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Peralta F, Escobedo AAV, Hanotte JL, Avallone M, Björklund T, Reggiani PC, Pardo J. Preventive cognitive protection based on AAV9 overexpression of IGF1 in hippocampal astrocytes. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106612. [PMID: 39032798 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106612] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play key roles in the brain. When astrocyte support fails, neurological disorders follow, resulting in disrupted synaptic communication, neuronal degeneration, and cell death. We posit that astrocytes overexpressing neurotrophic factors, such as Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), prevent the onset of neurodegeneration. We overexpressed IGF1 and the reporter TdTomato (TOM) in hippocampal astrocytes with bicistronic Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) harboring the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) promoter and afterwards induced neurodegeneration by the intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ), a rat model of behavioral impairment, neuroinflammation and shortening of hippocampal astrocytes. We achieved a thorough transgene expression along the hippocampus with a single viral injection. Although species typical behavior was impaired, memory deficit was prevented by IGF1. STZ prompted astrocyte shortening, albeit the length of these cells in animals injected with GFP and IGF1 vectors did not statistically differ from the other groups. In STZ control animals, hippocampal microglial reactive cells increased dramatically, but this was alleviated in IGF1 rats. We conclude that overexpression of IGF1 in astrocytes prevents neurodegeneration onset. Hence, individuals with early neurotrophic exhaustion would be vulnerable to age-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Facundo Peralta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner". Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Abril Vidal Escobedo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner". Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juliette López Hanotte
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner". Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martino Avallone
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tomas Björklund
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Paula Cecilia Reggiani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner". Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Pardo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner". Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Buenos Aires, Argentina; Molecular Neuromodulation, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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2
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Velezmoro Jauregui G, Vukić D, Onyango IG, Arias C, Novotný JS, Texlová K, Wang S, Kovačovicova KL, Polakova N, Zelinkova J, Čarna M, Lacovich V, Head BP, Havas D, Mistrik M, Zorec R, Verkhratsky A, Keegan L, O'Connell MA, Rissman R, Stokin GB. Amyloid precursor protein induces reactive astrogliosis. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14142. [PMID: 38584589 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
AIM Astrocytes respond to stressors by acquiring a reactive state characterized by changes in their morphology and function. Molecules underlying reactive astrogliosis, however, remain largely unknown. Given that several studies observed increase in the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) in reactive astrocytes, we here test whether APP plays a role in reactive astrogliosis. METHODS We investigated whether APP instigates reactive astroglios by examining in vitro and in vivo the morphology and function of naive and APP-deficient astrocytes in response to APP and well-established stressors. RESULTS Overexpression of APP in cultured astrocytes led to remodeling of the intermediate filament network, enhancement of cytokine production, and activation of cellular programs centered around the interferon (IFN) pathway, all signs of reactive astrogliosis. Conversely, APP deletion abrogated remodeling of the intermediate filament network and blunted expression of IFN-stimulated gene products in response to lipopolysaccharide. Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), mouse reactive astrocytes also exhibited an association between APP and IFN, while APP deletion curbed the increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein observed canonically in astrocytes in response to TBI. CONCLUSIONS The APP thus represents a candidate molecular inducer and regulator of reactive astrogliosis. This finding has implications for understanding pathophysiology of neurodegenerative and other diseases of the nervous system characterized by reactive astrogliosis and opens potential new therapeutic avenues targeting APP and its pathways to modulate reactive astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretsen Velezmoro Jauregui
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dragana Vukić
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, National Centre for Biomedical Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Isaac G Onyango
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Arias
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jan S Novotný
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Texlová
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Natalie Polakova
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zelinkova
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Čarna
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Valentina Lacovich
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Martin Mistrik
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Technology Park, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IIKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liam Keegan
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mary A O'Connell
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gorazd B Stokin
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
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3
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Santi MD, Carvalho D, Dapueto R, Bentura M, Zeni M, Martínez-González L, Martínez A, Peralta MA, Rey A, Giglio J, Ortega MG, Savio E, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Arredondo F. Prenylated Flavanone Isolated from Dalea Species as a Potential Multitarget-Neuroprotector in an In Vitro Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:23. [PMID: 38578482 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00703-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves a neurodegenerative process that has not yet been prevented, reversed, or stopped. Continuing with the search for natural pharmacological treatments, flavonoids are a family of compounds with proven neuroprotective effects and multi-targeting behavior. The American genus Dalea L. (Fabaceae) is an important source of bioactive flavonoids. In this opportunity, we tested the neuroprotective potential of three prenylated flavanones isolated from Dalea species in a new in vitro pre-clinical AD model previously developed by us. Our approach consisted in exposing neural cells to conditioned media (3xTg-AD ACM) from neurotoxic astrocytes derived from hippocampi and cortices of old 3xTg-AD mice, mimicking a local neurodegenerative microenvironment. Flavanone 1 and 3 showed a neuroprotective effect against 3xTg-AD ACM, being 1 more active than 3. The structural requirements to afford neuroprotective activity in this model are a 5'-dimethylallyl and 4'-hydroxy at the B ring. In order to search the mechanistic performance of the most active flavanone, we focus on the flavonoid-mediated regulation of GSK-3β-mediated tau phosphorylation previously reported. Flavanone 1 treatment decreased the rise of hyperphosphorylated tau protein neuronal levels induced after 3xTg-AD ACM exposure and inhibited the activity of GSK-3β. Finally, direct exposure of these neurotoxic 3xTg-AD astrocytes to flavanone 1 resulted in toxicity to these cells and reduced the neurotoxicity of 3xTg-AD ACM as well. Our results allow us to present compound 1 as a natural prenylated flavanone that could be used as a precursor to development and design of future drug therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Santi
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Carvalho
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay
- Área de Matemática - DETEMA, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Rosina Dapueto
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuela Bentura
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maia Zeni
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Loreto Martínez-González
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avda Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Ana Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Calle Ramiro Maétzu 9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avda Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Mariana A Peralta
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Farmacognosia, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Haya de la torre y Medina Allende, Edificio Ciencias II, X5000HUA Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Rey
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Javier Giglio
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Área de Radioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria G Ortega
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (IMBIV-CONICET), Ciudad Universitaria. X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina
- Farmacognosia, Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Haya de la torre y Medina Allende, Edificio Ciencias II, X5000HUA Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Savio
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Florencia Arredondo
- I+D Biomédico y Química Farmacéutica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular (CUDIM), Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, 11600, Uruguay.
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Verma H, Kaur S, Kaur S, Gangwar P, Dhiman M, Mantha AK. Role of Cytoskeletal Elements in Regulation of Synaptic Functions: Implications Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Phytochemicals-Based Interventions. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04053-3. [PMID: 38491338 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multifactorial disease, is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. AD is triggered via several factors like alteration in cytoskeletal proteins, a mutation in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the cytoskeletal elements. Owing to the major structural and functional role of cytoskeletal elements, like the organization of axon initial segmentation, dendritic spines, synaptic regulation, and delivery of cargo at the synapse; modulation of these elements plays an important role in AD pathogenesis; like Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes the microtubules, and it also causes inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation by disrupting the integrity of nuclear pore complex. One of the major cytoskeletal elements, actin and its dynamics, regulate the dendritic spine structure and functions; impairments have been documented towards learning and memory defects. The second major constituent of these cytoskeletal elements, microtubules, are necessary for the delivery of the cargo, like ion channels and receptors at the synaptic membranes, whereas actin-binding protein, i.e., Cofilin's activation form rod-like structures, is involved in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) observed in AD. Also, the glial cells rely on their cytoskeleton to maintain synaptic functionality. Thus, making cytoskeletal elements and their regulation in synaptic structure and function as an important aspect to be focused for better management and targeting AD pathology. This review advocates exploring phytochemicals and Ayurvedic plant extracts against AD by elucidating their neuroprotective mechanisms involving cytoskeletal modulation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, challenges include their limited bioavailability due to the poor solubility and the limited potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harkomal Verma
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Sharanjot Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhchain Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Prabhakar Gangwar
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India
| | - Monisha Dhiman
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mantha
- Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Village Ghudda, VPO - Ghudda, Bathinda, 151 401, Punjab, India.
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5
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Sullivan MA, Lane SD, McKenzie ADJ, Ball SR, Sunde M, Neely GG, Moreno CL, Maximova A, Werry EL, Kassiou M. iPSC-derived PSEN2 (N141I) astrocytes and microglia exhibit a primed inflammatory phenotype. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:7. [PMID: 38178159 PMCID: PMC10765839 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02951-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widescale evidence points to the involvement of glia and immune pathways in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD-associated iPSC-derived glial cells show a diverse range of AD-related phenotypic states encompassing cytokine/chemokine release, phagocytosis and morphological profiles, but to date studies are limited to cells derived from PSEN1, APOE and APP mutations or sporadic patients. The aim of the current study was to successfully differentiate iPSC-derived microglia and astrocytes from patients harbouring an AD-causative PSEN2 (N141I) mutation and characterise the inflammatory and morphological profile of these cells. METHODS iPSCs from three healthy control individuals and three familial AD patients harbouring a heterozygous PSEN2 (N141I) mutation were used to derive astrocytes and microglia-like cells and cell identity and morphology were characterised through immunofluorescent microscopy. Cellular characterisation involved the stimulation of these cells by LPS and Aβ42 and analysis of cytokine/chemokine release was conducted through ELISAs and multi-cytokine arrays. The phagocytic capacity of these cells was then indexed by the uptake of fluorescently-labelled fibrillar Aβ42. RESULTS AD-derived astrocytes and microglia-like cells exhibited an atrophied and less complex morphological appearance than healthy controls. AD-derived astrocytes showed increased basal expression of GFAP, S100β and increased secretion and phagocytosis of Aβ42 while AD-derived microglia-like cells showed decreased IL-8 secretion compared to healthy controls. Upon immunological challenge AD-derived astrocytes and microglia-like cells showed exaggerated secretion of the pro-inflammatory IL-6, CXCL1, ICAM-1 and IL-8 from astrocytes and IL-18 and MIF from microglia. CONCLUSION Our study showed, for the first time, the differentiation and characterisation of iPSC-derived astrocytes and microglia-like cells harbouring a PSEN2 (N141I) mutation. PSEN2 (N141I)-mutant astrocytes and microglia-like cells presented with a 'primed' phenotype characterised by reduced morphological complexity, exaggerated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and altered Aβ42 production and phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Sullivan
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Samuel D Lane
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - André D J McKenzie
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Sarah R Ball
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - G Gregory Neely
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Cesar L Moreno
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Alexandra Maximova
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Eryn L Werry
- School of Medical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
- School of Chemistry, The Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia.
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6
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Jauregui GV, Vukić D, Onyango IG, Arias C, Novotný JS, Texlová K, Wang S, Kovačovicova KL, Polakova N, Zelinkova J, Čarna M, Strašil VL, Head BP, Havas D, Mistrik M, Zorec R, Verkhratsky A, Keegan L, O'Connel M, Rissman R, Stokin GB. Amyloid precursor protein induces reactive astrogliosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.571817. [PMID: 38187544 PMCID: PMC10769227 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.571817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
We present in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating that Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) acts as an essential instigator of reactive astrogliosis. Cell-specific overexpression of APP in cultured astrocytes led to remodelling of the intermediate filament network, enhancement of cytokine production and activation of cellular programs centred around the interferon (IFN) pathway, all signs of reactive astrogliosis. Conversely, APP deletion in cultured astrocytes abrogated remodelling of the intermediate filament network and blunted expression of IFN stimulated gene (ISG) products in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), mouse reactive astrocytes also exhibited an association between APP and IFN, while APP deletion curbed the increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) observed canonically in astrocytes in response to TBI. Thus, APP represents a molecular inducer and regulator of reactive astrogliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretsen Velezmoro Jauregui
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dragana Vukić
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno Czech Republic
| | - Isaac G Onyango
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos Arias
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jan S Novotný
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Texlová
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Natalie Polakova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zelinkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Čarna
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Brian P Head
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | | | - Martin Mistrik
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Technology Park, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IIKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liam Keegan
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mary O'Connel
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gorazd B Stokin
- Translational Ageing and Neuroscience Program, Centre for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
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7
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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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [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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8
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Guo T, Xiong K, Yuan B, Zhang Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Liang C, Liu Z. Homogeneous-resolution photoacoustic microscopy for ultrawide field-of-view neurovascular imaging in Alzheimer's disease. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2023; 31:100516. [PMID: 37313359 PMCID: PMC10258506 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurovascular imaging is essential for investigating neurodegenerative diseases. However, the existing neurovascular imaging technology suffers from a trade-off between a field of view (FOV) and resolution in the whole brain, resulting in an inhomogeneous resolution and lack of information. Here, homogeneous-resolution arched-scanning photoacoustic microscopy (AS-PAM), which has an ultrawide FOV to cover the entire mouse cerebral cortex, was developed. Imaging of the neurovasculature was performed with a homogenous resolution of 6.9 µm from the superior sagittal sinus to the middle cerebral artery and caudal rhinal vein in an FOV of 12 × 12 mm2. Moreover, using AS-PAM, vascular features of the meninges and cortex were quantified in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and wild-type (WT) mice. The results demonstrated high sensitivity to the pathological progression of AD on tortuosity and branch index. The high-fidelity imaging capability in large FOV enables AS-PAM to be a promising tool for precise brain neurovascular visualization and quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- School of Medicine South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kedi Xiong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Zhenhui Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science Institute of Laser Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuhu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Changhong Liang
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zaiyi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Image Analysis and Application, Guangzhou 510080, China
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9
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Rodríguez-Callejas JD, Fuchs E, Perez-Cruz C. Atrophic astrocytes in aged marmosets present tau hyperphosphorylation, RNA oxidation, and DNA fragmentation. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 129:121-136. [PMID: 37302213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.010] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform multiple essential functions in the brain showing morphological changes. Hypertrophic astrocytes are commonly observed in cognitively healthy aged animals, implying a functional defense mechanism without losing neuronal support. In neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes show morphological alterations, such as decreased process length and reduced number of branch points, known as astroglial atrophy, with detrimental effects on neuronal cells. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a non-human primate that, with age, develops several features that resemble neurodegeneration. In this study, we characterize the morphological alterations in astrocytes of adolescent (mean 1.75 y), adult (mean 5.33 y), old (mean 11.25 y), and aged (mean 16.83 y) male marmosets. We observed a significantly reduced arborization in astrocytes of aged marmosets compared to younger animals in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. These astrocytes also show oxidative damage to RNA and increased nuclear plaques in the cortex and tau hyperphosphorylation (AT100). Astrocytes lacking S100A10 protein show a more severe atrophy and DNA fragmentation. Our results demonstrate the presence of atrophic astrocytes in the brains of aged marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Rodríguez-Callejas
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz-Institute of Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Perez-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico.
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10
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Peppercorn K, Kleffmann T, Hughes SM, Tate WP. Secreted Amyloid Precursor Protein Alpha (sAPPα) Regulates the Cellular Proteome and Secretome of Mouse Primary Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087165. [PMID: 37108327 PMCID: PMC10138557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreted amyloid precursor protein alpha (sAPPα), processed from a parent mammalian brain protein, amyloid precursor protein, can modulate learning and memory. Recently it has been shown to modulate the transcriptome and proteome of human neurons, including proteins with neurological functions. Here, we analysed whether the acute administration of sAPPα facilitated changes in the proteome and secretome of mouse primary astrocytes in culture. Astrocytes contribute to the neuronal processes of neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Cortical mouse astrocytes in culture were exposed to 1 nM sAPPα, and changes in both the whole-cell proteome (2 h) and the secretome (6 h) were identified with Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Fragment Ion Spectra-Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS). Differentially regulated proteins were identified in both the cellular proteome and secretome that are involved with neurologically related functions of the normal physiology of the brain and central nervous system. Groups of proteins have a relationship to APP and have roles in the modulation of cell morphology, vesicle dynamics and the myelin sheath. Some are related to pathways containing proteins whose genes have been previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The secretome is also enriched in proteins related to Insulin Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) signaling and the extracellular matrix (ECM). There is the promise that a more specific investigation of these proteins will help to understand the mechanisms of how sAPPα signaling affects memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Torsten Kleffmann
- Research Infrastructure Centre, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie M Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Genetics Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Warren P Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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11
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Fan T, Yu Y, Chen YL, Gu P, Wong S, Xia ZY, Liu JA, Cheung CW. Histone deacetylase 5-induced deficiency of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 acetylation contributes to spinal astrocytes degeneration in painful diabetic neuropathy. Glia 2023; 71:1099-1119. [PMID: 36579750 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24328] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) show severe spinal atrophy, suggesting pathological changes of the spinal cord contributes to central sensitization. However, the cellular changes and underlying molecular mechanisms within the diabetic spinal cord are less clear. By using a rat model of type 1 diabetes (T1D), we noted an extensive and irreversible spinal astrocyte degeneration at an early stage of T1D, which is highly associated with the chronification of PDN. Molecularly, acetylation of astrocytic signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) that is essential for maintaining the homeostatic astrocytes population was significantly impaired in the T1D model, resulting in a dramatic loss of spinal astrocytes and consequently promoting pain hypersensitivity. Mechanistically, class IIa histone deacetylase, HDAC5 were aberrantly activated in spinal astrocytes of diabetic rats, which promoted STAT3 deacetylation by direct protein-protein interactions, leading to the PDN phenotypes. Restoration of STAT3 signaling or inhibition of HDAC5 rescued astrocyte deficiency and attenuated PDN in the T1D model. Our work identifies the inhibitory axis of HDAC5-STAT3 induced astrocyte deficiency as a key mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of the diabetic spinal cord that paves the way for potential therapy development for PDN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Fan
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yong-Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Pan Gu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Stanley Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zheng-Yuan Xia
- Department of Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chi-Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Laboratory and Clinical Research Institute for Pain, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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12
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Wu Y, Eisel UL. Microglia-Astrocyte Communication in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:785-803. [PMID: 37638434 PMCID: PMC10578295 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Microglia and astrocytes are regarded as active participants in the central nervous system under various neuropathological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both microglia and astrocyte activation have been reported to occur with a spatially and temporarily distinct pattern. Acting as a double-edged sword, glia-mediated neuroinflammation may be both detrimental and beneficial to the brain. In a variety of neuropathologies, microglia are activated before astrocytes, which facilitates astrocyte activation. Yet reactive astrocytes can also prevent the activation of adjacent microglia in addition to helping them become activated. Studies describe changes in the genetic profile as well as cellular and molecular responses of these two types of glial cells that contribute to dysfunctional immune crosstalk in AD. In this paper, we construct current knowledge of microglia-astrocyte communication, highlighting the multifaceted functions of microglia and astrocytes and their role in AD. A thorough comprehension of microglia-astrocyte communication could hasten the creation of novel AD treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wu
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ulrich L.M. Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Liu Y, Si ZZ, Zou CJ, Mei X, Li XF, Luo H, Shen Y, Hu J, Li XX, Wu L. Targeting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease: from mechanisms to clinical applications. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:708-715. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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14
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Akhtar A, Gupta SM, Dwivedi S, Kumar D, Shaikh MF, Negi A. Preclinical Models for Alzheimer's Disease: Past, Present, and Future Approaches. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47504-47517. [PMID: 36591205 PMCID: PMC9798399 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A robust preclinical disease model is a primary requirement to understand the underlying mechanisms, signaling pathways, and drug screening for human diseases. Although various preclinical models are available for several diseases, clinical models for Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain underdeveloped and inaccurate. The pathophysiology of AD mainly includes the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). Furthermore, neuroinflammation and free radical generation also contribute to AD. Currently, there is a wide gap in scientific approaches to preventing AD progression. Most of the available drugs are limited to symptomatic relief and improve deteriorating cognitive functions. To mimic the pathogenesis of human AD, animal models like 3XTg-AD and 5XFAD are the primarily used mice models in AD therapeutics. Animal models for AD include intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ), amyloid beta-induced, colchicine-induced, etc., focusing on parameters such as cognitive decline and dementia. Unfortunately, the translational rate of the potential drug candidates in clinical trials is poor due to limitations in imitating human AD pathology in animal models. Therefore, the available preclinical models possess a gap in AD modeling. This paper presents an outline that critically assesses the applicability and limitations of the current approaches in disease modeling for AD. Also, we attempted to provide key suggestions for the best-fit model to evaluate potential therapies, which might improve therapy translation from preclinical studies to patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansab Akhtar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shraddha M. Gupta
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shubham Dwivedi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, DIT University, Uttarakhand, Dehradun 248009, India
| | - Mohd. Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology
Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Arvind Negi
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- E-mail:
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15
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McCaffrey D, Lawther AJ, Weickert CS, Walker AK. Cancer activates microglia to the same extent as chronic stress throughout stress neurocircuitry in a mouse model of breast cancer. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 146:105938. [PMID: 36174451 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of stress-related comorbidities is increased approximately 3-fold in cancer patients compared to the general population. There is a scarcity of research focusing on the biological brain changes caused by the cancer due to the assumption that psychological symptoms are solely caused by the stress of a cancer diagnosis. Recent clinical evidence indicates that declines in cognition and increases in mood symptoms occur prior to an individual receiving a cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the cancer itself may play a role in mediating biological brain change. Furthermore, the presence of a tumour may change the brain response to environmental stressors unrelated to a cancer diagnosis. Using a syngeneic, orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer, we compared the impact of mammary tumours and chronic restraint stress on microglial and astrocytic activation throughout stress-relevant neurocircuitry. We also examined whether changes in microglial and astrocytic activation overlapped with changes in chronic neuronal activity. We show that cancer and chronic restraint stress activates microglia to the same magnitude in the same subcortical brain regions, and that this activation correlates with stress coping behaviours. The findings suggest that in some cancer patients, microglia may be activated in brain regions involved in interpreting and responding to psychological distress before they are aware of their diagnosis. In contrast, cancer reduced astrocyte reactivity in two cortical brain regions where there were no clear changes in response to chronic restraint stress. Taken together, it is likely that interventions that aim to improve anxiety and stress in cancer patients by targeting glial responses to cancer would need to be cell-specific; reducing microglial activation and/or stimulating astrocytic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delyse McCaffrey
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam J Lawther
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Adam K Walker
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia.
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16
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St-Pierre MK, VanderZwaag J, Loewen S, Tremblay MÈ. All roads lead to heterogeneity: The complex involvement of astrocytes and microglia in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:932572. [PMID: 36035256 PMCID: PMC9413962 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.932572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, glial cells have been acknowledged as key players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition in which an accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular fibrillar amyloid beta is notably observed in the central nervous system. Genome-wide association studies have shown, both in microglia and astrocytes, an increase in gene variants associated with a higher risk of developing late-onset AD. Microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the brain, and astrocytes, glial cells crucial for vascular integrity and neuronal support, both agglomerate near amyloid beta plaques and dystrophic neurites where they participate in the elimination of these harmful parenchymal elements. However, their role in AD pathogenesis has been challenging to resolve due to the highly heterogeneous nature of these cell populations, i.e., their molecular, morphological, and ultrastructural diversity, together with their ever-changing responsiveness and functions throughout the pathological course of AD. With the recent expansions in the field of glial heterogeneity through innovative advances in state-of-the-art microscopy and -omics techniques, novel concepts and questions arose, notably pertaining to how the diverse microglial and astrocytic states interact with each other and with the AD hallmarks, and how their concerted efforts/actions impact the progression of the disease. In this review, we discuss the recent advances and findings on the topic of glial heterogeneity, particularly focusing on the relationships of these cells with AD hallmarks (e.g., amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss, and dystrophic neurites) in murine models of AD pathology and post-mortem brain samples of patients with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim St-Pierre
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Center de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Jared VanderZwaag
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sophia Loewen
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Center de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Center for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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17
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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18
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Diaz-Amarilla P, Arredondo F, Dapueto R, Boix V, Carvalho D, Santi MD, Vasilskis E, Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Dajas-Bailador F, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Engler H, Savio E. Isolation and characterization of neurotoxic astrocytes derived from adult triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice. Neurochem Int 2022; 159:105403. [PMID: 35853553 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease has been considered mostly as a neuronal pathology, although increasing evidence suggests that glial cells might play a key role in the disease onset and progression. In this sense, astrocytes, with their central role in neuronal metabolism and function, are of great interest for increasing our understanding of the disease. Thus, exploring the morphological and functional changes suffered by astrocytes along the course of this disorder has great therapeutic and diagnostic potential. In this work we isolated and cultivated astrocytes from symptomatic 9-10-months-old adult 3xTg-AD mice, with the aim of characterizing their phenotype and exploring their pathogenic potential. These "old" astrocytes occurring in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease presented high proliferation rate and differential expression of astrocytic markers compared with controls. They were neurotoxic to primary neuronal cultures both, in neuronal-astrocyte co-cultures and when their conditioned media (ACM) was added into neuronal cultures. ACM caused neuronal GSK3β activation, changes in cytochrome c pattern, and increased caspase 3 activity, suggesting intrinsic apoptotic pathway activation. Exposure of neurons to ACM caused different subcellular responses. ACM application to the somato-dendritic domain in compartmentalised microfluidic chambers caused degeneration both locally in soma/dendrites and distally in axons. However, exposure of axons to ACM did not affect somato-dendritic nor axonal integrity. We propose that this newly described old 3xTg-AD neurotoxic astrocytic population can contribute towards the mechanistic understanding of the disease and shed light on new therapeutical opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Diaz-Amarilla
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Florencia Arredondo
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay; Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Rosina Dapueto
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Boix
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Diego Carvalho
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Daniela Santi
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elena Vasilskis
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raquel Mesquita-Ribeiro
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, UK
| | - Federico Dajas-Bailador
- School of Life Sciences, Medical School Building, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH, Nottingham, UK
| | - Juan Andrés Abin-Carriquiry
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Henry Engler
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Eduardo Savio
- Area I+D Biomédica, Centro Uruguayo de Imagenología Molecular, 11600, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Tureckova J, Kamenicka M, Kolenicova D, Filipi T, Hermanova Z, Kriska J, Meszarosova L, Pukajova B, Valihrach L, Androvic P, Zucha D, Chmelova M, Vargova L, Anderova M. Compromised Astrocyte Swelling/Volume Regulation in the Hippocampus of the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:783120. [PMID: 35153718 PMCID: PMC8829436 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.783120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to disclose the impact of amyloid-β toxicity and tau pathology on astrocyte swelling, their volume recovery and extracellular space (ECS) diffusion parameters, namely volume fraction (α) and tortuosity (λ), in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD). Astrocyte volume changes, which reflect astrocyte ability to take up ions/neurotransmitters, were quantified during and after exposure to hypo-osmotic stress, or hyperkalemia in acute hippocampal slices, and were correlated with alterations in ECS diffusion parameters. Astrocyte volume and ECS diffusion parameters were monitored during physiological aging (controls) and during AD progression in 3-, 9-, 12- and 18-month-old mice. In the hippocampus of controls α gradually declined with age, while it remained unaffected in 3xTg-AD mice during the entire time course. Moreover, age-related increases in λ occurred much earlier in 3xTg-AD animals than in controls. In 3xTg-AD mice changes in α induced by hypo-osmotic stress or hyperkalemia were comparable to those observed in controls, however, AD progression affected α recovery following exposure to both. Compared to controls, a smaller astrocyte swelling was detected in 3xTg-AD mice only during hyperkalemia. Since we observed a large variance in astrocyte swelling/volume regulation, we divided them into high- (HRA) and low-responding astrocytes (LRA). In response to hyperkalemia, the incidence of LRA was higher in 3xTg-AD mice than in controls, which may also reflect compromised K+ and neurotransmitter uptake. Furthermore, we performed single-cell RT-qPCR to identify possible age-related alterations in astrocytic gene expression profiles. Already in 3-month-old 3xTg-AD mice, we detected a downregulation of genes affecting the ion/neurotransmitter uptake and cell volume regulation, namely genes of glutamate transporters, α2β2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, connexin 30 or Kir4.1 channel. In conclusion, the aged hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice displays an enlarged ECS volume fraction and an increased number of obstacles, which emerge earlier than in physiological aging. Both these changes may strongly affect intercellular communication and influence astrocyte ionic/neurotransmitter uptake, which becomes impaired during aging and this phenomenon is manifested earlier in 3xTg-AD mice. The increased incidence of astrocytes with limited ability to take up ions/neurotransmitters may further add to a cytotoxic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Tureckova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jana Tureckova,
| | - Monika Kamenicka
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Denisa Kolenicova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tereza Filipi
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Hermanova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kriska
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lenka Meszarosova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Pukajova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukas Valihrach
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Peter Androvic
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Daniel Zucha
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martina Chmelova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lydia Vargova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Miroslava Anderova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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20
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Pelucchi S, Gardoni F, Di Luca M, Marcello E. Synaptic dysfunction in early phases of Alzheimer's Disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 184:417-438. [PMID: 35034752 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819410-2.00022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The synapse is the locus of plasticity where short-term alterations in synaptic strength are converted to long-lasting memories. In addition to the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic compartment, a more holistic view of the synapse includes the astrocytes and the extracellular matrix to form a tetrapartite synapse. All these four elements contribute to synapse health and are crucial for synaptic plasticity events and, thereby, for learning and memory processes. Synaptic dysfunction is a common pathogenic trait of several brain disorders. In Alzheimer's Disease, the degeneration of synapses can be detected at the early stages of pathology progression before neuronal degeneration, supporting the hypothesis that synaptic failure is a major determinant of the disease. The synapse is the place where amyloid-β peptides are generated and is the target of the toxic amyloid-β oligomers. All the elements constituting the tetrapartite synapse are altered in Alzheimer's Disease and can synergistically contribute to synaptic dysfunction. Moreover, the two main hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease, i.e., amyloid-β and tau, act in concert to cause synaptic deficits. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction is relevant for the development of the next-generation therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Di Luca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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21
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Huffels CFM, Osborn LM, Hulshof LA, Kooijman L, Henning L, Steinhäuser C, Hol EM. Amyloid-β plaques affect astrocyte Kir4.1 protein expression but not function in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice. Glia 2022; 70:748-767. [PMID: 34981861 PMCID: PMC9306581 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer pathology is accompanied by astrogliosis. Reactive astrocytes surrounding amyloid plaques may directly affect neuronal communication, and one of the mechanisms by which astrocytes impact neuronal function is by affecting K+ homeostasis. Here we studied, using hippocampal slices from 9‐month‐old Alzheimer mice (APP/PS1) and wild‐type littermates, whether astrocyte function is changed by analyzing Kir4.1 expression and function and astrocyte coupling in astrocytes surrounding amyloid‐β plaques. Immunohistochemical analysis of Kir4.1 protein in the dentate gyrus revealed localized increases in astrocytes surrounding amyloid‐β plaque deposits. We subsequently focused on changes in astrocyte function by using patch‐clamp slice electrophysiology on both plaque‐ and non‐plaque associated astrocytes to characterize general membrane properties. We found that Ba2+‐sensitive Kir4.1 conductance in astrocytes surrounding plaques was not affected by changes in Kir4.1 protein expression. Additional analysis of astrocyte gap junction coupling efficiency in the dentate gyrus revealed no apparent changes. Quantification of basic features of glutamatergic transmission to granule cells did not indicate disturbed neuronal communication in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice. Together, these results suggest that astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice maintain their ability to buffer extracellular K+ and attempt to rectify imbalances in K+ concentration to maintain normal neuronal and synaptic function, possibly by localized increases in Kir4.1 protein expression. Our earlier transcriptomic data indicated that chronically activated astrocytes lose their neuronal support function. Here we show that, despite localized increased Kir4.1 protein expression, astrocyte Kir4.1 channel dysfunction is likely not involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan F. M. Huffels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Lana M. Osborn
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lianne A. Hulshof
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Lieneke Kooijman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Lukas Henning
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical FacultyUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | | | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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22
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Katsipis G, Tzekaki EE, Tsolaki M, Pantazaki AA. Salivary GFAP as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and its correlation with neuroinflammation and apoptosis. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 361:577744. [PMID: 34655990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the main constituent of the astrocytic cytoskeleton, overexpressed during reactive astrogliosis-a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). GFAP and established biomarkers of neurodegeneration, inflammation, and apoptosis have been determined in the saliva of amnestic-single-domain Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) (Ν = 20), AD (Ν = 20) patients, and cognitively healthy Controls (Ν = 20). Salivary GFAP levels were found significantly decreased in MCI and AD patients and were proven an excellent biomarker for discriminating Controls from MCI or AD patients. GFAP levels correlate with studied biomarkers and Aβ42, IL-1β, and caspase-8 are its main predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Katsipis
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (LND), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Elena E Tzekaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (LND), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Magda Tsolaki
- First Neurology Department, "AHEPA" University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders - GAADRD, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (LND), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia A Pantazaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases (LND), 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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23
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Verkhratsky A, Li B, Scuderi C, Parpura V. Principles of Astrogliopathology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:55-73. [PMID: 34888830 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in the nervous system pathology was early on embraced by neuroscientists at end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, only to be pushed aside by neurone-centric dogmas during most of the twentieth century. However, the last decade of the twentieth century and the twenty-first century have brought the astroglial "renaissance", which has put astroglial cells as key players in pathophysiology of most if not all disorders of the nervous system and has regarded astroglia as a fertile ground for therapeutic intervention.Astrocytic contribution to neuropathology can be primary, whereby cell-autonomous changes, such as mutations in gene encoding for glial fibrillary acidic protein, can drive the pathologic progression, in this example, Alexander disease. They can also be secondary, when astrocytes respond to a variety of insults to the nervous tissue. Regardless of their origin, being cell-autonomous or not, changes in astroglia that occur in pathology, that is, astrogliopathology, can be contemporary and arbitrary classified into four forms: (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astrocytic atrophy with loss of function, (iii) pathological remodelling of astrocytes and (iv) astrodegeneration morphologically manifested as clasmatodendrosis. Inevitably, as with any other classification, this classification of astrogliopathology awaits its revision that shall be rooted in new discoveries and concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Baoman Li
- Practical Teaching Center, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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24
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Mirzaei N, Davis N, Chau TW, Sastre M. Astrocyte Reactivity in Alzheimer's Disease: Therapeutic Opportunities to Promote Repair. Curr Alzheimer Res 2021; 19:1-15. [PMID: 34719372 DOI: 10.2174/1567205018666211029164106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are fast climbing the ladder of importance in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with the prominent presence of reactive astrocytes sur- rounding amyloid β- plaques, together with activated microglia. Reactive astrogliosis, implying morphological and molecular transformations in astrocytes, seems to precede neurodegeneration, suggesting a role in the development of the disease. Single-cell transcriptomics has recently demon- strated that astrocytes from AD brains are different from "normal" healthy astrocytes, showing dys- regulations in areas such as neurotransmitter recycling, including glutamate and GABA, and im- paired homeostatic functions. However, recent data suggest that the ablation of astrocytes in mouse models of amyloidosis results in an increase in amyloid pathology as well as in the inflammatory profile and reduced synaptic density, indicating that astrocytes mediate neuroprotective effects. The idea that interventions targeting astrocytes may have great potential for AD has therefore emerged, supported by a range of drugs and stem cell transplantation studies that have successfully shown a therapeutic effect in mouse models of AD. In this article, we review the latest reports on the role and profile of astrocytes in AD brains and how manipulation of astrocytes in animal mod- els has paved the way for the use of treatments enhancing astrocytic function as future therapeutic avenues for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048. United States
| | - Nicola Davis
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
| | - Tsz Wing Chau
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Sastre
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammer-smith Hospital, Du Cane Road, LondonW12 0NN. United Kingdom
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25
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Successful and Unsuccessful Brain Aging in Pets: Pathophysiological Mechanisms behind Clinical Signs and Potential Benefits from Palmitoylethanolamide Nutritional Intervention. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092584. [PMID: 34573549 PMCID: PMC8470385 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092584] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common yet underreported neurodegenerative disorder of elderly dogs and cats and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. The increasingly expanding life expectancy means a larger proportion of affected animals in the coming decades. Although far from being curative, available treatments are more effective the sooner they are started. Educating veterinary practitioners and owners in the early recognition of age-related cognitive dysfunction is thus mandatory. By shedding light on the mechanism underlying the disease, novel and more effective approaches might be developed. Emerging evidence shows that successful and unsuccessful brain aging share a common underlying mechanism that is neuroinflammation. This process involves astrocytes, microglia, and mast cells and has a restorative homeostatic intent. However, for reasons not fully elucidated yet, neuroinflammation can also exert detrimental consequences substantially contributing to neurodegeneration. Here we summarize the evidence accumulated so far on the pathogenic role of neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The potential benefit of palmitoylethanolamide dietary intervention in rebalancing neuroinflammation and exerting neuroprotection is also discussed. Abstract Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common neurodegenerative disorder of old age and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. With the unavoidable expanding life expectancy, an increasing number of small animals will be affected. Although there is no cure, early detection and intervention are vitally important to delay cognitive decline. Knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression is an equally decisive factor for developing effective approaches. Uncontrolled neuroinflammation, orchestrated in the central nervous system mainly by astrocytes, microglia, and resident mast cells, is currently acknowledged as a hallmark of neurodegeneration. This has prompted scientists to find a way to rebalance the altered crosstalk between these cells. In this context, great emphasis has been given to the role played by the expanded endocannabinoid system, i.e., endocannabinoidome, because of its prominent role in physiological and pathological neuroinflammation. Within the endocannabinoidome, great attention has been paid to palmitoylethanolamide due to its safe and pro-homeostatic effects. The availability of new ultramicronized formulations highly improved the oral bioavailability of palmitoylethanolamide, paving the way to its dietary use. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide has been repeatedly tested in animal models of age-related neurodegeneration with promising results. Data accumulated so far suggest that supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide helps to accomplish successful brain aging.
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26
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Immunohistochemical Study of ASC Expression and Distribution in the Hippocampus of an Aged Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168697. [PMID: 34445402 PMCID: PMC8395512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and is notably dependent on age. One important inflammatory pathway exerted by innate immune cells of the nervous system in response to danger signals is mediated by inflammasomes (IF) and leads to the generation of potent pro-inflammatory cytokines. The protein “apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain” (ASC) modulates IF activation but has also other functions which are crucial in AD. We intended to characterize immunohistochemically ASC and pattern recognition receptors (PRR) of IF in the hippocampus (HP) of the transgenic mouse model Tg2576 (APP), in which amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology is directly dependent on age. We show in old-aged APP a significant amount of ASC in microglia and astrocytes associated withAβ plaques, in the absence of PRR described by others in glial cells. In addition, APP developed foci with clusters of extracellular ASC granules not spatiallyrelated to Aβ plaques, which density correlated with the advanced age of mice and AD development. Clusters were associated withspecific astrocytes characterized by their enlarged ring-shaped process terminals, ASC content, and frequent perivascular location. Their possible implication in ASC clearance and propagation of inflammation is discussed.
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27
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Wu YC, Sonninen TM, Peltonen S, Koistinaho J, Lehtonen Š. Blood-Brain Barrier and Neurodegenerative Diseases-Modeling with iPSC-Derived Brain Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7710. [PMID: 34299328 PMCID: PMC8307585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the delivery of oxygen and important nutrients to the brain through active and passive transport and prevents neurotoxins from entering the brain. It also has a clearance function and removes carbon dioxide and toxic metabolites from the central nervous system (CNS). Several drugs are unable to cross the BBB and enter the CNS, adding complexity to drug screens targeting brain disorders. A well-functioning BBB is essential for maintaining healthy brain tissue, and a malfunction of the BBB, linked to its permeability, results in toxins and immune cells entering the CNS. This impairment is associated with a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the BBB in neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, we focus on recent progress of using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models to study the BBB. We review the potential of novel stem cell-based platforms in modeling the BBB and address advances and key challenges of using stem cell technology in modeling the human BBB. Finally, we highlight future directions in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chieh Wu
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Tuuli-Maria Sonninen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Sanni Peltonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Šárka Lehtonen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (Y.-C.W.); (T.-M.S.); (S.P.); (J.K.)
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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28
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Lopes CR, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Astrocytes and Adenosine A 2A Receptors: Active Players in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:666710. [PMID: 34054416 PMCID: PMC8155589 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.666710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, through their numerous processes, establish a bidirectional communication with neurons that is crucial to regulate synaptic plasticity, the purported neurophysiological basis of memory. This evidence contributed to change the classic “neurocentric” view of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), being astrocytes increasingly considered a key player in this neurodegenerative disease. AD, the most common form of dementia in the elderly, is characterized by a deterioration of memory and of other cognitive functions. Although, early cognitive deficits have been associated with synaptic loss and dysfunction caused by amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), accumulating evidences support a role of astrocytes in AD. Astrocyte atrophy and reactivity occurring at early and later stages of AD, respectively, involve morphological alterations that translate into functional changes. However, the main signals responsible for astrocytic alterations in AD and their impact on synaptic function remain to be defined. One possible candidate is adenosine, which can be formed upon extracellular catabolism of ATP released by astrocytes. Adenosine can act as a homeostatic modulator and also as a neuromodulator at the synaptic level, through the activation of adenosine receptors, mainly of A1R and A2AR subtypes. These receptors are also present in astrocytes, being particularly relevant in pathological conditions, to control the morphofunctional responses of astrocytes. Here, we will focus on the role of A2AR, since they are particularly associated with neurodegeneration and also with memory processes. Furthermore, A2AR levels are increased in the AD brain, namely in astrocytes where they can control key astrocytic functions. Thus, unveiling the role of A2AR in astrocytes function might shed light on novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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29
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Salmina AB, Gorina YV, Erofeev AI, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Optogenetic and chemogenetic modulation of astroglial secretory phenotype. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:459-479. [PMID: 33550788 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a major role in brain function and alterations in astrocyte function that contribute to the pathogenesis of many brain disorders. The astrocytes are attractive cellular targets for neuroprotection and brain tissue regeneration. Development of novel approaches to monitor and to control astroglial function is of great importance for further progress in basic neurobiology and in clinical neurology, as well as psychiatry. Recently developed advanced optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques enable precise stimulation of astrocytes in vitro and in vivo, which can be achieved by the expression of light-sensitive channels and receptors, or by expression of receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs. Optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes leads to dramatic changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and causes the release of gliotransmitters. Optogenetic and chemogenetic protocols for astrocyte activation aid in extracting novel information regarding the function of brain's neurovascular unit. This review summarizes current data obtained by this approach and discusses a potential mechanistic connection between astrocyte stimulation and changes in brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexander I Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. Space-Dependent Glia-Neuron Interplay in the Hippocampus of Transgenic Models of β-Amyloid Deposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9441. [PMID: 33322419 PMCID: PMC7763751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on the description and discussion of the alterations of astrocytes and microglia interplay in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is an age-related neurodegenerative pathology with a slowly progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. One of AD's histopathological hallmarks is the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Long regarded as a non-specific, mere consequence of AD pathology, activation of microglia and astrocytes is now considered a key factor in both initiation and progression of the disease, and suppression of astrogliosis exacerbates neuropathology. Reactive astrocytes and microglia overexpress many cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules that activate or damage neighboring cells and their mutual interplay can result in virtuous/vicious cycles which differ in different brain regions. Heterogeneity of glia, either between or within a particular brain region, is likely to be relevant in healthy conditions and disease processes. Differential crosstalk between astrocytes and microglia in CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus can be responsible for the differential sensitivity of the two areas to insults. Understanding the spatial differences and roles of glia will allow us to assess how these interactions can influence the state and progression of the disease, and will be critical for identifying therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
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31
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Poon CH, Wang Y, Fung ML, Zhang C, Lim LW. Rodent Models of Amyloid-Beta Feature of Alzheimer's Disease: Development and Potential Treatment Implications. Aging Dis 2020; 11:1235-1259. [PMID: 33014535 PMCID: PMC7505263 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and causes severe financial and social burdens. Despite much research on the pathogenesis of AD, the neuropathological mechanisms remain obscure and current treatments have proven ineffective. In the past decades, transgenic rodent models have been used to try to unravel this disease, which is crucial for early diagnosis and the assessment of disease-modifying compounds. In this review, we focus on transgenic rodent models used to study amyloid-beta pathology in AD. We also discuss their possible use as promising tools for AD research. There is still no effective treatment for AD and the development of potent therapeutics are urgently needed. Many molecular pathways are susceptible to AD, ranging from neuroinflammation, immune response, and neuroplasticity to neurotrophic factors. Studying these pathways may shed light on AD pathophysiology as well as provide potential targets for the development of more effective treatments. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of these models and their potential therapeutic implications for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Him Poon
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Lung Fung
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengfei Zhang
- 2Endodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- 1School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Lee S, Kwok N, Holsapple J, Heldt T, Bourouiba L. Enhanced wall shear stress prevents obstruction by astrocytes in ventricular catheters. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20190884. [PMID: 32603649 PMCID: PMC7423414 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of hydrocephalus often involves the placement of a shunt catheter into the cerebrospinal ventricular space, though such ventricular catheters often fail by tissue obstruction. While diverse cell types contribute to the obstruction, astrocytes are believed to contribute to late catheter failure that can occur months after shunt insertion. Using in vitro microfluidic cultures of astrocytes, we show that applied fluid shear stress leads to a decrease of cell confluency and the loss of their typical stellate cell morphology. Furthermore, we show that astrocytes exposed to moderate shear stress for an extended period of time are detached more easily upon suddenly imposed high fluid shear stress. In light of these findings and examining the range of values of wall shear stress in a typical ventricular catheter through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, we find that the typical geometry of ventricular catheters has low wall shear stress zones that can favour the growth and adhesion of astrocytes, thus promoting obstruction. Using high-precision direct flow visualization and CFD simulations, we discover that the catheter flow can be formulated as a network of Poiseuille flows. Based on this observation, we leverage a Poiseuille network model to optimize ventricular catheter design such that the distribution of wall shear stress is above a critical threshold to minimize astrocyte adhesion and growth. Using this approach, we also suggest a novel design principle that not only optimizes the wall shear stress distribution but also eliminates a stagnation zone with low wall shear stress, which is common to current ventricular catheters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Lee
- The Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - N. Kwok
- Health Sciences and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J. Holsapple
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - T. Heldt
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Health Sciences and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - L. Bourouiba
- The Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Health Sciences and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Hao Y, Guo M, Feng Y, Dong Q, Cui M. Lysophospholipids and Their G-Coupled Protein Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease: From Physiological Performance to Pathological Impairment. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:58. [PMID: 32351364 PMCID: PMC7174595 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophospholipids (LPLs) are bioactive signaling lipids that are generated from phospholipase-mediated hydrolyzation of membrane phospholipids (PLs) and sphingolipids (SLs). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are two of the best-characterized LPLs which mediate a variety of cellular physiological responses via specific G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) mediated signaling pathways. Considerable evidence now demonstrates the crucial role of LPA and S1P in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Dysfunction of LPA and S1P metabolism can lead to aberrant accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuroinflammation and ultimately neuronal death. Summarizing LPA and S1P signaling profile may aid in profound health and pathological processes. In the current review, we will introduce the metabolism as well as the physiological roles of LPA and S1P in maintaining the normal functions of the nervous system. Given these pivotal functions, we will further discuss the role of dysregulation of LPA and S1P in promoting AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Hao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Guo
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Feng
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Cui
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Pereira CF, Santos AE, Moreira PI, Pereira AC, Sousa FJ, Cardoso SM, Cruz MT. Is Alzheimer's disease an inflammasomopathy? Ageing Res Rev 2019; 56:100966. [PMID: 31577960 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly and, despite the tremendous efforts researchers have put into AD research, there are no effective options for prevention and treatment of the disease. The best way to reach this goal is to clarify the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of AD. In the last few years the views about the drivers of AD have been changing and nowadays it is believed that neuroinflammation takes center stage in disease pathogenesis. Herein, we provide an overview about the role of neuroinflammation in AD describing the role of microglia and astroglia is this process. Then, we will debate the NLRP3 inflammasome putting the focus on its activation through the canonical, non-canonical and alternative pathways and the triggers involved herein namely endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species and amyloid β peptide. Data supporting the hypothesis that inflammasome-mediated peripheral inflammation may contribute to AD pathology will be presented. Finally, a brief discussion about the therapeutic potential of NLRP3 inflammasome modulation is also provided.
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Effect of chronic methylphenidate treatment on hippocampal neurovascular unit and memory performance in late adolescent rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:195-210. [PMID: 30554860 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) is the classic treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children and adults. Despite its beneficial effects, non-medical use of MPH is nowadays a problem with high impact on society. Thus, our goal was to uncover the neurovascular and cognitive effects of MPH chronic use during a critical period of development in control conditions. For that, male Wistar Kyoto rats were treated with MPH (1.5 or 5 mg/kg/day at weekdays, per os) from P28 to P55. We concluded that the higher dose of MPH caused hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) hyperpermeability by vesicular transport (transcytosis) concomitantly with the presence of peripheral immune cells in the brain parenchyma. These observations were confirmed by in vitro studies, in which the knockdown of caveolin-1 in human brain endothelial cells prevented the increased permeability and leukocytes transmigration triggered by MPH (100 µM, 24 h). Furthermore, MPH led to astrocytic atrophy and to a decrease in the levels of several synaptic proteins and impairment of AKT/CREB signaling, together with working memory deficit assessed in the Y-maze test. On the contrary, we verified that the lower dose of MPH (1.5 mg/kg/day) increased astrocytic processes and upregulated several neuronal proteins as well as signaling pathways involved in synaptic plasticity culminating in working memory improvement. In conclusion, the present study reveals that a lower dose of MPH in normal rats improves memory performance being associated with the modulation of astrocytic morphology and synaptic machinery. However, a higher dose of MPH leads to BBB dysfunction and memory impairment.
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Dragić M, Zarić M, Mitrović N, Nedeljković N, Grković I. Two Distinct Hippocampal Astrocyte Morphotypes Reveal Subfield-Different Fate during Neurodegeneration Induced by Trimethyltin Intoxication. Neuroscience 2019; 423:38-54. [PMID: 31682945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes comprise a heterogenic group of glial cells, which perform homeostatic functions in the central nervous system. These cells react to all kind of insults by changing the morphology and function that result in a transition from the quiescent to a reactive phenotype. Trimethyltin (TMT) intoxication, which reproduces pathological events in the hippocampus similar to those associated with seizures and cognitive decline, has been proven as a useful model for studying responses of the glial cells to neurodegeneration. In the present study, we have explored morphological varieties of astrocytes in the hippocampal subregions of ovariectomized female rats exposed to TMT. We have demonstrated an early loss of neurons in CA1 and DG subfields. Distinct morphotypes of protoplasmic astrocytes observed in CA1/CA3 and the hilus of control animals developed different responses to TMT intoxication, as assessed by GFAP-immunohistochemistry. In CA1 subregion, GFAP+ astrocytes preserved their domain organization and responded with typical hypertrophy, while the hilar GFAP+ astrocytes developed atrophy-like phenotype and increased expression of vimentin and nestin 7 days after the exposure. Both reactive and atrophied-like astrocytes expressed Kir4.1 in CA1/CA3 and the hilus of DG, respectively, indicating that these cells did not change their potential for normal activity at this time point of pathology. Together, the results demonstrate the persistence of two protoplasmic morphotypes of astrocytes, with distinct appearance, function, and fate after TMT-induced neurodegeneration, suggesting their pleiotropic roles in the hippocampal response to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milorad Dragić
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marina Zarić
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Mitrović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nadežda Nedeljković
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Grković
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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37
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Atkinson-Dell R, Mohamet L. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astroglia: A New Tool for Research Towards the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:383-405. [PMID: 31583596 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite over a century of research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), progress in understanding the complex aetiology has been hindered, in part, by a lack of human, disease relevant, cellular models, reflected in an inability to translate results from animal studies to successful human therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, in which somatic cells are reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells, creates an ideal physiologically relevant model as they maintain the genetic identity of the donor. These iPSCs can self-renew indefinitely in vitro and have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type, opening up new discovery and therapeutic opportunities. Despite a plethora of publications indicating the generation and utility of iPSC-derived neurones for disease modelling to date, in comparison only a limited number of studies have described generation of enriched astroglia from patients with early- or late-stage onset of AD. We recently reported that iPSC-astroglia derived from these patients are capable of mimicking a wide variety of deficits in homeostatic molecular cascades, intimately associated with AD, that are routinely observed in vivo. This review examines the opportunities and limitations of this innovative technology in the context of AD modelling and uses for preclinical discovery to improve our success for an efficacious therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Mohamet
- StrataStem Ltd., Suite 112, 4a Rylands Street, Warrington, WA1 1EN, UK.
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38
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Polis B, Gurevich V, Assa M, Samson AO. Norvaline Restores the BBB Integrity in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4616. [PMID: 31540372 PMCID: PMC6770953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia. The disease progression is associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. However, besides the well-defined lesions, the AD-related pathology includes neuroinflammation, compromised energy metabolism, and chronic oxidative stress. Likewise, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is suggested to be a cause and AD consequence. Accordingly, therapeutic targeting of the compromised BBB is a promising disease-modifying approach. We utilized a homozygous triple-transgenic mouse model of AD (3×Tg-AD) to assess the effects of L-norvaline on BBB integrity. We scrutinized the perivascular astrocytes and macrophages by measuring the immunopositive profiles in relation to the presence of β-amyloid and compare the results with those found in wild-type animals. Typically, 3×Tg-AD mice display astroglia cytoskeletal atrophy, associated with the deposition of β-amyloid in the endothelia, and declining nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels. L-norvaline escalated NOS levels, then reduced rates of BBB permeability, amyloid angiopathy, microgliosis, and astrodegeneration, which suggests AD treatment agent efficacy. Moreover, results undergird the roles of astrodegeneration and microgliosis in AD-associated BBB dysfunction and progressive cognitive impairment. L-norvaline self-evidently interferes with AD pathogenesis and presents a potent remedy for angiopathies and neurodegenerative disorders intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruh Polis
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Vyacheslav Gurevich
- Laboratory of Cancer Personalized Medicine and Diagnostic Genomics, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Michael Assa
- Inter-laboratory Equipment Center, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
| | - Abraham O Samson
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel.
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Verkhratsky A, Rodrigues JJ, Pivoriunas A, Zorec R, Semyanov A. Astroglial atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease. Pflugers Arch 2019; 471:1247-1261. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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40
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Fertan E, Wong AA, Vienneau NA, Brown RE. Age and sex differences in motivation and spatial working memory in 3xTg-AD mice in the Hebb–Williams maze. Behav Brain Res 2019; 370:111937. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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41
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Xie Z, Yang Q, Song D, Quan Z, Qing H. Optogenetic manipulation of astrocytes from synapses to neuronal networks: A potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Glia 2019; 68:215-226. [PMID: 31400164 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most widespread and heterogeneous glial cells in the central nervous system and key regulators for brain development. They are capable of receiving neurotransmitters produced by synaptic activities and regulating synaptic functions by releasing gliotransmitters as part of the tripartite synapse. In addition to communicating with neurons at synaptic levels, astrocytes can integrate into inhibitory neural networks to interact with neurons in neuronal circuits. Astrocytes are closely related to the pathogenesis and pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Recently, optogenetics has now been applied to reveal the function of astrocytes in physiology and pathology. Herein, we discuss the possibility whether optogenetics could be used to control the release of gliotransmitters and regulate astrocytic membrane channels. Thus, the capability of modulating the bidirectional interactions between astrocytes and neurons in both synaptic and neuronal networks via optogenetics is evaluated. Furthermore, we discuss that manipulating astrocytes via optogenetics might be an effective way to investigate the potential therapeutic strategy for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences & Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Center for Conversation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, China
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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42
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Verkhratsky A. Astroglial Calcium Signaling in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a035188. [PMID: 31110130 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the homeostatic and protective cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In neurological diseases, astrocytes undergo complex changes, which are subclassified into (1) reactive astrogliosis, an evolutionary conserved defensive rearrangement of cellular phenotype aimed at neuroprotection; (2) pathological remodeling, when astrocytes acquire new features driving pathology; and (3) astrodegeneration, which is manifested by astroglial atrophy and loss of homeostatic functions. In aging brains as well as in the brains affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes acquire both atrophic and reactive phenotypes in a region- and disease-stage-dependent manner. Prevalence of atrophy overreactivity, observed in certain brain regions and in terminal stages of the disease, arguably facilitates the development of neurological deficits. Astrocytes exhibit ionic excitability mediated by changes in intracellular concentration of ions, most importantly of Ca2+ and Na+, with intracellular ion dynamics triggered by the activity of neural networks. AD astrocytes associated with senile plaques demonstrate Ca2+ hyperactivity in the form of aberrant Ca2+ oscillations and pathological long-range Ca2+ waves. Astroglial Ca2+ signaling originating from Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in initiating astrogliotic response; deficient Ca2+ signaling toolkits observed in entorhinal and prefrontal cortices of AD model animals may account for vulnerability of these regions to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.,Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
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43
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Fernández-Albarral JA, Salobrar-García E, Martínez-Páramo R, Ramírez AI, de Hoz R, Ramírez JM, Salazar JJ. Retinal glial changes in Alzheimer's disease - A review. JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2019; 12:198-207. [PMID: 30377086 PMCID: PMC6612028 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative dementia characterized by the deposition of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. Until now, the techniques used to analyze these deposits have been difficult to access, invasive, and expensive. This leads us to consider new access routes to the central nervous system (CNS), allowing us to diagnose the disease before the first symptoms appear. Recent studies have shown that microglial and macroglial cell activation could play a role in the development of this disease. Glial cells in the CNS can respond to various damages, such as neurodegenerative pathologies, with morphological and functional changes. These changes are a common feature in neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. The retina is considered an extension of the CNS and has a population of glial cells similar to that of the CNS. When glial cells are activated, various molecules are released and changes in glial cell expression occur, which can be indicators of neuronal damage. The objective of this review is to compile the most relevant findings in the last 10 years relating to alterations in the eye in AD, and the role that glial cells play in the degenerative process in the retina in the context of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Martínez-Páramo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan J Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
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Keshavarz M, Farrokhi MR, Amiri A, Hosseini M. The contribution of S100B to the glioprotective effects of valproic and arundic acids. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2019; 22:557-562. [PMID: 31217937 PMCID: PMC6556503 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.29852.7204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Valproic and arundic acids are astrocytes-modulating agents with potential effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). S100B is an astrocytic cytokine with a possible role in the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, we aimed to assess the glioprotective effects of valproic and arundic acids against amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ)-induced glial death and contribution of S100B to the glioprotective effects of these agents in an astrocytic culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used Aβ25-35 at a concentration of 200 μM in 1321N1 astrocyte cells. We treated the cells with valproic acid (0.5 and 1 mM) and/or arundic acid 50 µM for 24 hr. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to measure cell viability. The intracellular and extracellular S100B levels were measured using an ELISA kit. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey's test. RESULTS Aβ (200 µM) decreased the cell viability compared to the control group (P<0.001). Valproic acid (0.5 and 1 mM) and arundic acid (50 µM) ameliorated the gliotoxic effects of Aβ (P<0.05). The Aβ-treated group had higher S100B levels (both intracellular and extracellular) compared to the negative control groups (P<0.001). Arundic and valproic acids (0.5 and 1 mM) decreased both the intracellular and extracellular S100B levels compared to the Aβ-treated group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION By considering homeostatic and neuroprotective functions of astrocyte, the astroprotective effects and the attenuation of S100B level may be responsible, at least in part, for the beneficial effects of valproic and arundic acids in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Keshavarz
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Reza Farrokhi
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Atena Amiri
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hosseini
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Matias I, Morgado J, Gomes FCA. Astrocyte Heterogeneity: Impact to Brain Aging and Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:59. [PMID: 30941031 PMCID: PMC6433753 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, one of the largest glial cell population in the central nervous system (CNS), play a key function in several events of brain development and function, such as synapse formation and function, control of neurotransmitters release and uptake, production of trophic factors and control of neuronal survival. Initially described as a homogenous population, several evidences have pointed that astrocytes are highly heterogeneous, both morphologically and functionally, within the same region, and across different brain regions. Recent findings suggest that the heterogeneity in the expression profile of proteins involved in astrocyte function may predict the selective vulnerability of brain regions to specific diseases, as well as to the age-related cognitive decline. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes, either in aging as well as in brain disease are scarce. Neuroinflammation, a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases and aging, is reported to have a dubious impact on glial activation, as these cells release pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, anti-oxidants, free radicals, and neurotrophic factors. Despite the emerging evidences supporting that reactive astrocytes have a duality in their phenotype, neurotoxic or neuroprotective properties, depending on the age and stimuli, the underlying mechanisms of their activation, cellular interplays and the impact of regional astrocyte heterogeneity are still a matter of discussion. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings on astrocyte heterogeneity and phenotypes, as well as their likely impact for the brain function during aging and neural diseases. We will focus on the molecules and mechanisms triggered by astrocyte to control synapse formation in different brain regions. Finally, we will discuss new evidences on how the modulation of astrocyte phenotype and function could impact the synaptic deficits and glial dysfunction present in aging and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Matias
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Morgado
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Verkhratsky A, Parpura V, Rodriguez-Arellano JJ, Zorec R. Astroglia in Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:273-324. [PMID: 31583592 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Cellular changes in the brains of the patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease occur well in advance of the clinical symptoms. At the cellular level, the most dramatic is a demise of neurones. As astroglial cells carry out homeostatic functions of the brain, it is certain that these cells are at least in part a cause of Alzheimer's disease. Historically, Alois Alzheimer himself has recognised this at the dawn of the disease description. However, the role of astroglia in this disease has been understudied. In this chapter, we summarise the various aspects of glial contribution to this disease and outline the potential of using these cells in prevention (exercise and environmental enrichment) and intervention of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jose Julio Rodriguez-Arellano
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, The University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a kind of chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characteristics of cognitive dysfunction, and behavioral disability. The pathological changes include the formation of senile plaques-containing beta-amyloid (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), loss of neurons, and synapses. So far, the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. This study was aimed to review the major pathogenesis of AD-related to the published AD studies in recent 20 years. Data Sources: The author retrieved information from the PubMed database up to January 2018, using various search terms and their combinations, including AD, Aβ, NFTs, pathogenesis, and genetic mutation. Study Selection: The author included data from peer-reviewed journals printed in English and Chinese on pathophysiological factors in AD. He organized these informations to explain the possible pathogenesis in AD. Results: There are many amounts of data supporting the view that AD pathogenesis so far there mainly are Aβ toxicity, tau protein, gene mutation, synaptic damages, intermediate neurons and network abnormalities, changes in mitochondrial function, chemokines, etc., Its nosogenesis may be involved in multiple theories and involved in multiple molecular signaling pathways, including Aβ, tau protein, and synaptic anomaly; mutual relationship between the mechanisms urge jointly neuronal degeneration. Conclusions: This review highlights the research advances in the pathogenesis of AD. Future research has needed to fully disclose the association between multiple pathogenesis at the same time to interdict multiple signaling pathways, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Gang Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
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48
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Cresswell-Clay E, Crock N, Tabak J, Erlebacher G. A Compartmental Model to Investigate Local and Global Ca 2+ Dynamics in Astrocytes. Front Comput Neurosci 2018; 12:94. [PMID: 30555315 PMCID: PMC6284150 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2018.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in astrocytes can be triggered by neuronal activity and in turn regulate a variety of downstream processes that modulate neuronal function. In this fashion, astrocytic Ca2+ signaling is regarded as a processor of neural network activity by means of complex spatial and temporal Ca2+ dynamics. Accordingly, a key step is to understand how different patterns of neural activity translate into spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ in astrocytes. Here, we introduce a minimal compartmental model for astrocytes that can qualitatively reproduce essential hierarchical features of spatiotemporal Ca2+ dynamics in astrocytes. We find that the rate of neuronal firing determines the rate of Ca2+ spikes in single individual processes as well as in the soma of the cell, while correlations of incoming neuronal activity are important in determining the rate of “global” Ca2+ spikes that can engulf soma and the majority of processes. Significantly, our model predicts that whether the endoplasmic reticulum is shared between soma and processes or not determines the relationship between the firing rate of somatic Ca2+ events and the rate of neural network activity. Together these results provide intuition about how neural activity in combination with inherent cellular properties shapes spatiotemporal astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics, and provide experimentally testable predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Cresswell-Clay
- Computational Intelligence Lab, Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Nathan Crock
- Computational Intelligence Lab, Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Joël Tabak
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Erlebacher
- Computational Intelligence Lab, Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Cassé F, Richetin K, Toni N. Astrocytes' Contribution to Adult Neurogenesis in Physiology and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:432. [PMID: 30538622 PMCID: PMC6277517 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is one of the most drastic forms of brain plasticity in adulthood and there is a growing body of evidence showing that, in the hippocampus, this process contributes to mechanisms of memory as well as depression. Interestingly, adult neurogenesis is tightly regulated by the neurogenic niche, which provides a structural and molecular scaffold for stem cell proliferation and the differentiation and functional integration of new neurons. In this review, we highlight the role of astrocytes in the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the context of cognitive function. We also discuss how the changes in astrocytes function may dysregulate adult neurogenesis and contribute to cognitive impairment in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Cassé
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Richetin
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Toni
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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50
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Alibhai JD, Diack AB, Manson JC. Unravelling the glial response in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. FASEB J 2018; 32:5766-5777. [PMID: 30376380 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801360r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disease targeting specific neuronal populations within the brain while neighboring neurons appear unaffected. The focus for defining mechanisms has therefore been on the pathogenesis in affected neuronal populations and developing intervention strategies to prevent their cell death. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of glial cells in the development of pathology. Determining exactly how glial cells are involved in the disease process and the susceptibility of the aging brain provides unprecedented challenges. The present review examines recent studies attempting to unravel the glial response during the course of disease and how this action may dictate the outcome of neurodegeneration. The importance of regional heterogeneity of glial cells within the CNS during healthy aging and disease is examined to understand how the glial cells may contribute to neuronal susceptibility or resilience during the neurodegenerative process.-Alibhai, J. D., Diack, A. B., Manson, J. C. Unravelling the glial response in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Alibhai
- National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Research and Surveillance Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and
| | - Abigail B Diack
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, United Kingdom
| | - Jean C Manson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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