1
|
Salama RM, Darwish SF, Yehia R, Eissa N, Elmongy NF, Abd-Elgalil MM, Schaalan MF, El Wakeel SA. Apilarnil exerts neuroprotective effects and alleviates motor dysfunction by rebalancing M1/M2 microglia polarization, regulating miR-155 and miR-124 expression in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease rat model. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112536. [PMID: 38909495 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112536] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Microglial activation contributes to the neuropathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Inhibiting M1 while simultaneously boosting M2 microglia activation may therefore be a potential treatment for PD. Apilarnil (API) is a bee product produced from drone larvae. Recent research has demonstrated the protective effects of API on multiple body systems. Nevertheless, its impact on PD or the microglial M1/M2 pathway has not yet been investigated. Thus, we intended to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of API in rotenone (ROT)-induced PD rat model and explore the role of M1/M2 in mediating its effect. Seventy-two Wistar rats were equally grouped as; control, API, ROT, and groups in which API (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) was given simultaneously with ROT (2 mg/kg, s.c.) for 28 days. The high dose of API (800 mg/kg) showed enhanced motor function, higher expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels, less dopamine turnover and α-synuclein expression, and a better histopathological picture when compared to the ROT group and the lower two doses. API's high dose exerted its neuroprotective effects through abridging the M1 microglial activity, illustrated in the reduced expression of miR-155, Iba-1, CD36, CXCL10, and other pro-inflammatory markers' levels. Inversely, API high dose enhanced M2 microglial activity, witnessed in the elevated expression of miR-124, CD206, Ym1, Fizz1, arginase-1, and other anti-inflammatory indices, in comparison to the diseased group. To conclude, our study revealed a novel neuroprotective impact for API against experimentally induced PD, where the high dose showed the highest protection via rebalancing M1/M2 polarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania M Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Samar F Darwish
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rana Yehia
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Noura F Elmongy
- Physiology Department, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Mona M Abd-Elgalil
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mona F Schaalan
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sara A El Wakeel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tan AYS, Tippett LJ, Turner CP, Swanson MEV, Park TIH, Curtis MA, Faull RLM, Dragunow M, Singh-Bains MK. Microglial proliferation and astrocytic protein alterations in the human Huntington's disease cortex. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 198:106554. [PMID: 38844243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106554] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that severely affects the basal ganglia and regions of the cerebral cortex. While astrocytosis and microgliosis both contribute to basal ganglia pathology, the contribution of gliosis and potential factors driving glial activity in the human HD cerebral cortex is less understood. Our study aims to identify nuanced indicators of gliosis in HD which is challenging to identify in the severely degenerated basal ganglia, by investigating the middle temporal gyrus (MTG), a cortical region previously documented to demonstrate milder neuronal loss. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on MTG paraffin-embedded tissue microarrays (TMAs) comprising 29 HD and 35 neurologically normal cases to compare the immunoreactivity patterns of key astrocytic proteins (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP; inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4.1, Kir4.1; glutamate transporter-1, GLT-1; aquaporin-4, AQP4), key microglial proteins (ionised calcium-binding adapter molecule-1, IBA-1; human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR; transmembrane protein 119, TMEM119; purinergic receptor P2RY12, P2RY12), and indicators of proliferation (Ki-67; proliferative cell nuclear antigen, PCNA). Our findings demonstrate an upregulation of GFAP+ protein expression attributed to the presence of more GFAP+ expressing cells in HD, which correlated with greater cortical mutant huntingtin (mHTT) deposition. In contrast, Kir4.1, GLT-1, and AQP4 immunoreactivity levels were unchanged in HD. We also demonstrate an increased number of IBA-1+ and TMEM119+ microglia with somal enlargement. IBA-1+, TMEM119+, and P2RY12+ reactive microglia immunophenotypes were also identified in HD, evidenced by the presence of rod-shaped, hypertrophic, and dystrophic microglia. In HD cases, IBA-1+ cells contained either Ki-67 or PCNA, whereas GFAP+ astrocytes were devoid of proliferative nuclei. These findings suggest cortical microgliosis may be driven by proliferation in HD, supporting the hypothesis of microglial proliferation as a feature of HD pathophysiology. In contrast, astrocytes in HD demonstrate an altered GFAP expression profile that is associated with the degree of mHTT deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelie Y S Tan
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Lynette J Tippett
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Clinton P Turner
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Molly E V Swanson
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Thomas I H Park
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Malvindar K Singh-Bains
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rallapalli H, McCall EC, Koretsky AP. Genetic control of MRI contrast using the manganese transporter Zip14. Magn Reson Med 2024; 92:820-835. [PMID: 38573932 PMCID: PMC11142883 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29993] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene-expression reporter systems, such as green fluorescent protein, have been instrumental to understanding biological processes in living organisms at organ system, tissue, cell, and molecular scales. More than 30 years of work on developing MRI-visible gene-expression reporter systems has resulted in a variety of clever application-specific methods. However, these techniques have not yet been widely adopted, so a general-purpose expression reporter is still required. Here, we demonstrate that the manganese ion transporter Zip14 is an in vivo MRI-visible, flexible, and robust gene-expression reporter to meet this need. METHODS Plasmid constructs consisting of a cell type-specific promoter, gene coding for human Zip14, and a histology-visible tag were packaged into adeno-associated viruses. These viruses were intracranially injected into the mouse brain. Serial in vivo MRI was performed using a vendor-supplied 3D-MPRAGE sequence. No additional contrast agents were administered. Animals were sacrificed after the last imaging timepoint for immunohistological validation. RESULTS Neuron-specific overexpression of Zip14 produced substantial and long-lasting changes in MRI contrast. Using appropriate viruses enabled both anterograde and retrograde neural tracing. Expression of Zip14 in astrocytes also enabled MRI of glia populations in the living mammalian brain. CONCLUSIONS The flexibility of this system as an MRI-visible gene-expression reporter will enable many applications of serial, high-resolution imaging of gene expression for basic science and therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishna Rallapalli
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eleanor C McCall
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan P Koretsky
- Section on Plasticity and Imaging of the Nervous System, NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JH, Michiko N, Choi IS, Kim Y, Jeong JY, Lee MG, Jang IS, Suk K. Aberrant activation of hippocampal astrocytes causes neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in mice. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002687. [PMID: 38991663 PMCID: PMC11239238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are associated with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline in diverse neuropathologies; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We used optogenetic and chemogenetic tools to identify the crucial roles of the hippocampal CA1 astrocytes in cognitive decline. Our results showed that repeated optogenetic stimulation of the hippocampal CA1 astrocytes induced cognitive impairment in mice and decreased synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP), which was accompanied by the appearance of inflammatory astrocytes. Mechanistic studies conducted using knockout animal models and hippocampal neuronal cultures showed that lipocalin-2 (LCN2), derived from reactive astrocytes, mediated neuroinflammation and induced cognitive impairment by decreasing the LTP through the reduction of neuronal NMDA receptors. Sustained chemogenetic stimulation of hippocampal astrocytes provided similar results. Conversely, these phenomena were attenuated by a metabolic inhibitor of astrocytes. Fiber photometry using GCaMP revealed a high level of hippocampal astrocyte activation in the neuroinflammation model. Our findings suggest that reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus are sufficient and required to induce cognitive decline through LCN2 release and synaptic modulation. This abnormal glial-neuron interaction may contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive disturbances in neuroinflammation-associated brain conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 four KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakamura Michiko
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Jeong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Maan-Gee Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Sung Jang
- Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungho Suk
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science & Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 four KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang S, Xu R. The Current Potential Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3. [PMID: 38829511 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04269-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in the affected motor neurons. At present, the accurate pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear and there are still no effective treatment measures for ALS. The potential pathogenesis of ALS mainly includes the misfolding of some pathogenic proteins, the genetic variation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy disorders, neuroinflammation, the misregulation of RNA, the altered axonal transport, and gut microbial dysbiosis. Exploring the pathogenesis of ALS is a critical step in searching for the effective therapeutic approaches. The current studies suggested that the genetic variation, gut microbial dysbiosis, the activation of glial cells, and the transportation disorder of extracellular vesicles may play some important roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. This review conducts a systematic review of these current potential promising topics closely related to the pathogenesis of ALS; it aims to provide some new evidences and clues for searching the novel treatment measures of ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shishi Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Renshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Clinical College of Nanchang Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, National Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, Xiangya Hospital of Center South University, Jiangxi Hospital. No. 152 of Aiguo Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lorenzini L, Zanella L, Sannia M, Baldassarro VA, Moretti M, Cescatti M, Quadalti C, Baldi S, Bartolucci G, Di Gloria L, Ramazzotti M, Clavenzani P, Costanzini A, De Giorgio R, Amedei A, Calzà L, Giardino L. Experimental colitis in young Tg2576 mice accelerates the onset of an Alzheimer's-like clinical phenotype. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:116. [PMID: 38773640 PMCID: PMC11110243 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01471-2] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation affect the natural course of the sporadic form of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as supported by epidemiological and preclinical data, and several epidemiological studies indicate a higher prevalence of AD in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we explored whether colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in young, presymptomatic/preplaque mice worsens and/or anticipates age-dependent cognitive impairment in Tg2576, a widely used mouse model of AD. We demonstrated that DSS colitis induced in young Tg2576 mice anticipates the onset age of learning and memory deficit in the Morris water maze test. To explore potential mechanisms behind the acceleration of cognitive decline in Tg2576 mice by DSS colitis, we focused on gut microbiota, systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation markers. We observed a Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio change in Tg2576 DSS animals comparable to that of elderly Tg2576 mice, suggesting accelerated microbiota aging in Tg2576 DSS mice, a change not observed in C57BL6 DSS mice. We also observed substantial differences between Tg2576 and WT mice in several inflammation and neuroinflammation-related parameters as early as 3 months of age, well before plaque deposition, a picture which evolved rapidly (between 3 and 5.5 months of age) in contrast to Tg2576 and WT littermates not treated with DSS. In detail, following induction of DSS colitis, WT and Tg2576 mice exhibited contrasting features in the expression level of inflammation-evoked astrocyte-associated genes in the hippocampus. No changes in microglial features occurred in the hippocampus between the experimental groups, whereas a reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity was observed in Tg2576 vs. WT mice. This finding may reflect an atrophic, "loss-of-function" profile, further exacerbated by DSS where a decreased of GFAP mRNA expression level was detected. In conclusion, we suggest that as-yet unidentified peripheral mediators evoked by DSS colitis and involving the gut-brain axis emphasize an astrocyte "loss-of-function" profile present in young Tg2576 mice, leading to impaired synaptic morphological and functional integrity as a very early sign of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lorenzini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zanella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Marzia Moretti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Corinne Quadalti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Bologna, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Simone Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leandro Di Gloria
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Clavenzani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Calzà
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Bologna, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Italy.
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moreira R, Nóbrega C, de Almeida LP, Mendonça L. Brain-targeted drug delivery - nanovesicles directed to specific brain cells by brain-targeting ligands. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:260. [PMID: 38760847 PMCID: PMC11100082 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02511-7] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by extensive loss of function or death of brain cells, hampering the life quality of patients. Brain-targeted drug delivery is challenging, with a low success rate this far. Therefore, the application of targeting ligands in drug vehicles, such as lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticles, holds the promise to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and direct therapies to the brain, in addition to protect their cargo from degradation and metabolization. In this review, we discuss the barriers to brain delivery and the different types of brain-targeting ligands currently in use in brain-targeted nanoparticles, such as peptides, proteins, aptamers, small molecules, and antibodies. Moreover, we present a detailed review of the different targeting ligands used to direct nanoparticles to specific brain cells, like neurons (C4-3 aptamer, neurotensin, Tet-1, RVG, and IKRG peptides), astrocytes (Aquaporin-4, D4, and Bradykinin B2 antibodies), oligodendrocytes (NG-2 antibody and the biotinylated DNA aptamer conjugated to a streptavidin core Myaptavin-3064), microglia (CD11b antibody), neural stem cells (QTRFLLH, VPTQSSG, and NFL-TBS.40-63 peptides), and to endothelial cells of the BBB (transferrin and insulin proteins, and choline). Reports demonstrated enhanced brain-targeted delivery with improved transport to the specific cell type targeted with the conjugation of these ligands to nanoparticles. Hence, this strategy allows the implementation of high-precision medicine, with reduced side effects or unwanted therapy clearance from the body. Nevertheless, the accumulation of some of these nanoparticles in peripheral organs has been reported indicating that there are still factors to be improved to achieve higher levels of brain targeting. This review is a collection of studies exploring targeting ligands for the delivery of nanoparticles to the brain and we highlight the advantages and limitations of this type of approach in precision therapies.
Collapse
Grants
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
- under BrainHealth2020 projects (CENTRO-01-0145-FEDER-000008), through the COMPETE 2020 - Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalization and Portuguese national funds via FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, under projects - UIDB/04539/2020 and UIDP/04539/2020, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030737 (NeuroStemForMJD, PTDC/BTM-ORG/30737/2017), CEECIND/04242/2017, and PhD Scholarship European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Centro 2020 Regional Operational Programme
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Clévio Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute (ABC-RI), University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira de Almeida
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal
| | - Liliana Mendonça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, polo 1, Coimbra, FMUC, 3004-504, Portugal.
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-504, Portugal.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-789, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leventoux N, Morimoto S, Ishikawa M, Nakamura S, Ozawa F, Kobayashi R, Watanabe H, Supakul S, Okamoto S, Zhou Z, Kobayashi H, Kato C, Hirokawa Y, Aiba I, Takahashi S, Shibata S, Takao M, Yoshida M, Endo F, Yamanaka K, Kokubo Y, Okano H. Aberrant CHCHD2-associated mitochondriopathy in Kii ALS/PDC astrocytes. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:84. [PMID: 38750212 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC), a rare and complex neurological disorder, is predominantly observed in the Western Pacific islands, including regions of Japan, Guam, and Papua. This enigmatic condition continues to capture medical attention due to affected patients displaying symptoms that parallel those seen in either classical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson's disease (PD). Distinctly, postmortem examinations of the brains of affected individuals have shown the presence of α-synuclein aggregates and TDP-43, which are hallmarks of PD and classical ALS, respectively. These observations are further complicated by the detection of phosphorylated tau, accentuating the multifaceted proteinopathic nature of ALS/PDC. The etiological foundations of this disease remain undetermined, and genetic investigations have yet to provide conclusive answers. However, emerging evidence has implicated the contribution of astrocytes, pivotal cells for maintaining brain health, to neurodegenerative onset, and likely to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ALS/PDC. Leveraging advanced induced pluripotent stem cell technology, our team cultivated multiple astrocyte lines to further investigate the Japanese variant of ALS/PDC (Kii ALS/PDC). CHCHD2 emerged as a significantly dysregulated gene when disease astrocytes were compared to healthy controls. Our analyses also revealed imbalances in the activation of specific pathways: those associated with astrocytic cilium dysfunction, known to be involved in neurodegeneration, and those related to major neurological disorders, including classical ALS and PD. Further in-depth examinations revealed abnormalities in the mitochondrial morphology and metabolic processes of the affected astrocytes. A particularly striking observation was the reduced expression of CHCHD2 in the spinal cord, motor cortex, and oculomotor nuclei of patients with Kii ALS/PDC. In summary, our findings suggest a potential reduction in the support Kii ALS/PDC astrocytes provide to neurons, emphasizing the need to explore the role of CHCHD2 in maintaining mitochondrial health and its implications for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Leventoux
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Morimoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Ishikawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiho Nakamura
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ozawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reona Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sopak Supakul
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okamoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroya Kobayashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chris Kato
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Hirokawa
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Ikuko Aiba
- Department of Neurology, NHO, Higashinagoya National Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takahashi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, International Medical Centre, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Centre of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumito Endo
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Kokubo
- Kii ALS/PDC Research Centre, Mie University Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie, Japan.
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Keio Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu H, Wang B, Li A, Wen J, Su H, Qin D. Mesenchymal Stem Cells-based Cell-free Therapy Targeting Neuroinflammation. Aging Dis 2024; 15:965-976. [PMID: 38722791 PMCID: PMC11081161 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging from several decades of extensive research, key genetic elements and biochemical mechanisms implicated in neuroinflammation have been delineated, contributing substantially to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In this minireview, we discuss data predominantly from the past three years, highlighting the pivotal roles and mechanisms of the two principal cell types implicated in neuroinflammation. The review also underscores the extended process of peripheral inflammation that predates symptomatic onset, the critical influence of neuroinflammation, and their dynamic interplay in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Confronting these complex challenges, we introduce compelling evidence supporting the use of mesenchymal stem cell-based cell-free therapy. This therapeutic strategy includes the regulation of microglia and astrocytes, modulation of peripheral nerve cell inflammation, and targeted anti-inflammatory interventions specifically designed for NDDs, while also discussing engineering and safety considerations. This innovative therapeutic approach intricately modulates the immune system across the peripheral and nervous systems, with an emphasis on achieving superior penetration and targeted delivery. The insights offered by this review have significant implications for the better understanding and management of neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Dajiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang DS, Ju L, Pinguelo AG, Kaneshwaran K, Haffey SC, Lecker I, Gohil H, Wheeler MB, Kaustov L, Ariza A, Yu M, Volchuk A, Steinberg BE, Goldenberg NM, Orser BA. Crosstalk between GABA A receptors in astrocytes and neurons triggered by general anesthetic drugs. Transl Res 2024; 267:39-53. [PMID: 38042478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
General anesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits that persist after the drugs have been eliminated. Astrocytes may contribute to such cognition-impairing effects through the release of one or more paracrine factors that increase a tonic inhibitory conductance generated by extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in hippocampal neurons. The mechanisms underlying this astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. Interestingly, astrocytes express anesthetic-sensitive GABAA receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anesthetic drugs activate astrocytic GABAA receptors to initiate crosstalk leading to a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons. We also investigated the signaling pathways in neurons and aimed to identify the paracrine factors released from astrocytes. Astrocytes and neurons from mice were grown in primary cell cultures and studied using in vitro electrophysiological and biochemical assays. We discovered that the commonly used anesthetics etomidate (injectable) and sevoflurane (inhaled) stimulated astrocytic GABAA receptors, which in turn promoted the release paracrine factors, that increased the tonic current in neurons via a p38 MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. The increase in tonic current was mimicked by exogenous IL-1β and abolished by blocking IL-1 receptors; however, unexpectedly, IL-1β and other cytokines were not detected in astrocyte-conditioned media. In summary, we have identified a novel form of crosstalk between GABAA receptors in astrocytes and neurons that engages a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. Brief commentary BACKGROUND: Many older patients experience cognitive deficits after surgery. Anesthetic drugs may be a contributing factor as they cause a sustained increase in the function of "memory blocking" extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are required for this increase; however, the mechanisms underlying the astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. TRANSLATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: We discovered that commonly used general anesthetic drugs stimulate GABAA receptors in astrocytes, which in turn release paracrine factors that trigger a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons via p38 MAPK. This novel form of crosstalk may contribute to persistent cognitive deficits after general anesthesia and surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Shi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Li Ju
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arsène G Pinguelo
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirusanthy Kaneshwaran
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean C Haffey
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Lecker
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Himaben Gohil
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Kaustov
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Ariza
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - MeiFeng Yu
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allen Volchuk
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Steinberg
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Neil M Goldenberg
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Spitz S, Schobesberger S, Brandauer K, Ertl P. Sensor-integrated brain-on-a-chip platforms: Improving the predictive validity in neurodegenerative research. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10604. [PMID: 38818126 PMCID: PMC11135156 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10604] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Affecting millions of individuals worldwide, neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) pose a significant and growing health concern in people over the age of 60 years. Contributing to this trend are the steady increase in the aging population coupled with a persistent lack of disease-altering treatment strategies targeting NDDs. The absence of efficient therapeutics can be attributed to high failure rates in clinical trials and the ineptness of animal models in preceding preclinical studies. To that end, in recent years, significant research effort has been dedicated to the development of human cell-based preclinical disease models characterized by a higher degree of predictive validity. However, a key requirement of any in vitro model constitutes the precise knowledge and replication of the target tissues' (patho-)physiological microenvironment. Herein, microphysiological systems have demonstrated superiority over conventional static 2D/3D in vitro cell culture systems, as they allow for the emulation and continuous monitoring of the onset, progression, and remission of disease-associated phenotypes. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the field of NDD research using organ-on-a-chip platforms. Specific focus is directed toward non-invasive sensing strategies encompassing electrical, electrochemical, and optical sensors. Additionally, promising on- and integrable off-chip sensing strategies targeting key analytes in NDDs will be presented and discussed in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Spitz
- Faculty of Technical ChemistryVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
- Present address:
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | - Peter Ertl
- Faculty of Technical ChemistryVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hans S, Stanton JE, Sauer AK, Shiels K, Saha SK, Lordan R, Tsoupras A, Zabetakis I, Grabrucker AM. Polar lipids modify Alzheimer's Disease pathology by reducing astrocyte pro-inflammatory signaling through platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) modulation. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:113. [PMID: 38643113 PMCID: PMC11031880 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02106-z] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pro-inflammatory processes triggered by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are a well-described pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Activated astrocytes surrounding Aβ plaques contribute to inflammation by secreting proinflammatory factors. While astrocytes may phagocytize Aβ and contribute to Aβ clearance, reactive astrocytes may also increase Aβ production. Therefore, identifying factors that can attenuate astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation and how these factors influence pro-inflammatory pathways is important for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies in AD. Here, we identify the platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) pathway as a key mediator of astrocyte activation. Intriguingly, several polar lipids (PLs) have exhibited anti-inflammatory protective properties outside the central nervous system through their inhibitory effect on the PTAFR pathway. Thus, we additionally investigated whether different PLs also exert inhibitory effects on the PAF pathway in astrocytes and whether their presence influences astrocytic pro-inflammatory signaling and known AD pathologies in vitro. METHODS PLs from salmon and yogurt were extracted using novel food-grade techniques and their fatty acid profile was determined using LC/MS. The effect of PLs on parameters such as astrocyte activation and generation of oxygen species (ROS) was assessed. Additionally, effects of the secretome of astrocytes treated with these polar lipids on aged neurons was measured. RESULTS We show that PLs obtained from salmon and yogurt lower astrocyte activation, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and extracellular Aβ accumulation. Cell health of neurons exposed to the secretome of astrocytes treated with salmon-derived PLs and Aβ was less affected than those treated with astrocytes exposed to Aβ only. CONCLUSION Our results highlight a novel underlying mechanism, why consuming PL-rich foods such as fish and dairy may reduce the risk of developing dementia and associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Hans
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Analog Devices Building AD3-018, Castletroy, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
| | - Janelle E Stanton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Analog Devices Building AD3-018, Castletroy, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
| | - Ann Katrin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Analog Devices Building AD3-018, Castletroy, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
| | - Katie Shiels
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Technological University of the Shannon, Moylish Park, Limerick, V94E8YF, Ireland
| | - Sushanta Kumar Saha
- Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Technological University of the Shannon, Moylish Park, Limerick, V94E8YF, Ireland
| | - Ronan Lordan
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandros Tsoupras
- Hephaestus Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Kavala University Campus, Kavala, GR65404, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zabetakis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Analog Devices Building AD3-018, Castletroy, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland.
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Analog Devices Building AD3-018, Castletroy, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland.
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, Limerick, V94PH61, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wani I, Koppula S, Balda A, Thekkekkara D, Jamadagni A, Walse P, Manjula SN, Kopalli SR. An Update on the Potential of Tangeretin in the Management of Neuroinflammation-Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:504. [PMID: 38672774 PMCID: PMC11051149 DOI: 10.3390/life14040504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the major cause of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Currently available drugs present relatively low efficacy and are not capable of modifying the course of the disease or delaying its progression. Identifying well-tolerated and brain-penetrant agents of plant origin could fulfil the pressing need for novel treatment techniques for neuroinflammation. Attention has been drawn to a large family of flavonoids in citrus fruits, which may function as strong nutraceuticals in slowing down the development and progression of neuroinflammation. This review is aimed at elucidating and summarizing the effects of the flavonoid tangeretin (TAN) in the management of neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. A literature survey was performed using various resources, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and Web of Science. The data revealed that TAN exhibited immense neuroprotective effects in addition to its anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonistic effects. The effects of TAN are mainly mediated through the inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory pathways via regulating multiple signaling pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, and CRE-dependent transcription. In conclusion, the citrus flavonoid TAN has the potential to prevent neuronal death mediated by neuroinflammatory pathways and can be developed as an auxiliary therapeutic agent in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Wani
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Sushruta Koppula
- College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju-si 380-701, Republic of Korea;
| | - Aayushi Balda
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Dithu Thekkekkara
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru 570015, India
| | - Ankush Jamadagni
- Fortem Biosciences Private Limited (Ayurvibes), No. 24, Attur, 4th Cross, Tirumala Nagar, A Block, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Prathamesh Walse
- Fortem Biosciences Private Limited (Ayurvibes), No. 24, Attur, 4th Cross, Tirumala Nagar, A Block, Bangalore 560064, India
| | | | - Spandana Rajendra Kopalli
- Department of Integrated Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nagayach A, Wang C. Autophagy in neural stem cells and glia for brain health and diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:729-736. [PMID: 37843206 PMCID: PMC10664120 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a multifaceted cellular process that not only maintains the homeostatic and adaptive responses of the brain but is also dynamically involved in the regulation of neural cell generation, maturation, and survival. Autophagy facilities the utilization of energy and the microenvironment for developing neural stem cells. Autophagy arbitrates structural and functional remodeling during the cell differentiation process. Autophagy also plays an indispensable role in the maintenance of stemness and homeostasis in neural stem cells during essential brain physiology and also in the instigation and progression of diseases. Only recently, studies have begun to shed light on autophagy regulation in glia (microglia, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte) in the brain. Glial cells have attained relatively less consideration despite their unquestioned influence on various aspects of neural development, synaptic function, brain metabolism, cellular debris clearing, and restoration of damaged or injured tissues. Thus, this review composes pertinent information regarding the involvement of autophagy in neural stem cells and glial regulation and the role of this connexion in normal brain functions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review will provide insight into establishing a concrete strategic approach for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapies for brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Nagayach
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Chenran Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz M, Adamiak K, Strużyńska L. Astrocyte-Neuron Interaction via the Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle and Its Dysfunction in Tau-Dependent Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3050. [PMID: 38474295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053050] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Astroglia constitute the largest group of glial cells and are involved in numerous actions that are critical to neuronal development and functioning, such as maintaining the blood-brain barrier, forming synapses, supporting neurons with nutrients and trophic factors, and protecting them from injury. These properties are deeply affected in the course of many neurodegenerative diseases, including tauopathies, often before the onset of the disease. In this respect, the transfer of essential amino acids such as glutamate and glutamine between neurons and astrocytes in the glutamate-glutamine cycle (GGC) is one example. In this review, we focus on the GGC and the disruption of this cycle in tau-dependent neurodegeneration. A profound understanding of the complex functions of the GGC and, in the broader context, searching for dysfunctions in communication pathways between astrocytes and neurons via GGC in health and disease, is of critical significance for the development of novel mechanism-based therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Adamiak
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Strużyńska
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry, Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Koukalova L, Chmelova M, Amlerova Z, Vargova L. Out of the core: the impact of focal ischemia in regions beyond the penumbra. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1336886. [PMID: 38504666 PMCID: PMC10948541 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1336886] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The changes in the necrotic core and the penumbra following induction of focal ischemia have been the focus of attention for some time. However, evidence shows, that ischemic injury is not confined to the primarily affected structures and may influence the remote areas as well. Yet many studies fail to probe into the structures beyond the penumbra, and possibly do not even find any significant results due to their short-term design, as secondary damage occurs later. This slower reaction can be perceived as a therapeutic opportunity, in contrast to the ischemic core defined as irreversibly damaged tissue, where the window for salvation is comparatively short. The pathologies in remote structures occur relatively frequently and are clearly linked to the post-stroke neurological outcome. In order to develop efficient therapies, a deeper understanding of what exactly happens in the exo-focal regions is necessary. The mechanisms of glia contribution to the ischemic damage in core/penumbra are relatively well described and include impaired ion homeostasis, excessive cell swelling, glutamate excitotoxic mechanism, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytosis or damage propagation via astrocytic syncytia. However, little is known about glia involvement in post-ischemic processes in remote areas. In this literature review, we discuss the definitions of the terms "ischemic core", "penumbra" and "remote areas." Furthermore, we present evidence showing the array of structural and functional changes in the more remote regions from the primary site of focal ischemia, with a special focus on glia and the extracellular matrix. The collected information is compared with the processes commonly occurring in the ischemic core or in the penumbra. Moreover, the possible causes of this phenomenon and the approaches for investigation are described, and finally, we evaluate the efficacy of therapies, which have been studied for their anti-ischemic effect in remote areas in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Koukalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Chmelova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Amlerova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Meyer S, Blujdea ER, Schaeverbeke J, Reinartz M, Luckett ES, Adamczuk K, Van Laere K, Dupont P, Teunissen CE, Vandenberghe R, Poesen K. Longitudinal associations of serum biomarkers with early cognitive, amyloid and grey matter changes. Brain 2024; 147:936-948. [PMID: 37787146 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad330] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-based biomarkers have been extensively evaluated for their diagnostic potential in Alzheimer's disease. However, their relative prognostic and monitoring capabilities for cognitive decline, amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation and grey matter loss in cognitively unimpaired elderly require further investigation over extended time periods. This prospective cohort study in cognitively unimpaired elderly [n = 185, mean age (range) = 69 (53-84) years, 48% female] examined the prognostic and monitoring capabilities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NfL), Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 and phosphorylated tau (pTau)181 through their quantification in serum. All participants underwent baseline Aβ-PET, MRI and blood sampling as well as 2-yearly cognitive testing. A subset additionally underwent Aβ-PET (n = 109), MRI (n = 106) and blood sampling (n = 110) during follow-up [median time interval (range) = 6.1 (1.3-11.0) years]. Matching plasma measurements were available for Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 and pTau181 (both n = 140). Linear mixed-effects models showed that high serum GFAP and NfL predicted future cognitive decline in memory (βGFAP×Time = -0.021, PFDR = 0.007 and βNfL×Time = -0.031, PFDR = 0.002) and language (βGFAP×Time = -0.021, PFDR = 0.002 and βNfL×Time = -0.018, PFDR = 0.03) domains. Low serum Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 equally but independently predicted memory decline (βAβ1-42/Aβ1-40×Time = -0.024, PFDR = 0.02). Whole-brain voxelwise analyses revealed that low Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 predicted Aβ accumulation within the precuneus and frontal regions, high GFAP and NfL predicted grey matter loss within hippocampal regions and low Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 predicted grey matter loss in lateral temporal regions. Serum GFAP, NfL and pTau181 increased over time, while Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 decreased only in Aβ-PET-negative elderly. NfL increases associated with declining memory (βNfLchange×Time = -0.030, PFDR = 0.006) and language (βNfLchange×Time = -0.021, PFDR = 0.02) function and serum Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 decreases associated with declining language function (βAβ1-42/Aβ1-40×Time = -0.020, PFDR = 0.04). GFAP increases associated with Aβ accumulation within the precuneus and NfL increases associated with grey matter loss. Baseline and longitudinal serum pTau181 only associated with Aβ accumulation in restricted occipital regions. In head-to-head comparisons, serum outperformed plasma Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 (ΔAUC = 0.10, PDeLong, FDR = 0.04), while both plasma and serum pTau181 demonstrated poor performance to detect asymptomatic Aβ-PET positivity (AUC = 0.55 and 0.63, respectively). However, when measured with a more phospho-specific assay, plasma pTau181 detected Aβ-positivity with high performance (AUC = 0.82, PDeLong, FDR < 0.007). In conclusion, serum GFAP, NfL and Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 are valuable prognostic and/or monitoring tools in asymptomatic stages providing complementary information in a time- and pathology-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffi De Meyer
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena R Blujdea
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien Schaeverbeke
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mariska Reinartz
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emma S Luckett
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katarzyna Adamczuk
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Dupont
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Poesen
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Alzheimer Research Centre, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thumu SCR, Jain M, Soman S, Das S, Verma V, Nandi A, Gutmann DH, Jayaprakash B, Nair D, Clement JP, Marathe S, Ramanan N. SRF-deficient astrocytes provide neuroprotection in mouse models of excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration. eLife 2024; 13:e95577. [PMID: 38289036 PMCID: PMC10857791 DOI: 10.7554/elife.95577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrogliosis is a common pathological hallmark of CNS injury, infection, and neurodegeneration, where reactive astrocytes can be protective or detrimental to normal brain functions. Currently, the mechanisms regulating neuroprotective astrocytes and the extent of neuroprotection are poorly understood. Here, we report that conditional deletion of serum response factor (SRF) in adult astrocytes causes reactive-like hypertrophic astrocytes throughout the mouse brain. These SrfGFAP-ERCKO astrocytes do not affect neuron survival, synapse numbers, synaptic plasticity or learning and memory. However, the brains of Srf knockout mice exhibited neuroprotection against kainic-acid induced excitotoxic cell death. Relevant to human neurodegenerative diseases, SrfGFAP-ERCKO astrocytes abrogate nigral dopaminergic neuron death and reduce β-amyloid plaques in mouse models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. Taken together, these findings establish SRF as a key molecular switch for the generation of reactive astrocytes with neuroprotective functions that attenuate neuronal injury in the setting of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Jain
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Sumitha Soman
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Soumen Das
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific ResearchBangaloreIndia
| | - Arnab Nandi
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | | | - Deepak Nair
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific ResearchBangaloreIndia
| | - Swananda Marathe
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liddell JR, Hilton JBW, Kysenius K, Billings JL, Nikseresht S, McInnes LE, Hare DJ, Paul B, Mercer SW, Belaidi AA, Ayton S, Roberts BR, Beckman JS, McLean CA, White AR, Donnelly PS, Bush AI, Crouch PJ. Microglial ferroptotic stress causes non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:14. [PMID: 38317225 PMCID: PMC10840184 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00691-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterised by lipid peroxidation as the terminal endpoint and a requirement for iron. Although it protects against cancer and infection, ferroptosis is also implicated in causing neuronal death in degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The precise role for ferroptosis in causing neuronal death is yet to be fully resolved. METHODS To elucidate the role of ferroptosis in neuronal death we utilised co-culture and conditioned medium transfer experiments involving microglia, astrocytes and neurones. We ratified clinical significance of our cell culture findings via assessment of human CNS tissue from cases of the fatal, paralysing neurodegenerative condition of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We utilised the SOD1G37R mouse model of ALS and a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor to verify pharmacological significance in vivo. RESULTS We found that sublethal ferroptotic stress selectively affecting microglia triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in non-cell autonomous neuronal death. Central to this cascade is the conversion of astrocytes to a neurotoxic state. We show that spinal cord tissue from human cases of ALS exhibits a signature of ferroptosis that encompasses atomic, molecular and biochemical features. Further, we show the molecular correlation between ferroptosis and neurotoxic astrocytes evident in human ALS-affected spinal cord is recapitulated in the SOD1G37R mouse model where treatment with a CNS-permeant ferroptosis inhibitor, CuII(atsm), ameliorated these markers and was neuroprotective. CONCLUSIONS By showing that microglia responding to sublethal ferroptotic stress culminates in non-cell autonomous neuronal death, our results implicate microglial ferroptotic stress as a rectifiable cause of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disease. As ferroptosis is currently primarily regarded as an intrinsic cell death phenomenon, these results introduce an entirely new pathophysiological role for ferroptosis in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Liddell
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - James B W Hilton
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kai Kysenius
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jessica L Billings
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sara Nikseresht
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lachlan E McInnes
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Dominic J Hare
- Atomic Medicine Initiative, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Bence Paul
- School of Earth Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen W Mercer
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdel A Belaidi
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Joseph S Beckman
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3005, Australia
| | - Anthony R White
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Paul S Donnelly
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Crouch
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim J, Yoo ID, Lim J, Moon JS. Pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:95-99. [PMID: 38172603 PMCID: PMC10834520 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are involved in various processes in the central nervous system (CNS). As the most abundant cell type in the CNS, astrocytes play an essential role in neuronal maintenance and support, synaptic activity, neuronal metabolism, and amyloid-beta (Aβ) clearance. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment. The transformation of astrocytes is involved in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Since astrocytes have functional diversity and morphological and physiological heterogeneity in the CNS, AD-related astrocytes might show various pathological phenotypes during AD. Astrocytes developing pathological phenotypes could contribute to AD progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathological phenotypes of astrocytes in the context of AD, highlighting recent findings in human and mouse AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhyung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Ik Dong Yoo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
| | - Jaejoon Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang CHA Medical Center, CHA University, Yatap-dong 59, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Seok Moon
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Avola R, Furnari AG, Graziano ACE, Russo A, Cardile V. Management of the Brain: Essential Oils as Promising Neuroinflammation Modulator in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:178. [PMID: 38397776 PMCID: PMC10886016 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020178] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of various brain disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, has become a focal point for therapeutic exploration. This review highlights neuroinflammatory mechanisms that hallmark neurodegenerative diseases and the potential benefits of essential oils in counteracting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, thereby offering a novel strategy for managing and mitigating the impact of various brain disorders. Essential oils, derived from aromatic plants, have emerged as versatile compounds with a myriad of health benefits. Essential oils exhibit robust antioxidant activity, serving as scavengers of free radicals and contributing to cellular defense against oxidative stress. Furthermore, essential oils showcase anti-inflammatory properties, modulating immune responses and mitigating inflammatory processes implicated in various chronic diseases. The intricate mechanisms by which essential oils and phytomolecules exert their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were explored, shedding light on their multifaceted properties. Notably, we discussed their ability to modulate diverse pathways crucial in maintaining oxidative homeostasis and suppressing inflammatory responses, and their capacity to rescue cognitive deficits observed in preclinical models of neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Avola
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, Italy;
| | | | | | - Alessandra Russo
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Filannino FM, Panaro MA, Benameur T, Pizzolorusso I, Porro C. Extracellular Vesicles in the Central Nervous System: A Novel Mechanism of Neuronal Cell Communication. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1629. [PMID: 38338906 PMCID: PMC10855168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031629] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for the appropriate development and maintenance of homeostatic conditions in the central nervous system. Extracellular vesicles have recently come to the forefront of neuroscience as novel vehicles for the transfer of complex signals between neuronal cells. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound carriers packed with proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids (including DNA, mRNA, and microRNAs) that contain the elements present in the cell they originate from. Since their discovery, extracellular vesicles have been studied extensively and have opened up new understanding of cell-cell communication; they may cross the blood-brain barrier in a bidirectional way from the bloodstream to the brain parenchyma and vice versa, and play a key role in brain-periphery communication in physiology as well as pathology. Neurons and glial cells in the central nervous system release extracellular vesicles to the interstitial fluid of the brain and spinal cord parenchyma. Extracellular vesicles contain proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and primary and secondary metabolites. that can be taken up by and modulate the behaviour of neighbouring recipient cells. The functions of extracellular vesicles have been extensively studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this review is to analyse the role extracellular vesicles extracellular vesicles in central nervous system cell communication, with particular emphasis on the contribution of extracellular vesicles from different central nervous system cell types in maintaining or altering central nervous system homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Antonietta Panaro
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Tarek Benameur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ilaria Pizzolorusso
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Mental Health, ASL Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Chiara Porro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lee Y, Lee SW, Jeong D, Lee HJ, Ko K. The role of microRNA-325-3p as a critical player in cell death in NSCs and astrocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1223987. [PMID: 38379959 PMCID: PMC10877600 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1223987] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are defined by their ability to self-renew and generate various cell types within the nervous system. Understanding the underlying mechanism by which NSCs proliferate and differentiate is crucial for the efficient modulation of in vivo neurogenesis. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs controlling gene expression concerned in post-transcriptional control by blocking messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or degrading mRNA. MicroRNAs play a role as modulators by matching target mRNAs. Recent studies have discussed the biological mechanism of microRNA regulation in neurogenesis. To investigate the role of microRNAs in NSCs and NSC-derived glial cells, we screened out NSC-specific microRNAs by using miRNome-wide screening. Then, we induced downregulation by the sponge against the specific microRNA to evaluate the functional role of the microRNA in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in NSCs and NSC-derived astrocytes. We found that microRNA-325-3p is highly expressed in NSCs and astrocytes. Furthermore, we showed that microRNA-325-3p is a regulator of apoptosis by targeting brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor (BAI1), which is a receptor for apoptotic cells and expressed in the brain and cultured astrocytes. Downregulation of microRNA-325-3p using an inducible sponge system induced cell death by regulating BAI1 in NSCs and NSC-derived astrocytes. Overall, our findings can provide an insight into the potential roles of NSC-specific microRNAs in brain neurogenesis and suggest the possible usage of the microRNAs as biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukyeong Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seung-Won Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Dahee Jeong
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jeong Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kinarm Ko
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Stem Cell Research, Institute of Advanced Biomedical Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cabral LM, Oliveira LM, Miranda NC, Kawamoto EM, K P Costa S, Moreira TS, Takakura AC. TNFR1-mediated neuroinflammation is necessary for respiratory deficits observed in 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinsońs Disease. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148586. [PMID: 37757967 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is characterized by classic motor symptoms related to movement, but PD patients can experience symptoms associated with impaired autonomic function, such as respiratory disturbances. Functional respiratory deficits are known to be associated with brainstem neurodegeneration in the mice model of PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Understanding the causes of neuronal death is essential for identifying specific targets to prevent degeneration. Many mechanisms can explain why neurons die in PD, and neuroinflammation is one of them. To test the influence of inflammation, mediated by microglia and astrocytes cells, in the respiratory disturbances associated with brainstem neurons death, we submitted wild-type (WT) and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) knockout male mice to the 6-OHDA model of PD. Also, male C57BL/6 animals were induced using the same PD model and treated with minocycline (45 mg/kg), a tetracycline antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties. We show that degeneration of brainstem areas such as the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) and the pre-Botzinger Complex (preBotC) were prevented in both protocols. Notably, respiratory disturbances were no longer observed in the animals where inflammation was suppressed. Thus, the data demonstrate that inflammation is responsible for the breathing impairment in the 6-OHDA-induced PD mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laís M Cabral
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz M Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Nicole C Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Elisa M Kawamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Song J, Zhao Y, Shan X, Luo Y, Hao N, Zhao L. Active ingredients of Chinese medicine with immunomodulatory properties: NF-κB pathway and Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148603. [PMID: 37748570 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148603] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex pathogenesis and no cure. Persistent neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of PD, and activation of microglia and astrocytes within the central nervous system leads to an inflammatory response and production of pro-inflammatory factors, and activation of NF-κB is key to neuroglial activation in chronic inflammation in PD and a hallmark of the onset of neuroinflammatory disease. Therefore, inhibiting NF-κB activation to prevent further loss of dopaminergic nerves is a more effective means of treating PD. It has been found that an increasing number of active ingredients in Chinese medicines, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols and phenylpropanoids, have anti-inflammatory properties that can regulate neuroglia cell activation and ameliorate neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and increase dopamine release or protect dopaminergic neurons for neuroprotection to improve behavioural dysfunction in PD. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine are expected to be good candidates for the treatment of PD, as they provide holistic regulation through multi-targeting and multi-level effects, and are safe, inexpensive and readily available. Therefore, this paper summarises that the active ingredients of some relevant Chinese medicines ameliorate the symptoms of PD and delay the development of PD by inhibiting glial cell-mediated neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway, which may provide new ideas for exploring the molecular mechanism of PD pathogenesis and developing new anti-PD drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Song
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Huiji District People's Hospital, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Shan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yongyin Luo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Nan Hao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300381, China; National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Klinkovskij A, Shepelev M, Isaakyan Y, Aniskin D, Ulasov I. Advances of Genome Editing with CRISPR/Cas9 in Neurodegeneration: The Right Path towards Therapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3333. [PMID: 38137554 PMCID: PMC10741756 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The rate of neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) is rising rapidly as the world's population ages. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and dementia are becoming more prevalent and are now the fourth leading cause of death, following heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Although modern diagnostic techniques for detecting NDDs are varied, scientists are continuously seeking new and improved methods to enable early and precise detection. In addition to that, the present treatment options are limited to symptomatic therapy, which is effective in reducing the progression of neurodegeneration but lacks the ability to target the root cause-progressive loss of neuronal functioning. As a result, medical researchers continue to explore new treatments for these conditions. Here, we present a comprehensive summary of the key features of NDDs and an overview of the underlying mechanisms of neuroimmune dysfunction. Additionally, we dive into the cutting-edge treatment options that gene therapy provides in the quest to treat these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Klinkovskij
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (A.K.); (D.A.)
| | - Mikhail Shepelev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilova Str., Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Yuri Isaakyan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia;
| | - Denis Aniskin
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (A.K.); (D.A.)
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostics, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, World-Class Research Centre “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia; (A.K.); (D.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hu Z, Luo Y, Zhu J, Jiang D, Luo Z, Wu L, Li J, Peng S, Hu J. Role of the P2 × 7 receptor in neurodegenerative diseases and its pharmacological properties. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:225. [PMID: 38093352 PMCID: PMC10720200 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01161-w] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases seriously affect patients' physical and mental health, reduce their quality of life, and impose a heavy burden on society. However, their treatment remains challenging. Therefore, exploring factors potentially related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and improving their diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed. Recent studies have shown that P2 × 7R plays a crucial role in regulating neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. P2 × 7R is an adenosine 5'-triphosphate ligand-gated cation channel receptor present in most tissues of the human body. An increase in P2 × 7R levels can affect the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and the inhibition of P2 × 7R can alleviate neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we comprehensively describe the biological characteristics (structure, distribution, and function) of this gene, focusing on its potential association with neurodegenerative diseases, and we discuss the pharmacological effects of drugs (P2 × 7R inhibitors) used to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Hu
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yifan Luo
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jinxi Zhu
- Department of the second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Danling Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhenzhong Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Shengliang Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Emergency medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mitsui S, Yamaguchi J, Suzuki C, Uchiyama Y, Tanida I. TUNEL-positive structures in activated microglia and SQSTM1/p62-positive structures in activated astrocytes in the neurodegenerative brain of a CLN10 mouse model. Glia 2023; 71:2753-2769. [PMID: 37571859 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a group of pediatric neurodegenerative diseases. One of their causative genes, CLN10/CtsD, encodes cathepsin D, a major lysosomal protease. Central nervous system (CNS)-specific CtsD-deficient mice exhibit a neurodegenerative disease phenotype with accumulation of ceroid lipofuscins, granular osmiophilic deposits, and SQSTM1/p62. We focused on activated astrocytes and microglia in this neurodegenerative mouse brain, since there are few studies on the relationship between these accumulators and lysosomes in these glial cells. Activated microglia and astrocytes in this mouse thalamus at p24 were increased by approximately 2.5- and 4.6-fold compared with the control, while neurons were decreased by approximately half. Granular osmiophilic deposits were detected in microglial cell bodies and extended their processes in the thalamus. LAMP1-positive lysosomes, but not SQSTM1/p62 aggregates, accumulated in microglia of this mouse thalamus, whereas both lysosomes and SQSTM1/p62 aggregates accumulated in its astrocytes. TUNEL-positive signals were observed mainly in microglia, but few were observed in neurons and astrocytes. These signals were fragmented DNA from degenerated neurons engulfed by microglia or in the lysosomes of microglia. Abnormal autophagic vacuoles also accumulated in the lysosomes of microglia. Granular osmiophilic deposit-like structures localized to LAMP1-positive lysosomes in CtsD-deficient astrocytes. SQSTM1/p62-positive but LAMP1-negative membranous structures also accumulated in the astrocytes and were less condensed than typical granular osmiophilic deposits. These results suggest that CtsD deficiency leads to intracellular abnormalities in activated microglia and astrocytes in addition to neuronal degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Mitsui
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junji Yamaguchi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Morphology and Image Analysis, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chigure Suzuki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Uchiyama
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isei Tanida
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dos Santos JCC, Rebouças CDSM, Oliveira LF, Cardoso FDS, Nascimento TDS, Oliveira AV, Lima MPP, de Andrade GM, de Castro Brito GA, de Barros Viana GS. The role of gut-brain axis in a rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 132:185-197. [PMID: 37837734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.07.005] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread neurodegenerative condition affecting millions globally. This investigation centered on the gut-brain axis in a rotenone-induced PD rat model. Researchers monitored behavioral shifts, histological modifications, neurodegeneration, and inflammation markers throughout the rats' bodies. Results revealed that rotenone-treated rats displayed reduced exploration (p = 0.004) and motor coordination (p < 0.001), accompanied by decreased Nissl staining and increased alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity in the striatum (p = 0.009). Additionally, these rats exhibited weight loss (T3, mean = 291.9 ± 23.67; T19, mean = 317.5 ± 17.53; p < 0.05) and substantial intestinal histological alterations, such as shortened villi, crypt architecture loss, and inflammation. In various regions, researchers noted elevated immunoreactivity to ionized binding adapter molecule (IBA)-1 (p < 0.05) and reduced immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (p < 0.05) and S100B (p < 0.001), indicating altered glial cell activity. Overall, these findings imply that PD is influenced by gut-brain axis changes and may originate in the intestine, impacting bidirectional gut-brain communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Claudino Dos Santos
- Medical School of the Christus University Center-UNICHRISTUS, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Conceição da Silva Martins Rebouças
- Graduate Program in Morphofunctional Sciences, Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Morphology Department of the Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Fabrizio Dos Santos Cardoso
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Hospital do Câncer de Muriaé, Fundação Cristiano Varella (FCV), Muriaé, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Alfaete Vieira Oliveira
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department of the Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Geanne Matos de Andrade
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department of the Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Gerly Anne de Castro Brito
- Morphology Department of the Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Physiology and Pharmacology Department of the Federal University of Ceará-UFC, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sandhya P, Danda D. Exploring the connection between Parkinson's disease and Sjögren's syndrome: The aquaporin link. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 117:105863. [PMID: 37770322 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pulukool Sandhya
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Debasish Danda
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wu A, Zhang J. Neuroinflammation, memory, and depression: new approaches to hippocampal neurogenesis. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:283. [PMID: 38012702 PMCID: PMC10683283 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of most common and severe mental disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly increases the risks of premature death and other medical conditions for patients. Neuroinflammation is the abnormal immune response in the brain, and its correlation with MDD is receiving increasing attention. Neuroinflammation has been reported to be involved in MDD through distinct neurobiological mechanisms, among which the dysregulation of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus (HPC) is receiving increasing attention. The DG of the hippocampus is one of two niches for neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain, and neurotrophic factors are fundamental regulators of this neurogenesis process. The reported cell types involved in mediating neuroinflammation include microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, meningeal leukocytes, and peripheral immune cells which selectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier and infiltrate into inflammatory regions. This review summarizes the functions of the hippocampus affected by neuroinflammation during MDD progression and the corresponding influences on the memory of MDD patients and model animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anbiao Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rupareliya VP, Singh AA, Butt AM, A H, Kumar H. The "molecular soldiers" of the CNS: Astrocytes, a comprehensive review on their roles and molecular signatures. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176048. [PMID: 37758010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, neurons held the position of central players in the nervous system. Since there are far more astrocytes than neurons in the brain, it makes us wonder if these cells just take up space and support the neurons or if they are actively participating in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Now, astrocytes' contribution to CNS physiology is appreciated as they are known to regulate ion and neurotransmitter levels, synapse formation and elimination, blood-brain barrier integrity, immune function, cerebral blood flow, and many more. In many neurological and psychiatric disorders, astrocyte functions are altered. Advancements in microscopic and transcriptomic tools revealed populations of astrocytes with varied morphology, electrophysiological properties, and transcriptomic profiles. Neuron-circuit-specific functions and neuron-specific interactions of astroglial subpopulations are found, which suggests that diversity is essential in carrying out diverse region-specific CNS functions. Investigations on heterogeneous astrocyte populations are revealing new astrocyte functions and their role in pathological conditions, opening a new therapeutic avenue for targeting neurological conditions. The true extent of astrocytic heterogeneity and its functional implications are yet to be fully explored. This review summarizes essential astrocytic functions and their relevance in pathological conditions and discusses astrocytic diversity in relation to morphology, function, and gene expression throughout the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vimal P Rupareliya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Aditya A Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Ayub Mohammed Butt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hariharan A
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382355, India.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gaur A, Rivet L, Mah E, Bawa KK, Gallagher D, Herrmann N, Lanctôt KL. Novel fluid biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102046. [PMID: 37647995 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a well-established prodromal stage of dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) that is often accompanied by early signs of neurodegeneration. To facilitate a better characterization of the underlying pathophysiology, we assessed the available literature to evaluate potential fluid biomarkers in MCI. Peer-reviewed articles that measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or peripheral biomarkers of neuronal injury (total-tau [T-tau], neurofilament light chain [NfL], heart-type fatty acid binding protein [HFABP], neuron-specific enolase, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1) and/or astroglial pathology (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], S100 calcium-binding protein B) in MCI and healthy controls were assessed. Group differences were summarized by standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2. A total of 107 studies were included in the meta-analysis and 10 studies were qualitatively reviewed. In CSF, concentrations of NfL (SMD = 0.69 [0.56, 0.83]), GFAP (SMD = 0.41 [0.07, 0.75]), and HFABP (SMD = 0.57 [0.26, 0.89]) were elevated in MCI. In blood, increased concentrations of T-tau (SMD = 0.19 [0.09, 0.29]), NfL (SMD = 0.41 [0.32, 0.49]), and GFAP (SMD = 0.39 [0.23, 0.55]) were found in MCI. Heterogeneity that was identified in all comparisons was explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Elevated NfL and GFAP can be detected in both CSF and peripheral blood. Monitoring these biomarkers in clinical settings may provide important insight into underlying neurodegenerative processes in MCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amish Gaur
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Luc Rivet
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ethan Mah
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kritleen K Bawa
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Damien Gallagher
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Nathan Herrmann
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, 8th Floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Carretero VJ, Ramos E, Segura-Chama P, Hernández A, Baraibar AM, Álvarez-Merz I, Muñoz FL, Egea J, Solís JM, Romero A, Hernández-Guijo JM. Non-Excitatory Amino Acids, Melatonin, and Free Radicals: Examining the Role in Stroke and Aging. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1844. [PMID: 37891922 PMCID: PMC10603966 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101844] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between melatonin, free radicals, and non-excitatory amino acids, and their role in stroke and aging. Melatonin has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its diverse physiological functions and potential therapeutic benefits by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Melatonin has been found to mitigate ischemic brain damage caused by stroke. By scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, melatonin may help slow down the aging process and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, non-excitatory amino acids have been shown to possess neuroprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in stroke and aging-related conditions. They can attenuate oxidative stress, modulate calcium homeostasis, and inhibit apoptosis, thereby safeguarding neurons against damage induced by stroke and aging processes. The intracellular accumulation of certain non-excitatory amino acids could promote harmful effects during hypoxia-ischemia episodes and thus, the blockade of the amino acid transporters involved in the process could be an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage. On the other hand, the accumulation of free radicals, specifically mitochondrial reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, accelerates cellular senescence and contributes to age-related decline. Recent research suggests a complex interplay between melatonin, free radicals, and non-excitatory amino acids in stroke and aging. The neuroprotective actions of melatonin and non-excitatory amino acids converge on multiple pathways, including the regulation of calcium homeostasis, modulation of apoptosis, and reduction of inflammation. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the preservation of neuronal integrity and functions, making them promising targets for therapeutic interventions in stroke and age-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Jiménez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Segura-Chama
- Investigador por México-CONAHCYT, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14370, Mexico
| | - Adan Hernández
- Institute of Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma of México, Juriquilla, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Andrés M Baraibar
- Department of Neurosciences, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Barrio Sarriena, s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López Muñoz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Camilo José Cela, C/Castillo de Alarcón 49, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28692 Madrid, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre Research Institute (i + 12), Avda. Córdoba, s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Egea
- Molecular Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Plasticity Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Solís
- Neurobiology-Research Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Hernández-Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic, Teófilo Hernando Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Carretera de Colmenar Viejo, Km. 9, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Han YS, Jang JH, Lee WS, Oh JS, Lee EJ, Yoon BE. Regulation of astrocyte activity and immune response on graphene oxide-coated titanium by electrophoretic deposition. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1261255. [PMID: 37854881 PMCID: PMC10579947 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1261255] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Astrocytes play crucial role in modulating immune response in the damaged central nervous system. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between immune responses in astrocytes and brain diseases. However, the potential application of nanomaterials for alleviating neuroinflammation induced by astrocytes remains unexplored. Method: In this study, we utilized electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to coat graphene oxide (GO) onto titanium (Ti) to enhance the bioactivity of Ti. Results: We confirmed that GO-Ti could improve cell adhesion and proliferation of astrocytes with upregulated integrins and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Moreover, we observed that astrocytes on GO-Ti exhibited a heightened immune response when exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although pro-inflammatory cytokines increased, anti-inflammatory cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factors involved in neuroprotective effects were also augmented through nuclear localization of the yes-associated protein (YAP) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Discussion: Taken together, GO-Ti could enhance the neuroprotective function of astrocytes by upregulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neuroprotective factors with improved cell adhesion and viability. Consequently, our findings suggest that GO-Ti has the potential to induce neuroprotective effects by regulating cell activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Soo Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwee Jang
- Nano-Bio Medical Science, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Sung Oh
- Nano-Bio Medical Science, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Nano-Bio Medical Science, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Eun Yoon
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Nano-Bio Medical Science, Graduate School, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is abundantly expressed in the brain, including both neurons and glial cells. While the expression of A2AR is relative low in glia, its levels elevate robustly in astrocytes and microglia under pathological conditions. Elevated A2AR appears to play a detrimental role in a number of disease states, by promoting neuroinflammation and astrocytic reaction to contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P.R. China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, P.R. China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang YM, Qi YB, Gao YN, Chen WG, Zhou T, Zang Y, Li J. Astrocyte metabolism and signaling pathways in the CNS. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1217451. [PMID: 37732313 PMCID: PMC10507181 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1217451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes comprise half of the cells in the central nervous system and play a critical role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Metabolic dysfunction in astrocytes has been indicated as the primary cause of neurological diseases, such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Although the metabolic functionalities of astrocytes are well known, their relationship to neurological disorders is poorly understood. The ways in which astrocytes regulate the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids have all been implicated in neurological diseases. Metabolism in astrocytes has also exhibited a significant influence on neuron functionality and the brain's neuro-network. In this review, we focused on metabolic processes present in astrocytes, most notably the glucose metabolic pathway, the fatty acid metabolic pathway, and the amino-acid metabolic pathway. For glucose metabolism, we focused on the glycolysis pathway, pentose-phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In fatty acid metabolism, we followed fatty acid oxidation, ketone body metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism. For amino acid metabolism, we summarized neurotransmitter metabolism and the serine and kynurenine metabolic pathways. This review will provide an overview of functional changes in astrocyte metabolism and provide an overall perspective of current treatment and therapy for neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-mei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-bei Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-nan Gao
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-gang Chen
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tripodi F, Motta Z, Murtas G, Rabattoni V, Nonnis S, Grassi Scalvini F, Rinaldi AM, Rizzi R, Bearzi C, Badone B, Sacchi S, Tedeschi G, Maffioli E, Coccetti P, Pollegioni L. Serine metabolism during differentiation of human iPSC-derived astrocytes. FEBS J 2023; 290:4440-4464. [PMID: 37166453 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential players in development and functions, being particularly relevant as regulators of brain energy metabolism, ionic homeostasis and synaptic transmission. They are also the major source of l-serine in the brain, which is synthesized from the glycolytic intermediate 3-phosphoglycerate through the phosphorylated pathway. l-Serine is the precursor of the two main co-agonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, glycine and d-serine. Strikingly, dysfunctions in both l- and d-serine metabolism are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here, we exploited a differentiation protocol, based on the generation of human mature astrocytes from neural stem cells, and investigated the modification of the proteomic and metabolomic profile during the differentiation process. We show that differentiated astrocytes are more similar to mature rather than to reactive ones, and that axogenesis and pyrimidine metabolism increase up to 30 days along with the folate cycle and sphingolipid metabolism. Consistent with the proliferation and cellular maturation processes that are taking place, also the intracellular levels of l-serine, glycine, threonine, l- and d-aspartate (which level is unexpectedly higher than that of d-serine) show the same biosynthetic time course. A significant utilization of l-serine from the medium is apparent while glycine is first consumed and then released with a peak at 30 days, parallel to its intracellular level. These results underline how metabolism changes during astrocyte differentiation, highlight that d-serine synthesis is restricted in differentiated astrocytes and provide a valuable model for developing potential novel therapeutic approaches to address brain diseases, especially the ones related to serine metabolism alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farida Tripodi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Zoraide Motta
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Rabattoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simona Nonnis
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Rizzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council of Italy (ITB-CNR), Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Badone
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
- CIMAINA, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Maffioli
- DIVAS, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Coccetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ellison S, Parker H, Bigger B. Advances in therapies for neurological lysosomal storage disorders. J Inherit Metab Dis 2023; 46:874-905. [PMID: 37078180 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) are a diverse group of inherited, monogenic diseases caused by functional defects in specific lysosomal proteins. The lysosome is a cellular organelle that plays a critical role in catabolism of waste products and recycling of macromolecules in the body. Disruption to the normal function of the lysosome can result in the toxic accumulation of storage products, often leading to irreparable cellular damage and organ dysfunction followed by premature death. The majority of LSDs have no curative treatment, with many clinical subtypes presenting in early infancy and childhood. Over two-thirds of LSDs present with progressive neurodegeneration, often in combination with other debilitating peripheral symptoms. Consequently, there is a pressing unmet clinical need to develop new therapeutic interventions to treat these conditions. The blood-brain barrier is a crucial hurdle that needs to be overcome in order to effectively treat the central nervous system (CNS), adding considerable complexity to therapeutic design and delivery. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) treatments aimed at either direct injection into the brain, or using blood-brain barrier constructs are discussed, alongside more conventional substrate reduction and other drug-related therapies. Other promising strategies developed in recent years, include gene therapy technologies specifically tailored for more effectively targeting treatment to the CNS. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in CNS-targeted treatments for neurological LSDs with a particular emphasis on gene therapy-based modalities, such as Adeno-Associated Virus and haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy approaches that encouragingly, at the time of writing are being evaluated in LSD clinical trials in increasing numbers. If safety, efficacy and improved quality of life can be demonstrated, these therapies have the potential to be the new standard of care treatments for LSD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ellison
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - H Parker
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - B Bigger
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Celis K, Moreno MDMM, Rajabli F, Whitehead P, Hamilton-Nelson K, Dykxhoorn DM, Nuytemans K, Wang L, Flanagan M, Weintraub S, Geula C, Gearing M, Dalgard CL, Jin F, Bennett DA, Schuck T, Pericak-Vance MA, Griswold AJ, Young JI, Vance JM. Ancestry-related differences in chromatin accessibility and gene expression of APOE ε4 are associated with Alzheimer's disease risk. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3902-3915. [PMID: 37037656 PMCID: PMC10529851 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION European local ancestry (ELA) surrounding apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 confers higher risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to African local ancestry (ALA). We demonstrated significantly higher APOE ε4 expression in ELA versus ALA in AD brains from APOE ε4/ε4 carriers. Chromatin accessibility differences could contribute to these expression changes. METHODS We performed single nuclei assays for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing from the frontal cortex of six ALA and six ELA AD brains, homozygous for local ancestry and APOE ε4. RESULTS Our results showed an increased chromatin accessibility at the APOE ε4 promoter area in ELA versus ALA astrocytes. This increased accessibility in ELA astrocytes extended genome wide. Genes with increased accessibility in ELA in astrocytes were enriched for synapsis, cholesterol processing, and astrocyte reactivity. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that increased chromatin accessibility of APOE ε4 in ELA astrocytes contributes to the observed elevated APOE ε4 expression, corresponding to the increased AD risk in ELA versus ALA APOE ε4/ε4 carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Celis
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Maria DM. Muniz Moreno
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Farid Rajabli
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Patrice Whitehead
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Kara Hamilton-Nelson
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Derek M. Dykxhoorn
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Karen Nuytemans
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Liyong Wang
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Margaret Flanagan
- Northwestern ADC Neuropathology Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Northwestern ADC Neuropathology Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Changiz Geula
- Northwestern ADC Neuropathology Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Marla Gearing
- Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 15213
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- The American Genome Center, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA, 20814
- Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA, 20817
- Department of Anatomy Physiology & Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA, 20814
| | - Fulai Jin
- Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 44106
| | - David A. Bennett
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA, 60612
| | - Theresa Schuck
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute on Aging and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,19104
| | - Margaret A. Pericak-Vance
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Anthony J. Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Juan I. Young
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| | - Jeffery M. Vance
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
- Dr. John T Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA, 33136
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Makarava N, Mychko O, Molesworth K, Chang JCY, Henry RJ, Tsymbalyuk N, Gerzanich V, Simard JM, Loane DJ, Baskakov IV. Region-Specific Homeostatic Identity of Astrocytes Is Essential for Defining Their Response to Pathological Insults. Cells 2023; 12:2172. [PMID: 37681904 PMCID: PMC10486627 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The transformation of astrocytes into reactive states constitutes a biological response of the central nervous system under a variety of pathological insults. Astrocytes display diverse homeostatic identities that are developmentally predetermined and regionally specified. Upon transformation into reactive states associated with neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders, astrocytes acquire diverse reactive phenotypes. However, it is not clear whether their reactive phenotypes are dictated by region-specific homeostatic identity or by the nature of an insult. To address this question, region-specific gene expression profiling was performed for four brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus) in mice using a custom NanoString panel consisting of selected sets of genes associated with astrocyte functions and their reactivity for five conditions: prion disease, traumatic brain injury, brain ischemia, 5XFAD Alzheimer's disease model and normal aging. Upon transformation into reactive states, genes that are predominantly associated with astrocytes were found to respond to insults in a region-specific manner. Regardless of the nature of the insult or the insult-specificity of astrocyte response, strong correlations between undirected GSA (gene set analysis) scores reporting on astrocyte reactivity and on their homeostatic functions were observed within each individual brain region. The insult-specific gene expression signatures did not separate well from each other and instead partially overlapped, forming continuums. The current study demonstrates that region-specific homeostatic identities of astrocytes are important for defining their response to pathological insults. Within region-specific populations, reactive astrocytes show continuums of gene expression signatures, partially overlapping between individual insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natallia Makarava
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.M.); (J.C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Olga Mychko
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.M.); (J.C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kara Molesworth
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.M.); (J.C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jennifer Chen-Yu Chang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.M.); (J.C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Henry
- Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (D.J.L.)
| | - Natalya Tsymbalyuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - David J. Loane
- Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA (D.J.L.)
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ilia V. Baskakov
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.M.); (J.C.-Y.C.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wu A, Lee D, Xiong WC. Lactate Metabolism, Signaling, and Function in Brain Development, Synaptic Plasticity, Angiogenesis, and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13398. [PMID: 37686202 PMCID: PMC10487923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713398] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tissue requires a great metabolic demand despite negligible intrinsic energy stores. As a result, the central nervous system (CNS) depends upon a continuous influx of metabolic substrates from the blood. Disruption of this process can lead to impairment of neurological functions, loss of consciousness, and coma within minutes. Intricate neurovascular networks permit both spatially and temporally appropriate metabolic substrate delivery. Lactate is the end product of anaerobic or aerobic glycolysis, converted from pyruvate by lactate dehydrogenase-5 (LDH-5). Although abundant in the brain, it was traditionally considered a byproduct or waste of glycolysis. However, recent evidence indicates lactate may be an important energy source as well as a metabolic signaling molecule for the brain and astrocytes-the most abundant glial cell-playing a crucial role in energy delivery, storage, production, and utilization. The astrocyte-neuron lactate-shuttle hypothesis states that lactate, once released into the extracellular space by astrocytes, can be up-taken and metabolized by neurons. This review focuses on this hypothesis, highlighting lactate's emerging role in the brain, with particular emphasis on its role during development, synaptic plasticity, angiogenesis, and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.W.); (D.L.)
| | - Daehoon Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.W.); (D.L.)
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wen-Cheng Xiong
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.W.); (D.L.)
- Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang P, Lan G, Xu B, Yu Z, Tian C, Lei X, Meissner WG, Feng T, Yang Y, Zhang J. α-Synuclein-carrying astrocytic extracellular vesicles in Parkinson pathogenesis and diagnosis. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:40. [PMID: 37620916 PMCID: PMC10463943 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00372-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn), an essential step in PD development and progression, is observed not only in neurons but also in glia, including astrocytes. The mechanisms regulating astrocytic α-syn level and aggregation remain unclear. More recently, it has been demonstrated that a part of α-syn spreading occurs through extracellular vesicles (EVs), although it is unknown whether this process is involved in astrocytes of PD. It is known, however, that EVs derived from the central nervous system exist in the blood and are extensively explored as biomarkers for PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS Primary astrocytes were transfected with A53T α-syn plasmid or exposed to α-syn aggregates. The level of astrocyte-derived EVs (AEVs) was assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis and immunofluorescence. The lysosomal function was evaluated by Cathepsin assays, immunofluorescence for levels of Lamp1 and Lamp2, and LysoTracker Red staining. The Apogee assays were optimized to measure the GLT-1+ AEVs in clinical cohorts of 106 PD, 47 multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 103 healthy control (HC) to test the potential of plasma AEVs as a biomarker to differentiate PD from other forms of parkinsonism. RESULTS The number of AEVs significantly increased in primary astrocytes with α-syn deposition. The mechanism of increased AEVs was partially attributed to lysosomal dysfunction. The number of α-syn-carrying AEVs was significantly higher in patients with PD than in HC and MSA. The integrative model combining AEVs with total and aggregated α-syn exhibited efficient diagnostic power in differentiating PD from HC with an AUC of 0.915, and from MSA with an AUC of 0.877. CONCLUSIONS Pathological α-syn deposition could increase the astrocytic secretion of EVs, possibly through α-syn-induced lysosomal dysfunction. The α-syn-containing AEVs in the peripheral blood may be an effective biomarker for clinical diagnosis or differential diagnosis of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
- National Human Brain Bank for Health and Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Guoyu Lan
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Zhenwei Yu
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Chen Tian
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Xia Lei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Wassilios G Meissner
- CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, University of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie des Maladies Neurodégénératives, IMNc, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Medicine, New Zealand Brain Research Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tao Feng
- Department of Neurology, Center for Movement Disorders, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China.
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, 100070, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China.
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China.
- National Human Brain Bank for Health and Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lin L, Basu R, Chatterjee D, Templin AT, Flak JN, Johnson TS. Disease-associated astrocytes and microglia markers are upregulated in mice fed high fat diet. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12919. [PMID: 37558676 PMCID: PMC10412627 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39890-0] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes risk, which share features such as insulin resistance and amylin deposition. We examined gene expression associated with astrocytes and microglia since dysfunction of these cell types is implicated in AD pathogenesis. We hypothesize gene expression changes in disease-associated astrocytes (DAA), disease-associated microglia and human Alzheimer's microglia exist in diabetic and obese individuals before AD development. By analyzing bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data generated from brains of mice fed HFD and humans with AD, 11 overlapping AD-associated differentially expressed genes were identified, including Kcnj2, C4b and Ddr1, which are upregulated in response to both HFD and AD. Analysis of single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data indicated C4b is astrocyte specific. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) revealed C4b colocalizes with Gfad, a known astrocyte marker, and the colocalization of C4b expressing cells with Gad2 expressing cells, i.e., GABAergic neurons, in mouse brain. There also exists a positive correlation between C4b and Gad2 expression in ST indicating a potential interaction between DAA and GABAergic neurons. These findings provide novel links between the pathogenesis of obesity, diabetes and AD and identify C4b as a potential early marker for AD in obese or diabetic individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rashmita Basu
- Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Debolina Chatterjee
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew T Templin
- Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jonathan N Flak
- Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Travis S Johnson
- Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Baranes K, Hastings N, Rahman S, Poulin N, Tavares JM, Kuan W, Syed N, Kunz M, Blighe K, Belgard TG, Kotter MRN. Transcription factor combinations that define human astrocyte identity encode significant variation of maturity and function. Glia 2023; 71:1870-1889. [PMID: 37029764 PMCID: PMC10952910 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that cellular identity can be reduced to the distinct gene regulatory networks controlled by transcription factors (TFs). However, redundancy exists in these states as different combinations of TFs can induce broadly similar cell types. We previously demonstrated that by overcoming gene silencing, it is possible to deterministically reprogram human pluripotent stem cells directly into cell types of various lineages. In the present study we leverage the consistency and precision of our approach to explore four different TF combinations encoding astrocyte identity, based on previously published reports. Analysis of the resulting induced astrocytes (iAs) demonstrated that all four cassettes generate cells with the typical morphology of in vitro astrocytes, which expressed astrocyte-specific markers. The transcriptional profiles of all four iAs clustered tightly together and displayed similarities with mature human astrocytes, although maturity levels differed between cells. Importantly, we found that the TF cassettes induced iAs with distinct differences with regards to their cytokine response and calcium signaling. In vivo transplantation of selected iAs into immunocompromised rat brains demonstrated long term stability and integration. In conclusion, all four TF combinations were able to induce stable astrocyte-like cells that were morphologically similar but showed subtle differences with respect to their transcriptome. These subtle differences translated into distinct differences with regards to cell function, that could be related to maturation state and/or regional identity of the resulting cells. This insight opens an opportunity to precision-engineer cells to meet functional requirements, for example, in the context of therapeutic cell transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koby Baranes
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Saifur Rahman
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Noah Poulin
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Joana M. Tavares
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Wei‐Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | - Najeeb Syed
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | - Meik Kunz
- The Bioinformatics CROSanfordFlorida32771USA
| | | | | | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hastings MH, Brancaccio M, Gonzalez-Aponte MF, Herzog ED. Circadian Rhythms and Astrocytes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:123-143. [PMID: 36854316 PMCID: PMC10381027 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-100322-112249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
This review explores the interface between circadian timekeeping and the regulation of brain function by astrocytes. Although astrocytes regulate neuronal activity across many time domains, their cell-autonomous circadian clocks exert a particular role in controlling longer-term oscillations of brain function: the maintenance of sleep states and the circadian ordering of sleep and wakefulness. This is most evident in the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, where the molecular clock of astrocytes suffices to drive daily cycles of neuronal activity and behavior. In Alzheimer's disease, sleep impairments accompany cognitive decline. In mouse models of the disease, circadian disturbances accelerate astroglial activation and other brain pathologies, suggesting that daily functions in astrocytes protect neuronal homeostasis. In brain cancer, treatment in the morning has been associated with prolonged survival, and gliomas have daily rhythms in gene expression and drug sensitivity. Thus, circadian time is fast becoming critical to elucidating reciprocal astrocytic-neuronal interactions in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Hastings
- Division of Neurobiology, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Marco Brancaccio
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria F Gonzalez-Aponte
- Department of Biology, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA;
| | - Erik D Herzog
- Department of Biology, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Vrapciu AD, Rusu MC, Jianu AM, Motoc AGM, Nicolescu MI. Astrocytes - friends or foes in neurodegenerative disorders. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2023; 64:305-309. [PMID: 37867348 PMCID: PMC10720932 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.64.3.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes (AS) are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They have various morphologies and numerous (50-60) branching prolongations, with roles in the maintenance of the CNS function and homeostasis. AS in the optic nerve head (ONH) have specific distribution and function and are involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma and other neural diseases, modify their morphologies, location, immune phenotype, and ultrastructure, thus being the key players in the active remodeling processes of the ONH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Diana Vrapciu
- Discipline of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania;
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Qian K, Jiang X, Liu ZQ, Zhang J, Fu P, Su Y, Brazhe NA, Liu D, Zhu LQ. Revisiting the critical roles of reactive astrocytes in neurodegeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2697-2706. [PMID: 37037874 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, an integral component of the central nervous system (CNS), contribute to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis through their roles in synaptic function, K+ buffering, blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, and neuronal metabolism. Reactive astrocytes refer to astrocytes undergoing morphological, molecular and functional remodelling in response to pathological stimuli. The activation and differentiation of astrocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still controversies regarding their subset identification, function and nomenclature in neurodegeneration. In this review, we revisit the multidimensional roles of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, we propose a precise linkage between astrocyte subsets and their functions based on single-cell sequencing analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Qian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Nadezda A Brazhe
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Paranjape N, Dean LE, Martinez A, Tjalkens RB, Lehmler HJ, Doorn JA. Structure-Activity Relationship of Lower Chlorinated Biphenyls and Their Human-Relevant Metabolites for Astrocyte Toxicity. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:971-981. [PMID: 37279407 PMCID: PMC10283044 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is associated with developmental neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis are unknown. Existing literature has focused mainly on using neurons as a model system to study mechanisms of PCB-mediated neurotoxicity, overlooking the role of glial cells, such as astrocytes. As normal brain function is largely astrocyte-dependent, we hypothesize that astrocytes play an important role in PCB-mediated injury to neurons. We assessed the toxicity of two commercial PCB mixtures, Aroclor 1016 and Aroclor 1254, and a non-Aroclor PCB mixture found in residential air called the Cabinet mixture, all of which contain lower chlorinated PCBs (LC-PCBs) found in indoor and outdoor air. We further assessed the toxicity of five abundant airborne LC-PCBs and their corresponding human-relevant metabolites in vitro models of astrocytes, namely, the C6 cell line and primary astrocytes isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6 mice. PCB52 and its human-relevant hydroxylated and sulfated metabolites were found to be the most toxic compounds. No significant sex-dependent cell viability differences were observed in rat primary astrocytes. Based on the equilibrium partitioning model, it was predicted that the partitioning of LC-PCBs and their corresponding metabolites in biotic and abiotic compartments of the cell culture system is structure-dependent and that the observed toxicity is consistent with this prediction. This study, for the first time, shows that astrocytes are sensitive targets of LC-PCBs and their human-relevant metabolites and that further research to identify mechanistic targets of PCB exposure in glial cells is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Paranjape
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College
of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Laura E. Dean
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Andres Martinez
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Ronald B. Tjalkens
- Department
of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary
Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, United States
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department
of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Jonathan A. Doorn
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics, College
of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pathak D, Sriram K. Neuron-astrocyte omnidirectional signaling in neurological health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1169320. [PMID: 37363320 PMCID: PMC10286832 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1169320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are an abundantly distributed population of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that perform myriad functions in the normal and injured/diseased brain. Astrocytes exhibit heterogeneous phenotypes in response to various insults, a process known as astrocyte reactivity. The accuracy and precision of brain signaling are primarily based on interactions involving neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, pericytes, and dendritic cells within the CNS. Astrocytes have emerged as a critical entity within the brain because of their unique role in recycling neurotransmitters, actively modulating the ionic environment, regulating cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, and influencing cellular crosstalk in diverse neural injury conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. However, little is known about how an astrocyte functions in synapse formation, axon specification, neuroplasticity, neural homeostasis, neural network activity following dynamic surveillance, and CNS structure in neurological diseases. Interestingly, the tripartite synapse hypothesis came to light to fill some knowledge gaps that constitute an interaction of a subpopulation of astrocytes, neurons, and synapses. This review highlights astrocytes' role in health and neurological/neurodegenerative diseases arising from the omnidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons at the tripartite synapse. The review also recapitulates the disruption of the tripartite synapse with a focus on perturbations of the homeostatic astrocytic function as a key driver to modulate the molecular and physiological processes toward neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|