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Chaudhary R, Rehman M, Agarwal V, Kumar A, Kaushik AS, Srivastava S, Srivastava S, Verma R, Rajinikanth PS, Mishra V. Terra incognita of glial cell dynamics in the etiology of leukodystrophies: Broadening disease and therapeutic perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 354:122953. [PMID: 39122110 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122953] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuroglial cells, also known as glia, are primarily characterized as auxiliary cells within the central nervous system (CNS). The recent findings have shed light on their significance in numerous physiological processes and their involvement in various neurological disorders. Leukodystrophies encompass an array of rare and hereditary neurodegenerative conditions that were initially characterized by the deficiency, aberration, or degradation of myelin sheath within CNS. The primary cellular populations that experience significant alterations are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. These glial cells are either structurally or metabolically impaired due to inherent cellular dysfunction. Alternatively, they may fall victim to the accumulation of harmful by-products resulting from metabolic disturbances. In either situation, the possible replacement of glial cells through the utilization of implanted tissue or stem cell-derived human neural or glial progenitor cells hold great promise as a therapeutic strategy for both the restoration of structural integrity through remyelination and the amelioration of metabolic deficiencies. Various emerging treatment strategies like stem cell therapy, ex-vivo gene therapy, infusion of adeno-associated virus vectors, emerging RNA-based therapies as well as long-term therapies have demonstrated success in pre-clinical studies and show promise for rapid clinical translation. Here, we addressed various leukodystrophies in a comprehensive and detailed manner as well as provide prospective therapeutic interventions that are being considered for clinical trials. Further, we aim to emphasize the crucial role of different glial cells in the pathogenesis of leukodystrophies. By doing so, we hope to advance our understanding of the disease, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and facilitate the development of potential treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Mujeeba Rehman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Anand Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Arjun Singh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Siddhi Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Sukriti Srivastava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Rajkumar Verma
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 200 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - P S Rajinikanth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India.
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Bailly C. Covalent binding of withanolides to cysteines of protein targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116405. [PMID: 38969301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116405] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Withanolides represent an important category of natural products with a steroidal lactone core. Many of them contain an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety with a high reactivity toward sulfhydryl groups, including protein cysteine thiols. Different withanolides endowed with marked antitumor and anti-inflammatory have been shown to form stable covalent complexes with exposed cysteines present in the active site of oncogenic kinases (BTK, IKKβ, Zap70), metabolism enzymes (Prdx-1/6, Pin1, PHGDH), transcription factors (Nrf2, NFκB, C/EBPβ) and other structural and signaling molecules (GFAP, β-tubulin, p97, Hsp90, vimentin, Mpro, IPO5, NEMO, …). The present review analyzed the covalent complexes formed through Michael addition alkylation reactions between six major withanolides (withaferin A, physalin A, withangulatin A, 4β-hydroxywithanolide E, withanone and tubocapsanolide A) and key cysteine residues of about 20 proteins and the resulting biological effects. The covalent conjugation of the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system of withanolides with reactive protein thiols can occur with a large set of soluble and membrane proteins. It points to a general mechanism, well described with the leading natural product withaferin A, but likely valid for most withanolides harboring a reactive (electrophilic) enone moiety susceptible to react covalently with cysteinyl residues of proteins. The multiplicity of reactive proteins should be taken into account when studying the mechanism of action of new withanolides. Proteomic and network analyses shall be implemented to capture and compare the cysteine covalent-binding map for the major withanolides, so as to identify the protein targets at the origin of their activity and/or unwanted effects. Screening of the cysteinome will help understanding the mechanism of action and designing cysteine-reactive electrophilic drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277-CANTHER-Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, OncoLille Institute, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lille, F-59006 Lille, France; OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, F-59290 Lille, France.
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3
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Chang HJ, Jeong SH, Oh E. Adult-Onset Alexander Disease With Late-Presenting Vestibulopathy: A Case Report. J Mov Disord 2024; 17:360-363. [PMID: 38797659 PMCID: PMC11300394 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.23230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jin Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seong-Hae Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
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Parmeggiani B, Signori MF, Cecatto C, Frusciante MR, Marcuzzo MB, Souza DG, Ribeiro RT, Seminotti B, Gomes de Souza DO, Ribeiro CAJ, Wajner M, Leipnitz G. Glycine disrupts myelin, glutamatergic neurotransmission, and redox homeostasis in a neonatal model for non ketotic hyperglycinemia. Biochimie 2024; 219:21-32. [PMID: 37541567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is an inborn error of glycine metabolism caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins. Classic NKH has a neonatal onset, and patients present with severe neurodegeneration. Although glycine accumulation has been implicated in NKH pathophysiology, the exact mechanisms underlying the neurological damage and white matter alterations remain unclear. We investigated the effects of glycine in the brain of neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells. Glycine decreased myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) in the corpus callosum and striatum of rats on post-natal day (PND) 15. Glycine also reduced neuroglycan 2 (NG2) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 1 (NR1) in the cerebral cortex and striatum on PND15. Moreover, glycine reduced striatal glutamate aspartate transporter 1 (GLAST) content and neuronal nucleus (NeuN), and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) on PND15. Glycine also increased DCFH oxidation and malondialdehyde levels and decreased GSH concentrations in the cerebral cortex and striatum on PND6, but not on PND15. Glycine further reduced viability but did not alter DCFH oxidation and GSH levels in MO3.13 cells after 48- and 72-h incubation. These data indicate that impairment of myelin structure and glutamatergic system and induction of oxidative stress are involved in the neuropathophysiology of NKH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belisa Parmeggiani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Marian Flores Signori
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Cecatto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Rocha Frusciante
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Débora Guerini Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bianca Seminotti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - César Augusto João Ribeiro
- Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Moacir Wajner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Romano C, Morena E, Petrucci S, Diamant S, Marconi M, Travaglini L, Zanni G, Piane M, Salvetti M, Romano S, Ristori G. Case report: A novel mutation of glial fibrillary acidic protein gene causing juvenile-onset Alexander disease. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1362013. [PMID: 38572490 PMCID: PMC10987758 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1362013] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare inherited autosomal dominant (AD) disease with different clinical phenotypes according to the age of onset. It is caused by mutations in the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) gene, which causes GFAP accumulation in astrocytes. A wide spectrum of mutations has been described. For some variants, genotype-phenotype correlations have been described, although variable expressivity has also been reported in late-onset cases among members of the same family. We present the case of a 19-year-old girl who developed gait ataxia and subtle involuntary movements, preceded by a history of enuresis and severe scoliosis. Her mother has been affected by ataxia since her childhood, which was then complicated by pyramidal signs and heavily worsened through the years. Beyond her mother, no other known relatives suffered from neurologic syndromes. The scenario was further complicated by a complex brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern in both mother and daughter. However, the similar clinical phenotype made an inherited cause highly probable. Both AD and autosomal recessive (AR) ataxic syndromes were considered, lacking a part of the proband's pedigree, but no causative genetic alterations were found. Considering the strong suspicion for an inherited condition, we performed clinical exome sequencing (CES), which analyzes more than 4,500 genes associated with diseases. CES evidenced the new heterozygous missense variant c.260 T > A in exon 1 of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene (NM_002055.4), which causes the valine to aspartate amino acid substitution at codon 87 (p. Val87Asp) in the GFAP. The same heterozygous variant was detected in her mother. This mutation has never been described before in the literature. This case should raise awareness for this rare and under-recognized disease in juvenile-adult cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Romano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Morena
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Petrucci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- S. Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Selene Diamant
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Marconi
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Travaglini
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Zanni
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Piane
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- S. Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ristori
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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6
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Zheng G, Fei B, Ge A, Liu Y, Liu Y, Yang Z, Chen Z, Wang X, Wang H, Ding J. U-fiber analysis: a toolbox for automated quantification of U-fibers and white matter hyperintensities. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:662-683. [PMID: 38223048 PMCID: PMC10784071 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) involve U-fibers is of great value in understanding the different etiologies of cerebral white matter (WM) lesions. However, clinical practice currently relies only on the naked eye to determine whether WMHs are in the vicinity of U-fibers, and there is a lack of good neuroimaging tools to quantify WMHs and U-fibers. Methods Here, we developed a multimodal neuroimaging toolbox named U-fiber analysis (UFA) that can automatically extract WMHs and quantitatively characterize the volume and number of WMHs in different brain regions. In addition, we proposed an anatomically constrained U-fiber tracking scheme and quantitatively characterized the microstructure diffusion properties, fiber length, and number of U-fibers in different brain regions to help clinicians to quantitatively determine whether WMHs in the proximal cortex disrupt the microstructure of U-fibers. To validate the utility of the UFA toolbox, we analyzed the neuroimaging data from 246 patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) enrolled at Zhongshan Hospital between March 2018 and November 2019 in a cross-sectional study. Results According to the manual judgment of the clinician, the patients with cSVD were divided into a WMHs involved U-fiber group (U-fiber-involved group, 51 cases) and WMHs not involved U-fiber group (U-fiber-spared group, 163 cases). There were no significant differences between the U-fiber-spared group and the U-fiber-involved group in terms of age (P=0.143), gender (P=0.462), education (P=0.151), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (P=0.151), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores (P=0.411). However, patients in the U-fiber-involved group had higher Fazekas scores (P<0.001) and significantly higher whole brain WMHs (P=0.046) and deep WMH volumes (P<0.001) compared to patients in the U-fiber-spared group. Moreover, the U-fiber-involved group had higher WMH volumes in the bilateral frontal [P(left) <0.001, P(right) <0.001] and parietal lobes [P(left) <0.001, P(right) <0.001]. On the other hand, patients in the U-fiber-involved group had higher mean diffusivity (MD) and axial diffusivity (AD) in the bilateral parietal [P(left, MD) =0.048, P(right, MD) =0.045, P(left, AD) =0.015, P(right, AD) =0.015] and right frontal-parietal regions [P(MD) =0.048, P(AD) =0.027], and had significantly reduced mean fiber length and number in the right parietal [P(length) =0.013, P(number) =0.028] and right frontal-parietal regions [P(length) =0.048] compared to patients in the U-fiber-spared group. Conclusions Our results suggest that WMHs in the proximal cortex may disrupt the microstructure of U-fibers. Our tool may provide new insights into the understanding of WM lesions of different etiologies in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beini Fei
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anyan Ge
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zidong Yang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhensen Chen
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Magaki S, Haeri M, Szymanski LJ, Chen Z, Diaz R, Williams CK, Chang JW, Ao Y, Newell KL, Khanlou N, Yong WH, Fallah A, Salamon N, Daniel T, Cotter J, Hawes D, Sofroniew M, Vinters HV. Hyaline protoplasmic astrocytopathy in epilepsy. Neuropathology 2023; 43:441-456. [PMID: 37198977 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12909] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Hyaline protoplasmic astrocytopathy (HPA) describes a rare histologic finding of eosinophilic, hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions in astrocytes, predominantly in the cerebral cortex. It has mainly been observed in children and adults with a history of developmental delay and epilepsy, frequently with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), but the nature and significance of these inclusions are unclear. In this study, we review the clinical and pathologic features of HPA and characterize the inclusions and brain tissue in which they are seen in surgical resection specimens from five patients with intractable epilepsy and HPA compared to five patients with intractable epilepsy without HPA using immunohistochemistry for filamin A, previously shown to label these inclusions, and a variety of astrocytic markers including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 (ALDH1L1), SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9), and glutamate transporter 1/excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (GLT-1/EAAT2) proteins. The inclusions were positive for ALDH1L1 with increased ALDH1L1 expression in areas of gliosis. SOX9 was also positive in the inclusions, although to a lesser intensity than the astrocyte nuclei. Filamin A labeled the inclusions but also labeled reactive astrocytes in a subset of patients. The immunoreactivity of the inclusions for various astrocytic markers and filamin A as well as the positivity of filamin A in reactive astrocytes raise the possibility that these astrocytic inclusions may be the result of an uncommon reactive or degenerative phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shino Magaki
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Alzheimer Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Linda J Szymanski
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Zesheng Chen
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ramiro Diaz
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christopher K Williams
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julia W Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yan Ao
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathy L Newell
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Negar Khanlou
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - William H Yong
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UCI School of Medicine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Aria Fallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tarek Daniel
- Department of Pathology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Cotter
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Debra Hawes
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Harry V Vinters
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Brain Research Institute, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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8
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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10
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Devos J, Devriendt K, Richter J, Jansen K, Baldewijns M, Thal DR, Aertsen M. Fetal-onset Alexander disease with radiological-neuropathological correlation. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:2149-2153. [PMID: 37455276 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05710-w] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Alexander disease is a leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the GFAP gene, primarily affecting the astrocytes. This report describes the prenatal and post-mortem neuroimaging findings in a case of genetically confirmed, fetal-onset Alexander disease with pathological correlation after termination of pregnancy. The additional value of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging in the third trimester as a complementary evaluation tool to neurosonography is shown for suspected cases of fetal-onset Alexander disease. Diffuse signal abnormalities of the periventricular white matter in association with thickening of the fornix and optic chiasm can point towards the diagnosis. Furthermore, the presence of atypical imaging findings such as microcephaly and cortical folding abnormalities in this case broadens our understanding of the phenotypic variability of Alexander disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Devos
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Herestraat 49, Louvain, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Koenraad Devriendt
- Center for Human Genetics, University of Leuven (KU) and University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Louvain, Belgium
| | - Jute Richter
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Louvain, Belgium
| | - Katrien Jansen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Louvain, Belgium
| | | | - Dietmar R Thal
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology and Leuven Brain Institute, University of Leuven (KU) and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Louvain, Belgium
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ), Herestraat 49, Louvain, 3000, Belgium
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11
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Ziad F, Cypers G, Phillips M, Vanhoenacker P, Hostens A, Yadavraj S, Lamont D, Robertson T. Adult-onset Alexander disease with unusual inflammatory features and a novel GFAP mutation in two patients. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12927. [PMID: 37495513 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Ziad
- Department of Pathology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Gert Cypers
- Department of Neurology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Matthew Phillips
- Department of Neurology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Arne Hostens
- Department of Neurology, Onze-Lieve-Vrouwziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Satish Yadavraj
- Department of Neurology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Duncan Lamont
- Department of Pathology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Robertson
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
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12
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Kater MSJ, Baumgart KF, Badia-Soteras A, Heistek TS, Carney KE, Timmerman AJ, van Weering JRT, Smit AB, van der Knaap MS, Mansvelder HD, Verheijen MHG, Min R. A novel role for MLC1 in regulating astrocyte-synapse interactions. Glia 2023; 71:1770-1785. [PMID: 37002718 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24368] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Loss of function of the astrocyte membrane protein MLC1 is the primary genetic cause of the rare white matter disease Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC), which is characterized by disrupted brain ion and water homeostasis. MLC1 is prominently present around fluid barriers in the brain, such as in astrocyte endfeet contacting blood vessels and in processes contacting the meninges. Whether the protein plays a role in other astrocyte domains is unknown. Here, we show that MLC1 is present in distal astrocyte processes, also known as perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) or astrocyte leaflets, which closely interact with excitatory synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. We find that the PAP tip extending toward excitatory synapses is shortened in Mlc1-null mice. This affects glutamatergic synaptic transmission, resulting in a reduced rate of spontaneous release events and slower glutamate re-uptake under challenging conditions. Moreover, while PAPs in wildtype mice retract from the synapse upon fear conditioning, we reveal that this structural plasticity is disturbed in Mlc1-null mice, where PAPs are already shorter. Finally, Mlc1-null mice show reduced contextual fear memory. In conclusion, our study uncovers an unexpected role for the astrocyte protein MLC1 in regulating the structure of PAPs. Loss of MLC1 alters excitatory synaptic transmission, prevents normal PAP remodeling induced by fear conditioning and disrupts contextual fear memory expression. Thus, MLC1 is a new player in the regulation of astrocyte-synapse interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy S J Kater
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina F Baumgart
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aina Badia-Soteras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim S Heistek
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen E Carney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Jacob Timmerman
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan R T van Weering
- Department of Human Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H G Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier Min
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Forrest SL, Kim JH, Crockford DR, Huynh K, Cheong R, Knott S, Kane MA, Ittner LM, Halliday GM, Kril JJ. Distribution Patterns of Astrocyte Populations in the Human Cortex. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1222-1232. [PMID: 35930103 PMCID: PMC10030423 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a major class of glial cell in the central nervous system that have a diverse range of types and functions thought to be based on their anatomical location, morphology and cellular properties. Recent studies highlight that astrocyte dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological conditions. However, few studies have described the pattern, distribution and density of astrocytes in the adult human cortex. This study mapped the distribution and density of astrocytes immunolabelled with a range of cytoskeletal and membrane markers in the human frontal cortex. Distinct and overlapping astrocyte populations were determined. The frontal cortex from ten normal control cases (75 ± 9 years) was immunostained with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 L1 (ALDH1L1), connexin-43 (Cx43), aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1). All markers labelled populations of astrocytes in the grey and white matter, separate cortical layers, subpial and perivascular regions. All markers were informative for labelling different cellular properties and cellular compartments of astrocytes. ALDH1L1 labelled the largest population of astrocytes, and Cx43-immunopositive astrocytes were found in all cortical layers. AQP4 and GLT-1 labelled distal astrocytic process and end-feet in the same population of astrocytes (98% of GLT-1-immunopositive astrocytes contained AQP4). In contrast, GFAP, the most widely used marker, predominantly labelled astrocytes in superficial cortical layers. This study highlights the diversity of astrocytes in the human cortex, providing a reference map of the distribution of distinct and overlapping astrocyte populations which can be used for comparative purposes in various disease, inflammatory and injury states involving astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L Forrest
- Dementia Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 13A Research Park Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jordan Hanxi Kim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel R Crockford
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katharine Huynh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosie Cheong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Samantha Knott
- Dementia Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 13A Research Park Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Madison A Kane
- Dementia Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 13A Research Park Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Lars M Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 13A Research Park Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jillian J Kril
- Dementia Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, 13A Research Park Drive, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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14
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Corsello A, Scatigno L, Govoni A, Zuccotti G, Gottrand F, Romano C, Verduci E. Gut dysmotility in children with neurological impairment: the nutritional management. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1200101. [PMID: 37213895 PMCID: PMC10196023 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1200101] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal motility disorders represent a frequent problem in children with neurological impairment. These conditions are characterized by abnormal movements of the gut, which can result in symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and vomiting. The underlying mechanisms leading to dysmotility are various, and the clinical manifestations are often nonspecific. Nutritional management is an important aspect of care for children with gut dysmotility, as it can help to improve their quality of life. Oral feeding, when safe and in the absence of risk of ingestion or severe dysphagia, should always be encouraged. When oral nutrition is insufficient or potentially harmful, it is necessary to switch to an enteral by tube or parenteral nutrition before the onset of malnutrition. In most cases, children with severe gut dysmotility may require feeding via a permanent gastrostomy tube to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration. Drugs may be necessary to help manage gut dysmotility, such as laxatives, anticholinergics and prokinetic agents. Nutritional management of patients with neurological impairment often requires an individualized care plan to optimize growth and nutrition and to improve overall health outcomes. This review tries to sum up most significant neurogenetic and neurometabolic disorders associated with gut dysmotility that may require a specific multidisciplinary care, identifying a proposal of nutritional and medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Corsello
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Scatigno
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Govoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Frédéric Gottrand
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, CHU Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claudio Romano
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elvira Verduci,
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15
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Shiohama T, Stewart N, Nangaku M, van der Kouwe AJ, Takahashi E. Identification of association fibers using ex vivo diffusion tractography in Alexander disease brains. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:866-874. [PMID: 35983725 PMCID: PMC9474676 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alexander disease (AxD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by heterozygous Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein mutation. The characteristic structural findings of AxD, such as leukodystrophic features, are well known, while association fibers of AxD remain uninvestigated. The aim of this study was to explore global and subcortical fibers in four brains with AxD using ex vivo diffusion tractography METHODS: High-angular-resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (HARDI) tractography and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) tractography were used to evaluate long and short association fibers and compared to histological findings in brain specimens obtained from four donors with AxD and two donors without neurological disorders RESULTS: AxD brains showed impairment of long association fibers, except for the arcuate fasciculus and cingulum bundle, and abnormal trajectories of the inferior longitudinal and fronto-occipital fasciculi on HARDI tractography and loss of multidirectionality in subcortical fibers on DTI tractography. In histological studies, AxD brains showed diffuse low density on Klüver-Barrera and neurofilament staining and sporadic Rosenthal fibers on hematoxylin and eosin staining CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the spatial distribution of degenerations of short and long association fibers in AxD brains using combined tractography and pathological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shiohama
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Natalie Stewart
- College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Andre J.W. van der Kouwe
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02144, USA
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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16
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Goldman JE. Alzheimer Type I Astrocytes: Still Mysterious Cells. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 81:588-595. [PMID: 35689655 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 100 years ago, von Hösslein and Alzheimer described enlarged and multinucleated astrocytes in the brains of patients with Wilson disease. These odd astrocytes, now well known to neuropathologists, are present in a large variety of neurological disorders, and yet the mechanisms underlying their generation and their functional attributes are still not well understood. They undergo abnormal mitoses and fail to accomplish cytokinesis, resulting in multinucleation. Oxidative stress, hypoxia, and inflammation may be contributing pathologies to generate these astrocytes. The abnormal mitoses occur from changes in cell shape, the accumulation of cytoplasmic proteins, and the mislocalization of many of the important molecules whose coordination is necessary for proper mitotic spindle formation. Modern technologies will be able to characterize their abnormalities and solve century old questions of their form and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Goldman
- From the Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Aging, NY-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Lattke M, Guillemot F. Understanding astrocyte differentiation: Clinical relevance, technical challenges, and new opportunities in the omics era. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1557. [PMID: 35546493 PMCID: PMC9539907 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a major type of glial cells that have essential functions in development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Immature astrocytes in the developing CNS support neuronal maturation and possess neural-stem-cell-like properties. Mature astrocytes partially lose these functions but gain new functions essential for adult CNS homeostasis. In pathological conditions, astrocytes become "reactive", which disrupts their mature homeostatic functions and reactivates some immature astrocyte-like properties, suggesting a partial reversal of astrocyte maturation. The loss of homeostatic astrocyte functions contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurological conditions, and therefore activating maturation-promoting mechanisms may be a promising therapeutic strategy to restore homeostasis. Manipulating the mechanisms underlying astrocyte maturation might also allow to facilitate CNS regeneration by enhancing developmental functions of adult astrocytes. However, such therapeutic strategies are still some distance away because of our limited understanding of astrocyte differentiation and maturation, due to biological and technical challenges, including the high degree of similarity of astrocytes with neural stem cells and the shortcomings of astrocyte markers. Current advances in systems biology have a huge potential to overcome these challenges. Recent transcriptomic analyses have already revealed new astrocyte markers and new regulators of astrocyte differentiation. However, the epigenomic changes that presumably occur during astrocyte differentiation remain an important, largely unexplored area for future research. Emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based functional screens will further improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying astrocyte differentiation. This may open up new clinical approaches to restore homeostasis in neurological disorders and/or promote CNS regeneration. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lattke
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Francois Guillemot
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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18
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Liao YZ, Ma J, Dou JZ. The Role of TDP-43 in Neurodegenerative Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4223-4241. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Practical Genetics for the Neuroradiologist: Adding Value in Neurogenetic Disease. Acad Radiol 2022; 29 Suppl 3:S1-S27. [PMID: 33495073 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic discoveries have transformed our understanding of many neurologic diseases. Identification of specific causal pathogenic variants has improved understanding of pathophysiology and enabled replacement of many confusing eponyms and acronyms with more meaningful and clinically relevant genetics-based terminology. In this era of rapid scientific advancement, multidisciplinary collaboration among pediatricians, neurologists, geneticists, radiologists, and other members of the health care team is increasingly important in the care of patients with genetic neurologic diseases. Radiologists familiar with neurogenetic disease add value by (1) recognizing constellations of characteristic imaging findings that are associated with a genetic disease before one is clinically suspected; (2) predicting the most likely genotypes for a given imaging phenotype in clinically suspected genetic disease; and (3) providing detailed and accurate descriptions of the imaging phenotype in challenging cases with unknown or uncertain genotypes. This review aims to increase awareness and understanding of pathogenic variants relating to neurologic disease by (1) briefly reviewing foundational knowledge of chromosomes, inheritance patterns, and mutagenesis; (2) providing concrete examples of and detailed information about specific neurologic diseases resulting from pathogenic variants; and (3) highlighting clinical and imaging features that are of greatest relevance for the radiologist.
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20
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Bugiani M, Plug BC, Man JHK, Breur M, van der Knaap MS. Heterogeneity of white matter astrocytes in the human brain. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:159-177. [PMID: 34878591 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate central nervous system development, maintain its homeostasis and orchestrate repair upon injury. Emerging evidence support functional specialization of astroglia, both between and within brain regions. Different subtypes of gray matter astrocytes have been identified, yet molecular and functional diversity of white matter astrocytes remains largely unexplored. Nonetheless, their important and diverse roles in maintaining white matter integrity and function are well recognized. Compelling evidence indicate that impairment of normal astrocytic function and their response to injury contribute to a wide variety of diseases, including white matter disorders. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity in the white matter of the mammalian brain and how an interplay between developmental origins and local environmental cues contribute to astroglial diversification. In addition, we discuss whether, and if so, how, heterogeneous astrocytes could contribute to white matter function in health and disease and focus on the sparse human research data available. We highlight four leukodystrophies primarily due to astrocytic dysfunction, the so-called astrocytopathies. Insight into the role of astroglial heterogeneity in both healthy and diseased white matter may provide new avenues for therapies aimed at promoting repair and restoring normal white matter function.
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21
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Hagemann TL. Alexander disease: models, mechanisms, and medicine. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 72:140-147. [PMID: 34826654 PMCID: PMC8901527 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Alexander disease is a primary disorder of astrocytes caused by gain-of-function mutations in the gene for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which lead to protein aggregation and a reactive astrocyte response, with devastating effects on the central nervous system. Over the past two decades since the discovery of GFAP as the culprit, several cellular and animal models have been generated, and much has been learned about underlying mechanisms contributing to the disease. Despite these efforts, many aspects of Alexander disease have remained enigmatic, particularly the initiating events in GFAP accumulation and astrocyte pathology, the relation between astrocyte dysfunction and myelin deficits, and the variability in age of onset and disease severity. More recent work in both old and new models has begun to address these complex questions and identify new therapeutics that finally offer the promise of effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L. Hagemann
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705
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22
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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Liu Y, Jiang H, Qin X, Tian M, Zhang H. PET imaging of reactive astrocytes in neurological disorders. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 49:1275-1287. [PMID: 34873637 PMCID: PMC8921128 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05640-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The reactive astrocytes manifest molecular, structural, and functional remodeling in injury, infection, or diseases of the CNS, which play a critical role in the pathological mechanism of neurological diseases. A growing need exists for dependable approach to better characterize the activation of astrocyte in vivo. As an advanced molecular imaging technology, positron emission tomography (PET) has the potential for visualizing biological activities at the cellular levels. In the review, we summarized the PET visualization strategies for reactive astrocytes and discussed the applications of astrocyte PET imaging in neurological diseases. Future studies are needed to pay more attention to the development of specific imaging agents for astrocytes and further improve our exploration of reactive astrocytes in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Jiang
- PET-CT Center, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xiyi Qin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.,Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China. .,Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China. .,Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China. .,College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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24
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Xu SY, Liang JL, Li HJ, Zhao RJ, Li CX. Type II Alexander disease with fragile X mental retardation 1 gene mutation. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2021; 211:107023. [PMID: 34800814 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.107023] [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: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic disorder with an incidence of approximately 1 in 27,00.000. It is caused by a missense mutation in the GFAP gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein. Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is an X-linked dominant genetic disease, usually caused by a pre-mutation: an unmethylated expansion in the range of 50-200 CGG repeats in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The clinical manifestations of these two diseases are complex and have some similarities. Both type II AxD and FXTAS may have ataxia as the first symptom. Here, we describe a case of type II AxD with ataxia as the first symptom accompanying a hemizygous mutation in the FMR1 gene (NM_001185081, exon13, c 0.1256C>T, p.T419M, g 0.147026507C>T). A sporadic genetic mutation led us to misdiagnose the patient with FXTAS initially. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed a heterozygous mutation in the GFAP gene (NM_002055.5, exon4, c 0.1158C>A, p.N386K, g 0.6310C>A). This report indicates that when the patient's clinical manifestation is ataxia, and imaging results suggest that the midbrain, medulla oblongata, and other subcerebellar structures are atrophied, AxD should be considered. Whole-genome sequencing is thus feasible to avoid missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui-Yi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jian-Lin Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Juan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China; Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong-Juan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chang-Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
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Amano E, Yoshida T, Mizuta I, Oyama J, Sakashita S, Ueyama S, Machida A, Yokota T. Activation of a Cryptic Splice Site of GFAP in a Patient With Adult-Onset Alexander Disease. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e626. [PMID: 34611548 PMCID: PMC8488758 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective Alexander disease (ALXDRD) is an autosomal dominant neurologic disorder caused by mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene and is pathologically defined by Rosenthal fiber accumulation. Most mutations are exonic missense mutations, and splice site mutations are rare. We report a very-late-onset autopsied case of adult-onset ALXDRD with a novel splice site mutation. Methods Genetic testing of GFAP was performed by Sanger sequencing. Using autopsied brain tissues, GFAP transcript analysis was performed. Results The patient presented mild upper motor neuron symptoms in contrast to the severe atrophy of spinal cord and medulla oblongata. The patient had c.619-1G>A mutation, which is located in the canonical splice acceptor site of intron 3. The brain RNA analysis identified the r.619_621del (p.Glu207del) mutation, which is explained by the activation of the cryptic splice acceptor site in the second and third nucleotides from the 5′ end of the exon 4. Discussion GFAP gene expression analysis is necessary to clarify the effects of intronic mutations on splicing, even if they are in canonical splice sites. This case showed a much milder phenotype than those in previous cases with missense mutations at Glu207, thereby expanding the clinical spectrum of ALXDRD with Glu207 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiichiro Amano
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomokatsu Yoshida
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mizuta
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Jun Oyama
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shingo Sakashita
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Syunsuke Ueyama
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akira Machida
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takanori Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (E.A., T. Yokota); Department of Neurology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (E.A., A.M.), Ibaraki; Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (T. Yoshida, I.M.); Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (J.O.); Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.S.), Ibaraki; Division of Pathology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center (S.S.), Chiba; and Department of Gastroenterology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital (S.U.), Ibaraki, Japan
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26
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Potential of Multiscale Astrocyte Imaging for Revealing Mechanisms Underlying Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910312. [PMID: 34638653 PMCID: PMC8508625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes provide trophic and metabolic support to neurons and modulate circuit formation during development. In addition, astrocytes help maintain neuronal homeostasis through neurovascular coupling, blood-brain barrier maintenance, clearance of metabolites and nonfunctional proteins via the glymphatic system, extracellular potassium buffering, and regulation of synaptic activity. Thus, astrocyte dysfunction may contribute to a myriad of neurological disorders. Indeed, astrocyte dysfunction during development has been implicated in Rett disease, Alexander's disease, epilepsy, and autism, among other disorders. Numerous disease model mice have been established to investigate these diseases, but important preclinical findings on etiology and pathophysiology have not translated into clinical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is required to elucidate the mechanism of these diseases because astrocyte dysfunction can result in altered neuronal connectivity, morphology, and activity. Recent progress in neuroimaging techniques has enabled noninvasive investigations of brain structure and function at multiple spatiotemporal scales, and these technologies are expected to facilitate the translation of preclinical findings to clinical studies and ultimately to clinical trials. Here, we review recent progress on astrocyte contributions to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders revealed using novel imaging techniques, from microscopy scale to mesoscopic scale.
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27
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Berdowski WM, Sanderson LE, van Ham TJ. The multicellular interplay of microglia in health and disease: lessons from leukodystrophy. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm048925. [PMID: 34282843 PMCID: PMC8319551 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are highly dynamic cells crucial for developing and maintaining lifelong brain function and health through their many interactions with essentially all cellular components of the central nervous system. The frequent connection of microglia to leukodystrophies, genetic disorders of the white matter, has highlighted their involvement in the maintenance of white matter integrity. However, the mechanisms that underlie their putative roles in these processes remain largely uncharacterized. Microglia have also been gaining attention as possible therapeutic targets for many neurological conditions, increasing the demand to understand their broad spectrum of functions and the impact of their dysregulation. In this Review, we compare the pathological features of two groups of genetic leukodystrophies: those in which microglial dysfunction holds a central role, termed 'microgliopathies', and those in which lysosomal or peroxisomal defects are considered to be the primary driver. The latter are suspected to have notable microglia involvement, as some affected individuals benefit from microglia-replenishing therapy. Based on overlapping pathology, we discuss multiple ways through which aberrant microglia could lead to white matter defects and brain dysfunction. We propose that the study of leukodystrophies, and their extensively multicellular pathology, will benefit from complementing analyses of human patient material with the examination of cellular dynamics in vivo using animal models, such as zebrafish. Together, this will yield important insight into the cell biological mechanisms of microglial impact in the central nervous system, particularly in the development and maintenance of myelin, that will facilitate the development of new, and refinement of existing, therapeutic options for a range of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tjakko J. van Ham
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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McCann H, Durand B, Shepherd CE. Aging-Related Tau Astrogliopathy in Aging and Neurodegeneration. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070927. [PMID: 34356161 PMCID: PMC8306417 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are of vital importance to neuronal function and the health of the central nervous system (CNS), and astrocytic dysfunction as a primary or secondary event may predispose to neurodegeneration. Until recently, the main astrocytic tauopathies were the frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau (FTLD-tau) group of disorders; however, aging-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) has now been defined. This condition is a self-describing neuropathology mainly found in individuals over 60 years of age. Astrocytic tau accumulates with a thorny or granular/fuzzy morphology and is commonly found in normal aging as well as coexisting with diverse neurodegenerative disorders. However, there are still many unknown factors associated with ARTAG, including the cause/s, the progression, and the nature of any clinical associations. In addition to FTLD-tau, ARTAG has recently been associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), where it has been proposed as a potential precursor to these conditions, with the different ARTAG morphological subtypes perhaps having separate etiologies. This is an emerging area of exciting research that encompasses complex neurobiological and clinicopathological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCann
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (H.M.); (B.D.)
| | - Briony Durand
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (H.M.); (B.D.)
| | - Claire E. Shepherd
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia; (H.M.); (B.D.)
- Department of Pathology, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
- Correspondence:
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29
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Cai T, Jing S, Li Y, Wu J. A Case Report of Adult-Onset Alexander Disease with a Tumor-Like Lesion in the Lateral Ventricle. Case Rep Neurol 2021; 13:355-360. [PMID: 34248569 PMCID: PMC8255748 DOI: 10.1159/000516256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult-onset Alexander disease (AOAD) is an autosomal dominant progressive astrogliopathy caused by pathogenic variants in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Individuals with this disorder often present with a typical neuroradiologic pattern, including frontal white matter abnormality with contrast enhancement, atrophy and signal intensity changes of the medulla oblongata and upper cervical cord on MRI. Focal lesions are rarely seen in AOAD, which causes concern for primary malignancies. This study aimed to present the case of a 37-year-old male patient initially diagnosed with an astrocytoma in the lateral ventricle that was later identified as GFAP mutation-confirmed AOAD. GFAP sequencing revealed a heterogeneous missense mutation point c.236G>A. Hence, AOAD should be considered in patients with tumor-like lesion brain lesion in association with atrophy of medulla oblongata and upper cervical spinal cord, and frontal white matter abnormality with contrast enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongjia Cai
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Sisi Jing
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Zarekiani P, Breur M, Wolf NI, de Vries HE, van der Knaap MS, Bugiani M. Pathology of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:103. [PMID: 34082828 PMCID: PMC8173888 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier is a dynamic endothelial cell barrier in the brain microvasculature that separates the blood from the brain parenchyma. Specialized brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, neurons, microglia and pericytes together compose the neurovascular unit and interact to maintain blood-brain barrier function. A disturbed brain barrier function is reported in most common neurological disorders and may play a role in disease pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive overview of how the neurovascular unit is affected in a wide range of rare disorders is lacking. Our aim was to provide further insights into the neuropathology of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies to unravel its potential pathogenic role in these diseases. Leukodystrophies are monogenic disorders of the white matter due to defects in any of its structural components. Single leukodystrophies are exceedingly rare, and availability of human tissue is unique. Expression of selective neurovascular unit markers such as claudin-5, zona occludens 1, laminin, PDGFRβ, aquaporin-4 and α-dystroglycan was investigated in eight different leukodystrophies using immunohistochemistry. We observed tight junction rearrangements, indicative of endothelial dysfunction, in five out of eight assessed leukodystrophies of different origin and an altered aquaporin-4 distribution in all. Aquaporin-4 redistribution indicates a general astrocytic dysfunction in leukodystrophies, even in those not directly related to astrocytic pathology or without prominent reactive astrogliosis. These findings provide further evidence for dysfunction in the orchestration of the neurovascular unit in leukodystrophies and contribute to a better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parand Zarekiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole I. Wolf
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga E. de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjo S. van der Knaap
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child Neurology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Neuroscience, de Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Sungura R, Onyambu C, Mpolya E, Sauli E, Vianney JM. The extended scope of neuroimaging and prospects in brain atrophy mitigation: A systematic review. INTERDISCIPLINARY NEUROSURGERY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inat.2020.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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32
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Ravi K, Paidas MJ, Saad A, Jayakumar AR. Astrocytes in rare neurological conditions: Morphological and functional considerations. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2676-2705. [PMID: 33496339 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a population of central nervous system (CNS) cells with distinctive morphological and functional characteristics that differ within specific areas of the brain and are widely distributed throughout the CNS. There are mainly two types of astrocytes, protoplasmic and fibrous, which differ in morphologic appearance and location. Astrocytes are important cells of the CNS that not only provide structural support, but also modulate synaptic activity, regulate neuroinflammatory responses, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and supply energy to neurons. As a result, astrocytic disruption can lead to widespread detrimental effects and can contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurological conditions. The characteristics of astrocytes in more common neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have significantly been described and continue to be widely studied. However, there still exist numerous rare neurological conditions in which astrocytic involvement is unknown and needs to be explored. Accordingly, this review will summarize functional and morphological changes of astrocytes in various rare neurological conditions based on current knowledge thus far and highlight remaining neuropathologies where astrocytic involvement has yet to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Ravi
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ali Saad
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Arumugam R Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.,South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc, Miami, Florida, USA.,General Medical Research Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, Miami, Florida, USA
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Accogli A, Geraldo AF, Piccolo G, Riva A, Scala M, Balagura G, Salpietro V, Madia F, Maghnie M, Zara F, Striano P, Tortora D, Severino M, Capra V. Diagnostic Approach to Macrocephaly in Children. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:794069. [PMID: 35096710 PMCID: PMC8795981 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.794069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrocephaly affects up to 5% of the pediatric population and is defined as an abnormally large head with an occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) >2 standard deviations (SD) above the mean for a given age and sex. Taking into account that about 2-3% of the healthy population has an OFC between 2 and 3 SD, macrocephaly is considered as "clinically relevant" when OFC is above 3 SD. This implies the urgent need for a diagnostic workflow to use in the clinical setting to dissect the several causes of increased OFC, from the benign form of familial macrocephaly and the Benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces (BESS) to many pathological conditions, including genetic disorders. Moreover, macrocephaly should be differentiated by megalencephaly (MEG), which refers exclusively to brain overgrowth, exceeding twice the SD (3SD-"clinically relevant" megalencephaly). While macrocephaly can be isolated and benign or may be the first indication of an underlying congenital, genetic, or acquired disorder, megalencephaly is most likely due to a genetic cause. Apart from the head size evaluation, a detailed family and personal history, neuroimaging, and a careful clinical evaluation are crucial to reach the correct diagnosis. In this review, we seek to underline the clinical aspects of macrocephaly and megalencephaly, emphasizing the main differential diagnosis with a major focus on common genetic disorders. We thus provide a clinico-radiological algorithm to guide pediatricians in the assessment of children with macrocephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Accogli
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ana Filipa Geraldo
- Diagnostic Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Gianluca Piccolo
- Pediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Pediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Pediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Pediatric Clinic and Endocrinology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic and Endocrinology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Tortora
- Neuroradiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
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Lohrberg M, Winkler A, Franz J, van der Meer F, Ruhwedel T, Sirmpilatze N, Dadarwal R, Handwerker R, Esser D, Wiegand K, Hagel C, Gocht A, König FB, Boretius S, Möbius W, Stadelmann C, Barrantes-Freer A. Lack of astrocytes hinders parenchymal oligodendrocyte precursor cells from reaching a myelinating state in osmolyte-induced demyelination. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:224. [PMID: 33357244 PMCID: PMC7761156 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Demyelinated lesions in human pons observed after osmotic shifts in serum have been referred to as central pontine myelinolysis (CPM). Astrocytic damage, which is prominent in neuroinflammatory diseases like neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS), is considered the primary event during formation of CPM lesions. Although more data on the effects of astrocyte-derived factors on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and remyelination are emerging, still little is known about remyelination of lesions with primary astrocytic loss. In autopsy tissue from patients with CPM as well as in an experimental model, we were able to characterize OPC activation and differentiation. Injections of the thymidine-analogue BrdU traced the maturation of OPCs activated in early astrocyte-depleted lesions. We observed rapid activation of the parenchymal NG2+ OPC reservoir in experimental astrocyte-depleted demyelinated lesions, leading to extensive OPC proliferation. One week after lesion initiation, most parenchyma-derived OPCs expressed breast carcinoma amplified sequence-1 (BCAS1), indicating the transition into a pre-myelinating state. Cells derived from this early parenchymal response often presented a dysfunctional morphology with condensed cytoplasm and few extending processes, and were only sparsely detected among myelin-producing or mature oligodendrocytes. Correspondingly, early stages of human CPM lesions also showed reduced astrocyte numbers and non-myelinating BCAS1+ oligodendrocytes with dysfunctional morphology. In the rat model, neural stem cells (NSCs) located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) were activated while the lesion was already partially repopulated with OPCs, giving rise to nestin+ progenitors that generated oligodendroglial lineage cells in the lesion, which was successively repopulated with astrocytes and remyelinated. These nestin+ stem cell-derived progenitors were absent in human CPM cases, which may have contributed to the inefficient lesion repair. The present study points to the importance of astrocyte-oligodendrocyte interactions for remyelination, highlighting the necessity to further determine the impact of astrocyte dysfunction on remyelination inefficiency in demyelinating disorders including MS.
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de Waard DM, Bugiani M. Astrocyte-Oligodendrocyte-Microglia Crosstalk in Astrocytopathies. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:608073. [PMID: 33328899 PMCID: PMC7710860 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.608073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective astrocyte function due to a genetic mutation can have major consequences for microglia and oligodendrocyte physiology, which in turn affects the white matter integrity of the brain. This review addresses the current knowledge on shared and unique pathophysiological mechanisms of astrocytopathies, including vanishing white matter, Alexander disease, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, and oculodentodigital dysplasia. The mechanisms of disease include protein accumulation, unbalanced secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, cytokines and chemokines by astrocytes, as well as an altered gap junctional network and a changed ionic and nutrient homeostasis. Interestingly, the extent to which astrogliosis and microgliosis are present in these astrocytopathies is highly variable. An improved understanding of astrocyte-microglia-oligodendrocyte crosstalk might ultimately lead to the identification of druggable targets for these, currently untreatable, severe conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, VU Medical center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Kobatake Y, Nishimura N, Sakai H, Iwana S, Yamato O, Nishii N, Kamishina H. Long-term survival of a dog with Alexander disease. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1704-1707. [PMID: 33055453 PMCID: PMC7719875 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A 1-year- and 11-month-old spayed female toy poodle had showed progressive ataxia and paresis in the hindlimbs since 11 months old. Magnetic resonance imaging
revealed high signal intensity on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images at the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. The dog’s neurological
condition slowly deteriorated and flaccid tetraparesis was exhibited. At 4 years and 11 months old, the dog died of respiratory failure. On postmortem
examination, eosinophilic corkscrew bundles (Rosenthal fibers) were observed mainly in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord. Histological features were
comparable to previously reported cases with Alexander disease. This is a first case report to describe the clinical course and long-term prognosis of a dog
with Alexander disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Kobatake
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Nao Nishimura
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sakai
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | | | - Osamu Yamato
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Naohito Nishii
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kamishina
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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Gul M, Azari Jafari A, Shah M, Mirmoeeni S, Haider SU, Moinuddin S, Chaudhry A. Molecular Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Related Disorders: A Critical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6020. [PMID: 32825639 PMCID: PMC7547375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) which can lead to severe disability. Several diseases can mimic the clinical manifestations of MS. This can often lead to a prolonged period that involves numerous tests and investigations before a definitive diagnosis is reached. As well as the possibility of misdiagnosis. Molecular biomarkers can play a unique role in this regard. Molecular biomarkers offer a unique view into the CNS disorders. They help us understand the pathophysiology of disease as well as guiding our diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches in CNS disorders. This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature with respect to MS and its related disorders. Based on numerous recent clinical and experimental studies, we demonstrate that several molecular biomarkers could very well aid us in differentiating MS from its related disorders. The implications of this work will hopefully serve clinicians and researchers alike, who regularly deal with MS and its related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Gul
- Precision Rheumatology INC, 2050 South Euclid Street, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
| | - Amirhossein Azari Jafari
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud 3614773947, Iran; (A.A.J.); (S.M.)
| | - Muffaqam Shah
- Deccan College of Medical Sciences, P.O. Kanchanbagh, DMRL ‘X’ Road, Santhosh Nagar, Hyderabad 500058, Telangana State, India;
| | - Seyyedmohammadsadeq Mirmoeeni
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud 3614773947, Iran; (A.A.J.); (S.M.)
| | - Safee Ullah Haider
- Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical College, Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Sadia Moinuddin
- Department of Internal Medicine, San Antonio Regional Medical Center, 999 San Bernardino Rd, Upland, CA 91786, USA;
| | - Ammar Chaudhry
- Department of Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
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Parkinsonism phenotype in a family with adult onset Alexander disease and a novel mutation of GFAP. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 195:105893. [PMID: 32417628 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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A Synergistic Effect of Reactive Oxygen and Reactive Nitrogen Species in Plasma Activated Liquid Media Triggers Astrocyte Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093343. [PMID: 32397300 PMCID: PMC7247562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte proliferation and migration toward injured Central Nervous System (CNS) areas are key features of astrogliosis and glial scar formation. Even though it is known that intracellular and environmental Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) affect astrocyte behaviour in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, their effects on the migration and growth of astrocytes are still unclear. Plasma-technologies are emerging in medicine as a tool to generate RONS for treating cells directly or through Plasma Activated Liquid Media (PALM). In this paper, we show for the first time how the use of PALM can modulate both astrocyte growth and migration as a function of active species produced by plasma in liquids. Our results show that PALM, generated by means of cold atmospheric pressure plasmas fed with N2, air or O2, can modulate astrocyte behaviour depending on the content of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite in the liquid. In particular, H2O2 enriched PALM induced a negative effect on cell growth associated with the mild wound healing improvement of primary astrocytes, in a scratch assay. Nitrite enriched PALM induced a selective effect on the wound healing without affecting cell growth. PALM containing a more balanced level of H2O2 and NO2- were able to affect cell growth, as well as significantly ameliorate wound healing. None of the PALM investigated induced upregulation of the gliotic inflammatory marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), or of the astrocyte markers Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and Connexin-43 (Cx-43) analysed by Western blot. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis revealed the presence of NO2- able to induce elongated protrusions at the front end of wounded astrocytes in the direction of cell migration. With our study we believe to have shown that PALM offer a novel tool to modulate astrocyte behaviour and that they are promising candidates for controlling astrogliosis in the case of CNS injuries.
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Risinger AL, Du L. Targeting and extending the eukaryotic druggable genome with natural products: cytoskeletal targets of natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 37:634-652. [PMID: 31764930 PMCID: PMC7797185 DOI: 10.1039/c9np00053d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 2014-2019We review recent progress on natural products that target cytoskeletal components, including microtubules, actin, intermediate filaments, and septins and highlight their demonstrated and potential utility in the treatment of human disease. The anticancer efficacy of microtubule targeted agents identified from plants, microbes, and marine organisms is well documented. We highlight new microtubule targeted agents currently in clinical evaluations for the treatment of drug resistant cancers and the accumulating evidence that the anticancer efficacy of these agents is not solely due to their antimitotic effects. Indeed, the effects of microtubule targeted agents on interphase microtubules are leading to their potential for more mechanistically guided use in cancers as well as neurological disease. The discussion of these agents as more targeted drugs also prompts a reevaluation of our thinking about natural products that target other components of the cytoskeleton. For instance, actin active natural products are largely considered chemical probes and non-selective toxins. However, studies utilizing these probes have uncovered aspects of actin biology that can be more specifically targeted to potentially treat cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious disease. Compounds that target intermediate filaments and septins are understudied, but their continued discovery and mechanistic evaluations have implications for numerous therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Risinger
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Pharmacology, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
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Astrocyte and Oligodendrocyte Cross-Talk in the Central Nervous System. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030600. [PMID: 32138223 PMCID: PMC7140446 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade knowledge of the role of astrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) neuroinflammatory diseases has changed dramatically. Rather than playing a merely passive role in response to damage it is clear that astrocytes actively maintain CNS homeostasis by influencing pH, ion and water balance, the plasticity of neurotransmitters and synapses, cerebral blood flow, and are important immune cells. During disease astrocytes become reactive and hypertrophic, a response that was long considered to be pathogenic. However, recent studies reveal that astrocytes also have a strong tissue regenerative role. Whilst most astrocyte research focuses on modulating neuronal function and synaptic transmission little is known about the cross-talk between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS. This communication occurs via direct cell-cell contact as well as via secreted cytokines, chemokines, exosomes, and signalling molecules. Additionally, this cross-talk is important for glial development, triggering disease onset and progression, as well as stimulating regeneration and repair. Its critical role in homeostasis is most evident when this communication fails. Here, we review emerging evidence of astrocyte-oligodendrocyte communication in health and disease. Understanding the pathways involved in this cross-talk will reveal important insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of CNS diseases.
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Park J, Park ST, Kim J, Kwon KY. A case report of adult-onset Alexander disease clinically presenting as Parkinson's disease: is the comorbidity associated with genetic susceptibility? BMC Neurol 2020; 20:27. [PMID: 31952467 PMCID: PMC6967083 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-1616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alexander disease is a rare neurological disease characterized by progressive spastic quadriparesis and bulbar palsy. Moreover, certain patients with adult-onset Alexander disease were often misdiagnosed as other neurodegenerative disorders. Case presentation Herein, we report an adult a 58-year-old woman presented with typical parkinsonism with good levodopa-responsiveness. The patient’s dopamine transporter scanning showed significant striatal depletion, while her brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral tadpole shape of medulla oblongata and bilateral high signal intensity at both cerebellar dentate nuclei in T2-weighted images, suggesting the possibility of a genetic disorder beyond Parkinson’s disease. The patient’s genetic test resulted in known pathogenic glial fibrillary acidic protein variant, indicating Alexander disease. Conclusion This unique case highlights genetically diagnosed Alexander disease may present with clinical Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkyu Park
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Park
- Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyum-Yil Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, 59 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 04401, Republic of Korea.
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Sarret C. Leukodystrophies and genetic leukoencephalopathies in children. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:10-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Heaven MR, Wilson L, Barnes S, Brenner M. Relative stabilities of wild-type and mutant glial fibrillary acidic protein in patients with Alexander disease. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:15604-15612. [PMID: 31484723 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is an often fatal astrogliopathy caused by dominant gain-of-function missense mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene. The mechanism by which the mutations produce the AxD phenotype is not known. However, the observation that features of AxD are displayed by mice that express elevated levels of GFAP from a human WT GFAP transgene has contributed to the notion that the mutations produce AxD by increasing accumulation of total GFAP above some toxic threshold rather than the mutant GFAP being inherently toxic. A possible mechanism for accumulation of GFAP in AxD patients is that the mutated GFAP variants are more stable than the WT, an attribution abetted by observations that GFAP complexes containing GFAP variants are more resistant to solvent extraction. Here we tested this hypothesis by determining the relative levels of WT and mutant GFAP in three individuals with AxD, each of whom carried a common but different GFAP mutation (R79C, R239H, or R416W). Mass spectrometry analysis identified a peptide specific to the mutant or WT GFAP in each patient, and we quantified this peptide by comparing its signal to that of an added [15N]GFAP standard. In all three individuals, the level of mutant GFAP was less than that of the WT. This finding suggests that AxD onset is due to an intrinsic toxicity of the mutant GFAP instead of it acting indirectly by being more stable than WT GFAP and thereby increasing the total GFAP level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Heaven
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Landon Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Stephen Barnes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Targeted Metabolomics and Proteomics Laboratory, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| | - Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
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Casasnovas C, Verdura E, Vélez V, Schlüter A, Pons-Escoda A, Homedes C, Ruiz M, Fourcade S, Launay N, Pujol A. A novel mutation in the GFAP gene expands the phenotype of Alexander disease. J Med Genet 2019; 56:846-849. [PMID: 31004048 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexander disease, an autosomal dominant leukodystrophy, is caused by missense mutations in GFAP. Although mostly diagnosed in children, associated with severe leukoencephalopathy, milder adult forms also exist. METHODS A family affected by adult-onset spastic paraplegia underwent neurological examination and cerebral MRI. Two patients were sequenced by whole exome sequencing (WES). A candidate variant was functionally tested in an astrocytoma cell line. RESULTS The novel variant in GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) N-terminal head domain (p.Gly18Val) cosegregated in multiple relatives (LOD score: 2.7). All patients, even those with the mildest forms, showed characteristic signal changes or atrophy in the brainstem and spinal cord MRIs, and abnormal MRS. In vitro, this variant did not cause significant protein aggregation, in contrast to most Alexander disease mutations characterised so far. However, cell area analysis showed larger size, a feature previously described in patients and mouse models. CONCLUSION We suggest that this variant causes variable expressivity and an attenuated phenotype of Alexander disease type II, probably associated with alternative pathogenic mechanisms, that is, astrocyte enlargement. GFAP analysis should be considered in adult-onset neurological presentations with pyramidal and bulbar symptoms, in particular when characteristic findings, such as the tadpole sign, are present in MRI. WES is a powerful tool to diagnose atypical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Casasnovas
- Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Edgard Verdura
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Vélez
- Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Agatha Schlüter
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Pons-Escoda
- Neuroradiology Unit, Institut de Diagnòstic per la Imatge-IDI, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Christian Homedes
- Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montserrat Ruiz
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphane Fourcade
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nathalie Launay
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain.,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Pujol
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain .,Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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46
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McConnell HL, Li Z, Woltjer RL, Mishra A. Astrocyte dysfunction and neurovascular impairment in neurological disorders: Correlation or causation? Neurochem Int 2019; 128:70-84. [PMID: 30986503 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The neurovascular unit, consisting of neurons, astrocytes, and vascular cells, has become the focus of much discussion in the last two decades and emerging literature now suggests an association between neurovascular dysfunction and neurological disorders. In this review, we synthesize the known and suspected contributions of astrocytes to neurovascular dysfunction in disease. Throughout the brain, astrocytes are centrally positioned to dynamically mediate interactions between neurons and the cerebral vasculature, and play key roles in blood-brain barrier maintenance and neurovascular coupling. It is increasingly apparent that the changes in astrocytes in response to a variety of insults to brain tissue -collectively referred to as "reactive astrogliosis" - are not just an epiphenomenon restricted to morphological alterations, but comprise functional changes in astrocytes that contribute to the phenotype of neurological diseases with both beneficial and detrimental effects. In the context of the neurovascular unit, astrocyte dysfunction accompanies, and may contribute to, blood-brain barrier impairment and neurovascular dysregulation, highlighting the need to determine the exact nature of the relationship between astrocyte dysfunction and neurovascular impairments. Targeting astrocytes may represent a new strategy in combinatorial therapeutics for preventing the mismatch of energy supply and demand that often accompanies neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L McConnell
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Zhenzhou Li
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, China
| | - Randall L Woltjer
- Department of Neuropathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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47
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Bugiani M, Breur M. Leukodystrophies due to astroyctic dysfunction. Brain Pathol 2019; 28:369-371. [PMID: 29740940 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are genetically determined disorders due to defects in any structural components of the brain white matter. This mini-symposium presents a selection of leukodystrophies due to astrocytic dysfunction, the astrocytopathies. Examples are provided of astrocytopathies due to defects in astrocyte-specific proteins and in which astrocytes play a major role in the pathophysiology. Knowledge on the disease mechanisms underlying these leukodystrophies also provides information how loss of physiologic functions and gain of detrimental functions in astrocytes leads to degeneration of the white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Child Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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48
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Battaglia RA, Beltran AS, Delic S, Dumitru R, Robinson JA, Kabiraj P, Herring LE, Madden VJ, Ravinder N, Willems E, Newman RA, Quinlan RA, Goldman JE, Perng MD, Inagaki M, Snider NT. Site-specific phosphorylation and caspase cleavage of GFAP are new markers of Alexander disease severity. eLife 2019; 8:47789. [PMID: 31682229 PMCID: PMC6927689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which supports the structural integrity of astrocytes. Over 70 GFAP missense mutations cause AxD, but the mechanism linking different mutations to disease-relevant phenotypes remains unknown. We used AxD patient brain tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes to investigate the hypothesis that AxD-causing mutations perturb key post-translational modifications (PTMs) on GFAP. Our findings reveal selective phosphorylation of GFAP-Ser13 in patients who died young, independently of the mutation they carried. AxD iPSC-astrocytes accumulated pSer13-GFAP in cytoplasmic aggregates within deep nuclear invaginations, resembling the hallmark Rosenthal fibers observed in vivo. Ser13 phosphorylation facilitated GFAP aggregation and was associated with increased GFAP proteolysis by caspase-6. Furthermore, caspase-6 was selectively expressed in young AxD patients, and correlated with the presence of cleaved GFAP. We reveal a novel PTM signature linking different GFAP mutations in infantile AxD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Battaglia
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Adriana S Beltran
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States,Human Pluripotent Stem Cell CoreUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Samed Delic
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States,Department of BiosciencesUniversity of DurhamDurhamUnited Kingdom
| | - Raluca Dumitru
- Human Pluripotent Stem Cell CoreUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Jasmine A Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Parijat Kabiraj
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Laura E Herring
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Victoria J Madden
- Department of PathologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Roy A Quinlan
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of DurhamDurhamUnited Kingdom
| | - James E Goldman
- Department of PathologyColumbia UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ming-Der Perng
- Institute of Molecular MedicineNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan, Republic of China
| | - Masaki Inagaki
- Department of PhysiologyMie University Graduate School of MedicineMieJapan
| | - Natasha T Snider
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
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