1
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Barros LF, Schirmeier S, Weber B. The Astrocyte: Metabolic Hub of the Brain. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041355. [PMID: 38438188 PMCID: PMC11368191 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytic metabolism has taken center stage. Interposed between the neuron and the vasculature, astrocytes exert control over the fluxes of energy and building blocks required for neuronal activity and plasticity. They are also key to local detoxification and waste recycling. Whereas neurons are metabolically rigid, astrocytes can switch between different metabolic profiles according to local demand and the nutritional state of the organism. Their metabolic state even seems to be instructive for peripheral nutrient mobilization and has been implicated in information processing and behavior. Here, we summarize recent progress in our understanding of astrocytic metabolism and its effects on metabolic homeostasis and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Felipe Barros
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Valdivia 5110465, Chile
- Universidad San Sebastián, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Valdivia 5110693, Chile
| | - Stefanie Schirmeier
- Technische Universität Dresden, Department of Biology, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Bruno Weber
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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2
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Theparambil SM, Begum G, Rose CR. pH regulating mechanisms of astrocytes: A critical component in physiology and disease of the brain. Cell Calcium 2024; 120:102882. [PMID: 38631162 PMCID: PMC11423562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102882] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Strict homeostatic control of pH in both intra- and extracellular compartments of the brain is fundamentally important, primarily due to the profound impact of free protons ([H+]) on neuronal activity and overall brain function. Astrocytes, crucial players in the homeostasis of various ions in the brain, actively regulate their intracellular [H+] (pHi) through multiple membrane transporters and carbonic anhydrases. The activation of astroglial pHi regulating mechanisms also leads to corresponding alterations in the acid-base status of the extracellular fluid. Notably, astrocyte pH regulators are modulated by various neuronal signals, suggesting their pivotal role in regulating brain acid-base balance in both health and disease. This review presents the mechanisms involved in pH regulation in astrocytes and discusses their potential impact on extracellular pH under physiological conditions and in brain disorders. Targeting astrocytic pH regulatory mechanisms represents a promising therapeutic approach for modulating brain acid-base balance in diseases, offering a potential critical contribution to neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefeeq M Theparambil
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Gulnaz Begum
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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3
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Denker N, Dringen R. Modulation of Pyruvate Export and Extracellular Pyruvate Concentration in Primary Astrocyte Cultures. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1331-1346. [PMID: 38376749 PMCID: PMC10991036 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04120-0] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte-derived pyruvate is considered to have neuroprotective functions. In order to investigate the processes that are involved in astrocytic pyruvate release, we used primary rat astrocyte cultures as model system. Depending on the incubation conditions and medium composition, astrocyte cultures established extracellular steady state pyruvate concentrations in the range between 150 µM and 300 µM. During incubations for up to 2 weeks in DMEM culture medium, the extracellular pyruvate concentration remained almost constant for days, while the extracellular lactate concentration increased continuously during the incubation into the millimolar concentration range as long as glucose was present. In an amino acid-free incubation buffer, glucose-fed astrocytes released pyruvate with an initial rate of around 60 nmol/(h × mg) and after around 5 h an almost constant extracellular pyruvate concentration was established that was maintained for several hours. Extracellular pyruvate accumulation was also observed, if glucose had been replaced by mannose, fructose, lactate or alanine. Glucose-fed astrocyte cultures established similar extracellular steady state concentrations of pyruvate by releasing pyruvate into pyruvate-free media or by consuming excess of extracellular pyruvate. Inhibition of the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1 by AR-C155858 lowered extracellular pyruvate accumulation, while inhibition of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake by UK5099 increased the extracellular pyruvate concentration. Finally, the presence of the uncoupler BAM15 or of the respiratory chain inhibitor antimycin A almost completely abolished extracellular pyruvate accumulation. The data presented demonstrate that cultured astrocytes establish a transient extracellular steady state concentration of pyruvate which is strongly affected by modulation of the mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Denker
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry) and Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dringen
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry) and Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany.
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4
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Jain R, Mathew D. Mechanisms influencing the high prevalence of COVID-19 in diabetics: A systematic review. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2023; 11:4540. [PMID: 38933091 PMCID: PMC11198970 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v11i10.4540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Diabetics have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 infection and tend to have more severe symptoms. This systematic review explores the potential mechanisms influencing the high prevalence of COVID-19 infections in individuals with diabetes. It reviews the emerging evidence about the interactions between viral and diabetic pathways, particularly how diabetes physiology could contribute to higher viral reception, viral entry and pathogenicity, and the severity of disease symptoms. Finally, it examines the challenges we face in studying these mechanisms and offers new strategies that might assist our fight against current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshni Jain
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557
| | - Dennis Mathew
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557
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5
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Sun W. Insulin may promote SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication in diabetes patients. Med Hypotheses 2023; 170:110997. [PMID: 36540082 PMCID: PMC9756566 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110997] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients with diabetes often have severe hyperglycemia triggered by novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Insulin treatment should be the main approach to the control of acute hyperglycemia in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, clinical investigation found that insulin treatment is associated with a significant increase in mortality risk in patients with diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The reason for this high mortality rate remains obscure. Previous studies have demonstrated that insulin is an activator of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) which could decrease extracellular pH and increase intracellular pH and glycolysis. Here, the author emphasizes insulin may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and multiplication in host cells through activation of Na+/H+ exchange. Additionally, the inhibition of Na+ /H+ exchange activity or glycolytic flux can result in reduced mortality in patients with COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus during insulin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwu Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command, No. 83 Wenhua Rd, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, China
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6
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. Molecules 2022; 27:705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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7
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Krycer JR, Lor M, Fitzsimmons RL, Hudson JE. A cell culture platform for quantifying metabolic substrate oxidation in bicarbonate-buffered medium. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101547. [PMID: 34971704 PMCID: PMC8819040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex diseases such as cancer and diabetes are underpinned by changes in metabolism, specifically by which and how nutrients are catabolized. Substrate utilization can be directly examined by measuring a metabolic endpoint rather than an intermediate (such as tricarboxylic cycle metabolite). For instance, oxidation of specific substrates can be measured in vitro by incubation of live cultures with substrates containing radiolabeled carbon and measuring radiolabeled carbon dioxide. To increase throughput, we previously developed a miniaturized platform to measure substrate oxidation of both adherent and suspension cells using multiwell plates rather than flasks. This enabled multiple conditions to be examined simultaneously, ideal for drug screens and mechanistic studies. However, like many metabolic assays, this was not compatible with bicarbonate-buffered media, which is susceptible to alkalinization upon exposure to gas containing little carbon dioxide such as air. While other buffers such as HEPES can overcome this problem, bicarbonate has additional biological roles as a metabolic substrate and in modulating hormone signaling. Here, we create a bicarbonate-buffered well-plate platform to measure substrate oxidation. This was achieved by introducing a sealed environment within each well that was equilibrated with carbon dioxide, enabling bicarbonate buffering. As proof of principle, we assessed metabolic flux in cultured adipocytes, demonstrating that bicarbonate-buffered medium increased lipogenesis, glucose oxidation, and sensitivity to insulin in comparison to HEPES-buffered medium. This convenient and high-throughput method facilitates the study and screening of metabolic activity under more physiological conditions to aid biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Krycer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology
| | - Mary Lor
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
| | | | - James E Hudson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland.
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8
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Jakobsen E, Andersen JV, Christensen SK, Siamka O, Larsen MR, Waagepetersen HS, Aldana BI, Bak LK. Pharmacological inhibition of mitochondrial soluble adenylyl cyclase in astrocytes causes activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and induces breakdown of glycogen. Glia 2021; 69:2828-2844. [PMID: 34378239 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mobilization of astrocyte glycogen is key for processes such as synaptic plasticity and memory formation but the link between neuronal activity and glycogen breakdown is not fully known. Activation of cytosolic soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in astrocytes has been suggested to link neuronal depolarization and glycogen breakdown partly based on experiments employing pharmacological inhibition of sAC. However, several studies have revealed that sAC located within mitochondria is a central regulator of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. Thus, pharmacological sAC inhibition is likely to affect both cytosolic and mitochondrial sAC and if bioenergetic readouts are studied, the observed effects are likely to stem from inhibition of mitochondrial rather than cytosolic sAC. Here, we report that a pharmacologically induced inhibition of sAC activity lowers mitochondrial respiration, induces phosphorylation of the metabolic master switch AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and decreases glycogen stores in cultured primary murine astrocytes. From these data and our discussion of the literature, mitochondrial sAC emerges as a key regulator of astrocyte bioenergetics. Lastly, we discuss the challenges of investigating the functional and metabolic roles of cytosolic versus mitochondrial sAC in astrocytes employing the currently available pharmacological tool compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Jakobsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie K Christensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olga Siamka
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Helle S Waagepetersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse K Bak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Giannaki M, Schrödl-Häußel M, Khakipoor S, Kirsch M, Roussa E. STAT3-dependent regulation of the electrogenic Na +/ HCO 3- cotransporter 1 (NBCe1) functional expression in cortical astrocytes. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:2036-2050. [PMID: 32761631 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The electrogenic Na+ /HCO3- cotransporter (NBCe1) in astrocytes is crucial in regulation of acid-base homeostasis in the brain. Since many pathophysiological conditions in the brain have been associated with pH shifts we exposed primary mouse cortical and hippocampal astrocytes to prolonged low or high extracellular pH (pHo ) at constant extracellular bicarbonate concentration and investigated activation of astrocytes and regulation of NBCe1 by immunoblotting, biotinylation of surface proteins, and intracellular H+ recordings. High pHo at constant extracellular bicarbonate caused upregulation of NBCe1 protein, surface expression and activity via upregulation of the astrocytic activation markers signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. High pHo -induced increased NBCe1 protein expression was prevented in astrocytes from Stat3flox/flox ::GfapCre/+ mice. In vitro, basal and high pHo -induced increased NBCe1 functional expression was impaired following inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. These results provide a novel regulation mode of NBCe1 protein and activity, highlight the importance of astrocyte reactivity on regulation of NBCe1 and implicate roles for NBCe1 in altering/modulating extracellular pH during development as well as of the microenvironment at sites of brain injuries and other pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giannaki
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Schrödl-Häußel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shokoufeh Khakipoor
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kirsch
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eleni Roussa
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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10
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Fernández-Moncada I, Robles-Maldonado D, Castro P, Alegría K, Epp R, Ruminot I, Barros LF. Bidirectional astrocytic GLUT1 activation by elevated extracellular K . Glia 2020; 69:1012-1021. [PMID: 33277953 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The acute rise in interstitial K+ that accompanies neural activity couples the energy demand of neurons to the metabolism of astrocytes. The effects of elevated K+ on astrocytes include activation of aerobic glycolysis, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and the release of lactate. Using a genetically encoded FRET glucose sensor and a novel protocol based on 3-O-methylglucose trans-acceleration and numerical simulation of glucose dynamics, we report that extracellular K+ is also a potent and reversible modulator of the astrocytic glucose transporter GLUT1. In cultured mouse astrocytes, the stimulatory effect developed within seconds, engaged both the influx and efflux modes of the transporter, and was detected even at 1 mM incremental K+ . The modulation of GLUT1 explains how astrocytes are able to maintain their glucose pool in the face of strong glycolysis stimulation. We propose that the stimulation of GLUT1 by K+ supports the production of lactate by astrocytes and the timely delivery of glucose to active neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Fernández-Moncada
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Valdivia, Chile.,INSERM U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Robles-Maldonado
- Centro de Estudios Científicos, Valdivia, Chile.,Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | | | - Robert Epp
- Institute of Fluid Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Theparambil SM, Hosford PS, Ruminot I, Kopach O, Reynolds JR, Sandoval PY, Rusakov DA, Barros LF, Gourine AV. Astrocytes regulate brain extracellular pH via a neuronal activity-dependent bicarbonate shuttle. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5073. [PMID: 33033238 PMCID: PMC7545092 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain cells continuously produce and release protons into the extracellular space, with the rate of acid production corresponding to the levels of neuronal activity and metabolism. Efficient buffering and removal of excess H+ is essential for brain function, not least because all the electrogenic and biochemical machinery of synaptic transmission is highly sensitive to changes in pH. Here, we describe an astroglial mechanism that contributes to the protection of the brain milieu from acidification. In vivo and in vitro experiments conducted in rodent models show that at least one third of all astrocytes release bicarbonate to buffer extracellular H+ loads associated with increases in neuronal activity. The underlying signalling mechanism involves activity-dependent release of ATP triggering bicarbonate secretion by astrocytes via activation of metabotropic P2Y1 receptors, recruitment of phospholipase C, release of Ca2+ from the internal stores, and facilitated outward HCO3- transport by the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 1, NBCe1. These results show that astrocytes maintain local brain extracellular pH homeostasis via a neuronal activity-dependent release of bicarbonate. The data provide evidence of another important metabolic housekeeping function of these glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefeeq M Theparambil
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick S Hosford
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Iván Ruminot
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs), Valdivia, Chile
| | - Olga Kopach
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander V Gourine
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
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12
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Zheng T, Jäättelä M, Liu B. pH gradient reversal fuels cancer progression. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 125:105796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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13
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Chowdhury HH. Differences in cytosolic glucose dynamics in astrocytes and adipocytes measured by FRET-based nanosensors. Biophys Chem 2020; 261:106377. [PMID: 32302866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cellular response to fluctuations in blood glucose levels consists of integrative regulation of cell glucose uptake and glucose utilization in the cytosol, resulting in altered levels of glucose in the cytosol. Cytosolic glucose is difficult to be measured in the intact tissue, however recently methods have become available that allow measurements of glucose in single living cells with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based protein sensors. By studying the dynamics of cytosolic glucose levels in different experimental settings, we can gain insights into the properties of plasma membrane permeability to glucose and glucose utilization in the cytosol, and how these processes are modulated by different environmental conditions, agents and enzymes. In this review, we compare the cytosolic regulation of glucose in adipocytes and astrocytes - two important regulators of energy balance and glucose homeostasis in whole body and brain, respectively, with particular emphasis on the data obtained with FRET based protein sensors as well as other biochemical and molecular approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena H Chowdhury
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Stovell MG, Mada MO, Carpenter TA, Yan JL, Guilfoyle MR, Jalloh I, Welsh KE, Helmy A, Howe DJ, Grice P, Mason A, Giorgi-Coll S, Gallagher CN, Murphy MP, Menon DK, Hutchinson PJ, Carpenter KL. Phosphorus spectroscopy in acute TBI demonstrates metabolic changes that relate to outcome in the presence of normal structural MRI. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:67-84. [PMID: 30226401 PMCID: PMC6927074 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x18799176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction is a key pathophysiological process in the acute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although changes in brain glucose metabolism and extracellular lactate/pyruvate ratio are well known, it was hitherto unknown whether these translate to downstream changes in ATP metabolism and intracellular pH. We have performed the first clinical voxel-based in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) in 13 acute-phase major TBI patients versus 10 healthy controls (HCs), at 3T, focusing on eight central 2.5 × 2.5 × 2.5 cm3 voxels per subject. PCr/γATP ratio (a measure of energy status) in TBI patients was significantly higher (median = 1.09) than that of HCs (median = 0.93) (p < 0.0001), due to changes in both PCr and ATP. There was no significant difference in PCr/γATP between TBI patients with favourable and unfavourable outcome. Cerebral intracellular pH of TBI patients was significantly higher (median = 7.04) than that of HCs (median = 7.00) (p = 0.04). Alkalosis was limited to patients with unfavourable outcome (median = 7.07) (p < 0.0001). These changes persisted after excluding voxels with > 5% radiologically visible injury. This is the first clinical demonstration of brain alkalosis and elevated PCr/γATP ratio acutely after major TBI. 31P MRS has potential for non-invasively assessing brain injury in the absence of structural injury, predicting outcome and monitoring therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Stovell
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marius O Mada
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - T Adrian Carpenter
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jiun-Lin Yan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Neurosurgery, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Mathew R Guilfoyle
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ibrahim Jalloh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karen E Welsh
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adel Helmy
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duncan J Howe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Grice
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Mason
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan Giorgi-Coll
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clare N Gallagher
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael P Murphy
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David K Menon
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter J Hutchinson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keri Lh Carpenter
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Khakipoor S, Giannaki M, Theparambil SM, Zecha J, Küster B, Heermann S, Deitmer JW, Roussa E. Functional expression of electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 1 (NBCe1) in mouse cortical astrocytes is dependent on S255‐257 and regulated by mTOR. Glia 2019; 67:2264-2278. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Khakipoor
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert‐Ludwigs‐Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Marina Giannaki
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert‐Ludwigs‐Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Shefeeq M. Theparambil
- Department of General Zoology, FB Biology University of Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern Germany
| | - Jana Zecha
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics Technical University of Munich Freising Germany
| | - Bernhard Küster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics Technical University of Munich Freising Germany
- Bavarian Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center (BayBioMS) Technical University of Munich Freising Germany
| | - Stephan Heermann
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert‐Ludwigs‐Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Joachim W. Deitmer
- Department of General Zoology, FB Biology University of Kaiserslautern Kaiserslautern Germany
| | - Eleni Roussa
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert‐Ludwigs‐Universität Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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16
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Ruminot I, Schmälzle J, Leyton B, Barros LF, Deitmer JW. Tight coupling of astrocyte energy metabolism to synaptic activity revealed by genetically encoded FRET nanosensors in hippocampal tissue. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:513-523. [PMID: 29083247 PMCID: PMC6421254 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17737012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The potassium ion, K+, a neuronal signal that is released during excitatory synaptic activity, produces acute activation of glucose consumption in cultured astrocytes, a phenomenon mediated by the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 ( SLC4A4). We have explored here the relevance of this mechanism in brain tissue by imaging the effect of neuronal activity on pH, glucose, pyruvate and lactate dynamics in hippocampal astrocytes using BCECF and FRET nanosensors. Electrical stimulation of Schaffer collaterals produced fast activation of glucose consumption in astrocytes with a parallel increase in intracellular pyruvate and biphasic changes in lactate . These responses were blocked by TTX and were absent in tissue slices prepared from NBCe1-KO mice. Direct depolarization of astrocytes with elevated extracellular K+ or Ba2+ mimicked the metabolic effects of electrical stimulation. We conclude that the glycolytic pathway of astrocytes in situ is acutely sensitive to neuronal activity, and that extracellular K+ and the NBCe1 cotransporter are involved in metabolic crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes. Glycolytic activation of astrocytes in response to neuronal K+ helps to provide an adequate supply of lactate, a metabolite that is released by astrocytes and which acts as neuronal fuel and an intercellular signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Ruminot
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB
Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs),
Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jana Schmälzle
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB
Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Belén Leyton
- Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECs),
Valdivia, Chile
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia,
Chile
| | | | - Joachim W Deitmer
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB
Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Glucose is the long-established, obligatory fuel for brain that fulfills many critical functions, including ATP production, oxidative stress management, and synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and structural components. Neuronal glucose oxidation exceeds that in astrocytes, but both rates increase in direct proportion to excitatory neurotransmission; signaling and metabolism are closely coupled at the local level. Exact details of neuron-astrocyte glutamate-glutamine cycling remain to be established, and the specific roles of glucose and lactate in the cellular energetics of these processes are debated. Glycolysis is preferentially upregulated during brain activation even though oxygen availability is sufficient (aerobic glycolysis). Three major pathways, glycolysis, pentose phosphate shunt, and glycogen turnover, contribute to utilization of glucose in excess of oxygen, and adrenergic regulation of aerobic glycolysis draws attention to astrocytic metabolism, particularly glycogen turnover, which has a high impact on the oxygen-carbohydrate mismatch. Aerobic glycolysis is proposed to be predominant in young children and specific brain regions, but re-evaluation of data is necessary. Shuttling of glucose- and glycogen-derived lactate from astrocytes to neurons during activation, neurotransmission, and memory consolidation are controversial topics for which alternative mechanisms are proposed. Nutritional therapy and vagus nerve stimulation are translational bridges from metabolism to clinical treatment of diverse brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock, Arkansas ; and Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico , Albuquerque, New Mexico
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18
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Juaristi I, Llorente-Folch I, Satrústegui J, Del Arco A. Extracellular ATP and glutamate drive pyruvate production and energy demand to regulate mitochondrial respiration in astrocytes. Glia 2019; 67:759-774. [PMID: 30623988 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes respond to energetic demands by upregulating glycolysis, lactate production, and respiration. This study addresses the role of respiration and calcium regulation of respiration as part of the astrocyte response to the workloads caused by extracellular ATP and glutamate. Extracellular ATP (100 μM to 1 mM) causes a Ca2+ -dependent workload and fall of the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio which acutely increases astrocytes respiration. Part of this increase is related to a Ca2+ -dependent upregulation of cytosolic pyruvate production. Conversely, glutamate (200 μM) causes a Na+ , but not Ca2+ , dependent workload even though glutamate-induced Ca2+ signals readily reach mitochondria. The glutamate workload triggers a rapid fall in the cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio and stimulation of respiration. These effects are mimicked by D-aspartate a nonmetabolized agonist of the glutamate transporter, but not by a metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist, indicating a major role of Na+ -dependent workload in stimulated respiration. Glutamate-induced increase in respiration is linked to a rapid increase in glycolytic pyruvate production, suggesting that both glutamate and extracellular ATP cause an increase in astrocyte respiration fueled by workload-induced increase in pyruvate production. However, glutamate-induced pyruvate production is partly resistant to glycolysis blockers (iodoacetate), indicating that oxidative consumption of glutamate also contributes to stimulated respiration. As stimulation of respiration by ATP and glutamate are similar and pyruvate production smaller in the first case, the results suggest that the response to extracellular ATP is a Ca2+ -dependent upregulation of respiration added to glycolysis upregulation. The global contribution of astrocyte respiratory responses to brain oxygen consumption is an open question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Juaristi
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Llorente-Folch
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Center for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jorgina Satrústegui
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Araceli Del Arco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD), Madrid, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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19
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Larsen BR, Stoica A, MacAulay N. Developmental maturation of activity-induced K + and pH transients and the associated extracellular space dynamics in the rat hippocampus. J Physiol 2019; 597:583-597. [PMID: 30357826 PMCID: PMC6332761 DOI: 10.1113/jp276768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Neuronal activity induces fluctuation in extracellular space volume, [K+ ]o and pHo , the management of which influences neuronal function The neighbour astrocytes buffer the K+ and pH and swell during the process, causing shrinkage of the extracellular space In the present study, we report the developmental rise of the homeostatic control of the extracellular space dynamics, for which regulation becomes tighter with maturation and thus is proposed to ensure efficient synaptic transmission in the mature animals The extracellular space dynamics of volume, [K+ ]o and pHo evolve independently with developmental maturation and, although all of them are inextricably tied to neuronal activity, they do not couple directly. ABSTRACT Neuronal activity in the mammalian central nervous system associates with transient extracellular space (ECS) dynamics involving elevated K+ and pH and shrinkage of the ECS. These ECS properties affect membrane potentials, neurotransmitter concentrations and protein function and are thus anticipated to be under tight regulatory control. It remains unresolved to what extent these ECS dynamics are developmentally regulated as synaptic precision arises and whether they are directly or indirectly coupled. To resolve the development of homeostatic control of [K+ ]o , pH, and ECS and their interaction, we utilized ion-sensitive microelectrodes in electrically stimulated rat hippocampal slices from rats of different developmental stages (postnatal days 3-28). With the employed stimulation paradigm, the stimulus-evoked peak [K+ ]o and pHo transients were stable across age groups, until normalized to neuronal activity (field potential amplitude), in which case the K+ and pH shifted significantly more in the younger animals. By contrast, ECS dynamics increased with age until normalized to the field potential, and thus correlated with neuronal activity. With age, the animals not only managed the peak [K+ ]o better, but also displayed swifter post-stimulus removal of [K+ ]o , in correlation with the increased expression of the α1-3 isoforms of the Na+ /K+ -ATPase, and a swifter return of ECS volume. The different ECS dynamics approached a near-identical temporal pattern in the more mature animals. In conclusion, although these phenomena are inextricably tied to neuronal activity, our data suggest that they do not couple directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Roland Larsen
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Anca Stoica
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Nanna MacAulay
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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20
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Köhler S, Winkler U, Sicker M, Hirrlinger J. NBCe1 mediates the regulation of the NADH/NAD + redox state in cortical astrocytes by neuronal signals. Glia 2018; 66:2233-2245. [PMID: 30208253 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a glial cell type, which is indispensable for brain energy metabolism. Within cells, the NADH/NAD+ redox state is a crucial node in metabolism connecting catabolic pathways to oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production in mitochondria. To characterize the dynamics of the intracellular NADH/NAD+ redox state in cortical astrocytes Peredox, a genetically encoded sensor for the NADH/NAD+ redox state, was expressed in cultured cortical astrocytes as well as in cortical astrocytes in acutely isolated brain slices. Calibration of the sensor in cultured astrocytes revealed a mean basal cytosolic NADH/NAD+ redox ratio of about 0.01; however, with a broad distribution and heterogeneity in the cell population, which was mirrored by a heterogeneous basal cellular concentration of lactate. Inhibition of glucose uptake decreased the NADH/NAD+ redox state while inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase or of lactate release resulted in an increase in the NADH/NAD+ redox ratio. Furthermore, the NADH/NAD+ redox state was regulated by the extracellular concentration of K+ , and application of the neurotransmitters ATP or glutamate increased the NADH/NAD+ redox state dependent on purinergic receptors and glutamate uptake, respectively. This regulation by K+ , ATP, and glutamate involved NBCe1 mediated sodium-bicarbonate transport. These results demonstrate that the NADH/NAD+ redox state in astrocytes is a metabolic node regulated by neuronal signals reflecting physiological activity, most likely contributing to adjust astrocytic metabolism to energy demand of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Köhler
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Winkler
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marit Sicker
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Faculty of Medicine, Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
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21
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Neuronal control of astrocytic respiration through a variant of the Crabtree effect. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:1623-1628. [PMID: 29378955 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716469115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a phenomenon that in the long term contributes to synaptic formation and growth, is reduced by normal aging, and correlates with amyloid beta deposition. Aerobic glycolysis starts within seconds of neural activity and it is not obvious why energetic efficiency should be compromised precisely when energy demand is highest. Using genetically encoded FRET nanosensors and real-time oxygen measurements in culture and in hippocampal slices, we show here that astrocytes respond to physiological extracellular K+ with an acute rise in cytosolic ATP and a parallel inhibition of oxygen consumption, explained by glycolytic stimulation via the Na+-bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1. This control of mitochondrial respiration via glycolysis modulation is reminiscent of a phenomenon previously described in proliferating cells, known as the Crabtree effect. Fast brain aerobic glycolysis may be interpreted as a strategy whereby neurons manipulate neighboring astrocytes to obtain oxygen, thus maximizing information processing.
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22
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Krycer JR, Fisher-Wellman KH, Fazakerley DJ, Muoio DM, James DE. Bicarbonate alters cellular responses in respiration assays. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 489:399-403. [PMID: 28559140 PMCID: PMC5568524 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.05.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic assay buffers often omit bicarbonate, which is susceptible to alkalinisation in an open environment. Here, we assessed the effect of including bicarbonate in respirometry experiments. By supplementing HEPES-buffered media with low concentrations of bicarbonate, we found increased respiration in adipocytes and hepatocytes, but not myotubes. This was observed across multiple respirometry platforms and was independent of effects on enhanced insulin sensitivity, pH drift, or mitochondrial function. Permeabilised cell experiments suggest that bicarbonate increases substrate availability, likely by acting as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes. This emphasises the importance of buffer choice in experimental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Krycer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | | | - Daniel J Fazakerley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia
| | - Deborah M Muoio
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, 300 N Duke St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - David E James
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia.
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23
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Khakipoor S, Ophoven C, Schrödl‐Häußel M, Feuerstein M, Heimrich B, Deitmer JW, Roussa E. TGF-β signaling directly regulates transcription and functional expression of the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter 1, NBCe1 (SLC4A4), via Smad4 in mouse astrocytes. Glia 2017; 65:1361-1375. [PMID: 28568893 PMCID: PMC5518200 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 (SLC4A4) expressed in astrocytes regulates intracellular and extracellular pH. Here, we introduce transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) as a novel regulator of NBCe1 transcription and functional expression. Using hippocampal slices and primary hippocampal and cortical astrocyte cultures, we investigated regulation of NBCe1 and elucidated the underlying signaling pathways by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, intracellular H(+ ) recording using the H(+ ) -sensitive dye 2',7'-bis-(carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, mink lung epithelial cell (MLEC) assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Activation of TGF-β signaling significantly upregulated transcript, protein, and surface expression of NBCe1. These effects were TGF-β receptor-mediated and suppressed following inhibition of JNK and Smad signaling. Moreover, 4-aminopyridine (4AP)-dependent NBCe1 regulation requires TGF-β. TGF-β increased the rate and amplitude of intracellular H+ changes upon challenging NBCe1 in wild-type astrocytes but not in cortical astrocytes from Slc4a4-deficient mice. A Smad4 binding sequence was identified in the NBCe1 promoter and Smad4 binding increased after activation of TGF-β signaling. The data show for the first time that NBCe1 is a direct target of TGF-β/Smad4 signaling. Through activation of the canonical pathway TGF-β acts directly on NBCe1 by binding of Smad4 to the NBCe1 promoter and regulating its transcription, followed by increased protein expression and transport activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoufeh Khakipoor
- Department of Molecular EmbryologyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Christian Ophoven
- Department of Molecular EmbryologyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Magdalena Schrödl‐Häußel
- Department of Molecular EmbryologyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Melanie Feuerstein
- Department of Molecular EmbryologyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Bernd Heimrich
- Department of NeuroanatomyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Joachim W. Deitmer
- Department of General ZoologyFB Biology, University of KaiserslauternP.B. 3049D‐67653KaiserslauternGermany
| | - Eleni Roussa
- Department of Molecular EmbryologyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
- Department of NeuroanatomyInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgAlbertstrasse 17D‐79104FreiburgGermany
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24
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Theparambil SM, Naoshin Z, Defren S, Schmaelzle J, Weber T, Schneider HP, Deitmer JW. Bicarbonate sensing in mouse cortical astrocytes during extracellular acid/base disturbances. J Physiol 2017; 595:2569-2585. [PMID: 27981578 DOI: 10.1113/jp273394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The present study suggests that the electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter, NBCe1, supported by carbonic anhydrase II, CAII, provides an efficient mechanism of bicarbonate sensing in cortical astrocytes. This mechanism is proposed to play a major role in setting the pHi responses to extracellular acid/base challenges in astrocytes. A decrease in extracellular [HCO3- ] during isocapnic acidosis and isohydric hypocapnia, or an increase in intracellular [HCO3- ] during hypercapnic acidosis, was effectively sensed by NBCe1, which carried bicarbonate out of the cells under these conditions, and caused an acidification and sodium fall in WT astrocytes, but not in NBCe1-knockout astrocytes. Isocapnic acidosis, hypercapnic acidosis and isohydric hypocapnia evoked inward currents in NBCe1- and CAII-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes, but not in native oocytes, suggesting that NBCe1 operates in the outwardly directed mode under these conditions consistent with our findings in astrocytes. We propose that bicarbonate sensing of astrocytes may have functional significance during extracellular acid/base disturbances in the brain, as it not only alters intracellular pH/[HCO3- ]-dependent functions of astrocytes, but also modulates the extracellular pH/[HCO3- ] in brain tissue. ABSTRACT Extracellular acid/base status of the mammalian brain undergoes dynamic changes during many physiological and pathological events. Although intracellular pH (pHi ) of astrocytes responds to extracellular acid/base changes, the mechanisms mediating these changes have remained unresolved. We have previously shown that the electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter, NBCe1, is a high-affinity bicarbonate carrier in cortical astrocytes. In the present study, we investigated whether NBCe1 plays a role in bicarbonate sensing in astrocytes, and in determining the pHi responses to extracellular acid/base challenges. We measured changes in intracellular H+ and Na+ in astrocytes from wild-type (WT) and from NBCe1-knockout (KO) mice, using ion-selective dyes, during isocapnic acidosis, hypercapnic acidosis and hypocapnia. We also analysed NBCe1-mediated membrane currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes under similar conditions. Comparing WT and NBCe1-KO astrocytes, we could dissect the contribution of NBCe1, of diffusion of CO2 across the cell membrane and, after blocking carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity with ethoxyzolamide, of the role of CA, for the amplitude and rate of acid/base fluxes. Our results suggest that NBCe1 transport activity in astrocytes, supported by CA activity, renders astrocytes bicarbonate sensors in the mouse cortex. NBCe1 carried bicarbonate into and out of the cell by sensing the variations of transmembrane [HCO3- ], irrespective of the changes in intra- and extracellular pH, and played a major role in setting pHi responses to the extracellular acid/base challenges. We propose that bicarbonate sensing of astrocytes may have potential functional significance during extracellular acid/base alterations in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefeeq M Theparambil
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Zinnia Naoshin
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Sabrina Defren
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Jana Schmaelzle
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Tobias Weber
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Schneider
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Joachim W Deitmer
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Zoologie, FB Biologie, University of Kaiserslautern, Pb 3049, D-67653, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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