1
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Buth JE, Dyevich CE, Rubin A, Wang C, Gao L, Marks T, Harrison MR, Kong JH, Ross ME, Novitch BG, Pearson CA. Foxp1 suppresses cortical angiogenesis and attenuates HIF-1alpha signaling to promote neural progenitor cell maintenance. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2202-2219. [PMID: 38600346 PMCID: PMC11094073 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00131-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells within the cerebral cortex undergo a characteristic switch between symmetric self-renewing cell divisions early in development and asymmetric neurogenic divisions later. Yet, the mechanisms controlling this transition remain unclear. Previous work has shown that early but not late neural progenitor cells (NPCs) endogenously express the autism-linked transcription factor Foxp1, and both loss and gain of Foxp1 function can alter NPC activity and fate choices. Here, we show that premature loss of Foxp1 upregulates transcriptional programs regulating angiogenesis, glycolysis, and cellular responses to hypoxia. These changes coincide with a premature destabilization of HIF-1α, an elevation in HIF-1α target genes, including Vegfa in NPCs, and precocious vascular network development. In vitro experiments demonstrate that stabilization of HIF-1α in Foxp1-deficient NPCs rescues the premature differentiation phenotype and restores NPC maintenance. Our data indicate that the endogenous decline in Foxp1 expression activates the HIF-1α transcriptional program leading to changes in the tissue environment adjacent to NPCs, which, in turn, might alter their self-renewal and neurogenic capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie E Buth
- Department of Neurobiology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine E Dyevich
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Alexandra Rubin
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Chengbing Wang
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Tessa Marks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Michael Rm Harrison
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Jennifer H Kong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Ross
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Bennett G Novitch
- Department of Neurobiology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Caroline Alayne Pearson
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute and Center for Neurogenetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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2
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Wilsch-Bräuninger M, Peters J, Huttner WB. High-resolution 3D ultrastructural analysis of developing mouse neocortex reveals long slender processes of endothelial cells that enter neural cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1344734. [PMID: 38500687 PMCID: PMC10945550 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1344734] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the neocortex involves an interplay between neural cells and the vasculature. However, little is known about this interplay at the ultrastructural level. To gain a 3D insight into the ultrastructure of the developing neocortex, we have analyzed the embryonic mouse neocortex by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). In this study, we report a first set of findings that focus on the interaction of blood vessels, notably endothelial tip cells (ETCs), and the neural cells in this tissue. A key observation was that the processes of ETCs, located either in the ventricular zone (VZ) or subventricular zone (SVZ)/intermediate zone (IZ), can enter, traverse the cytoplasm, and even exit via deep plasma membrane invaginations of the host cells, including apical progenitors (APs), basal progenitors (BPs), and newborn neurons. More than half of the ETC processes were found to enter the neural cells. Striking examples of this ETC process "invasion" were (i) protrusions of apical progenitors or newborn basal progenitors into the ventricular lumen that contained an ETC process inside and (ii) ETC process-containing protrusions of neurons that penetrated other neurons. Our observations reveal a - so far unknown - complexity of the ETC-neural cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wieland B. Huttner
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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3
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Morimoto K, Tabata H, Takahashi R, Nakajima K. Interactions between neural cells and blood vessels in central nervous system development. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300091. [PMID: 38135890 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300091] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The sophisticated function of the central nervous system (CNS) is largely supported by proper interactions between neural cells and blood vessels. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that neurons and glial cells support the formation of blood vessels, which in turn, act as migratory scaffolds for these cell types. Neural progenitors are also involved in the regulation of blood vessel formation. This mutual interaction between neural cells and blood vessels is elegantly controlled by several chemokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix, and adhesion molecules such as integrins. Recent research has revealed that newly migrating cell types along blood vessels repel other preexisting migrating cell types, causing them to detach from the blood vessels. In this review, we discuss vascular formation and cell migration, particularly during development. Moreover, we discuss how the crosstalk between blood vessels and neurons and glial cells could be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Morimoto
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tabata
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Rikuo Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Xu P, Yu Y, Wu P. Role of microglia in brain development after viral infection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1340308. [PMID: 38298216 PMCID: PMC10825034 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1340308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are immune cells in the brain that originate from the yolk sac and enter the developing brain before birth. They play critical roles in brain development by supporting neural precursor proliferation, synaptic pruning, and circuit formation. However, microglia are also vulnerable to environmental factors, such as infection and stress that may alter their phenotype and function. Viral infection activates microglia to produce inflammatory cytokines and anti-viral responses that protect the brain from damage. However, excessive or prolonged microglial activation impairs brain development and leads to long-term consequences such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Moreover, certain viruses may attack microglia and deploy them as "Trojan horses" to infiltrate the brain. In this brief review, we describe the function of microglia during brain development and examine their roles after infection through microglia-neural crosstalk. We also identify limitations for current studies and highlight future investigated questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Yongjia Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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5
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Gullotta GS, Costantino G, Sortino MA, Spampinato SF. Microglia and the Blood-Brain Barrier: An External Player in Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119144. [PMID: 37298096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system that guarantee immune surveillance and exert also a modulating role on neuronal synaptic development and function. Upon injury, microglia get activated and modify their morphology acquiring an ameboid phenotype and pro- or anti-inflammatory features. The active role of microglia in blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and their interaction with different cellular components of the BBB-endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes-are described. Here, we report the specific crosstalk of microglia with all the BBB cell types focusing in particular on the involvement of microglia in the modulation of BBB function in neuroinflammatory conditions that occur in conjunction with an acute event, such as a stroke, or in a slow neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease. The potential of microglia to exert a dual role, either protective or detrimental, depending on disease stages and environmental conditioning factors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Serena Gullotta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Costantino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience and Education, DISTUM, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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6
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Sun Y, Che J, Zhang J. Emerging non-proinflammatory roles of microglia in healthy and diseased brains. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110664. [PMID: 37192719 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110664] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident myeloid cells of the central nervous system, are the first line of defense against foreign pathogens, thereby confining the extent of brain injury. However, the role of microglia is not limited to macrophage-like functions. In addition to proinflammatory response mediation, microglia are involved in neurodevelopmental remodeling and homeostatic maintenance in the absence of disease. An increasing number of studies have also elucidated microglia-mediated regulation of tumor growth and neural repair in diseased brains. Here, we review the non-proinflammatory roles of microglia, with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of the functions of microglia in healthy and diseased brains and contributing to the development of novel therapeutics that target microglia in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinying Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai China.
| | - Ji Che
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032, Shanghai China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai China.
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7
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Cserép C, Schwarcz AD, Pósfai B, László ZI, Kellermayer A, Környei Z, Kisfali M, Nyerges M, Lele Z, Katona I, Ádám Dénes. Microglial control of neuronal development via somatic purinergic junctions. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111369. [PMID: 36130488 PMCID: PMC9513806 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play important roles during development. Although bi-directional communication between microglia and neuronal progenitors or immature neurons has been demonstrated, the main sites of interaction and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. By using advanced methods, here we provide evidence that microglial processes form specialized contacts with the cell bodies of developing neurons throughout embryonic, early postnatal, and adult neurogenesis. These early developmental contacts are highly reminiscent of somatic purinergic junctions that are instrumental for microglia-neuron communication in the adult brain. The formation and maintenance of these junctions is regulated by functional microglial P2Y12 receptors, and deletion of P2Y12Rs disturbs proliferation of neuronal precursors and leads to aberrant cortical cytoarchitecture during development and in adulthood. We propose that early developmental formation of somatic purinergic junctions represents an important interface for microglia to monitor the status of immature neurons and control neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Cserép
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anett D Schwarcz
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pósfai
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; Szentágothai János Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia I László
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; University of Dundee, School of Medicine, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anna Kellermayer
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Környei
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Máté Kisfali
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Nyerges
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Lele
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Katona
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Ádám Dénes
- "Momentum" Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary.
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8
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Neurogenic-angiogenic synchrony via lactate. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:839-840. [PMID: 35788196 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Cossart R, Garel S. Step by step: cells with multiple functions in cortical circuit assembly. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:395-410. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00585-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Császár E, Lénárt N, Cserép C, Környei Z, Fekete R, Pósfai B, Balázsfi D, Hangya B, Schwarcz AD, Szabadits E, Szöllősi D, Szigeti K, Máthé D, West BL, Sviatkó K, Brás AR, Mariani JC, Kliewer A, Lenkei Z, Hricisák L, Benyó Z, Baranyi M, Sperlágh B, Menyhárt Á, Farkas E, Dénes Á. Microglia modulate blood flow, neurovascular coupling, and hypoperfusion via purinergic actions. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211071. [PMID: 35201268 PMCID: PMC8932534 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the main immunocompetent cells of the brain, regulate neuronal function, but their contribution to cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation has remained elusive. Here, we identify microglia as important modulators of CBF both under physiological conditions and during hypoperfusion. Microglia establish direct, dynamic purinergic contacts with cells in the neurovascular unit that shape CBF in both mice and humans. Surprisingly, the absence of microglia or blockade of microglial P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12R) substantially impairs neurovascular coupling in mice, which is reiterated by chemogenetically induced microglial dysfunction associated with impaired ATP sensitivity. Hypercapnia induces rapid microglial calcium changes, P2Y12R-mediated formation of perivascular phylopodia, and microglial adenosine production, while depletion of microglia reduces brain pH and impairs hypercapnia-induced vasodilation. Microglial actions modulate vascular cyclic GMP levels but are partially independent of nitric oxide. Finally, microglial dysfunction markedly impairs P2Y12R-mediated cerebrovascular adaptation to common carotid artery occlusion resulting in hypoperfusion. Thus, our data reveal a previously unrecognized role for microglia in CBF regulation, with broad implications for common neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Császár
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Schools of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Lénárt
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Cserép
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Környei
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rebeka Fekete
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pósfai
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Schools of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diána Balázsfi
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Hangya
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anett D. Schwarcz
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Szabadits
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Szöllősi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Szigeti
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Domokos Máthé
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Katalin Sviatkó
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ana Rita Brás
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Schools of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jean-Charles Mariani
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Kliewer
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Zsolt Lenkei
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - László Hricisák
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Benyó
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Baranyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Sperlágh
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Menyhárt
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eszter Farkas
- Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Penna E, Cunningham CL, Saylor S, Kreutz A, Tarantal AF, Martínez-Cerdeño V, Noctor SC. Greater Number of Microglia in Telencephalic Proliferative Zones of Human and Nonhuman Primate Compared with Other Vertebrate Species. Cereb Cortex Commun 2021; 2:tgab053. [PMID: 34647030 PMCID: PMC8501267 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells, the innate immune cells of the brain, are derived from yolk sac precursor cells, begin to colonize the telencephalon at the onset of cortical neurogenesis, and occupy specific layers including the telencephalic proliferative zones. Microglia are an intrinsic component of cortical germinal zones, establish extensive contacts with neural precursor cells (NPCs) and developing cortical vessels, and regulate the size of the NPC pool through mechanisms that include phagocytosis. Microglia exhibit notable differences in number and distribution in the prenatal neocortex between rat and old world nonhuman primate telencephalon, suggesting that microglia possess distinct properties across vertebrate species. To begin addressing this subject, we quantified the number of microglia and NPCs in proliferative zones of the fetal human, rhesus monkey, ferret, and rat, and the prehatch chick and turtle telencephalon. We show that the ratio of NPCs to microglia varies significantly across species. Few microglia populate the prehatch chick telencephalon, but the number of microglia approaches that of NPCs in fetal human and nonhuman primate telencephalon. These data demonstrate that microglia are in a position to perform important functions in a number of vertebrate species but more heavily colonize proliferative zones of fetal human and rhesus monkey telencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Penna
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Current Affiliation: Pittsburgh Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephanie Saylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Anna Kreutz
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Shriners Hospital, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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12
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Dixon MA, Greferath U, Fletcher EL, Jobling AI. The Contribution of Microglia to the Development and Maturation of the Visual System. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:659843. [PMID: 33967697 PMCID: PMC8102829 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.659843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), were once considered quiescent cells that sat in readiness for reacting to disease and injury. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that microglia play essential roles in maintaining the normal nervous system. The retina is an easily accessible part of the central nervous system and therefore much has been learned about the function of microglia from studies in the retina and visual system. Anatomically, microglia have processes that contact all synapses within the retina, as well as blood vessels in the major vascular plexuses. Microglia contribute to development of the visual system by contributing to neurogenesis, maturation of cone photoreceptors, as well as refining synaptic contacts. They can respond to neural signals and in turn release a range of cytokines and neurotrophic factors that have downstream consequences on neural function. Moreover, in light of their extensive contact with blood vessels, they are also essential for regulation of vascular development and integrity. This review article summarizes what we have learned about the role of microglia in maintaining the normal visual system and how this has helped in understanding their role in the central nervous system more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Dixon
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ursula Greferath
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I Jobling
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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