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Çarçak N, Onat F, Sitnikova E. Astrocytes as a target for therapeutic strategies in epilepsy: current insights. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1183775. [PMID: 37583518 PMCID: PMC10423940 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1183775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are specialized non-neuronal glial cells of the central nervous system, contributing to neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission (gliotransmission). Astrocytes play a key roles in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Epilepsy, as a chronic disorder characterized by neuronal hyperexcitation and hypersynchronization, is accompanied by substantial disturbances of glial cells and impairment of astrocytic functions and neuronal signaling. Anti-seizure drugs that provide symptomatic control of seizures primarily target neural activity. In epileptic patients with inadequate control of seizures with available anti-seizure drugs, novel therapeutic candidates are needed. These candidates should treat epilepsy with anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects. Evidence from human and animal studies shows that astrocytes have value for developing new anti-seizure and anti-epileptogenic drugs. In this review, we present the key functions of astrocytes contributing to neuronal hyperexcitability and synaptic activity following an etiology-based approach. We analyze the role of astrocytes in both development (epileptogenesis) and generation of seizures (ictogenesis). Several promising new strategies that attempted to modify astroglial functions for treating epilepsy are being developed: (1) selective targeting of glia-related molecular mechanisms of glutamate transport; (2) modulation of tonic GABA release from astrocytes; (3) gliotransmission; (4) targeting the astrocytic Kir4.1-BDNF system; (5) astrocytic Na+/K+/ATPase activity; (6) targeting DNA hypo- or hypermethylation of candidate genes in astrocytes; (7) targeting astrocytic gap junction regulators; (8) targeting astrocytic adenosine kinase (the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme); and (9) targeting microglia-astrocyte communication and inflammatory pathways. Novel disease-modifying therapeutic strategies have now been developed, such as astroglia-targeted gene therapy with a broad spectrum of genetic constructs to target astroglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Çarçak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Onat
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evgenia Sitnikova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Hayatdavoudi P, Hosseini M, Hajali V, Hosseini A, Rajabian A. The role of astrocytes in epileptic disorders. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15239. [PMID: 35343625 PMCID: PMC8958496 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects about 1% of the population and approximately 30% of epileptic patients are resistant to current antiepileptic drugs. As a hallmark in epileptic tissue, many of the epileptic patients show changes in glia morphology and function. There are characteristic changes in different types of glia in different epilepsy models. Some of these changes such as astrogliosis are enough to provoke epileptic seizures. Astrogliosis is well known in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), the most common form of refractory epilepsy. A better understanding of astrocytes alterations could lead to novel and efficient pharmacological approaches for epilepsy. In this review, we present the alterations of astrocyte morphology and function and present some instances of targeting astrocytes in seizure and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parichehr Hayatdavoudi
- Applied Biomedical Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Vahid Hajali
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Azar Hosseini
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal PlantsMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Arezoo Rajabian
- Department of Internal MedicineFaculty of MedicineMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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Hackett TA. Adenosine A 1 Receptor mRNA Expression by Neurons and Glia in the Auditory Forebrain. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1882-1905. [PMID: 30315630 PMCID: PMC6282551 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, purines such as ATP and adenosine can function as neurotransmitters and co‐transmitters, or serve as signals in neuron–glial interactions. In thalamocortical (TC) projections to sensory cortex, adenosine functions as a negative regulator of glutamate release via activation of the presynaptic adenosine A1 receptor (A1R). In the auditory forebrain, restriction of A1R‐adenosine signaling in medial geniculate (MG) neurons is sufficient to extend LTP, LTD, and tonotopic map plasticity in adult mice for months beyond the critical period. Interfering with adenosine signaling in primary auditory cortex (A1) does not contribute to these forms of plasticity, suggesting regional differences in the roles of A1R‐mediated adenosine signaling in the forebrain. To advance understanding of the circuitry, in situ hybridization was used to localize neuronal and glial cell types in the auditory forebrain that express A1R transcripts (Adora1), based on co‐expression with cell‐specific markers for neuronal and glial subtypes. In A1, Adora1 transcripts were concentrated in L3/4 and L6 of glutamatergic neurons. Subpopulations of GABAergic neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia expressed lower levels of Adora1. In MG, Adora1 was expressed by glutamatergic neurons in all divisions, and subpopulations of all glial classes. The collective findings imply that A1R‐mediated signaling broadly extends to all subdivisions of auditory cortex and MG. Selective expression by neuronal and glial subpopulations suggests that experimental manipulations of A1R‐adenosine signaling could impact several cell types, depending on their location. Strategies to target Adora1 in specific cell types can be developed from the data generated here. Anat Rec, 301:1882–1905, 2018. © 2018 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy A Hackett
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Abstract
Several physiological functions of adenosine (Ado) appear to be mediated by four G protein-coupled Ado receptors. Ado is produced extracellularly from the catabolism of the excreted ATP, or intracellularly from AMP, and then released through its transporter. High level of intracellular Ado occurs only at low energy charge, as an intermediate of ATP breakdown, leading to hypoxanthine production. AMP, the direct precursor of Ado, is now considered as an important stress signal inside cell triggering metabolic regulation through activation of a specific AMP-dependent protein kinase. Intracellular Ado produced from AMP by allosterically regulated nucleotidases can be regarded as a stress signal as well. To study the receptor-independent effects of Ado, several experimental approaches have been proposed, such as inhibition or silencing of key enzymes of Ado metabolism, knockdown of Ado receptors in animals, the use of antagonists, or cell treatment with deoxyadenosine, which is substrate of the enzymes acting on Ado, but is unable to interact with Ado receptors. In this way, it was demonstrated that, among other functions, intracellular Ado modulates angiogenesis by regulating promoter methylation, induces hypothermia, promotes apoptosis in sympathetic neurons, and, in the case of oxygen and glucose deprivation, exerts a cytoprotective effect by replenishing the ATP pool.
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A 2B adenosine receptors stimulate IL-6 production in primary murine microglia through p38 MAPK kinase pathway. Pharmacol Res 2016; 117:9-19. [PMID: 27974241 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia, the immunocompetent cells of the CNS, releasing a number of proinflammatory mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases. Adenosine is an ubiquitous autacoid regulating several microglia functions through four receptor subtypes named A1, A2A, A2B and A3 (ARs), that represent good targets to suppress inflammation occurring in CNS. Here we investigated the potential role of ARs in the modulation of IL-6 secretion and cell proliferation in primary microglial cells. The A2BAR agonist 2-[[6-Amino-3,5-dicyano-4-[4-(cyclopropylmethoxy)phenyl]-2-pyridinyl]thio]-acetamide (BAY60-6583) stimulated IL-6 increase under normoxia and hypoxia, in a dose- and time-dependent way. In cells incubated with the blockers of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C epsilon (PKC-ε) and PKC delta (PKC-δ) the IL-6 increase due to A2BAR activation was strongly reduced, whilst it was not affected by the inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase (AC). Investigation of cellular signalling involved in the A2BAR effect revealed that only the inhibitor of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was able to block the agonist's effect on IL-6 secretion, whilst inhibitors of pERK1/2, JNK1/2 MAPKs and Akt were not. Stimulation of p38 by BAY60-6583 was A2BAR-dependent, through a pathway affecting PLC, PKC-ε and PKC-δ but not AC, in both normoxia and hypoxia. Finally, BAY60-6583 increased microglial cell proliferation involving A2BAR, PLC, PKC-ε, PKC-δ and p38 signalling. In conclusion, A2BARs activation increased IL-6 secretion and cell proliferation in murine primary microglial cells, through PLC, PKC-ε, PKC-δ and p38 pathways, thus suggesting their involvement in microglial activation and neuroinflammation.
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Astroglial cradle in the life of the synapse. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130595. [PMID: 25225089 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Astroglial perisynaptic sheath covers the majority of synapses in the central nervous system. This glial coverage evolved as a part of the synaptic structure in which elements directly responsible for neurotransmission (exocytotic machinery and appropriate receptors) concentrate in neuronal membranes, whereas multiple molecules imperative for homeostatic maintenance of the synapse (transporters for neurotransmitters, ions, amino acids, etc.) are shifted to glial membranes that have substantially larger surface area. The astrocytic perisynaptic processes act as an 'astroglial cradle' essential for synaptogenesis, maturation, isolation and maintenance of synapses, representing the fundamental mechanism contributing to synaptic connectivity, synaptic plasticity and information processing in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glia Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY 14580, USA
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Savtchenko LP, Rusakov DA. Regulation of rhythm genesis by volume-limited, astroglia-like signals in neural networks. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130614. [PMID: 25225103 PMCID: PMC4173295 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhythmic activity of the brain often depends on synchronized spiking of interneuronal networks interacting with principal neurons. The quest for physiological mechanisms regulating network synchronization has therefore been firmly focused on synaptic circuits. However, it has recently emerged that synaptic efficacy could be influenced by astrocytes that release signalling molecules into their macroscopic vicinity. To understand how this volume-limited synaptic regulation can affect oscillations in neural populations, here we explore an established artificial neural network mimicking hippocampal basket cells receiving inputs from pyramidal cells. We find that network oscillation frequencies and average cell firing rates are resilient to changes in excitatory input even when such changes occur in a significant proportion of participating interneurons, be they randomly distributed or clustered in space. The astroglia-like, volume-limited regulation of excitatory synaptic input appears to better preserve network synchronization (compared with a similar action evenly spread across the network) while leading to a structural segmentation of the network into cell subgroups with distinct firing patterns. These observations provide us with some previously unknown insights into the basic principles of neural network control by astroglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid P Savtchenko
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dmitri A Rusakov
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Krügel U. Purinergic receptors in psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2015; 104:212-25. [PMID: 26518371 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders describe different mental or behavioral patterns, causing suffering or poor coping of ordinary life with manifold presentations. Multifactorial processes can contribute to their development and progression. Purinergic neurotransmission and neuromodulation in the brain have attracted increasing therapeutic interest in the field of psychiatry. Purine nucleotides and nucleosides are well recognized as signaling molecules mediating cell to cell communication. The actions of ATP are mediated by ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptor subfamilies, whilst the actions of adenosine are mediated by P1 (A1 or A2) adenosine receptors. Purinergic mechanisms and specific receptor subtypes have been shown to be linked to the regulation of many aspects of behavior and mood and to dysregulation in pathological processes of brain function. In this review the recent knowledge on the role of purinergic receptors in the two most frequent psychiatric diseases, major depression and schizophrenia, as well as on related animal models is summarized. At present the most promising data for therapeutic strategies derive from investigations of the adenosine system emphasizing a unique function of A2A receptors at neurons and astrocytes in these disorders. Among the P2 receptor family, in particular P2X7 and P2Y1 receptors were related to disturbances in major depression and schizophrenia, respectively. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Krügel
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universität Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
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Merighi S, Borea PA, Stefanelli A, Bencivenni S, Castillo CA, Varani K, Gessi S. A2aand a2badenosine receptors affect HIF-1α signaling in activated primary microglial cells. Glia 2015; 63:1933-1952. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Pier Andrea Borea
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Angela Stefanelli
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Serena Bencivenni
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Carlos Alberto Castillo
- Department of Nursing; Faculty of Nursing; Occupational and Speech Therapies, University of Castilla-La Mancha; Talavera De La Reina Spain
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Medical Sciences; Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara; via Fossato Di Mortara 17/19 Ferrara 44121 Italy
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Shen HY, Sun H, Hanthorn MM, Zhi Z, Lan JQ, Poulsen DJ, Wang RK, Boison D. Overexpression of adenosine kinase in cortical astrocytes and focal neocortical epilepsy in mice. J Neurosurg 2013; 120:628-38. [PMID: 24266544 DOI: 10.3171/2013.10.jns13918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT New experimental models and diagnostic methods are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of focal neocortical epilepsies in a search for improved epilepsy treatment options. The authors hypothesized that a focal disruption of adenosine homeostasis in the neocortex might be sufficient to trigger electrographic seizures. They further hypothesized that a focal disruption of adenosine homeostasis might affect microcirculation and thus offer a diagnostic opportunity for the detection of a seizure focus located in the neocortex. METHODS Focal disruption of adenosine homeostasis was achieved by injecting an adeno-associated virus (AAV) engineered to overexpress adenosine kinase (ADK), the major metabolic clearance enzyme for the brain's endogenous anticonvulsant adenosine, into the neocortex of mice. Eight weeks following virus injection, the affected brain area was imaged via optical microangiography (OMAG) to detect changes in microcirculation. After completion of imaging, cortical electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were obtained from the imaged brain area. RESULTS Viral expression of the Adk cDNA in astrocytes generated a focal area (~ 2 mm in diameter) of ADK overexpression within the neocortex. OMAG scanning revealed a reduction in vessel density within the affected brain area of approximately 23% and 29% compared with control animals and the contralateral hemisphere, respectively. EEG recordings revealed electrographic seizures within the focal area of ADK overexpression at a rate of 1.3 ± 0.2 seizures per hour (mean ± SEM). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that focal adenosine deficiency is sufficient to generate a neocortical focus of hyperexcitability, which is also characterized by reduced vessel density. The authors conclude that their model constitutes a useful tool to study neocortical epilepsies and that OMAG constitutes a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the imaging of seizure foci with disrupted adenosine homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ying Shen
- Robert Stone Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, Oregon
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Gessi S, Merighi S, Stefanelli A, Fazzi D, Varani K, Borea PA. A1 and A3 adenosine receptors inhibit LPS-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1 accumulation in murine astrocytes. Pharmacol Res 2013; 76:157-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Williams-Karnesky RL, Sandau US, Lusardi TA, Lytle NK, Farrell JM, Pritchard EM, Kaplan DL, Boison D. Epigenetic changes induced by adenosine augmentation therapy prevent epileptogenesis. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:3552-63. [PMID: 23863710 DOI: 10.1172/jci65636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including changes in DNA methylation, lead to altered gene expression and thus may underlie epileptogenesis via induction of permanent changes in neuronal excitability. Therapies that could inhibit or reverse these changes may be highly effective in halting disease progression. Here we identify an epigenetic function of the brain's endogenous anticonvulsant adenosine, showing that this compound induces hypomethylation of DNA via biochemical interference with the transmethylation pathway. We show that inhibition of DNA methylation inhibited epileptogenesis in multiple seizure models. Using a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy, we identified an increase in hippocampal DNA methylation, which correlates with increased DNA methyltransferase activity, disruption of adenosine homeostasis, and spontaneous recurrent seizures. Finally, we used bioengineered silk implants to deliver a defined dose of adenosine over 10 days to the brains of epileptic rats. This transient therapeutic intervention reversed the DNA hypermethylation seen in the epileptic brain, inhibited sprouting of mossy fibers in the hippocampus, and prevented the progression of epilepsy for at least 3 months. These data demonstrate that pathological changes in DNA methylation homeostasis may underlie epileptogenesis and reversal of these epigenetic changes with adenosine augmentation therapy may halt disease progression.
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Signaling through hepatocellular A2B adenosine receptors dampens ischemia and reperfusion injury of the liver. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:12012-7. [PMID: 23812746 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1221733110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia and reperfusion significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality of liver surgery and transplantation. Based on studies showing a critical role for adenosine signaling in mediating tissue adaptation during hypoxia, we hypothesized that signaling events through adenosine receptors (ADORA1, ADORA2A, ADORA2B, or ADORA3) attenuates hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury. Initial screening studies of human liver biopsies obtained during hepatic transplantation demonstrated a selective and robust induction of ADORA2B transcript and protein following ischemia and reperfusion. Subsequent exposure of gene-targeted mice for each individual adenosine receptor to liver ischemia and reperfusion revealed a selective role for the Adora2b in liver protection. Moreover, treatment of wild-type mice with an Adora2b-selective antagonist resulted in enhanced liver injury, whereas Adora2b-agonist treatment was associated with attenuated hepatic injury in wild-type, but not in Adora2b(-/-) mice. Subsequent studies in mice with Adora2b deletion in different tissues--including vascular endothelia, myeloid cells, and hepatocytes--revealed a surprising role for hepatocellular-specific Adora2b signaling in attenuating nuclear factor NF-κB activation and thereby mediating liver protection from ischemia and reperfusion injury. These studies provide a unique role for hepatocellular-specific Adora2b signaling in liver protection during ischemia and reperfusion injury.
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