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Majewski S, Klein P, Boillée S, Clarke BE, Patani R. Towards an integrated approach for understanding glia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Glia 2024. [PMID: 39318236 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Substantial advances in technology are permitting a high resolution understanding of the salience of glia, and have helped us to transcend decades of predominantly neuron-centric research. In particular, recent advances in 'omic' technologies have enabled unique insights into glial biology, shedding light on the cellular and molecular aspects of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we review studies using omic techniques to attempt to understand the role of glia in ALS across different model systems and post mortem tissue. We also address caveats that should be considered when interpreting such studies, and how some of these may be mitigated through either using a multi-omic approach and/or careful low throughput, high fidelity orthogonal validation with particular emphasis on functional validation. Finally, we consider emerging technologies and their potential relevance in deepening our understanding of glia in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Majewski
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Pierre Klein
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Séverine Boillée
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin E Clarke
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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2
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Zhou X, Wang J, Yu L, Qiao G, Qin D, Yuen-Kwan Law B, Ren F, Wu J, Wu A. Mitophagy and cGAS-STING crosstalk in neuroinflammation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3327-3361. [PMID: 39220869 PMCID: PMC11365416 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy, essential for mitochondrial health, selectively degrades damaged mitochondria. It is intricately linked to the cGAS-STING pathway, which is crucial for innate immunity. This pathway responds to mitochondrial DNA and is associated with cellular stress response. Our review explores the molecular details and regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy and the cGAS-STING pathway. We critically evaluate the literature demonstrating how dysfunctional mitophagy leads to neuroinflammatory conditions, primarily through the accumulation of damaged mitochondria, which activates the cGAS-STING pathway. This activation prompts the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, exacerbating neuroinflammation. This review emphasizes the interaction between mitophagy and the cGAS-STING pathways. Effective mitophagy may suppress the cGAS-STING pathway, offering protection against neuroinflammation. Conversely, impaired mitophagy may activate the cGAS-STING pathway, leading to chronic neuroinflammation. Additionally, we explored how this interaction influences neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting a common mechanism underlying these diseases. In conclusion, there is a need for additional targeted research to unravel the complexities of mitophagy-cGAS-STING interactions and their role in neurodegeneration. This review highlights potential therapies targeting these pathways, potentially leading to new treatments for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. This synthesis enhances our understanding of the cellular and molecular foundations of neuroinflammation and opens new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Zhou
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Gan Qiao
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Dalian Qin
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Fang Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400021, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Anguo Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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3
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Nikel LM, Talbot K, Vahsen BF. Recent insights from human induced pluripotent stem cell models into the role of microglia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400054. [PMID: 38713169 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, primarily leading to the degeneration of motor neurons. The traditional focus on motor neuron-centric mechanisms has recently shifted towards understanding the contribution of non-neuronal cells, such as microglia, in ALS pathophysiology. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have enabled the generation of iPSC-derived microglia monocultures and co-cultures to investigate their role in ALS pathogenesis. Here, we briefly review the insights gained from these studies into the role of microglia in ALS. While iPSC-derived microglia monocultures have revealed intrinsic cellular dysfunction due to ALS-associated mutations, microglia-motor neuron co-culture studies have demonstrated neurotoxic effects of mutant microglia on motor neurons. Based on these findings, we briefly discuss currently unresolved questions and how they could be addressed in future studies. iPSC models hold promise for uncovering disease-relevant pathways in ALS and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Nikel
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Pandya VA, Patani R. The role of glial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:381-450. [PMID: 38802179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has traditionally been considered a neuron-centric disease. This view is now outdated, with increasing recognition of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous contributions of central and peripheral nervous system glia to ALS pathomechanisms. With glial research rapidly accelerating, we comprehensively interrogate the roles of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann cells and satellite glia in nervous system physiology and ALS-associated pathology. Moreover, we highlight the inter-glial, glial-neuronal and inter-system polylogue which constitutes the healthy nervous system and destabilises in disease. We also propose classification based on function for complex glial reactive phenotypes and discuss the pre-requisite for integrative modelling to advance translation. Given the paucity of life-enhancing therapies currently available for ALS patients, we discuss the promising potential of harnessing glia in driving ALS therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virenkumar A Pandya
- University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom; The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
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5
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Salzinger A, Ramesh V, Das Sharma S, Chandran S, Thangaraj Selvaraj B. Neuronal Circuit Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:792. [PMID: 38786016 PMCID: PMC11120636 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary neural circuit affected in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients is the corticospinal motor circuit, originating in upper motor neurons (UMNs) in the cerebral motor cortex which descend to synapse with the lower motor neurons (LMNs) in the spinal cord to ultimately innervate the skeletal muscle. Perturbation of these neural circuits and consequent loss of both UMNs and LMNs, leading to muscle wastage and impaired movement, is the key pathophysiology observed. Despite decades of research, we are still lacking in ALS disease-modifying treatments. In this review, we document the current research from patient studies, rodent models, and human stem cell models in understanding the mechanisms of corticomotor circuit dysfunction and its implication in ALS. We summarize the current knowledge about cortical UMN dysfunction and degeneration, altered excitability in LMNs, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and the non-cell autonomous role of glial cells in motor circuit dysfunction in relation to ALS. We further highlight the advances in human stem cell technology to model the complex neural circuitry and how these can aid in future studies to better understand the mechanisms of neural circuit dysfunction underpinning ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salzinger
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Vidya Ramesh
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Shreya Das Sharma
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Bhuvaneish Thangaraj Selvaraj
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; (A.S.); (V.R.); (S.D.S.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic (ARRNC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
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6
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Hollingsworth LR, Veeraraghavan P, Paulo JA, Harper JW, Rauch I. Spatiotemporal proteomic profiling of cellular responses to NLRP3 agonists. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.19.590338. [PMID: 38659763 PMCID: PMC11042255 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.19.590338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin-domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is an innate immune sensor that forms an inflammasome in response to various cellular stressors. Gain-of-function mutations in NLRP3 cause autoinflammatory diseases and NLRP3 signalling itself exacerbates the pathogenesis of many other human diseases. Despite considerable therapeutic interest, the primary drivers of NLRP3 activation remain controversial due to the diverse array of signals that are integrated through NLRP3. Here, we mapped subcellular proteome changes to lysosomes, mitochondrion, EEA1-positive endosomes, and Golgi caused by the NLRP3 inflammasome agonists nigericin and CL097. We identified several common disruptions to retrograde trafficking pathways, including COPI and Shiga toxin-related transport, in line with recent studies. We further characterized mouse NLRP3 trafficking throughout its activation using temporal proximity proteomics, which supports a recent model of NLRP3 recruitment to endosomes during inflammasome activation. Collectively, these findings provide additional granularity to our understanding of the molecular events driving NLRP3 activation and serve as a valuable resource for cell biological research. We have made our proteomics data accessible through an open-access Shiny browser to facilitate future research within the community, available at: https://harperlab.connect.hms.harvard.edu/inflame/. We will display anonymous peer review for this manuscript on pubpub.org (https://harperlab.pubpub.org/pub/nlrp3/) rather than a traditional journal. Moreover, we invite community feedback on the pubpub version of this manuscript, and we will address criticisms accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Robert Hollingsworth
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Joao A. Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J. Wade Harper
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabella Rauch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University
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Funes S, Jung J, Gadd DH, Mosqueda M, Zhong J, Shankaracharya, Unger M, Stallworth K, Cameron D, Rotunno MS, Dawes P, Fowler-Magaw M, Keagle PJ, McDonough JA, Boopathy S, Sena-Esteves M, Nickerson JA, Lutz C, Skarnes WC, Lim ET, Schafer DP, Massi F, Landers JE, Bosco DA. Expression of ALS-PFN1 impairs vesicular degradation in iPSC-derived microglia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2497. [PMID: 38509062 PMCID: PMC10954694 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46695-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia play a pivotal role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, but the mechanisms underlying microglia dysfunction and toxicity remain to be elucidated. To investigate the effect of neurodegenerative disease-linked genes on the intrinsic properties of microglia, we studied microglia-like cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), termed iMGs, harboring mutations in profilin-1 (PFN1) that are causative for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS-PFN1 iMGs exhibited evidence of lipid dysmetabolism, autophagy dysregulation and deficient phagocytosis, a canonical microglia function. Mutant PFN1 also displayed enhanced binding affinity for PI3P, a critical signaling molecule involved in autophagic and endocytic processing. Our cumulative data implicate a gain-of-toxic function for mutant PFN1 within the autophagic and endo-lysosomal pathways, as administration of rapamycin rescued phagocytic dysfunction in ALS-PFN1 iMGs. These outcomes demonstrate the utility of iMGs for neurodegenerative disease research and implicate microglial vesicular degradation pathways in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Funes
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Translational Science Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jonathan Jung
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Del Hayden Gadd
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Michelle Mosqueda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jianjun Zhong
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shankaracharya
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Matthew Unger
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Karly Stallworth
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Debra Cameron
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Melissa S Rotunno
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Pepper Dawes
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Megan Fowler-Magaw
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Pamela J Keagle
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | | | - Sivakumar Boopathy
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Nickerson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Cathleen Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory Center for Precision Genetics, Rare Disease Translational Center, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - William C Skarnes
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA
| | - Elaine T Lim
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Francesca Massi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - John E Landers
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Translational Science Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Program, Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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Loh JS, Mak WQ, Tan LKS, Ng CX, Chan HH, Yeow SH, Foo JB, Ong YS, How CW, Khaw KY. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and its therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:37. [PMID: 38360862 PMCID: PMC10869798 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is populated with a diverse microbial community. The vast genetic and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome underpins its ubiquity in nearly every aspect of human biology, including health maintenance, development, aging, and disease. The advent of new sequencing technologies and culture-independent methods has allowed researchers to move beyond correlative studies toward mechanistic explorations to shed light on microbiome-host interactions. Evidence has unveiled the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents an important regulator of glial functions, making it an actionable target to ameliorate the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. As the gut microbiome provides essential cues to microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, we examine the communications between gut microbiota and these glial cells during healthy states and neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases using a metabolite-centric approach, while also examining the role of gut microbiota-related neurotransmitters and gut hormones. Next, we examine the potential of targeting the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system to counteract glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Finally, we conclude by assessing the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough comprehension of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sheng Loh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Qi Mak
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li Kar Stella Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Hueh Yeow
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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9
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Bobotis BC, Halvorson T, Carrier M, Tremblay MÈ. Established and emerging techniques for the study of microglia: visualization, depletion, and fate mapping. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1317125. [PMID: 38425429 PMCID: PMC10902073 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1317125] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is an essential hub for neuronal communication. As a major component of the CNS, glial cells are vital in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal network dynamics. Research on microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the CNS, has advanced considerably in recent years, and our understanding of their diverse functions continues to grow. Microglia play critical roles in the formation and regulation of neuronal synapses, myelination, responses to injury, neurogenesis, inflammation, and many other physiological processes. In parallel with advances in microglial biology, cutting-edge techniques for the characterization of microglial properties have emerged with increasing depth and precision. Labeling tools and reporter models are important for the study of microglial morphology, ultrastructure, and dynamics, but also for microglial isolation, which is required to glean key phenotypic information through single-cell transcriptomics and other emerging approaches. Strategies for selective microglial depletion and modulation can provide novel insights into microglia-targeted treatment strategies in models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, cancer, and autoimmunity. Finally, fate mapping has emerged as an important tool to answer fundamental questions about microglial biology, including their origin, migration, and proliferation throughout the lifetime of an organism. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion of these established and emerging techniques, with applications to the study of microglia in development, homeostasis, and CNS pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Caroline Bobotis
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Torin Halvorson
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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10
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Krumm L, Pozner T, Zagha N, Coras R, Arnold P, Tsaktanis T, Scherpelz K, Davis MY, Kaindl J, Stolzer I, Süß P, Khundadze M, Hübner CA, Riemenschneider MJ, Baets J, Günther C, Jayadev S, Rothhammer V, Krach F, Winkler J, Winner B, Regensburger M. Neuroinflammatory disease signatures in SPG11-related hereditary spastic paraplegia patients. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:28. [PMID: 38305941 PMCID: PMC10837238 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Biallelic loss of SPG11 function constitutes the most frequent cause of complicated autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) with thin corpus callosum, resulting in progressive multisystem neurodegeneration. While the impact of neuroinflammation is an emerging and potentially treatable aspect in neurodegenerative diseases and leukodystrophies, the role of immune cells in SPG11-HSP patients is unknown. Here, we performed a comprehensive immunological characterization of SPG11-HSP, including examination of three human postmortem brain donations, immunophenotyping of patients' peripheral blood cells and patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia-like cells (iMGL). We delineate a previously unknown role of innate immunity in SPG11-HSP. Neuropathological analysis of SPG11-HSP patient brain tissue revealed profound microgliosis in areas of neurodegeneration, downregulation of homeostatic microglial markers and cell-intrinsic accumulation of lipids and lipofuscin in IBA1+ cells. In a larger cohort of SPG11-HSP patients, the ratio of peripheral classical and intermediate monocytes was increased, along with increased serum levels of IL-6 that correlated with disease severity. Stimulation of patient-specific iMGLs with IFNγ led to increased phagocytic activity compared to control iMGL as well as increased upregulation and release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as CXCL10. On a molecular basis, we identified increased STAT1 phosphorylation as mechanism connecting IFNγ-mediated immune hyperactivation and SPG11 loss of function. STAT1 expression was increased both in human postmortem brain tissue and in an Spg11-/- mouse model. Application of an STAT1 inhibitor decreased CXCL10 production in SPG11 iMGL and rescued their toxic effect on SPG11 neurons. Our data establish neuroinflammation as a novel disease mechanism in SPG11-HSP patients and constitute the first description of myeloid cell/ microglia activation in human SPG11-HSP. IFNγ/ STAT1-mediated neurotoxic effects of hyperreactive microglia upon SPG11 loss of function indicate that immunomodulation strategies may slow down disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krumm
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatyana Pozner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Naime Zagha
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thanos Tsaktanis
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kathryn Scherpelz
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marie Y Davis
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Johanna Kaindl
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Iris Stolzer
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Süß
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mukhran Khundadze
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian A Hübner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Jonathan Baets
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Claudia Günther
- Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Kussmaulallee 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Krach
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Molecular Neurology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beate Winner
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Regensburger
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), University Hospital Erlangen, Kussmaulallee 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Molecular Neurology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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11
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Awogbindin I, Wanklin M, Verkhratsky A, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 37:497-512. [PMID: 39207709 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55529-9_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are manifested by a progressive death of neural cells, resulting in the deterioration of central nervous system (CNS) functions, ultimately leading to specific behavioural and cognitive symptoms associated with affected brain regions. Several neurodegenerative disorders are caused by genetic variants or mutations, although the majority of cases are sporadic and linked to various environmental risk factors, with yet an unknown aetiology. Neuroglial changes are fundamental and often lead to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, microglial cells, which are essential for maintaining CNS health, become compromised in their physiological functions with the exposure to environmental risk factors, genetic variants or mutations, as well as disease pathology. In this chapter, we cover the contribution of neuroglia, especially microglia, to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Nasu-Hakola disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, infectious disease-associated neurodegeneration, and metal-precipitated neurodegeneration. Future research perspectives for the field pertaining to the therapeutic targeting of microglia across these disease conditions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoluwa Awogbindin
- Department of Biochemistry, Neuroimmunology Group, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Laboratory, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Wanklin
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Bizkaia, 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, China.
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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12
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Paris A, Lakatos A. Cell and gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 205:217-241. [PMID: 39341656 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90120-8.00017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and incurable neurodegenerative disorder with rapidly progressive skeletal muscle weakness, which can also cause a variable cognitive deficit. Genetic causes are only identified in approximately 10% of all cases, with complex genotype-phenotype associations, making it challenging to identify treatment targets. What further hampers therapeutic development is a broad heterogeneity in mechanisms, possible targets, and disturbances across various cell types, aside from the cortical and spinal motor neurons that lie at the heart of the pathology of ALS. Over the last decade, significant progress in biotechnologic techniques, cell and ribonucleic acid (RNA) engineering, animal models, and patient-specific human stem cell and organoid models have accelerated both mechanistic and therapeutic discoveries. The growing number of clinical trials mirrors this. This chapter reviews the current state of human preclinical models supporting trial strategies as well as recent clinical cell and gene therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvar Paris
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - András Lakatos
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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13
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Rifai OM, O’Shaughnessy J, Dando OR, Munro AF, Sewell MDE, Abrahams S, Waldron FM, Sibley CR, Gregory JM. Distinct neuroinflammatory signatures exist across genetic and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohorts. Brain 2023; 146:5124-5138. [PMID: 37450566 PMCID: PMC10690026 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad243] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS is on a pathogenetic disease spectrum with frontotemporal dementia, referred to as ALS-frontotemporal spectrum disorder (ALS-FTSD). For mutations associated with ALS-FTSD, such as the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, the molecular factors associated with heterogeneity along this spectrum require further characterization. Here, using a targeted NanoString molecular barcoding approach, we interrogate neuroinflammatory dysregulation and heterogeneity at the level of gene expression in post-mortem motor cortex tissue from a cohort of clinically heterogeneous C9-ALS-FTSD cases. We identified 20 dysregulated genes in C9-ALS-FTSD, with enrichment of microglial and inflammatory response gene sets. Two genes with significant correlations to available clinical metrics were selected for validation: FKBP5, a correlate of cognitive function, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a correlate of disease duration. FKBP5 and its signalling partner, NF-κB, appeared to have a cell type-specific staining distribution, with activated (i.e. nuclear) NF-κB immunoreactivity in C9-ALS-FTSD. Expression of BDNF, a correlate of disease duration, was confirmed to be higher in individuals with long compared to short disease duration using BaseScope™ in situ hybridization. Our analyses also revealed two distinct neuroinflammatory panel signatures (NPS), NPS1 and NPS2, delineated by the direction of expression of proinflammatory, axonal transport and synaptic signalling pathways. We compared NPS between C9-ALS-FTSD cases and those from sporadic ALS and SOD1-ALS cohorts and identified NPS1 and NPS2 across all cohorts. Moreover, a subset of NPS was also able to separate publicly available RNA sequencing data from independent C9-ALS and sporadic ALS cohorts into two inflammatory subgroups. Importantly, NPS subgroups did not clearly segregate with available demographic, genetic, clinical or pathological features, highlighting the value of molecular stratification in clinical trials for inflammatory subgroup identification. Our findings thus underscore the importance of tailoring therapeutic approaches based on distinct molecular signatures that exist between and within ALS-FTSD cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Rifai
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Judi O’Shaughnessy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Owen R Dando
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XF, UK
| | - Alison F Munro
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael D E Sewell
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience-Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AD, UK
| | - Fergal M Waldron
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Christopher R Sibley
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XF, UK
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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14
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Michalski C, Wen Z. Leveraging iPSC technology to assess neuro-immune interactions in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1291115. [PMID: 38025464 PMCID: PMC10672983 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1291115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between the immune and the nervous system is essential for human brain development and homeostasis. Disruption of this intricately regulated crosstalk can lead to neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, or neurodegenerative disorders. While animal models have been essential in characterizing the role of neuroimmunity in development and disease, they come with inherent limitations due to species specific differences, particularly with regard to microglia, the major subset of brain resident immune cells. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology now allows the development of clinically relevant models of the central nervous system that adequately reflect human genetic architecture. This article will review recent publications that have leveraged iPSC technology to assess neuro-immune interactions. First, we will discuss the role of environmental stressors such as neurotropic viruses or pro-inflammatory cytokines on neuronal and glial function. Next, we will review how iPSC models can be used to study genetic risk factors in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Lastly, we will evaluate current challenges and future potential for iPSC models in the field of neuroimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Michalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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15
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Litwiniuk A, Juszczak GR, Stankiewicz AM, Urbańska K. The role of glial autophagy in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4528-4539. [PMID: 37679471 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02242-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Although Alzheimer's disease is the most pervasive neurodegenerative disorder, the mechanism underlying its development is still not precisely understood. Available data indicate that pathophysiology of this disease may involve impaired autophagy in glial cells. The dysfunction is manifested as reduced ability of astrocytes and microglia to clear abnormal protein aggregates. Consequently, excessive accumulation of amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles activates microglia and astrocytes leading to decreased number of mature myelinated oligodendrocytes and death of neurons. These pathologic effects of autophagy dysfunction can be rescued by pharmacological activation of autophagy. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in autophagy dysfunction in glial cells in Alzheimer's disease may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies. However, such strategies need to take into consideration differences in regulation of autophagy in different types of neuroglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Litwiniuk
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Mazovia, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Roman Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behavior and Welfare, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Mazovia, Poland
| | - Adrian Mateusz Stankiewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Mazovia, Poland.
| | - Kaja Urbańska
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Mazovia, Poland.
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16
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You J, Youssef MMM, Santos JR, Lee J, Park J. Microglia and Astrocytes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Disease-Associated States, Pathological Roles, and Therapeutic Potential. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1307. [PMID: 37887017 PMCID: PMC10603852 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microglial and astrocytic reactivity is a prominent feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Microglia and astrocytes have been increasingly appreciated to play pivotal roles in disease pathogenesis. These cells can adopt distinct states characterized by a specific molecular profile or function depending on the different contexts of development, health, aging, and disease. Accumulating evidence from ALS rodent and cell models has demonstrated neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions from microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we focused on the recent advancements of knowledge in microglial and astrocytic states and nomenclature, the landmark discoveries demonstrating a clear contribution of microglia and astrocytes to ALS pathogenesis, and novel therapeutic candidates leveraging these cells that are currently undergoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin You
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Mohieldin M. M. Youssef
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Jhune Rizsan Santos
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jooyun Lee
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jeehye Park
- Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (J.Y.); (M.M.M.Y.); (J.R.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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17
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Vahsen BF, Nalluru S, Morgan GR, Farrimond L, Carroll E, Xu Y, Cramb KML, Amein B, Scaber J, Katsikoudi A, Candalija A, Carcolé M, Dafinca R, Isaacs AM, Wade-Martins R, Gray E, Turner MR, Cowley SA, Talbot K. C9orf72-ALS human iPSC microglia are pro-inflammatory and toxic to co-cultured motor neurons via MMP9. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5898. [PMID: 37736756 PMCID: PMC10517114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, with additional pathophysiological involvement of non-neuronal cells such as microglia. The commonest ALS-associated genetic variant is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) mutation in C9orf72. Here, we study its consequences for microglial function using human iPSC-derived microglia. By RNA-sequencing, we identify enrichment of pathways associated with immune cell activation and cyto-/chemokines in C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia versus healthy controls, most prominently after LPS priming. Specifically, LPS-primed C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia show consistently increased expression and release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). LPS-primed C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia are toxic to co-cultured healthy motor neurons, which is ameliorated by concomitant application of an MMP9 inhibitor. Finally, we identify release of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) as a marker for MMP9-dependent microglial dysregulation in co-culture. These results demonstrate cellular dysfunction of C9orf72 HRE mutant microglia, and a non-cell-autonomous role in driving C9orf72-ALS pathophysiology in motor neurons through MMP9 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn F Vahsen
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Sumedha Nalluru
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Georgia R Morgan
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Lucy Farrimond
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Emily Carroll
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Yinyan Xu
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Kaitlyn M L Cramb
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Benazir Amein
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jakub Scaber
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Antigoni Katsikoudi
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Ana Candalija
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Mireia Carcolé
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WCIN 3BG, UK
| | - Ruxandra Dafinca
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Adrian M Isaacs
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WCIN 3BG, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Martin R Turner
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sally A Cowley
- James and Lillian Martin Centre for Stem Cell Research, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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18
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Sonobe Y, Lee S, Krishnan G, Gu Y, Kwon DY, Gao FB, Roos RP, Kratsios P. Translation of dipeptide repeat proteins in C9ORF72 ALS/FTD through unique and redundant AUG initiation codons. eLife 2023; 12:e83189. [PMID: 37675986 PMCID: PMC10541178 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A hallmark of ALS/FTD pathology is the presence of dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins, produced from both sense GGGGCC (poly-GA, poly-GP, poly-GR) and antisense CCCCGG (poly-PR, poly-PG, poly-PA) transcripts. Translation of sense DPRs, such as poly-GA and poly-GR, depends on non-canonical (non-AUG) initiation codons. Here, we provide evidence for canonical AUG-dependent translation of two antisense DPRs, poly-PR and poly-PG. A single AUG is required for synthesis of poly-PR, one of the most toxic DPRs. Unexpectedly, we found redundancy between three AUG codons necessary for poly-PG translation. Further, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2D (EIF2D), which was previously implicated in sense DPR synthesis, is not required for AUG-dependent poly-PR or poly-PG translation, suggesting that distinct translation initiation factors control DPR synthesis from sense and antisense transcripts. Our findings on DPR synthesis from the C9ORF72 locus may be broadly applicable to many other nucleotide repeat expansion disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Sonobe
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Soojin Lee
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Gopinath Krishnan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Yuanzheng Gu
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Deborah Y Kwon
- Neuromuscular & Movement Disorders, BiogenCambridgeUnited States
| | - Fen-Biao Gao
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Raymond P Roos
- University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Paschalis Kratsios
- Neuroscience Institute, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
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19
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De Marchi F, Franjkic T, Schito P, Russo T, Nimac J, Chami AA, Mele A, Vidatic L, Kriz J, Julien JP, Apic G, Russell RB, Rogelj B, Cannon JR, Baralle M, Agosta F, Hecimovic S, Mazzini L, Buratti E, Munitic I. Emerging Trends in the Field of Inflammation and Proteinopathy in ALS/FTD Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1599. [PMID: 37371694 PMCID: PMC10295684 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061599] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathy and neuroinflammation are two main hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. They also represent rare common events in an exceptionally broad landscape of genetic, environmental, neuropathologic, and clinical heterogeneity present in patients. Here, we aim to recount the emerging trends in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) spectrum disorder. Our review will predominantly focus on neuroinflammation and systemic immune imbalance in ALS and FTD, which have recently been highlighted as novel therapeutic targets. A common mechanism of most ALS and ~50% of FTD patients is dysregulation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), an RNA/DNA-binding protein, which becomes depleted from the nucleus and forms cytoplasmic aggregates in neurons and glia. This, in turn, via both gain and loss of function events, alters a variety of TDP-43-mediated cellular events. Experimental attempts to target TDP-43 aggregates or manipulate crosstalk in the context of inflammation will be discussed. Targeting inflammation, and the immune system in general, is of particular interest because of the high plasticity of immune cells compared to neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Toni Franjkic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, R. Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Metisox, Cambridge CB24 9NL, UK;
| | - Paride Schito
- Department of Neurology & Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (T.R.)
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Department of Neurology & Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (T.R.)
| | - Jerneja Nimac
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.N.); (B.R.)
- Graduate School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna A. Chami
- CERVO Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (A.A.C.); (J.K.); (J.-P.J.)
| | - Angelica Mele
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Lea Vidatic
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.V.); (S.H.)
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (A.A.C.); (J.K.); (J.-P.J.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Julien
- CERVO Research Centre, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1J 2G3, Canada; (A.A.C.); (J.K.); (J.-P.J.)
| | | | | | - Boris Rogelj
- Department of Biotechnology, Jozef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (J.N.); (B.R.)
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jason R. Cannon
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Silva Hecimovic
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.V.); (S.H.)
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- Department of Neurology and ALS Centre, University of Piemonte Orientale, Maggiore Della Carità Hospital, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy; (F.D.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ivana Munitic
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, R. Matejcic 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
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