrane. We also demonstrate that the pharmacological blockade of Cx43-hemichannels in ALS astrocytes using GAP 19, a mimetic peptide blocker, and tonabersat, a clinically tested small molecule, provides neuroprotection of hiPSC-MN and reduces ALS astrocyte-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability. Extending the in vitro application of tonabersat with chronic administration to SOD1G93A mice results in MN protection with a reduction in reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis. Taking these data together, our studies identify Cx43 hemichannels as conduits of astrocyte-mediated disease progression and a pharmacological target for disease-modifying ALS therapies.
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30
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Lin TJ, Cheng KC, Wu LY, Lai WY, Ling TY, Kuo YC, Huang YH. Potential of Cellular Therapy for ALS: Current Strategies and Future Prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851613. [PMID: 35372346 PMCID: PMC8966507 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive upper and lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration with unclear pathology. The worldwide prevalence of ALS is approximately 4.42 per 100,000 populations, and death occurs within 3-5 years after diagnosis. However, no effective therapeutic modality for ALS is currently available. In recent years, cellular therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential because it exerts immunomodulatory effects and protects the MN circuit. However, the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy in ALS are still under debate. In this review, we summarize the current progress in cellular therapy for ALS. The underlying mechanism, current clinical trials, and the pros and cons of cellular therapy using different types of cell are discussed. In addition, clinical studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ALS are highlighted. The summarized findings of this review can facilitate the future clinical application of precision medicine using cellular therapy in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Jung Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Chao Cheng
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Luo-Yun Wu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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31
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Arredondo C, Cefaliello C, Dyrda A, Jury N, Martinez P, Díaz I, Amaro A, Tran H, Morales D, Pertusa M, Stoica L, Fritz E, Corvalán D, Abarzúa S, Méndez-Ruette M, Fernández P, Rojas F, Kumar MS, Aguilar R, Almeida S, Weiss A, Bustos FJ, González-Nilo F, Otero C, Tevy MF, Bosco DA, Sáez JC, Kähne T, Gao FB, Berry JD, Nicholson K, Sena-Esteves M, Madrid R, Varela D, Montecino M, Brown RH, van Zundert B. Excessive release of inorganic phosphate by ALS/FTD astrocytes causes non-cell-autonomous toxicity to motoneurons. Neuron 2022; 110:1656-1670.e12. [PMID: 35276083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-cell-autonomous mechanisms contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which astrocytes release unidentified factors that are toxic to motoneurons (MNs). We report here that mouse and patient iPSC-derived astrocytes with diverse ALS/FTD-linked mutations (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) display elevated levels of intracellular inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a ubiquitous, negatively charged biopolymer. PolyP levels are also increased in astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM) from ALS/FTD astrocytes. ACM-mediated MN death is prevented by degrading or neutralizing polyP in ALS/FTD astrocytes or ACM. Studies further reveal that postmortem familial and sporadic ALS spinal cord sections display enriched polyP staining signals and that ALS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibits increased polyP concentrations. Our in vitro results establish excessive astrocyte-derived polyP as a critical factor in non-cell-autonomous MN degeneration and a potential therapeutic target for ALS/FTD. The CSF data indicate that polyP might serve as a new biomarker for ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Arredondo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Carolina Cefaliello
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Agnieszka Dyrda
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Nur Jury
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo Martinez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Iván Díaz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Armando Amaro
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Helene Tran
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Danna Morales
- Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Maria Pertusa
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Lorelei Stoica
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Elsa Fritz
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Daniela Corvalán
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Sebastián Abarzúa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Maxs Méndez-Ruette
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Paola Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Fabiola Rojas
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rodrigo Aguilar
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Sandra Almeida
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Alexandra Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Fernando J Bustos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Fernando González-Nilo
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology (CBIB), Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Carolina Otero
- School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Maria Florencia Tevy
- Cell Biology Laboratory, INTA, University of Chile and GEDIS Biotech, Santiago 7810000, Chile
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Thilo Kähne
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Medical School, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - James D Berry
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Katharine Nicholson
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neurological Clinical Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Rodolfo Madrid
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Millennium Nucleus for the Study of Pain (MiNuSPain), Santiago 9160000, Chile; Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Diego Varela
- Program of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago 9160000, Chile
| | - Martin Montecino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; FONDAP Center for Genome Regulation, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Robert H Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Brigitte van Zundert
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB), Faculty of Medicine & Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile; CARE Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile; Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Yang C, Qiao T, Yu J, Wang H, Guo Y, Salameh J, Metterville J, Parsi S, Yusuf I, Brown RH, Cai H, Xu Z. Low-level overexpression of wild type TDP-43 causes late-onset, progressive neurodegeneration and paralysis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0255710. [PMID: 35113871 PMCID: PMC8812852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modestly increased expression of transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) gene have been reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and other neuromuscular diseases. However, whether this modest elevation triggers neurodegeneration is not known. Although high levels of TDP-43 overexpression have been modeled in mice and shown to cause early death, models with low-level overexpression that mimic the human condition have not been established. In this study, transgenic mice overexpressing wild type TDP-43 at less than 60% above the endogenous CNS levels were constructed, and their phenotypes analyzed by a variety of techniques, including biochemical, molecular, histological, behavioral techniques and electromyography. The TDP-43 transgene was expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the cortex and predominantly in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord. The mice developed a reproducible progressive weakness ending in paralysis in mid-life. Detailed analysis showed ~30% loss of large pyramidal neurons in the layer V motor cortex; in the spinal cord, severe demyelination was accompanied by oligodendrocyte injury, protein aggregation, astrogliosis and microgliosis, and elevation of neuroinflammation. Surprisingly, there was no loss of lower motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord despite the complete paralysis of the hindlimbs. However, denervation was detected at the neuromuscular junction. These results demonstrate that low-level TDP-43 overexpression can cause diverse aspects of ALS, including late-onset and progressive motor dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Our findings suggest that persistent modest elevations in TDP-43 expression can lead to ALS and other neurological disorders involving TDP-43 proteinopathy. Because of the predictable and progressive clinical paralytic phenotype, this transgenic mouse model will be useful in preclinical trial of therapeutics targeting neurological disorders associated with elevated levels of TDP-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxing Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tao Qiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jia Yu
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yansu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johnny Salameh
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jake Metterville
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sepideh Parsi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Issa Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Brown
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Zuoshang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- RNA Therapeutic Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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33
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Tak YJ, Kang S. The E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme HIP2 is a crucial regulator of quality control against mutant SOD1 proteotoxicity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166316. [PMID: 34856358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) leading to the formation of intracellular protein aggregates cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a selective degeneration of motor neurons. The ALS-linked mutant SOD1 emerged as a possible target for ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-mediated degradation. We aimed to elucidate the role of huntingtin interaction protein 2 (HIP2), an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, in the proteotoxicity of mutant SOD1 aggregates. We found that HIP2 interacts with mutant SOD1, but not wild-type SOD1, and is upregulated in response to mutant SOD1 expression. Upregulation of HIP2 protein was observed in the spinal cord of 16-week-old SOD1-G93A transgenic mice. HIP2 further modified mutant SOD1 proteins via K48-linked polyubiquitination and degraded mutant SOD1 proteins through the UPS. Upregulation of HIP2 protected cells from mutant SOD1-induced toxicity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that HIP2 is a crucial regulator of quality control against the proteotoxicity of mutant SOD1. Our results suggest that modulating HIP2 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Jin Tak
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongman Kang
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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34
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Rochat C, Bernard-Marissal N, Källstig E, Pradervand S, Perrin FE, Aebischer P, Raoul C, Schneider BL. Astrocyte-targeting RNA interference against mutated superoxide dismutase 1 induces motoneuron plasticity and protects fast-fatigable motor units in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Glia 2022; 70:842-857. [PMID: 34978340 PMCID: PMC9303637 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24140] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by SOD1 gene mutations, both cell‐autonomous and noncell‐autonomous mechanisms lead to the selective degeneration of motoneurons (MN). Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of gene therapy targeting mutated SOD1 in mature astrocytes using mice expressing the mutated SOD1G93A protein. An AAV‐gfaABC1D vector encoding an artificial microRNA is used to deliver RNA interference against mutated SOD1 selectively in astrocytes. The treatment leads to the progressive rescue of neuromuscular junction occupancy, to the recovery of the compound muscle action potential in the gastrocnemius muscle, and significantly improves neuromuscular function. In the spinal cord, gene therapy targeting astrocytes protects a small pool of the most vulnerable fast‐fatigable MN until disease end stage. In the gastrocnemius muscle of the treated SOD1G93A mice, the fast‐twitch type IIB muscle fibers are preserved from atrophy. Axon collateral sprouting is observed together with muscle fiber type grouping indicative of denervation/reinnervation events. The transcriptome profiling of spinal cord MN shows changes in the expression levels of factors regulating the dynamics of microtubules. Gene therapy delivering RNA interference against mutated SOD1 in astrocytes protects fast‐fatigable motor units and thereby improves neuromuscular function in ALS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cylia Rochat
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne
| | - Nathalie Bernard-Marissal
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne.,INSERM, MMG, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Emma Källstig
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne.,Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva
| | - Sylvain Pradervand
- Genomic Technologies Facility, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Aebischer
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne
| | - Cédric Raoul
- INM, Université Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard L Schneider
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Brain Mind Institute, Lausanne.,Bertarelli Platform for Gene Therapy, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva
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35
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Hastings N, Kuan WL, Osborne A, Kotter MRN. Therapeutic Potential of Astrocyte Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221105499. [PMID: 35770772 PMCID: PMC9251977 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is an attractive treatment strategy for a variety of brain disorders, as it promises to replenish lost functions and rejuvenate the brain. In particular, transplantation of astrocytes has come into light recently as a therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); moreover, grafting of astrocytes also showed positive results in models of other conditions ranging from neurodegenerative diseases of older age to traumatic injury and stroke. Despite clear differences in etiology, disorders such as ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as traumatic injury and stroke, converge on a number of underlying astrocytic abnormalities, which include inflammatory changes, mitochondrial damage, calcium signaling disturbance, hemichannel opening, and loss of glutamate transporters. In this review, we examine these convergent pathways leading to astrocyte dysfunction, and explore the existing evidence for a therapeutic potential of transplantation of healthy astrocytes in various models. Existing literature presents a wide variety of methods to generate astrocytes, or relevant precursor cells, for subsequent transplantation, while described outcomes of this type of treatment also differ between studies. We take technical differences between methodologies into account to understand the variability of therapeutic benefits, or lack thereof, at a deeper level. We conclude by discussing some key requirements of an astrocyte graft that would be most suitable for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wei-Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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36
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Goyal S, Seth B, Chaturvedi RK. Polyphenols and Stem Cells for Neuroregeneration in Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:806-828. [PMID: 34781865 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666211115154450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurological disorders, pathologically characterized by chronic degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and motor neurons respectively. There is still no cure or effective treatment against the disease progression and most of the treatments are symptomatic. The present review offers an overview of the different factors involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Subsequently, we focused on the recent advanced studies of dietary polyphenols and stem cell therapies, which have made it possible to slow down the progression of neurodegeneration. To date, stem cells and different polyphenols have been used for the directional induction of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons and motor neurons. We have also discussed their involvement in the modulation of different signal transduction pathways and growth factor levels in various in vivo and in vitro studies. Likewise stem cells, polyphenols also exhibit the potential of neuroprotection by their anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties regulating the growth factors levels and molecular signaling events. Overall this review provides a detailed insight into recent strategies that promise the use of polyphenol with stem cell therapy for the possible treatment of PD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Goyal
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001. India
| | - Brashket Seth
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001. India
| | - Rajnish Kumar Chaturvedi
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhavan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001. India
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37
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Stanaszek L, Majchrzak M, Drela K, Rogujski P, Sanford J, Fiedorowicz M, Gewartowska M, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Walczak P, Lukomska B, Janowski M. Myelin-Independent Therapeutic Potential of Canine Glial-Restricted Progenitors Transplanted in Mouse Model of Dysmyelinating Disease. Cells 2021; 10:2968. [PMID: 34831191 PMCID: PMC8616327 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of glia contributes to the deterioration of the central nervous system in a wide array of neurological disorders, thus global replacement of glia is very attractive. Human glial-restricted precursors (hGRPs) transplanted intraventricularly into neonatal mice extensively migrated and rescued the lifespan in half of the studied mice, whereas mouse GRPs (mGRPs) presented no therapeutic benefit. We studied in the same experimental setting canine GRPs (cGRP) to determine whether their therapeutic potential falls between hGRPs and mGRPs. Additional motivation for the selection of cGRPs was a potential for use in veterinary medicine. METHODS cGRPs were extracted from the brain of dog fetuses. The cells were transplanted into the anterior or posterior aspect of the lateral ventricle (LV) of neonatal, immunodeficient, dysmyelinated mice (Mbpshi, Rag2 KO; shiv/rag2). Outcome measures included early cell biodistribution, animal survival and myelination assessed with MRI, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS Grafting of cGRP into posterior LV significantly extended animal survival, whereas no benefit was observed after anterior LV transplantation. In contrast, myelination of the corpus callosum was more prominent in anteriorly transplanted animals. CONCLUSIONS The extended survival of animals after transplantation of cGRPs could be explained by the vicinity of the transplant near the brain stem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Stanaszek
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (L.S.); (M.M.); (P.R.); (B.L.)
| | - Malgorzata Majchrzak
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (L.S.); (M.M.); (P.R.); (B.L.)
| | | | - Piotr Rogujski
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (L.S.); (M.M.); (P.R.); (B.L.)
| | - Joanna Sanford
- Vetregen Laboratory and Stem Cell Bank for Animals, 04-687 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Michal Fiedorowicz
- Small Animal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Gewartowska
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (M.F.-B.)
| | - Malgorzata Frontczak-Baniewicz
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.G.); (M.F.-B.)
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Lukomska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (L.S.); (M.M.); (P.R.); (B.L.)
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
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38
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Non-neuronal cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - from pathogenesis to biomarkers. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:333-348. [PMID: 33927394 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing motor neuron-centric view of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis could be an important factor in the failure to identify disease-modifying therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Non-neuronal cells have crucial homeostatic functions within the CNS and evidence of involvement of these cells in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, including ALS, is accumulating. Microglia and astrocytes, in crosstalk with peripheral immune cells, can exert both neuroprotective and adverse effects, resulting in a highly nuanced range of neuronal and non-neuronal cell interactions. This Review provides an overview of the diverse roles of non-neuronal cells in relation to the pathogenesis of ALS and the emerging potential of non-neuronal cell biomarkers to advance therapeutic development.
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39
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Chua JP, De Calbiac H, Kabashi E, Barmada SJ. Autophagy and ALS: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications. Autophagy 2021; 18:254-282. [PMID: 34057020 PMCID: PMC8942428 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1926656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of protein homeostasis are crucial for overseeing the clearance of misfolded and toxic proteins over the lifetime of an organism, thereby ensuring the health of neurons and other cells of the central nervous system. The highly conserved pathway of autophagy is particularly necessary for preventing and counteracting pathogenic insults that may lead to neurodegeneration. In line with this, mutations in genes that encode essential autophagy factors result in impaired autophagy and lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the mechanistic details underlying the neuroprotective role of autophagy, neuronal resistance to autophagy induction, and the neuron-specific effects of autophagy-impairing mutations remain incompletely defined. Further, the manner and extent to which non-cell autonomous effects of autophagy dysfunction contribute to ALS pathogenesis are not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the interplay between autophagy and ALS pathogenesis by providing an overview of critical steps in the autophagy pathway, with special focus on pivotal factors impaired by ALS-causing mutations, their physiologic effects on autophagy in disease models, and the cell type-specific mechanisms regulating autophagy in non-neuronal cells which, when impaired, can contribute to neurodegeneration. This review thereby provides a framework not only to guide further investigations of neuronal autophagy but also to refine therapeutic strategies for ALS and related neurodegenerative diseases.Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Atg: autophagy-related; CHMP2B: charged multivesicular body protein 2B; DPR: dipeptide repeat; FTD: frontotemporal dementia; iPSC: induced pluripotent stem cell; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RNP: ribonuclear protein; sALS: sporadic ALS; SPHK1: sphingosine kinase 1; TARDBP/TDP-43: TAR DNA binding protein; TBK1: TANK-binding kinase 1; TFEB: transcription factor EB; ULK: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase; UPR: unfolded protein response; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system; VCP: valosin containing protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Chua
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hortense De Calbiac
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Recherche translationnelle sur les maladies neurologiques, Institut Imagine, UMR-1163 INSERM et Université Paris Descartes, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Sami J Barmada
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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40
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Cicardi ME, Marrone L, Azzouz M, Trotti D. Proteostatic imbalance and protein spreading in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. EMBO J 2021; 40:e106389. [PMID: 33792056 PMCID: PMC8126909 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder whose exact causative mechanisms are still under intense investigation. Several lines of evidence suggest that the anatomical and temporal propagation of pathological protein species along the neural axis could be among the main driving mechanisms for the fast and irreversible progression of ALS pathology. Many ALS-associated proteins form intracellular aggregates as a result of their intrinsic prion-like properties and/or following impairment of the protein quality control systems. During the disease course, these mutated proteins and aberrant peptides are released in the extracellular milieu as soluble or aggregated forms through a variety of mechanisms. Internalization by recipient cells may seed further aggregation and amplify existing proteostatic imbalances, thus triggering a vicious cycle that propagates pathology in vulnerable cells, such as motor neurons and other susceptible neuronal subtypes. Here, we provide an in-depth review of ALS pathology with a particular focus on the disease mechanisms of seeding and transmission of the most common ALS-associated proteins, including SOD1, FUS, TDP-43, and C9orf72-linked dipeptide repeats. For each of these proteins, we report historical, biochemical, and pathological evidence of their behaviors in ALS. We further discuss the possibility to harness pathological proteins as biomarkers and reflect on the implications of these findings for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Cicardi
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Lara Marrone
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Mimoun Azzouz
- Department of NeuroscienceSheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN)University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Davide Trotti
- Department of NeuroscienceWeinberg ALS CenterVickie and Jack Farber Institute for NeuroscienceThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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41
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Van Harten ACM, Phatnani H, Przedborski S. Non-cell-autonomous pathogenic mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:658-668. [PMID: 34006386 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset paralytic disorder, characterized mainly by a loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the CNS. Over the past decades, thanks to intense investigations performed in both in vivo and in vitro models of ALS, major progress has been made toward gaining insights into the pathobiology of this incurable, fatal disorder. Among these advances is the growing recognition that non-neuronal cells participate in the degeneration of MNs in ALS, which could transform our understanding of the neurobiology of disease and the ability to devise effective disease-modifying therapies. In this review, we examine the contribution of non-cell-autonomous processes to the pathogenesis of ALS, with a focus on glial cells and in particular on astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C M Van Harten
- Graduate School of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hemali Phatnani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Genomics of Neurodegenerative Disease, New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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42
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Mini-Review: Induced pluripotent stem cells and the search for new cell-specific ALS therapeutic targets. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135911. [PMID: 33892003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amongst the most important discoveries in ALS pathobiology are the works demonstrating that multiple cell types contribute to disease onset and progression. However, a significant limitation in ALS research is the inability to obtain tissues from ALS patient brain and spinal cord during the course of the disease. In vivo modeling has provided insights into the role of these cell subtypes in disease onset and progression. However, in vivo models also have shortcomings, including the reliance on a limited number of models based upon hereditary forms of the disease. Therefore, using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) reprogrammed from somatic cells of ALS patients, with both hereditary and sporadic forms of the disease, and differentiated into cell subtypes of both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), have become powerful complementary tools for investigating basic mechanisms of disease as well as a platform for drug discovery. Motor neuron and other neuron subtypes, as well as non-neuronal cells have been differentiated from human iPSC and studied for their potential contributions to ALS pathobiology. As iPSC technologies have advanced, 3D modeling with multicellular systems organised in microfluidic chambers or organoids are the next step in validating the pathways and therapeutic targets already identified. Precision medicine approaches with iPSC using either traditional strategies of screening drugs that target a known pathogenic mechanism as well as "blind-to-target" drug screenings that allow for patient stratification based on drug response rather than clinical characteristics are now being employed.
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43
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Guidotti G, Scarlata C, Brambilla L, Rossi D. Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Friend or Foe? Cells 2021; 10:cells10030518. [PMID: 33804386 PMCID: PMC8000008 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a massive neuroinflammatory reaction, which plays a key role in the progression of the disease. One of the major mediators of the inflammatory response is the pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), mainly released within the central nervous system (CNS) by reactive astrocytes and microglia. Increased levels of TNFα and its receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) have been described in plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid and CNS tissue from both ALS patients and transgenic animal models of disease. However, the precise role exerted by TNFα in the context of ALS is still highly controversial, since both protective and detrimental functions have been reported. These opposing actions depend on multiple factors, among which includes the type of TNFα receptor activated. In fact, TNFR2 seems to mediate a harmful role being involved in motor neuron cell death, whereas TNFR1 signaling mediates neuroprotective effects, promoting the expression and secretion of trophic factors. This suggests that a better understanding of the cytokine impact on ALS progression may enable the development of effective therapies aimed at strengthening the protective roles of TNFα and at suppressing the detrimental ones.
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44
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Clarke BE, Patani R. The microglial component of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2021; 143:3526-3539. [PMID: 33427296 PMCID: PMC7805793 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the CNS, carrying out key homeostatic roles and undergoing context-dependent and temporally regulated changes in response to injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia have been implicated in playing a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by extensive motor neuron loss leading to paralysis and premature death. However, as the pathomechansims of ALS are increasingly recognized to involve a multitude of different cell types, it has been difficult to delineate the specific contribution of microglia to disease. Here, we review the literature of microglial involvement in ALS and discuss the evidence for the neurotoxic and neuroprotective pathways that have been attributed to microglia in this disease. We also discuss accumulating evidence for spatiotemporal regulation of microglial activation in this context. A deeper understanding of the role of microglia in the ‘cellular phase’ of ALS is crucial in the development of mechanistically rationalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Clarke
- Department of Neuromuscular disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, UK
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45
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Astrocyte-immune cell interactions in physiology and pathology. Immunity 2021; 54:211-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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46
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Acioglu C, Li L, Elkabes S. Contribution of astrocytes to neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Brain Res 2021; 1758:147291. [PMID: 33516810 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Classically, the loss of vulnerable neuronal populations in neurodegenerative diseases was considered to be the consequence of cell autonomous degeneration of neurons. However, progress in the understanding of glial function, the availability of improved animal models recapitulating the features of the human diseases, and the development of new approaches to derive glia and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from patients, provided novel information that altered this view. Current evidence strongly supports the notion that non-cell autonomous mechanisms contribute to the demise of neurons in neurodegenerative disorders, and glia causally participate in the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases. In addition to microglia, astrocytes have emerged as key players in neurodegenerative diseases and will be the focus of the present review. Under the influence of pathological stimuli present in the microenvironment of the diseased CNS, astrocytes undergo morphological, transcriptional, and functional changes and become reactive. Reactive astrocytes are heterogeneous and exhibit neurotoxic (A1) or neuroprotective (A2) phenotypes. In recent years, single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptome analyses unraveled new, disease-specific phenotypes beyond A1/A2. These investigations highlighted the complexity of the astrocytic responses to CNS pathology. The present review will discuss the contribution of astrocytes to neurodegenerative diseases with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Some of the commonalties and differences in astrocyte-mediated mechanisms that possibly drive the pathogenesis or progression of the diseases will be summarized. The emerging view is that astrocytes are potential new targets for therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity and disease-specific phenotypic complexity could facilitate the design of novel strategies to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Acioglu
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
| | - Lun Li
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
| | - Stella Elkabes
- The Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103, United States.
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47
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Mishra V, Re DB, Le Verche V, Alvarez MJ, Vasciaveo A, Jacquier A, Doulias PT, Greco TM, Nizzardo M, Papadimitriou D, Nagata T, Rinchetti P, Perez-Torres EJ, Politi KA, Ikiz B, Clare K, Than ME, Corti S, Ischiropoulos H, Lotti F, Califano A, Przedborski S. Systematic elucidation of neuron-astrocyte interaction in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using multi-modal integrated bioinformatics workflow. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5579. [PMID: 33149111 PMCID: PMC7642391 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communications are critical determinants of pathophysiological phenotypes, but methodologies for their systematic elucidation are lacking. Herein, we propose an approach for the Systematic Elucidation and Assessment of Regulatory Cell-to-cell Interaction Networks (SEARCHIN) to identify ligand-mediated interactions between distinct cellular compartments. To test this approach, we selected a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in which astrocytes expressing mutant superoxide dismutase-1 (mutSOD1) kill wild-type motor neurons (MNs) by an unknown mechanism. Our integrative analysis that combines proteomics and regulatory network analysis infers the interaction between astrocyte-released amyloid precursor protein (APP) and death receptor-6 (DR6) on MNs as the top predicted ligand-receptor pair. The inferred deleterious role of APP and DR6 is confirmed in vitro in models of ALS. Moreover, the DR6 knockdown in MNs of transgenic mutSOD1 mice attenuates the ALS-like phenotype. Our results support the usefulness of integrative, systems biology approach to gain insights into complex neurobiological disease processes as in ALS and posit that the proposed methodology is not restricted to this biological context and could be used in a variety of other non-cell-autonomous communication mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Mishra
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Spark Therapeutics, 3737 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Virginia Le Verche
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Mariano J Alvarez
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- DarwinHealth Inc., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alessandro Vasciaveo
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnaud Jacquier
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR 5310 - INSERM U1217 - Université de Lyon - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Paschalis-Tomas Doulias
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Todd M Greco
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Dimitra Papadimitriou
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Henry Dunant Hospital, BRFAA, Athens, Greece
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paola Rinchetti
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Eduardo J Perez-Torres
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kristin A Politi
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Burcin Ikiz
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Kevin Clare
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Manuel E Than
- Protein Crystallography Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstr. 11, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefania Corti
- Dino Ferrari Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Neurology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Harry Ischiropoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Serge Przedborski
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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48
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Martins-Macedo J, Lepore AC, Domingues HS, Salgado AJ, Gomes ED, Pinto L. Glial restricted precursor cells in central nervous system disorders: Current applications and future perspectives. Glia 2020; 69:513-531. [PMID: 33052610 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The crosstalk between glial cells and neurons represents an exceptional feature for maintaining the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS). Increasing evidence has revealed the importance of glial progenitor cells in adult neurogenesis, reestablishment of cellular pools, neuroregeneration, and axonal (re)myelination. Several types of glial progenitors have been described, as well as their potentialities for recovering the CNS from certain traumas or pathologies. Among these precursors, glial-restricted precursor cells (GRPs) are considered the earliest glial progenitors and exhibit tripotency for both Type I/II astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. GRPs have been derived from embryos and embryonic stem cells in animal models and have maintained their capacity for self-renewal. Despite the relatively limited knowledge regarding the isolation, characterization, and function of these progenitors, GRPs are promising candidates for transplantation therapy and reestablishment/repair of CNS functions in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as in traumatic injuries. Herein, we review the definition, isolation, characterization and potentialities of GRPs as cell-based therapies in different neurological conditions. We briefly discuss the implications of using GRPs in CNS regenerative medicine and their possible application in a clinical setting. MAIN POINTS: GRPs are progenitors present in the CNS with differentiation potential restricted to the glial lineage. These cells have been employed in the treatment of a myriad of neurodegenerative and traumatic pathologies, accompanied by promising results, herein reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Martins-Macedo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Angelo C Lepore
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Helena S Domingues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Eduardo D Gomes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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49
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Trujillo-Estrada L, Gomez-Arboledas A, Forner S, Martini AC, Gutierrez A, Baglietto-Vargas D, LaFerla FM. Astrocytes: From the Physiology to the Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:675-698. [PMID: 31470787 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190830110152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key cells for adequate brain formation and regulation of cerebral blood flow as well as for the maintenance of neuronal metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and exocytosis, and synaptic transmission. Many of these functions are intrinsically related to neurodegeneration, allowing refocusing on the role of astrocytes in physiological and neurodegenerative states. Indeed, emerging evidence in the field indicates that abnormalities in the astrocytic function are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Huntington's Disease (HD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In the present review, we highlight the physiological role of astrocytes in the CNS, including their communication with other cells in the brain. Furthermore, we discuss exciting findings and novel experimental approaches that elucidate the role of astrocytes in multiple neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillo-Estrada
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Angela Gomez-Arboledas
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefânia Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Alessandra Cadete Martini
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States
| | - Antonia Gutierrez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetic and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Baglietto-Vargas
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, United States.,Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States
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50
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Stevenson R, Samokhina E, Rossetti I, Morley JW, Buskila Y. Neuromodulation of Glial Function During Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:278. [PMID: 32973460 PMCID: PMC7473408 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia, a non-excitable cell type once considered merely as the connective tissue between neurons, is nowadays acknowledged for its essential contribution to multiple physiological processes including learning, memory formation, excitability, synaptic plasticity, ion homeostasis, and energy metabolism. Moreover, as glia are key players in the brain immune system and provide structural and nutritional support for neurons, they are intimately involved in multiple neurological disorders. Recent advances have demonstrated that glial cells, specifically microglia and astroglia, are involved in several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While there is compelling evidence for glial modulation of synaptic formation and regulation that affect neuronal signal processing and activity, in this manuscript we will review recent findings on neuronal activity that affect glial function, specifically during neurodegenerative disorders. We will discuss the nature of each glial malfunction, its specificity to each disorder, overall contribution to the disease progression and assess its potential as a future therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Evgeniia Samokhina
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilaria Rossetti
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - John W. Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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