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Erdos T, Masuda M, Venketaraman V. Glutathione in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5530-5549. [PMID: 38921002 PMCID: PMC11202908 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A large portion of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have neurologic sequelae. Those with better-controlled HIV via antiretroviral therapies generally have less severe neurologic symptoms. However, for many patients, antiretrovirals do not adequately resolve symptoms. Since much of the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS (Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome) involves oxidative stress either directly, through viral interaction, or indirectly, through inflammatory mechanisms, we have reviewed relevant trials of glutathione supplementation in each of the HIV-associated neurocognitive diseases and have found disease-specific results. For diseases for which trials have not been completed, predicted responses to glutathione supplementation are made based on relevant mechanisms seen in the literature. It is not sufficient to conclude that all HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) will benefit from the antioxidant effects of glutathione supplementation. The potential effects of glutathione supplementation in patients with HAND are likely to differ based on the specific HIV-associated neurocognitive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vishwanath Venketaraman
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (T.E.); (M.M.)
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2
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Naranjo O, Torices S, Clifford PR, Rodriguez T, Osborne OM, Tiburcio D, Fattakhov N, Park M, Stevenson M, Toborek M. AKT signaling modulates latent viral reservoir viability in HIV-1-infected blood-brain barrier pericytes. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105526. [PMID: 38043797 PMCID: PMC10777012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), chronic forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect an estimated 50% of individuals living with HIV, greatly impacting their quality of life. The prevailing theory of HAND progression posits that chronic inflammation arising from the activation of latent viral reservoirs leads to progressive damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent evidence indicates that blood-brain barrier (BBB) pericytes are capable of active HIV-1 infection; however, their latent infection has not been defined. Given their location and function, BBB pericytes are poised to be a key viral reservoir in the development of HAND. We present the first transcriptional analysis of uninfected, active, and latent human BBB pericytes, revealing distinct transcriptional phenotypes. In addition, we demonstrate that latent infection of BBB pericytes relies on AKT signaling for reservoir survival. These findings provide insight into the state of reservoir maintenance in the CNS during HIV-1 infection and provide novel targets for reservoir clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oandy Naranjo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
| | - Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Paul R Clifford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thaidy Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Olivia M Osborne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Destiny Tiburcio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nikolai Fattakhov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Minseon Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mario Stevenson
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
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3
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Williams ME, Williams AA, Naudé PJW. Viral protein R (Vpr)-induced neuroinflammation and its potential contribution to neuronal dysfunction: a scoping review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:512. [PMID: 37545000 PMCID: PMC10405499 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are the result of the activity of HIV-1 within the central nervous system (CNS). While the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced the occurrence of severe cases of HAND, milder cases still persist. The persistence of HAND in the modern ART era has been linked to a chronic dysregulated inflammatory profile. There is increasing evidence suggesting a potential role of Viral protein R (Vpr) in dysregulating the neuroinflammatory processes in people living with HIV (PLHIV), which may contribute to the development of HAND. Since the role of Vpr in neuroinflammatory mechanisms has not been clearly defined, we conducted a scoping review of fundamental research studies on this topic. The review aimed to assess the size and scope of available research literature on this topic and provide commentary on whether Vpr contributes to neuroinflammation, as highlighted in fundamental studies. Based on the specified selection criteria, 10 studies (6 of which were cell culture-based and 4 that included both animal and cell culture experiments) were eligible for inclusion. The main findings were that (1) Vpr can increase neuroinflammatory markers, with studies consistently reporting higher levels of TNF-α and IL-8, (2) Vpr induces (neuro)inflammation via specific pathways, including the PI3K/AKT, p38-MAPk, JNK-SAPK and Sur1-Trpm4 channels in astrocytes and the p38 and JNK-SAPK in myeloid cells, and (3) Vpr-specific protein amino acid signatures (73R, 77R and 80A) may play an important role in exacerbating neuroinflammation and the neuropathophysiology of HAND. Therefore, Vpr should be investigated for its potential contribution to neuroinflammation in the development of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petrus J W Naudé
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gómez-Archila LG, Palomino-Schätzlein M, Zapata-Builes W, Rugeles MT, Galeano E. Plasma metabolomics by nuclear magnetic resonance reveals biomarkers and metabolic pathways associated with the control of HIV-1 infection/progression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1204273. [PMID: 37457832 PMCID: PMC10339029 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1204273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
How the human body reacts to the exposure of HIV-1 is an important research goal. Frequently, HIV exposure leads to infection, but some individuals show natural resistance to this infection; they are known as HIV-1-exposed but seronegative (HESN). Others, although infected but without antiretroviral therapy, control HIV-1 replication and progression to AIDS; they are named controllers, maintaining low viral levels and an adequate count of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Biological mechanisms explaining these phenomena are not precise. In this context, metabolomics emerges as a method to find metabolites in response to pathophysiological stimuli, which can help to establish mechanisms of natural resistance to HIV-1 infection and its progression. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 30 HESN, 14 HIV-1 progressors, 14 controllers and 30 healthy controls. Plasma samples (directly and deproteinized) were analyzed through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics to find biomarkers and altered metabolic pathways. The metabolic profile analysis of progressors, controllers and HESN demonstrated significant differences with healthy controls when a discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied. In the discriminant models, 13 metabolites associated with HESN, 14 with progressors and 12 with controllers were identified, which presented statistically significant mean differences with healthy controls. In progressors, the metabolites were related to high energy expenditure (creatinine), mood disorders (tyrosine) and immune activation (lipoproteins), phenomena typical of the natural course of the infection. In controllers, they were related to an inflammation-modulating profile (glutamate and pyruvate) and a better adaptive immune system response (acetate) associated with resistance to progression. In the HESN group, with anti-inflammatory (lactate and phosphocholine) and virucidal (lactate) effects which constitute a protective profile in the sexual transmission of HIV. Concerning the significant metabolites of each group, we identified 24 genes involved in HIV-1 replication or virus proteins that were all altered in progressors but only partially in controllers and HESN. In summary, our results indicate that exposure to HIV-1 in HESN, as well as infection in progressors and controllers, affects the metabolism of individuals and that this affectation can be determined using NMR metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- León Gabriel Gómez-Archila
- Grupo de Investigación en Sustancias Bioactivas, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Farmacéuticas ICIF-CES, Facultad de Ciencias y Biotecnología, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Wildeman Zapata-Builes
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
- Grupo Infettare, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Maria T. Rugeles
- Grupo Inmunovirología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Elkin Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Sustancias Bioactivas, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
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Mo J, Lu Z, Peng J, Li XP, Lan L, Wang H, Peng Y. PAG neuronal NMDARs activation mediated morphine-induced hyperalgesia by HMGB1-TLR4 dependent microglial inflammation. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:150-161. [PMID: 37352811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Morphine is one of the most effective and widely used analgesic drugs. However, chronic morphine use caused opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). The development of OIH limits the use of morphine. The mechanisms of OIH are not fully understood. Toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) and glutamate receptors in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) are critical in OIH, however, the association between TLR4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors (NMDARs) activation in PAG remains unclear. Microglia activation, increased TLR4/p65 nuclear factor-kappa B (p65 NF-κB) and proinflammatory cytokines in microglia, and phosphorylation of NMDAR1 subunit (NR1) and NMDAR2B subunit (NR2B) in neurons were observed in PAG of OIH mice. Up-regulations of TLR4/p65 NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in BV2 cells were prevented by inhibiting and knocking down TLR4. By inhibiting myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) and knocking down the High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), we found that morphine activated TLR4 by HMGB1 but not MD2. We co-cultured Neuro-2a (N2A) with BV2 microglial cell line and found that instead of directly phosphorylating NMDAR subunits, morphine increased the phosphorylation of NR1 and NR2B by inducing TLR4-mediated microglia inflammation. Knocking TLR4 out of PAG by Lentivirus-GFP-TLR4 shRNA reversed these changes and relieved OIH. Our findings suggested that the secretion of HMGB1 induced by morphine-activated TLR4 in microglia, and the proinflammatory factors released by activated microglia phosphorylated NR1 and NR2B of adjacent neurons, induced increased neuronal excitability. In conclusion, TLR4/NMDARs in PAG were involved in the development and maintenance of OIH and supported novel strategies for OIH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Mo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijing Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510510, Guangdong, China
| | - Jialing Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Pen Li
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihuan Lan
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510828, Guangdong, China.
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6
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Donoso M, D’Amico D, Valdebenito S, Hernandez CA, Prideaux B, Eugenin EA. Identification, Quantification, and Characterization of HIV-1 Reservoirs in the Human Brain. Cells 2022; 11:2379. [PMID: 35954221 PMCID: PMC9367788 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The major barrier to cure HIV infection is the early generation and extended survival of HIV reservoirs in the circulation and tissues. Currently, the techniques used to detect and quantify HIV reservoirs are mostly based on blood-based assays; however, it has become evident that viral reservoirs remain in tissues. Our study describes a novel multi-component imaging method (HIV DNA, mRNA, and viral proteins in the same assay) to identify, quantify, and characterize viral reservoirs in tissues and blood products obtained from HIV-infected individuals even when systemic replication is undetectable. In the human brains of HIV-infected individuals under ART, we identified that microglia/macrophages and a small population of astrocytes are the main cells with integrated HIV DNA. Only half of the cells with integrated HIV DNA expressed viral mRNA, and one-third expressed viral proteins. Surprisingly, we identified residual HIV-p24, gp120, nef, vpr, and tat protein expression and accumulation in uninfected cells around HIV-infected cells suggesting local synthesis, secretion, and bystander uptake. In conclusion, our data show that ART reduces the size of the brain's HIV reservoirs; however, local/chronic viral protein secretion still occurs, indicating that the brain is still a major anatomical target to cure HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eliseo A. Eugenin
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Research Building 17, Fifth Floor, 105 11th Street, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (M.D.); (D.D.); (S.V.); (C.A.H.); (B.P.)
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7
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Zeng Y, Wang L, Zhou Y, Liang M, Yu J, Wu S, Zhou Y. NMDA receptor antagonists engender neuroprotection against gp120-induced cognitive dysfunction in Rats through Modulation of PKR activation, oxidative stress, ER stress and IRE1α Signal Pathway. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:3806-3824. [PMID: 35543645 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the surface glycoprotein (gp120) of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) plays an important role in HIV-1-induced nerve damage and pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Our previous work has demonstrated that gp120 enhanced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and caused neural injury. However, the relationship between gp120, NMDARs and HAND is still unclear. Several lines of evidence indicate that double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) is involved in NMDA-induced cerebral ischemia and retinal damage, but because its role in neuropathology is still debated, we examined whether PKR links oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to exert a deleterious role in the rat model with gp120 induced dementia. In this study, we found that NMDAR antagonist memantine or PKR inhibitor C16 improved gp120-induced learning and memory impairment, and inhibited gp120-induced PKR activity. Furthermore, memantine or C16 was found to attenuate gp120-inducd neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, ER stress and its downstream IRE1α/JNK pathway. Additionally, memantine or C16 evidently inhibited apoptotic pathways by reducing the Bax and caspase-3, 8, 9 expressions and increasing Bcl-2 expression. So the NMDA receptor antagonists could alleviate HIV/gp120 induced dementia in the rat model by altering PKR level. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that NMDARs plays a key role in HIV/gp120 induced hippocampal damage and cognitive dysfunction through PKR mediated oxidative stress, ER stress, and IRE1α/JNK signaling pathway in rats, implicating PKR inhibitors could provide a novel neuroprotective strategy for HAND via inhibiting ER stress and its downstream IRE1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lixuan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Jiajia Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sisi Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules Research and Evaluation, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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8
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Shrestha J, Santerre M, Allen CNS, Arjona SP, Merali C, Mukerjee R, Chitrala KN, Park J, Bagashev A, Bui V, Eugenin EA, Merali S, Kaul M, Chin J, Sawaya BE. HIV-1 gp120 Impairs Spatial Memory Through Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:811481. [PMID: 35615594 PMCID: PMC9124804 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.811481] [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: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain an unsolved problem that persists despite using antiretroviral therapy. We have obtained data showing that HIV-gp120 protein contributes to neurodegeneration through metabolic reprogramming. This led to decreased ATP levels, lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, and loss of mitochondria cristae, all-important for mitochondrial biogenesis. gp120 protein also disrupted mitochondrial movement and synaptic plasticity. Searching for the mechanisms involved, we found that gp120 alters the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation on serine residue 133 necessary for its function as a transcription factor. Since CREB regulates the promoters of PGC1α and BDNF genes, we found that CREB dephosphorylation causes PGC1α and BDNF loss of functions. The data was validated in vitro and in vivo. The negative effect of gp120 was alleviated in cells and animals in the presence of rolipram, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase protein 4 (PDE4), restoring CREB phosphorylation. We concluded that HIV-gp120 protein contributes to HAND via inhibition of CREB protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Shrestha
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maryline Santerre
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Charles N. S. Allen
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sterling P. Arjona
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Carmen Merali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ruma Mukerjee
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Jin Park
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Asen Bagashev
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Viet Bui
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Eliseo A. Eugenin
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Salim Merali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marcus Kaul
- Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jeannie Chin
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bassel E. Sawaya
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bassel E. Sawaya,
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Wang L, Zeng Y, Zhou Y, Yu J, Liang M, Qin L, Zhou Y. Win55,212-2 Improves Neural Injury induced by HIV-1 Glycoprotein 120 in Rats by Exciting CB2R. Brain Res Bull 2022; 182:67-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Wallace DR. HIV-associated neurotoxicity and cognitive decline: Therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 234:108047. [PMID: 34848202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As our understanding of changes to the neurological system has improved, it has become clear that patients who have contracted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can potentially suffer from a cascade of neurological issues, including neuropathy, dementia, and declining cognitive function. The progression from mild to severe symptoms tends to affect motor function, followed by cognitive changes. Central nervous system deficits that are observed as the disease progresses have been reported as most severe in later-stage HIV infection. Examining the full spectrum of neuronal damage, generalized cortical atrophy is a common hallmark, resulting in the death of multiple classes of neurons. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), we can partially control disease progression, slowing the onset of the most severe symptoms such as, reducing viral load in the brain, and developing HIV-associated dementia (HAD). HAD is a severe and debilitating outcome from HIV-related neuropathologies. HIV neurotoxicity can be direct (action directly on the neuron) or indirect (actions off-site that affect normal neuronal function). There are two critical HIV-associated proteins, Tat and gp120, which bear responsibility for many of the neuropathologies associated with HAD and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). A cascade of systems is involved in HIV-related neurotoxicity, and determining a critical point where therapeutic strategies can be employed is of the utmost importance. This review will provide an overview of the existing hypotheses on HIV-neurotoxicity and the potential for the development of therapeutics to aid in the treatment of HIV-related nervous system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Wallace
- Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Science, 1111 West 17(th) Street, Tulsa, OK 74107-1898, USA.
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11
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Sil S, Periyasamy P, Thangaraj A, Niu F, Chemparathy DT, Buch S. Advances in the Experimental Models of HIV-Associated Neurological Disorders. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:459-474. [PMID: 34427869 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in HIV-1 infection is commonly associated with neurological disorders and cognitive impairment, commonly referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Severe and progressive neurocognitive impairment is rarely observed in the post-cART era; however, asymptomatic and mild neurocognitive disorders still exist, despite viral suppression. Additionally, comorbid conditions can also contribute to the pathogenesis of HAND. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we summarize the characterization of HAND, factors contributing, and the functional impairments in both preclinical and clinical models. Specifically, we also discuss recent advances in the animal models of HAND and in in vitro cultures and the potential role of drugs of abuse in this model system of HAND. Potential peripheral biomarkers associated with HAND are also discussed. Overall, this review identifies some of the recent advances in the field of HAND in cell culture studies, animal models, clinical findings, and the limitations of each model system, which can play a key role in developing novel therapeutics in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Sil
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Palsamy Periyasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA.
| | - Annadurai Thangaraj
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA
| | - Fang Niu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA
| | - Divya T Chemparathy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA
| | - Shilpa Buch
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5880, USA
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12
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Nickoloff-Bybel EA, Festa L, Meucci O, Gaskill PJ. Co-receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of neuroHIV. Retrovirology 2021; 18:24. [PMID: 34429135 PMCID: PMC8385912 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-021-00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV co-receptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, are necessary for HIV entry into target cells, interacting with the HIV envelope protein, gp120, to initiate several signaling cascades thought to be important to the entry process. Co-receptor signaling may also promote the development of neuroHIV by contributing to both persistent neuroinflammation and indirect neurotoxicity. But despite the critical importance of CXCR4 and CCR5 signaling to HIV pathogenesis, there is only one therapeutic (the CCR5 inhibitor Maraviroc) that targets these receptors. Moreover, our understanding of co-receptor signaling in the specific context of neuroHIV is relatively poor. Research into co-receptor signaling has largely stalled in the past decade, possibly owing to the complexity of the signaling cascades and functions mediated by these receptors. Examining the many signaling pathways triggered by co-receptor activation has been challenging due to the lack of specific molecular tools targeting many of the proteins involved in these pathways and the wide array of model systems used across these experiments. Studies examining the impact of co-receptor signaling on HIV neuropathogenesis often show activation of multiple overlapping pathways by similar stimuli, leading to contradictory data on the effects of co-receptor activation. To address this, we will broadly review HIV infection and neuropathogenesis, examine different co-receptor mediated signaling pathways and functions, then discuss the HIV mediated signaling and the differences between activation induced by HIV and cognate ligands. We will assess the specific effects of co-receptor activation on neuropathogenesis, focusing on neuroinflammation. We will also explore how the use of substances of abuse, which are highly prevalent in people living with HIV, can exacerbate the neuropathogenic effects of co-receptor signaling. Finally, we will discuss the current state of therapeutics targeting co-receptors, highlighting challenges the field has faced and areas in which research into co-receptor signaling would yield the most therapeutic benefit in the context of HIV infection. This discussion will provide a comprehensive overview of what is known and what remains to be explored in regard to co-receptor signaling and HIV infection, and will emphasize the potential value of HIV co-receptors as a target for future therapeutic development. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Nickoloff-Bybel
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - L Festa
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - O Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - P J Gaskill
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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Irollo E, Luchetta J, Ho C, Nash B, Meucci O. Mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4283-4303. [PMID: 33585975 PMCID: PMC8164580 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is characterized by cognitive and behavioral deficits in people living with HIV. HAND is still common in patients that take antiretroviral therapies, although they tend to present with less severe symptoms. The continued prevalence of HAND in treated patients is a major therapeutic challenge, as even minor cognitive impairment decreases patient’s quality of life. Therefore, modern HAND research aims to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms that drive cognitive impairment in people with HIV and identify promising molecular pathways and targets that could be exploited therapeutically. Recent studies suggest that HAND in treated patients is at least partially induced by subtle synaptodendritic damage and disruption of neuronal networks in brain areas that mediate learning, memory, and executive functions. Although the causes of subtle neuronal dysfunction are varied, reversing synaptodendritic damage in animal models restores cognitive function and thus highlights a promising therapeutic approach. In this review, we examine evidence of synaptodendritic damage and disrupted neuronal connectivity in HAND from clinical neuroimaging and neuropathology studies and discuss studies in HAND models that define structural and functional impairment of neurotransmission. Then, we report molecular pathways, mechanisms, and comorbidities involved in this neuronal dysfunction, discuss new approaches to reverse neuronal damage, and highlight current gaps in knowledge. Continued research on the manifestation and mechanisms of synaptic injury and network dysfunction in HAND patients and experimental models will be critical if we are to develop safe and effective therapies that reverse subtle neuropathology and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Irollo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Jared Luchetta
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Chunta Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Bradley Nash
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Center for Neuroimmunology and CNS Therapeutics, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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Chang L, Liang H, Kandel SR, He JJ. Independent and Combined Effects of Nicotine or Chronic Tobacco Smoking and HIV on the Brain: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:658-693. [PMID: 33108618 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among HIV-infected individuals. Chronic smokers with HIV showed greater cognitive deficits and impulsivity, and had more psychopathological symptoms and greater neuroinflammation than HIV non-smokers or smokers without HIV infection. However, preclinical studies that evaluated the combined effects of HIV-infection and tobacco smoking are scare. The preclinical models typically used cell cultures or animal models that involved specific HIV viral proteins or the administration of nicotine to rodents. These preclinical models consistently demonstrated that nicotine had neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to cognitive enhancement. Although the major addictive ingredient in tobacco smoking is nicotine, chronic smoking does not lead to improved cognitive function in humans. Therefore, preclinical studies designed to unravel the interactive effects of chronic tobacco smoking and HIV infection are needed. In this review, we summarized the preclinical studies that demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of nicotine, the neurotoxic effects of the HIV viral proteins, and the scant literature on nicotine or tobacco smoke in HIV transgenic rat models. We also reviewed the clinical studies that evaluated the neurotoxic effects of tobacco smoking, HIV infection and their combined effects on the brain, including studies that evaluated the cognitive and behavioral assessments, as well as neuroimaging measures. Lastly, we compared the different approaches between preclinical and clinical studies, identified some gaps and proposed some future directions. Graphical abstract Independent and combined effects of HIV and tobacco/nicotine. Left top and bottom panels: Both clinical studies of HIV infected persons and preclinical studies using viral proteins in vitro or in vivo in animal models showed that HIV infection could lead to neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Right top and bottom panels: While clinical studies of tobacco smoking consistently showed deleterious effects of smoking, clinical and preclinical studies that used nicotine show mild cognitive enhancement, neuroprotective and possibly anti-inflammatory effects. In the developing brain, however, nicotine is neurotoxic. Middle overlapping panels: Clinical studies of persons with HIV who were smokers typically showed additive deleterious effects of HIV and tobacco smoking. However, in the preclinical studies, when nicotine was administered to the HIV-1 Tg rats, the neurotoxic effects of HIV were attenuated, but tobacco smoke worsened the inflammatory cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Huajun Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Suresh R Kandel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 Green Bay Road, Basic Science Building 2.300, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Johnny J He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 Green Bay Road, Basic Science Building 2.300, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
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15
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Dos Reis RS, Sant S, Keeney H, Wagner MCE, Ayyavoo V. Modeling HIV-1 neuropathogenesis using three-dimensional human brain organoids (hBORGs) with HIV-1 infected microglia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15209. [PMID: 32938988 PMCID: PMC7494890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is characterized by neuroinflammation and glial activation that, together with the release of viral proteins, trigger a pathogenic cascade resulting in synaptodendritic damage and neurodegeneration that lead to cognitive impairment. However, the molecular events underlying HIV neuropathogenesis remain elusive, mainly due to lack of brain-representative experimental systems to study HIV-CNS pathology. To fill this gap, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human brain organoid (hBORG) model containing major cell types important for HIV-1 neuropathogenesis; neurons and astrocytes along with incorporation of HIV-infected microglia. Both infected and uninfected microglia infiltrated into hBORGs resulting in a triculture system (MG-hBORG) that mirrors the multicellular network observed in HIV-infected human brain. Moreover, the MG-hBORG model supported productive viral infection and exhibited increased inflammatory response by HIV-infected MG-hBORGs, releasing tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and thereby mimicking the chronic neuroinflammatory environment observed in HIV-infected individuals. This model offers great promise for basic understanding of how HIV-1 infection alters the CNS compartment and induces pathological changes, paving the way for discovery of biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta S Dos Reis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Hannah Keeney
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Marc C E Wagner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Velpandi Ayyavoo
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Ong WY, Go ML, Wang DY, Cheah IKM, Halliwell B. Effects of Antimalarial Drugs on Neuroinflammation-Potential Use for Treatment of COVID-19-Related Neurologic Complications. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:106-117. [PMID: 32897518 PMCID: PMC7477069 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects not only peripheral organs such as the lungs and blood vessels, but also the central nervous system (CNS)—as seen by effects on smell, taste, seizures, stroke, neuropathological findings and possibly, loss of control of respiration resulting in silent hypoxemia. COVID-19 induces an inflammatory response and, in severe cases, a cytokine storm that can damage the CNS. Antimalarials have unique properties that distinguish them from other anti-inflammatory drugs. (A) They are very lipophilic, which enhances their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Hence, they have the potential to act not only in the periphery but also in the CNS, and could be a useful addition to our limited armamentarium against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (B) They are non-selective inhibitors of phospholipase A2 isoforms, including cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). The latter is not only activated by cytokines but itself generates arachidonic acid, which is metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX) to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. Free radicals are produced in this process, which can lead to oxidative damage to the CNS. There are at least 4 ways that antimalarials could be useful in combating COVID-19. (1) They inhibit PLA2. (2) They are basic molecules capable of affecting the pH of lysosomes and inhibiting the activity of lysosomal enzymes. (3) They may affect the expression and Fe2+/H+ symporter activity of iron transporters such as divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), hence reducing iron accumulation in tissues and iron-catalysed free radical formation. (4) They could affect viral replication. The latter may be related to their effect on inhibition of PLA2 isoforms. Inhibition of cPLA2 impairs an early step of coronavirus replication in cell culture. In addition, a secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) isoform, PLA2G2D, has been shown to be essential for the lethality of SARS-CoV in mice. It is important to take note of what ongoing clinical trials on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can eventually tell us about the use of antimalarials and other anti-inflammatory agents, not only for the treatment of COVID-19, but also for neurovascular disorders such as stroke and vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yi Ong
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
| | - Mei-Lin Go
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore
| | - De-Yun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore
| | - Irwin Kee-Mun Cheah
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Neurobiology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
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Green MV, Pengo T, Raybuck JD, Naqvi T, McMullan HM, Hawkinson JE, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Muntean BS, Martemyanov KA, Satterfield R, Young SM, Thayer SA. Automated Live-Cell Imaging of Synapses in Rat and Human Neuronal Cultures. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:467. [PMID: 31680875 PMCID: PMC6811609 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss and dendritic damage correlate with cognitive decline in many neurodegenerative diseases, underlie neurodevelopmental disorders, and are associated with environmental and drug-induced CNS toxicities. However, screening assays designed to measure loss of synaptic connections between live cells are lacking. Here, we describe the design and validation of automated synaptic imaging assay (ASIA), an efficient approach to label, image, and analyze synapses between live neurons. Using viral transduction to express fluorescent proteins that label synapses and an automated computer-controlled microscope, we developed a method to identify agents that regulate synapse number. ASIA is compatible with both confocal and wide-field microscopy; wide-field image acquisition is faster but requires a deconvolution step in the analysis. Both types of images feed into batch processing analysis software that can be run on ImageJ, CellProfiler, and MetaMorph platforms. Primary analysis endpoints are the number of structural synapses and cell viability. Thus, overt cell death is differentiated from subtle changes in synapse density, an important distinction when studying neurodegenerative processes. In rat hippocampal cultures treated for 24 h with 100 μM 2-bromopalmitic acid (2-BP), a compound that prevents clustering of postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), ASIA reliably detected loss of postsynaptic density 95-enhanced green fluorescent protein (PSD95-eGFP)-labeled synapses in the absence of cell death. In contrast, treatment with 100 μM glutamate produced synapse loss and significant cell death, determined from morphological changes in a binary image created from co-expressed mCherry. Treatment with 3 mM lithium for 24 h significantly increased the number of fluorescent puncta, showing that ASIA also detects synaptogenesis. Proof of concept studies show that cell-specific promoters enable the selective study of inhibitory or principal neurons and that alternative reporter constructs enable quantification of GABAergic or glutamatergic synapses. ASIA can also be used to study synapse loss between human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Significant synapse loss in the absence of cell death was detected in the iPSC-derived neuronal cultures treated with either 100 μM 2-BP or 100 μM glutamate for 24 h, while 300 μM glutamate produced synapse loss and cell death. ASIA shows promise for identifying agents that evoke synaptic toxicities and screening for compounds that prevent or reverse synapse loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew V. Green
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Thomas Pengo
- Informatics Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jonathan D. Raybuck
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Tahmina Naqvi
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Hannah M. McMullan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jon E. Hawkinson
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Brian S. Muntean
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | | | - Rachel Satterfield
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, United States
| | - Samuel M. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Stanley A. Thayer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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