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Man JHK, Breur M, van Gelder CAGH, Marcon G, Maderna E, Giaccone G, Altelaar M, van der Knaap MS, Bugiani M. Region-specific and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 140:102-115. [PMID: 38763075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.016] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity and its relation to aging in the normal human brain remain poorly understood. We here analyzed astrocytes in gray and white matter brain tissues obtained from donors ranging in age between the neonatal period to over 100 years. We show that astrocytes are differently distributed with higher density in the white matter. This regional difference in cellular density becomes less prominent with age. Additionally, we confirm the presence of morphologically distinct astrocytes, with gray matter astrocytes being morphologically more complex. Notably, gray matter astrocytes morphologically change with age, while white matter astrocytes remain relatively consistent in morphology. Using regional mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we did, however, identify astrocyte specific proteins with regional differences in abundance, reflecting variation in cellular density or expression level. Importantly, the expression of some astrocyte specific proteins region-dependently decreases with age. Taken together, we provide insights into region- and age-related differences in astrocytes in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie H K Man
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Breur
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A G H van Gelder
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gabriella Marcon
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; DAME, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maderna
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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2
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Jovanovic VM, Mesch KT, Tristan CA. hPSC-Derived Astrocytes at the Forefront of Translational Applications in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:903. [PMID: 38891034 PMCID: PMC11172187 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment or abnormalities of typical astrocyte functions in the CNS serve as a causative or contributing factor in numerous neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, disease-modeling and drug-screening approaches, primarily focused on human astrocytes, rely on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived astrocytes. However, it is important to acknowledge that these hPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit notable differences across studies and when compared to their in vivo counterparts. These differences may potentially compromise translational outcomes if not carefully accounted for. This review aims to explore state-of-the-art in vitro models of human astrocyte development, focusing on the developmental processes, functional maturity, and technical aspects of various hPSC-derived astrocyte differentiation protocols. Additionally, it summarizes their successful application in modeling neurological disorders. The discussion extends to recent advancements in the large-scale production of human astrocytes and their application in developing high-throughput assays conducive to therapeutic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vukasin M. Jovanovic
- Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL), Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), NIH, Rockville, MD 20850, USA (C.A.T.)
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3
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Morimoto K, Tabata H, Takahashi R, Nakajima K. Interactions between neural cells and blood vessels in central nervous system development. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300091. [PMID: 38135890 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300091] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The sophisticated function of the central nervous system (CNS) is largely supported by proper interactions between neural cells and blood vessels. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that neurons and glial cells support the formation of blood vessels, which in turn, act as migratory scaffolds for these cell types. Neural progenitors are also involved in the regulation of blood vessel formation. This mutual interaction between neural cells and blood vessels is elegantly controlled by several chemokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix, and adhesion molecules such as integrins. Recent research has revealed that newly migrating cell types along blood vessels repel other preexisting migrating cell types, causing them to detach from the blood vessels. In this review, we discuss vascular formation and cell migration, particularly during development. Moreover, we discuss how the crosstalk between blood vessels and neurons and glial cells could be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Morimoto
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Tabata
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Rikuo Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Nakajima
- Department of Anatomy, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Gao MY, Wang JQ, He J, Gao R, Zhang Y, Li X. Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing in Astrocyte Development, Heterogeneity, and Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3449-3464. [PMID: 37552355 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and perform complicated functions in health and disease. It is obvious that different astrocyte subpopulations, or activation states, are relevant with specific genomic programs and functions. In recent years, the emergence of new technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has made substantial advance in the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity, astrocyte developmental trajectory, and its role in CNS diseases which has had a significant impact on neuroscience. In this review, we present an overview of astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its essential role in the physiological and pathological environments of the CNS. We focused on the critical role of single-cell sequencing in revealing astrocyte development, heterogeneity, and its role in different CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin He
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Gao
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Li
- A National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi, China.
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5
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Coutinho Costa VG, Araújo SES, Alves-Leon SV, Gomes FCA. Central nervous system demyelinating diseases: glial cells at the hub of pathology. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135540. [PMID: 37261349 PMCID: PMC10227605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IDDs) are among the main causes of inflammatory and neurodegenerative injury of the central nervous system (CNS) in young adult patients. Of these, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent and studied, as it affects about a million people in the USA alone. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pathology has been advancing, although there are still no highly effective disease-modifying treatments for the progressive symptoms and disability in the late stages of disease. Among these mechanisms, the action of glial cells upon lesion and regeneration has become a prominent research topic, helped not only by the discovery of glia as targets of autoantibodies, but also by their role on CNS homeostasis and neuroinflammation. In the present article, we discuss the participation of glial cells in IDDs, as well as their association with demyelination and synaptic dysfunction throughout the course of the disease and in experimental models, with a focus on MS phenotypes. Further, we discuss the involvement of microglia and astrocytes in lesion formation and organization, remyelination, synaptic induction and pruning through different signaling pathways. We argue that evidence of the several glia-mediated mechanisms in the course of CNS demyelinating diseases supports glial cells as viable targets for therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila Espírito-Santo Araújo
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil
| | - Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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6
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Delgado L, Navarrete M. Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles. Cells 2023; 12:1253. [PMID: 37174653 PMCID: PMC10177371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091253] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Navarrete
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Cheng YT, Woo J, Luna-Figueroa E, Maleki E, Harmanci AS, Deneen B. Social deprivation induces astrocytic TRPA1-GABA suppression of hippocampal circuits. Neuron 2023; 111:1301-1315.e5. [PMID: 36787749 PMCID: PMC10121837 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Social experience is essential for the development and maintenance of higher-order brain function. Social deprivation results in a host of cognitive deficits, and cellular studies have largely focused on associated neuronal dysregulation; how astrocyte function is impacted by social deprivation is unknown. Here, we show that hippocampal astrocytes from juvenile mice subjected to social isolation exhibit increased Ca2+ activity and global changes in gene expression. We found that the Ca2+ channel TRPA1 is upregulated in astrocytes after social deprivation and astrocyte-specific deletion of TRPA1 reverses the physiological and cognitive deficits associated with social deprivation. Mechanistically, TRPA1 inhibition of hippocampal circuits is mediated by a parallel increase of astrocytic production and release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA after social deprivation. Collectively, our studies reveal how astrocyte function is tuned to social experience and identifies a social-context-specific mechanism by which astrocytic TRPA1 and GABA coordinately suppress hippocampal circuit function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Cheng
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Estefania Luna-Figueroa
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ehson Maleki
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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8
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Astrocyte heterogeneity and interactions with local neural circuits. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:93-106. [PMID: 36748397 PMCID: PMC10011406 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are ubiquitous within the central nervous system (CNS). These cells possess many individual processes which extend out into the neuropil, where they interact with a variety of other cell types, including neurons at synapses. Astrocytes are now known to be active players in all aspects of the synaptic life cycle, including synapse formation and elimination, synapse maturation, maintenance of synaptic homeostasis and modulation of synaptic transmission. Traditionally, astrocytes have been studied as a homogeneous group of cells. However, recent studies have uncovered a surprising degree of heterogeneity in their development and function, suggesting that astrocytes may be matched to neurons to support local circuits. Hence, a better understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity and its implications are needed to understand brain function.
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9
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Astrocyte reactivity in the glia limitans superficialis of the rat medial prefrontal cortex following sciatic nerve injury. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 159:185-198. [PMID: 36326875 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The glia limitans superficialis (GLS) on the rodent cortical surface consists of astrocyte bodies intermingled with their cytoplasmic processes. Many studies have observed astrocyte reactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) parenchyma induced by a peripheral nerve injury, while the response of GLS astrocytes is still not fully understood. The aim of our study was to identify the reactivity of rat GLS astrocytes in response to sciatic nerve compression (SNC) over different time periods. The alteration of GLS astrocyte reactivity was monitored using immunofluorescence (IF) intensities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), and NFκBp65. Our results demonstrated that SNC induced GLS astrocyte reactivity seen as increased intensities of GFAP-IF, and longer extensions of cytoplasmic processes into lamina I. First significant increase of GFAP-IF was observed on post-operation day 7 (POD7) after SNC with further increases on POD14 and POD21. In contrast, dynamic alteration of the extension of cytoplasmic processes into lamina I was detected as early as POD1 and continued throughout the monitored survival periods of both sham and SNC operations. The reactivity of GLS astrocytes was not associated with their proliferation. In addition, GLS astrocytes also displayed a significant decrease in GS immunofluorescence (GS-IF) and NFκB immunofluorescence (NFκB-IF) in response to sham and SNC operation compared with naïve control rats. These results suggest that damaged peripheral tissues (following sham operation as well as peripheral nerve lesions) may induce significant changes in GLS astrocyte reactivity. The signaling mechanism from injured peripheral tissue and nerve remains to be elucidated.
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10
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Bigbee JW. Cells of the Central Nervous System: An Overview of Their Structure and Function. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:41-64. [PMID: 36255671 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_2] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system is the last major organ system in the vertebrate body to yield its cellular structure, due to the complexity of its cells and their interactions. The fundamental unit of the nervous system is the neuron, which forms complex circuits that receive and integrate information and generate adaptive responses. Each neuron is composed of an input domain consisting of multiple dendrites along with the cell body, which is also responsible for the majority of macromolecule synthesis for the cell. The output domain is the axon which is a singular extension from the cell body that propagates the action potential to the synapse, where signals pass from one neuron to another. Facilitating these functions are cohorts of supporting cells consisting of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia along with NG2 cells and ependymal cells. Astrocytes have a dazzling array of functions including physical support, maintenance of homeostasis, development and integration of synaptic activity. Oligodendrocytes form the myelin sheath which surrounds axons and enables rapid conduction of the nerve impulse. Microglia are the resident immune cells, providing immune surveillance and remodeling of neuronal circuits during development and trauma. All these cells function in concert with each other, producing the remarkably diverse functions of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Bigbee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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11
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Preininger MK, Kaufer D. Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction and Astrocyte Senescence as Reciprocal Drivers of Neuropathology in Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116217. [PMID: 35682895 PMCID: PMC9180977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant cell types in the brain, astrocytes form a tissue-wide signaling network that is responsible for maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating various brain activities. Here, we review some of the essential functions that astrocytes perform in supporting neurons, modulating the immune response, and regulating and maintaining the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Given their importance in brain health, it follows that astrocyte dysfunction has detrimental effects. Indeed, dysfunctional astrocytes are implicated in age-related neuropathology and participate in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review two mechanisms by which astrocytes mediate neuropathology in the aging brain. First, age-associated blood–brain barrier dysfunction (BBBD) causes the hyperactivation of TGFβ signaling in astrocytes, which elicits a pro-inflammatory and epileptogenic phenotype. Over time, BBBD-associated astrocyte dysfunction results in hippocampal and cortical neural hyperexcitability and cognitive deficits. Second, senescent astrocytes accumulate in the brain with age and exhibit a decreased functional capacity and the secretion of senescent-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, which contribute to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Both BBBD and senescence progressively increase during aging and are associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, but the relationship between the two has not yet been established. Thus, we discuss the potential relationship between BBBD, TGFβ hyperactivation, and senescence with respect to astrocytes in the context of aging and disease and identify future areas of investigation in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela K. Preininger
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Daniela Kaufer
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Rapti G. Open Frontiers in Neural Cell Type Investigations; Lessons From Caenorhabditis elegans and Beyond, Toward a Multimodal Integration. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:787753. [PMID: 35321480 PMCID: PMC8934944 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.787753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous system cells, the building blocks of circuits, have been studied with ever-progressing resolution, yet neural circuits appear still resistant to schemes of reductionist classification. Due to their sheer numbers, complexity and diversity, their systematic study requires concrete classifications that can serve reduced dimensionality, reproducibility, and information integration. Conventional hierarchical schemes transformed through the history of neuroscience by prioritizing criteria of morphology, (electro)physiological activity, molecular content, and circuit function, influenced by prevailing methodologies of the time. Since the molecular biology revolution and the recent advents in transcriptomics, molecular profiling gains ground toward the classification of neurons and glial cell types. Yet, transcriptomics entails technical challenges and more importantly uncovers unforeseen spatiotemporal heterogeneity, in complex and simpler nervous systems. Cells change states dynamically in space and time, in response to stimuli or throughout their developmental trajectory. Mapping cell type and state heterogeneity uncovers uncharted terrains in neurons and especially in glial cell biology, that remains understudied in many aspects. Examining neurons and glial cells from the perspectives of molecular neuroscience, physiology, development and evolution highlights the advantage of multifaceted classification schemes. Among the amalgam of models contributing to neuroscience research, Caenorhabditis elegans combines nervous system anatomy, lineage, connectivity and molecular content, all mapped at single-cell resolution, and can provide valuable insights for the workflow and challenges of the multimodal integration of cell type features. This review reflects on concepts and practices of neuron and glial cells classification and how research, in C. elegans and beyond, guides nervous system experimentation through integrated multidimensional schemes. It highlights underlying principles, emerging themes, and open frontiers in the study of nervous system development, regulatory logic and evolution. It proposes unified platforms to allow integrated annotation of large-scale datasets, gene-function studies, published or unpublished findings and community feedback. Neuroscience is moving fast toward interdisciplinary, high-throughput approaches for combined mapping of the morphology, physiology, connectivity, molecular function, and the integration of information in multifaceted schemes. A closer look in mapped neural circuits and understudied terrains offers insights for the best implementation of these approaches.
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13
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Bugiani M, Plug BC, Man JHK, Breur M, van der Knaap MS. Heterogeneity of white matter astrocytes in the human brain. Acta Neuropathol 2022; 143:159-177. [PMID: 34878591 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate central nervous system development, maintain its homeostasis and orchestrate repair upon injury. Emerging evidence support functional specialization of astroglia, both between and within brain regions. Different subtypes of gray matter astrocytes have been identified, yet molecular and functional diversity of white matter astrocytes remains largely unexplored. Nonetheless, their important and diverse roles in maintaining white matter integrity and function are well recognized. Compelling evidence indicate that impairment of normal astrocytic function and their response to injury contribute to a wide variety of diseases, including white matter disorders. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity in the white matter of the mammalian brain and how an interplay between developmental origins and local environmental cues contribute to astroglial diversification. In addition, we discuss whether, and if so, how, heterogeneous astrocytes could contribute to white matter function in health and disease and focus on the sparse human research data available. We highlight four leukodystrophies primarily due to astrocytic dysfunction, the so-called astrocytopathies. Insight into the role of astroglial heterogeneity in both healthy and diseased white matter may provide new avenues for therapies aimed at promoting repair and restoring normal white matter function.
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14
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Koshko L, Scofield S, Mor G, Sadagurski M. Prenatal Pollutant Exposures and Hypothalamic Development: Early Life Disruption of Metabolic Programming. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:938094. [PMID: 35909533 PMCID: PMC9327615 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.938094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental contaminants in ambient air pollution pose a serious risk to long-term metabolic health. Strong evidence shows that prenatal exposure to pollutants can significantly increase the risk of Type II Diabetes (T2DM) in children and all ethnicities, even without the prevalence of obesity. The central nervous system (CNS) is critical in regulating whole-body metabolism. Within the CNS, the hypothalamus lies at the intersection of the neuroendocrine and autonomic systems and is primarily responsible for the regulation of energy homeostasis and satiety signals. The hypothalamus is particularly sensitive to insults during early neurodevelopmental periods and may be susceptible to alterations in the formation of neural metabolic circuitry. Although the precise molecular mechanism is not yet defined, alterations in hypothalamic developmental circuits may represent a leading cause of impaired metabolic programming. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the links between prenatal pollutant exposure and the hypothalamic programming of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Koshko
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sydney Scofield
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Marianna Sadagurski
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Marianna Sadagurski,
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15
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Gradišnik L, Bošnjak R, Bunc G, Ravnik J, Maver T, Velnar T. Neurosurgical Approaches to Brain Tissue Harvesting for the Establishment of Cell Cultures in Neural Experimental Cell Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:6857. [PMID: 34832259 PMCID: PMC8624371 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, cell biology has made rapid progress. Cell isolation and cultivation techniques, supported by modern laboratory procedures and experimental capabilities, provide a wide range of opportunities for in vitro research to study physiological and pathophysiological processes in health and disease. They can also be used very efficiently for the analysis of biomaterials. Before a new biomaterial is ready for implantation into tissues and widespread use in clinical practice, it must be extensively tested. Experimental cell models, which are a suitable testing ground and the first line of empirical exploration of new biomaterials, must contain suitable cells that form the basis of biomaterial testing. To isolate a stable and suitable cell culture, many steps are required. The first and one of the most important steps is the collection of donor tissue, usually during a surgical procedure. Thus, the collection is the foundation for the success of cell isolation. This article explains the sources and neurosurgical procedures for obtaining brain tissue samples for cell isolation techniques, which are essential for biomaterial testing procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradišnik
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bošnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gorazd Bunc
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (G.B.); (J.R.)
| | - Janez Ravnik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (G.B.); (J.R.)
| | - Tina Maver
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Velnar
- Alma Mater Europaea ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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16
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Zeng P, Hua QH, Gong JY, Shi CJ, Pi XP, Xie X, Zhang R. Neonatal cortical astrocytes possess intrinsic potential in neuronal conversion in defined media. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1757-1768. [PMID: 33547374 PMCID: PMC8563807 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are multifunctional brain cells responsible for maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system. Accumulating evidence suggests that astrocytes might be complementary source across different brain regions to supply new neurons during adult neurogenesis. In this study, we found that neonatal mouse cortical astrocytes can be directly converted into neurons when exposed to neurogenic differentiation culture conditions, with insulin being the most critical component. Detailed comparison studies between mouse cortical astrocytes and neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) demonstrated the converted neuronal cells originate indeed from the astrocytes rather than NPCs. The neurons derived from mouse cortical astrocytes display typical neuronal morphologies, express neuronal markers and possess typical neuronal electrophysiological properties. More importantly, these neurons can survive and mature in the mouse brain in vivo. Finally, by comparing astrocytes from different brain regions, we found that only cortical astrocytes but not astrocytes from other brain regions such as hippocampus and cerebellum can be converted into neurons under the current condition. Altogether, our findings suggest that neonatal astrocytes from certain brain regions possess intrinsic potential to differentiate/transdifferentiate into neurons which may have clinical relevance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zeng
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Qiu-hong Hua
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Jun-yuan Gong
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Chang-jie Shi
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Xiao-ping Pi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Xin Xie
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, the National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ru Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Laboratory of Receptor-based Bio-medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China
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17
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Farhy-Tselnicker I, Boisvert MM, Liu H, Dowling C, Erikson GA, Blanco-Suarez E, Farhy C, Shokhirev MN, Ecker JR, Allen NJ. Activity-dependent modulation of synapse-regulating genes in astrocytes. eLife 2021; 10:70514. [PMID: 34494546 PMCID: PMC8497060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate the formation and function of neuronal synapses via multiple signals; however, what controls regional and temporal expression of these signals during development is unknown. We determined the expression profile of astrocyte synapse-regulating genes in the developing mouse visual cortex, identifying astrocyte signals that show differential temporal and layer-enriched expression. These patterns are not intrinsic to astrocytes, but regulated by visually evoked neuronal activity, as they are absent in mice lacking glutamate release from thalamocortical terminals. Consequently, synapses remain immature. Expression of synapse-regulating genes and synaptic development is also altered when astrocyte signaling is blunted by diminishing calcium release from astrocyte stores. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing identified groups of astrocytic genes regulated by neuronal and astrocyte activity, and a cassette of genes that show layer-specific enrichment. Thus, the development of cortical circuits requires coordinated signaling between astrocytes and neurons, highlighting astrocytes as a target to manipulate in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Farhy-Tselnicker
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Matthew M Boisvert
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Hanqing Liu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Cari Dowling
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Galina A Erikson
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Elena Blanco-Suarez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Chen Farhy
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Maxim N Shokhirev
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, United States
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18
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Ohayon D, Aguirrebengoa M, Escalas N, Jungas T, Soula C. Transcriptome profiling of the Olig2-expressing astrocyte subtype reveals their unique molecular signature. iScience 2021; 24:102806. [PMID: 34296073 PMCID: PMC8281609 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are recognized to be a heterogeneous population of cells that differ morphologically, functionally, and molecularly. Whether this heterogeneity results from generation of distinct astrocyte cell lineages, each functionally specialized to perform specific tasks, remains an open question. In this study, we used RNA sequencing analysis to determine the global transcriptome profile of the Olig2-expressing astrocyte subtype (Olig2-AS), a specific spinal astrocyte subtype that segregates early during development from Olig2 progenitors and differs from other spinal astrocytes by the expression of Olig2. We identified 245 differentially expressed genes. Among them, 135 exhibit higher levels of expression when compared with other populations of spinal astrocytes, indicating that these genes can serve as a “unique” functional signature of Olig2-AS. Among them, we identify two genes, inka2 and kcnip3, as specific molecular markers of the Olig2-AS in the P7 spinal cord. Our work thus reveals that Olig2 progenitors produce a unique spinal astrocyte subtype. Efficient method to isolate Olig2-AS from other spinal glial cells Provide astrocyte subtype transcriptome from the post-natal spinal cord Identification of two specific markers of the Olig2-AS Bioinformatics identifies functional specificity of Olig2-AS in synapse regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ohayon
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD) UMR 5077 CNRS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Aguirrebengoa
- BigA Core Facility, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Escalas
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD) UMR 5077 CNRS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Jungas
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD) UMR 5077 CNRS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Cathy Soula
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology department (MCD) UMR 5077 CNRS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
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19
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Gradišnik L, Bošnjak R, Maver T, Velnar T. Advanced Bio-Based Polymers for Astrocyte Cell Models. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:3664. [PMID: 34209194 PMCID: PMC8269866 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of in vitro neural tissue analogs is of great interest for many biomedical engineering applications, including the tissue engineering of neural interfaces, treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and in vitro evaluation of cell-material interactions. Since astrocytes play a crucial role in the regenerative processes of the central nervous system, the development of biomaterials that interact favorably with astrocytes is of great research interest. The sources of human astrocytes, suitable natural biomaterials, guidance scaffolds, and ligand patterned surfaces are discussed in the article. New findings in this field are essential for the future treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradišnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bošnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Tina Maver
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska Ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Velnar
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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20
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Different Flavors of Astrocytes: Revising the Origins of Astrocyte Diversity and Epigenetic Signatures to Understand Heterogeneity after Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136867. [PMID: 34206710 PMCID: PMC8268487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a specific type of neuroglial cells that confer metabolic and structural support to neurons. Astrocytes populate all regions of the nervous system and adopt a variety of phenotypes depending on their location and their respective functions, which are also pleiotropic in nature. For example, astrocytes adapt to pathological conditions with a specific cellular response known as reactive astrogliosis, which includes extensive phenotypic and transcriptional changes. Reactive astrocytes may lose some of their homeostatic functions and gain protective or detrimental properties with great impact on damage propagation. Different astrocyte subpopulations seemingly coexist in reactive astrogliosis, however, the source of such heterogeneity is not completely understood. Altered cellular signaling in pathological compared to healthy conditions might be one source fueling astrocyte heterogeneity. Moreover, diversity might also be encoded cell-autonomously, for example as a result of astrocyte subtype specification during development. We hypothesize and propose here that elucidating the epigenetic signature underlying the phenotype of each astrocyte subtype is of high relevance to understand another regulative layer of astrocyte heterogeneity, in general as well as after injury or as a result of other pathological conditions. High resolution methods should allow enlightening diverse cell states and subtypes of astrocyte, their adaptation to pathological conditions and ultimately allow controlling and manipulating astrocyte functions in disease states. Here, we review novel literature reporting on astrocyte diversity from a developmental perspective and we focus on epigenetic signatures that might account for cell type specification.
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21
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Kolos EA, Korzhevskii DE. Changes in the Microglial Population during Spinal Cord Formation Indicate an Involvement of Microglia in the Regulation of Neuronogenesis and Synaptogenesis. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421030048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Patterson KC, Kahanovitch U, Gonçalves CM, Hablitz JJ, Staruschenko A, Mulkey DK, Olsen ML. K ir 5.1-dependent CO 2 /H + -sensitive currents contribute to astrocyte heterogeneity across brain regions. Glia 2021; 69:310-325. [PMID: 32865323 PMCID: PMC8665280 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is an emerging concept in which astrocytes within or between brain regions show variable morphological and/or gene expression profiles that presumably reflect different functional roles. Recent evidence indicates that retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) astrocytes sense changes in tissue CO2/ H+ to regulate respiratory activity; however, mechanism(s) by which they do so remain unclear. Alterations in inward K+ currents represent a potential mechanism by which CO2 /H+ signals may be conveyed to neurons. Here, we use slice electrophysiology in rats of either sex to show that RTN astrocytes intrinsically respond to CO2 /H+ by inhibition of an inward rectifying potassium (Kir ) conductance and depolarization of the membrane, while cortical astrocytes do not exhibit such CO2 /H+ -sensitive properties. Application of Ba2+ mimics the effect of CO2 /H+ on RTN astrocytes as measured by reductions in astrocyte Kir -like currents and increased RTN neuronal firing. These CO2 /H+ -sensitive currents increase developmentally, in parallel to an increased expression in Kir 4.1 and Kir 5.1 in the brainstem. Finally, the involvement of Kir 5.1 in the CO2 /H+ -sensitive current was verified using a Kir5.1 KO rat. These data suggest that Kir inhibition by CO2 /H+ may govern the degree to which astrocytes mediate downstream chemoreceptive signaling events through cell-autonomous mechanisms. These results identify Kir channels as potentially important regional CO2 /H+ sensors early in development, thus expanding our understanding of how astrocyte heterogeneity may uniquely support specific neural circuits and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey C Patterson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
| | - Uri Kahanovitch
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - John J Hablitz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Daniel K Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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23
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Hwang SN, Lee JS, Seo K, Lee H. Astrocytic Regulation of Neural Circuits Underlying Behaviors. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020296. [PMID: 33535587 PMCID: PMC7912785 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, characterized by a satellite-like morphology, are the most abundant type of glia in the central nervous system. Their main functions have been thought to be limited to providing homeostatic support for neurons, but recent studies have revealed that astrocytes actually actively interact with local neural circuits and play a crucial role in information processing and generating physiological and behavioral responses. Here, we review the emerging roles of astrocytes in many brain regions, particularly by focusing on intracellular changes in astrocytes and their interactions with neurons at the molecular and neural circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Nyoung Hwang
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea;
| | - Jae Seung Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea; (J.S.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Kain Seo
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea; (J.S.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Hyosang Lee
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Korea;
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea; (J.S.L.); (K.S.)
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu 41062, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-785-6147
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24
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Perez-Catalan NA, Doe CQ, Ackerman SD. The role of astrocyte-mediated plasticity in neural circuit development and function. Neural Dev 2021; 16:1. [PMID: 33413602 PMCID: PMC7789420 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00151-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal networks are capable of undergoing rapid structural and functional changes called plasticity, which are essential for shaping circuit function during nervous system development. These changes range from short-term modifications on the order of milliseconds, to long-term rearrangement of neural architecture that could last for the lifetime of the organism. Neural plasticity is most prominent during development, yet also plays a critical role during memory formation, behavior, and disease. Therefore, it is essential to define and characterize the mechanisms underlying the onset, duration, and form of plasticity. Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cell type in the human nervous system, are integral elements of synapses and are components of a glial network that can coordinate neural activity at a circuit-wide level. Moreover, their arrival to the CNS during late embryogenesis correlates to the onset of sensory-evoked activity, making them an interesting target for circuit plasticity studies. Technological advancements in the last decade have uncovered astrocytes as prominent regulators of circuit assembly and function. Here, we provide a brief historical perspective on our understanding of astrocytes in the nervous system, and review the latest advances on the role of astroglia in regulating circuit plasticity and function during nervous system development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson A Perez-Catalan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Kennedy Center, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chris Q Doe
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Sarah D Ackerman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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25
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Melzer L, Freiman TM, Derouiche A. Rab6A as a Pan-Astrocytic Marker in Mouse and Human Brain, and Comparison with Other Glial Markers (GFAP, GS, Aldh1L1, SOX9). Cells 2021; 10:E72. [PMID: 33466322 PMCID: PMC7824777 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to many higher brain functions. A key mechanism in glia-to-neuron signalling is vesicular exocytosis; however, the identity of exocytosis organelles remains a matter of debate. Since vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) are not considered in this context, we studied the astrocyte TGN by immunocytochemistry applying anti-Rab6A. In mouse brain, Rab6A immunostaining is found to be unexpectedly massive, diffuse in all regions, and is detected preferentially and abundantly in the peripheral astrocyte processes, which is hardly evident without glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) co-staining. All cells positive for the astrocytic markers glutamine synthetase (GS), GFAP, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 (Aldh1L1), or SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) were Rab6A+. Rab6A is excluded from microglia, oligodendrocytes, and NG2 cells using cell type-specific markers. In human cortex, Rab6A labelling is very similar and associated with GFAP+ astrocytes. The mouse data also confirm the specific astrocytic labelling by Aldh1L1 or SOX9; the astrocyte-specific labelling by GS sometimes debated is replicated again. In mouse and human brain, individual astrocytes display high variability in Rab6A+ structures, suggesting dynamic regulation of the glial TGN. In summary, Rab6A expression is an additional, global descriptor of astrocyte identity. Rab6A might constitute an organelle system with a potential role of Rab6A in neuropathological and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Melzer
- Institute of Anatomy II, Goethe-University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Thomas M. Freiman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18055 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Amin Derouiche
- Institute of Anatomy II, Goethe-University, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
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26
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Bozic I, Savic D, Lavrnja I. Astrocyte phenotypes: Emphasis on potential markers in neuroinflammation. Histol Histopathol 2020; 36:267-290. [PMID: 33226087 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have numerous integral roles in all CNS functions. They are essential for synaptic transmission and support neurons by providing metabolic substrates, secreting growth factors and regulating extracellular concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters. Astrocytes respond to CNS insults through reactive astrogliosis, in which they go through many functional and molecular changes. In neuroinflammatory conditions reactive astrocytes exert both beneficial and detrimental functions, depending on the context and heterogeneity of astrocytic populations. In this review we profile astrocytic diversity in the context of neuroinflammation; with a specific focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and its best-described animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We characterize two main subtypes, protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes and describe the role of intermediate filaments in the physiology and pathology of these cells. Additionally, we outline a variety of markers that are emerging as important in investigating astrocytic biology in both physiological conditions and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bozic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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27
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Zabegalov KN, Wang D, Yang L, Wang J, Hu G, Serikuly N, Alpyshov ET, Khatsko SL, Zhdanov A, Demin KA, Galstyan DS, Volgin AD, de Abreu MS, Strekalova T, Song C, Amstislavskaya TG, Sysoev Y, Musienko PE, Kalueff AV. Decoding the role of zebrafish neuroglia in CNS disease modeling. Brain Res Bull 2020; 166:44-53. [PMID: 33027679 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroglia, including microglia and astrocytes, is a critical component of the central nervous system (CNS) that interacts with neurons to modulate brain activity, development, metabolism and signaling pathways. Thus, a better understanding of the role of neuroglia in the brain is critical. Complementing clinical and rodent data, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming an important model organism to probe the role of neuroglia in brain disorders. With high genetic and physiological similarity to humans and rodents, zebrafish possess some common (shared), as well as some specific molecular biomarkers and features of neuroglia development and functioning. Studying these common and zebrafish-specific aspects of neuroglia may generate important insights into key brain mechanisms, including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, neuroregenerative and neurological processes. Here, we discuss the biology of neuroglia in humans, rodents and fish, its role in various CNS functions, and further directions of translational research into the role of neuroglia in CNS disorders using zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin N Zabegalov
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Dongmei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - LongEn Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingtao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guojun Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nazar Serikuly
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | | | | | | | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - David S Galstyan
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey D Volgin
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil; Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Centre of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cai Song
- Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China; Marine Medicine Development Center, Shenzhen Institute, Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yury Sysoev
- Laboratory of Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel E Musienko
- Laboratory of Neuroprosthetics, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
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28
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Guo S, Wang Y, Wang A. Identity and lineage fate of proteolipid protein 1 gene (Plp1)-expressing cells in the embryonic murine spinal cord. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:946-960. [PMID: 32353175 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proteolipid protein (PLP) is the most abundant protein in the myelin sheath of the central nervous system (CNS). The gene coding PLP, proteolipid protein 1 (Plp1) is highly expressed in oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the CNS. Previous studies demonstrate that Plp1 gene is expressed in the embryonic CNS much earlier before the generation of oligodendrocytes. However, the progenitor identity and the fate of Plp1-expressing cells are still elusive. RESULTS We employed genetic approaches to permanently label Plp1-expressing cells with the reporter enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) and used multicolored immunohistochemistry to characterize their identity and lineage fate. We found that Plp1-expressing cells were initially present without spatial restrictions and later confined to the ventral progenitor domains of the embryonic spinal cord. Our fate-mapping results showed that Plp1-expressing cells during early embryogenesis were multipotent neural progenitor cells that gave rise to not only neurons but also glial progenitor cells whereas they were bipotent glial progenitor cells during later neural development stages and generated oligodendroglial and astroglial lineage cells but not neurons. Intriguingly, postnatal astrocytes generated from embryonic Plp1-expressing glial progenitor cells were present only in the ventral spinal cord. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that Plp1-expressing cells during embryonic neural development display dynamic cellular identities and have a broader lineage fate than oligodendroglial lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Guo
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Mira Loma High School, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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29
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Gradisnik L, Maver U, Bosnjak R, Velnar T. Optimised isolation and characterisation of adult human astrocytes from neurotrauma patients. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 341:108796. [PMID: 32450111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes are the main cellular constituent in the central nervous system. Astrocyte cultures from rodent brains are most commonly used in the experimental practice. However, important differences between rodent and human astrocytes exist. The aim of this study was to develop an improved protocol for routine preparation of primary astrocyte culture from adult human brain, obtained after trauma. NEW METHOD Tissue obtained during neurotrauma operation was mechanically decomposed and centrifuged. The cell sediment was resuspended in cell culture medium, plated in T25 tissue flasks and incubated for one month at 37 °C in 5% CO2. The medium was replaced twice weekly and microglia were removed. Once confluent, the purity of cultures was assessed. The culture was characterised immunocytochemically for specific astrocytic markers (GFAP, GLAST and S100B). Cell morphology was examined through the actin cytoskeleton labelling with fluorescent phalloidin. RESULTS Under basal conditions, adult astrocytes exhibited astrocyte-specific morphology and expressed specific markers. Approximately 95% of cells were positive for the main glial markers (GFAP, GLAST, S100B). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD We established an easy and cost-effective method for a highly enriched primary astrocyte culture from adult human brain. CONCLUSION The isolation technique provides sufficient quantities of isolated cells. The culture obtained in this study exhibits the biochemical and physiological properties of astrocytes. It may be useful for elucidating the mechanisms related to the adult brain, exploring changes between neonatal and adult astrocytes, novel therapeutic targets, cell therapy experiments, as well as investigating compounds involved in cytotoxicity and cytoprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Gradisnik
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000Maribor, Slovenia; AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uros Maver
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Roman Bosnjak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaz Velnar
- AMEU-ECM, Slovenska 17, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia; Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska 7, 1000Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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30
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Nanostructural Diversity of Synapses in the Mammalian Spinal Cord. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8189. [PMID: 32424125 PMCID: PMC7235094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionally distinct synapses exhibit diverse and complex organisation at molecular and nanoscale levels. Synaptic diversity may be dependent on developmental stage, anatomical locus and the neural circuit within which synapses reside. Furthermore, astrocytes, which align with pre and post-synaptic structures to form ‘tripartite synapses’, can modulate neural circuits and impact on synaptic organisation. In this study, we aimed to determine which factors impact the diversity of excitatory synapses throughout the lumbar spinal cord. We used PSD95-eGFP mice, to visualise excitatory postsynaptic densities (PSDs) using high-resolution and super-resolution microscopy. We reveal a detailed and quantitative map of the features of excitatory synapses in the lumbar spinal cord, detailing synaptic diversity that is dependent on developmental stage, anatomical region and whether associated with VGLUT1 or VGLUT2 terminals. We report that PSDs are nanostructurally distinct between spinal laminae and across age groups. PSDs receiving VGLUT1 inputs also show enhanced nanostructural complexity compared with those receiving VGLUT2 inputs, suggesting pathway-specific diversity. Finally, we show that PSDs exhibit greater nanostructural complexity when part of tripartite synapses, and we provide evidence that astrocytic activation enhances PSD95 expression. Taken together, these results provide novel insights into the regulation and diversification of synapses across functionally distinct spinal regions and advance our general understanding of the ‘rules’ governing synaptic nanostructural organisation.
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31
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Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically complex, ubiquitous cells that are viewed as a homogeneous population tiling the entire central nervous system (CNS). However, this view has been challenged in the last few years with the availability of RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, morphological reconstruction, and imaging data. These studies suggest that astrocytes represent a diverse population of cells and that they display brain area- and disease-specific properties and functions. In this review, we summarize these observations, emphasize areas where clear conclusions can be made, and discuss potential unifying themes. We also identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in order to exploit astrocyte diversity as a biological phenomenon of physiological relevance in the CNS. We thus provide a summary and a perspective on astrocyte diversity in the vertebrate CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S Khakh
- Departments of Physiology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA;
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
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32
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Santiago AR, Madeira MH, Boia R, Aires ID, Rodrigues-Neves AC, Santos PF, Ambrósio AF. Keep an eye on adenosine: Its role in retinal inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107513. [PMID: 32109489 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside ubiquitously distributed throughout the body that interacts with G protein-coupled receptors, classified in four subtypes: A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R. Among the plethora of functions of adenosine, it has been increasingly recognized as a key mediator of the immune response. Neuroinflammation is a feature of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and contributes to the pathophysiology of several retinal degenerative diseases. Animal models of retinal diseases are helping to elucidate the regulatory roles of adenosine receptors in the development and progression of those diseases. Mounting evidence demonstrates that the adenosinergic system is altered in the retina during pathological conditions, compromising retinal physiology. This review focuses on the roles played by adenosine and the elements of the adenosinergic system (receptors, enzymes, transporters) in the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the retina. An improved understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the signalling pathways mediated by adenosine underlying the onset and progression of retinal diseases will pave the way towards the identification of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Santiago
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Maria H Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Boia
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Dinis Aires
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Rodrigues-Neves
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Fernando Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Westergard T, Rothstein JD. Astrocyte Diversity: Current Insights and Future Directions. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1298-1305. [PMID: 32006215 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-02959-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes make up 20-40% of glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS) and provide several crucial functions, ranging from metabolic and structural support to regulation of synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission. Although these cells are morphologically and functionally complex, astrocytes have been historically regarded as homogenous cell populations and studied as one population of cells. Fortunately, recent evidence in RNA profiling and imaging data has begun to refute this view. These studies suggest heterogeneity of astrocytes across brain regions, differing in many aspects such as morphology, function, physiological properties, developmental origins, and response to disease. Increased understanding of astrocyte heterogeneity is critical for investigations into the function of astrocytes in the brain and neuro-glia interactions. Furthermore, insights into astrocyte heterogeneity can help better understand their role in neurological disorders and potentially produce novel approaches to treating these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Westergard
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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34
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Zarei-Kheirabadi M, Vaccaro AR, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Kiani S, Baharvand H. An Overview of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Mechanisms Involved in Astrocyte Development in the Central Nervous System. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:266-280. [PMID: 31847709 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, our knowledge about the function of the central nervous system (CNS) and astrocytes has improved, and research has confirmed the key roles that astrocytes play in the physiology and pathology of the CNS. Here, we reviewed the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that regulate the development of astrocytes, which are generated from radial glial cells. These regulatory systems modulate various signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, four stages of astrocyte development-specification (patterning and switch), migration, proliferation, and maturation, are discussed. In astrocyte patterning, VA1-VA3 domains create the astrocyte subtypes by differential expression of Slit1 and Reelin in the spinal cord. In the brain, patterning creates several astrocyte subtypes by different organizing centers. At the switch step, the janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway governs the transition of neurogenesis to gliogenesis. Bone marrow protein and Notch pathways are also important players of the progliogenic switch. Intrinsic regulation is mediated by DNA methylation transferases, and polycomb group complexes can intrinsically affect the development of astrocytes. In the next stage, these cells proliferate and migrate to their final location. Astrocyte maturation is accomplished through the development of cellular processes, molecular markers, and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Zarei-Kheirabadi
- Department of Brain, Cognitive Sciences and Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexander R Vaccaro
- Department of Orthopedics, Rothman Orthopedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Brain, Cognitive Sciences and Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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35
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Hu NY, Chen YT, Wang Q, Jie W, Liu YS, You QL, Li ZL, Li XW, Reibel S, Pfrieger FW, Yang JM, Gao TM. Expression Patterns of Inducible Cre Recombinase Driven by Differential Astrocyte-Specific Promoters in Transgenic Mouse Lines. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:530-544. [PMID: 31828740 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). They provide trophic support for neurons, modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity, and contribute to neuronal dysfunction. Many transgenic mouse lines have been generated to obtain astrocyte-specific expression of inducible Cre recombinase for functional studies; however, the expression patterns of inducible Cre recombinase in these lines have not been systematically characterized. We generated a new astrocyte-specific Aldh1l1-CreERT2 knock-in mouse line and compared the expression pattern of Cre recombinase between this and five widely-used transgenic lines (hGfap-CreERT2 from The Jackson Laboratory and The Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center, Glast-CreERT2, Cx30-CreERT2, and Fgfr3-iCreERT2) by crossing with Ai14 mice, which express tdTomato fluorescence following Cre-mediated recombination. In adult Aldh1l1-CreERT2:Ai14 transgenic mice, tdTomato was detected throughout the CNS, and five novel morphologically-defined types of astrocyte were described. Among the six evaluated lines, the specificity of Cre-mediated recombination was highest when driven by Aldh1l1 and lowest when driven by hGfap; in the latter mice, co-staining between tdTomato and NeuN was observed in the hippocampus and cortex. Notably, evident leakage was noted in Fgfr3-iCreERT2 mice, and the expression level of tdTomato was low in the thalamus when Cre recombinase expression was driven by Glast and in the capsular part of the central amygdaloid nucleus when driven by Cx30. Furthermore, tdTomato was clearly expressed in peripheral organs in four of the lines. Our results emphasize that the astrocyte-specific CreERT2 transgenic lines used in functional studies should be carefully selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng-Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ya-Ting Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wei Jie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yi-Si Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qiang-Long You
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ze-Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sophie Reibel
- Chronobiotron - UMS 3415, University of Strasbourg, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frank W Pfrieger
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jian-Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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36
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Heterogeneity of Astrocytes in Grey and White Matter. Neurochem Res 2019; 46:3-14. [PMID: 31797158 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a diverse and heterogeneous type of glial cells. The major task of grey and white matter areas in the brain are computation of information at neuronal synapses and propagation of action potentials along axons, respectively, resulting in diverse demands for astrocytes. Adapting their function to the requirements in the local environment, astrocytes differ in morphology, gene expression, metabolism, and many other properties. Here we review the differential properties of protoplasmic astrocytes of grey matter and fibrous astrocytes located in white matter in respect to glutamate and energy metabolism, to their function at the blood-brain interface and to coupling via gap junctions. Finally, we discuss how this astrocytic heterogeneity might contribute to the different susceptibility of grey and white matter to ischemic insults.
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37
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Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted glycosylated phosphoprotein that influences cell survival, inflammation, migration, and homeostasis after injury. As the role of OPN in the retina remains unclear, this study issue was addressed by aiming to study how the absence of OPN in knock-out mice affects the retina and the influence of age on these effects. The study focused on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and glial cells (astrocytes, Müller cells, and resident microglia) in 3- and 20-month-old mice. The number of RGCs in the retina was quantified and the area occupied by astrocytes was measured. In addition, the morphology of Müller cells and microglia was examined in retinal sections. The deficiency in OPN reduces RGC density by 25.09% at 3 months of age and by 60.37% at 20 months of age. The astrocyte area was also reduced by 51.01% in 3-month-old mice and by 57.84% at 20 months of age, although Müller glia and microglia did not seem to be affected by the lack of OPN. This study demonstrates the influence of OPN on astrocytes and RGCs, whereby the absence of OPN in the retina diminishes the area occupied by astrocytes and produces a secondary reduction in the number of RGCs. Accordingly, OPN could be a target to develop therapies to combat neurodegenerative diseases and astrocytes may represent a key mediator of such effects.
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38
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Miller SJ, Philips T, Kim N, Dastgheyb R, Chen Z, Hsieh YC, Daigle JG, Datta M, Chew J, Vidensky S, Pham JT, Hughes EG, Robinson MB, Sattler R, Tomer R, Suk JS, Bergles DE, Haughey N, Pletnikov M, Hanes J, Rothstein JD. Molecularly defined cortical astroglia subpopulation modulates neurons via secretion of Norrin. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:741-752. [PMID: 30936556 PMCID: PMC6551209 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0366-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite expanding knowledge regarding the role of astroglia in regulating neuronal function, little is known about regional or functional subgroups of brain astroglia and how they may interact with neurons. We use an astroglia-specific promoter fragment in transgenic mice to identify an anatomically defined subset of adult gray matter astroglia. Using transcriptomic and histological analyses, we generate a combinatorial profile for the in vivo identification and characterization of this astroglia subpopulation. These astroglia are enriched in mouse cortical layer V; express distinct molecular markers, including Norrin and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6), with corresponding layer-specific neuronal ligands; are found in the human cortex; and modulate neuronal activity. Astrocytic Norrin appears to regulate dendrites and spines; its loss, as occurring in Norrie disease, contributes to cortical dendritic spine loss. These studies provide evidence that human and rodent astroglia subtypes are regionally and functionally distinct, can regulate local neuronal dendrite and synaptic spine development, and contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Miller
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Philips
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Namho Kim
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raha Dastgheyb
- Department of Neurology, Richard T. Johnson Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zhuoxun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yi-Chun Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - J Gavin Daigle
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Malika Datta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeannie Chew
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Svetlana Vidensky
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline T Pham
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ethan G Hughes
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raju Tomer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Environmental and Health Sciences, Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Norman Haughey
- Department of Neurology, Richard T. Johnson Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mikhail Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Environmental and Health Sciences, Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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39
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Hu X, Qin S, Huang X, Yuan Y, Tan Z, Gu Y, Cheng X, Wang D, Lian XF, He C, Su Z. Region-Restrict Astrocytes Exhibit Heterogeneous Susceptibility to Neuronal Reprogramming. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:290-304. [PMID: 30713039 PMCID: PMC6373495 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult CNS has poor ability to replace degenerated neurons following injury or disease. Recently, direct reprogramming of astrocytes into induced neurons has been proposed as an innovative strategy toward CNS repair. As a cell population that shows high diversity on physiological properties and functions depending on their spatiotemporal distribution, however, whether the astrocyte heterogeneity affect neuronal reprogramming is not clear. Here, we show that astrocytes derived from cortex, cerebellum, and spinal cord exhibit biological heterogeneity and possess distinct susceptibility to transcription factor-induced neuronal reprogramming. The heterogeneous expression level of NOTCH1 signaling in the different CNS regions-derived astrocytes is shown to be responsible for the neuronal reprogramming diversity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that region-restricted astrocytes reveal different intrinsic limitation of the response to neuronal reprogramming. Region-restrict astrocytes (ACs) exhibit obvious heterogeneity Region-restrict ACs show distinct susceptibility to neuronal reprogramming AC heterogeneity does not affect the maturation of induced neurons Notch1 is involved in the neuronal reprogramming diversity of region-restrict ACs
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Neurological Surgery, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou 200233 China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yakun Gu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xueyan Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Lian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 310009, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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40
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Shih EK, Robinson MB. Role of Astrocytic Mitochondria in Limiting Ischemic Brain Injury? Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 33:99-112. [PMID: 29412059 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00038.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Until recently, astrocyte processes were thought to be too small to contain mitochondria. However, it is now clear that mitochondria are found throughout fine astrocyte processes and are mobile with neuronal activity resulting in positioning near synapses. In this review, we discuss evidence that astrocytic mitochondria confer selective resiliency to astrocytes during ischemic insults and the functional significance of these mitochondria for normal brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn K Shih
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Neurology , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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41
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Yang Y, Jackson R. Astrocyte identity: evolutionary perspectives on astrocyte functions and heterogeneity. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 56:40-46. [PMID: 30529823 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of new animal models, in vivo isolation approaches, and improvements in genome-wide RNA expression methods have greatly propelled molecular profiling of astrocytes and the characterization of astrocyte heterogeneity in the central nervous system (CNS). Several recent reviews have comprehensively discussed the molecular and functional diversity of mammalian astrocytes. In this brief review, we emphasize interspecies comparisons and an evolutionary perspective regarding the astro(glia) of vertebrates and invertebrates which are similar in form and function. This analysis has revealed conserved astrocyte transcriptomes in the fly, mouse and human. We also offer opinions about the pattern and origin of astrocyte heterogeneity in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, United States; Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, United States.
| | - Rob Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, United States; Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, 145 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, United States.
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42
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Cunningham C, Dunne A, Lopez-Rodriguez AB. Astrocytes: Heterogeneous and Dynamic Phenotypes in Neurodegeneration and Innate Immunity. Neuroscientist 2018; 25:455-474. [PMID: 30451065 DOI: 10.1177/1073858418809941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in the brain and perform several essential functions in supporting neuronal metabolism and actively participating in neural circuit and behavioral function. They also have essential roles as innate immune cells in responding to local neuropathology, and the manner in which they respond to brain injury and degeneration is the subject of increasing attention in neuroscience. Although activated astrocytes have long been thought of as a relatively homogenous population, which alter their phenotype in a relatively stereotyped way upon central nervous system injury, the last decade has revealed substantial heterogeneity in the basal state and significant heterogeneity of phenotype during reactive astrocytosis. Thus, phenotypic diversity occurs at two distinct levels: that determined by regionality and development and that determined by temporally dynamic changes to the environment of astrocytes during pathology. These inflammatory and pathological states shape the phenotype of these cells, with different consequences for destruction or recovery of the local tissue, and thus elucidating these phenotypic changes has significant therapeutic implications. In this review, we will focus on the phenotypic heterogeneity of astrocytes in health and disease and their propensity to change that phenotype upon subsequent stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm Cunningham
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Aisling Dunne
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.,School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Ana Belen Lopez-Rodriguez
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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43
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Morel L, Men Y, Chiang MSR, Tian Y, Jin S, Yelick J, Higashimori H, Yang Y. Intracortical astrocyte subpopulations defined by astrocyte reporter Mice in the adult brain. Glia 2018; 67:171-181. [PMID: 30430665 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although historically regarded as a homogeneous cell population, astrocytes in different brain regions exhibit differences in their physiological properties, such as gap-junction coupling, glutamate uptake dynamics, and intracellular Ca2+ response. Recent in vivo RNA profiles have further demonstrated the molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes in the adult CNS. Astrocyte heterogeneity exists not only inter-regionally but also intra-regionally. Despite the characteristic laminal organization of cortical layers and multiple sources of radial glia progenitors for (astro)gliogenesis, the molecular profile and functional properties of astroglial subpopulations in the adult cerebral cortex remain essentially undefined. Using two astrocyte reporter mouse lines: eaat2-tdTomato and Bac aldh1l1-eGFP, we identified tdT- eGFP+ , tdTlow eGFP+ , and tdThigh eGFP+ astroglial subpopulations (in an approximate 1:7:2 ratio) within the cortex. The tdT- eGFP+ astrocyte population is selectively localized at layers I-II and exhibits increased resting membrane potential and membrane resistance but reduced functional expression of the potassium channel Kir4.1. We also isolated individual astrocyte subpopulations through fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and examined their transcriptome differences by RNA-seq. We found that the whole-genome transcriptional profiles of tdT- eGFP+ astrocytes are drastically different from that of tdTlow eGFP+ and tdThigh eGFP+ astrocytes. Particularly, elevated levels of several nonastrocyte genes that are typically specific to other glial cells, such as mog, mobp, Iba1, and pdgfrα, are observed in tdT- eGFP+ astrocytes, suggesting a less-specific molecular identity of these astrocytes. Overall, our study has unveiled molecular differences between adult cortical astroglial subpopulations, shedding new light on understanding their unique functions in the adult cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Morel
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yuqin Men
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ming S R Chiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yang Tian
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dongfang Hospital of University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julia Yelick
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haruki Higashimori
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
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44
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Goertzen A, Veh RW. Fañanas cells-the forgotten cerebellar glia cell type: Immunocytochemistry reveals two potassium channel-related polypeptides, Kv2.2 and Calsenilin (KChIP3) as potential marker proteins. Glia 2018; 66:2200-2208. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Goertzen
- Katholisches Klinikum Oberhausen; St. Josef-Hospital, Klinik für Neurologie; Oberhausen
| | - Rüdiger W. Veh
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institut für Zell- und Neurobiologie; Berlin
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45
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Farhy-Tselnicker I, Allen NJ. Astrocytes, neurons, synapses: a tripartite view on cortical circuit development. Neural Dev 2018; 13:7. [PMID: 29712572 PMCID: PMC5928581 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-018-0104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian cerebral cortex neurons are arranged in specific layers and form connections both within the cortex and with other brain regions, thus forming a complex mesh of specialized synaptic connections comprising distinct circuits. The correct establishment of these connections during development is crucial for the proper function of the brain. Astrocytes, a major type of glial cell, are important regulators of synapse formation and function during development. While neurogenesis precedes astrogenesis in the cortex, neuronal synapses only begin to form after astrocytes have been generated, concurrent with neuronal branching and process elaboration. Here we provide a combined overview of the developmental processes of synapse and circuit formation in the rodent cortex, emphasizing the timeline of both neuronal and astrocytic development and maturation. We further discuss the role of astrocytes at the synapse, focusing on astrocyte-synapse contact and the role of synapse-related proteins in promoting formation of distinct cortical circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Farhy-Tselnicker
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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46
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Garwood CJ, Ratcliffe LE, Simpson JE, Heath PR, Ince PG, Wharton SB. Review: Astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and other age-associated dementias: a supporting player with a central role. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 43:281-298. [PMID: 27442752 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have essential roles in the central nervous system and are also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Forming non-overlapping domains, astrocytes are highly complex cells. Immunohistochemistry to a variety of proteins can be used to study astrocytes in tissue, labelling different cellular components and sub-populations, including glial fibrillary acidic protein, ALDH1L1, CD44, NDRG2 and amino acid transporters, but none of these labels the entire astrocyte population. Increasing heterogeneity is recognized in the astrocyte population, a complexity that is relevant both to their normal function and pathogenic roles. They are involved in neuronal support, as active components of the tripartite synapse and in cell interactions within the neurovascular unit (NVU), where they are essential for blood-brain barrier maintenance and neurovascular coupling. Astrocytes change with age, and their responses may modulate the cellular effects of neurodegenerative pathologies, which alone do not explain all of the variance in statistical models of neurodegenerative dementias. Astrocytes respond to both the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques of Alzheimer's disease, to hyperphosphorylated tau and Aβ, eliciting an effect which may be neuroprotective or deleterious. Not only astrocyte hypertrophy, in the form of gliosis, occurs, but also astrocyte injury and atrophy. Loss of normal astrocyte functions may contribute to reduced support for neurones and dysfunction of the NVU. Understanding how astrocytes contribute to dementia requires an understanding of the underlying heterogeneity of astrocyte populations, and the complexity of their responses to pathology. Enhancing the supportive and neuroprotective components of the astrocyte response has potential translational applications in therapeutic approaches to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Garwood
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - L E Ratcliffe
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - J E Simpson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P R Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - P G Ince
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
| | - S B Wharton
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Sheffield, UK
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47
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Leferink PS, Breeuwsma N, Bugiani M, van der Knaap MS, Heine VM. Affected astrocytes in the spinal cord of the leukodystrophy vanishing white matter. Glia 2018; 66:862-873. [PMID: 29285798 PMCID: PMC5838785 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are often devastating diseases, presented with progressive clinical signs as spasticity, ataxia and cognitive decline, and lack proper treatment options. New therapy strategies for leukodystrophies mostly focus on oligodendrocyte replacement to rescue lack of myelin in the brain, even though disease pathology also often involves other glial cells and the spinal cord. In this study we investigated spinal cord pathology in a mouse model for Vanishing White Matter disease (VWM) and show that astrocytes in the white matter are severely affected. Astrocyte pathology starts postnatally in the sensory tracts, followed by changes in the astrocytic populations in the motor tracts. Studies in post-mortem tissue of two VWM patients, a 13-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, confirmed astrocyte abnormalities in the spinal cord. For proper development of new treatment options for VWM and, possibly, other leukodystrophies, future studies should investigate spinal cord involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisca S. Leferink
- Department of Pediatrics/Child NeurologyAmsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nicole Breeuwsma
- Department of Pediatrics/Child NeurologyAmsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of PathologyVU University Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marjo S. van der Knaap
- Department of Pediatrics/Child NeurologyAmsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Functional GenomicsCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Vivi M. Heine
- Department of Pediatrics/Child NeurologyAmsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Complex Trait GeneticsCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU Universiteit AmsterdamThe Netherlands
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48
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Zelikoff JT, Parmalee NL, Corbett K, Gordon T, Klein CB, Aschner M. Microglia Activation and Gene Expression Alteration of Neurotrophins in the Hippocampus Following Early-Life Exposure to E-Cigarette Aerosols in a Murine Model. Toxicol Sci 2018; 162:276-286. [PMID: 29161446 PMCID: PMC6735583 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent epidemiological data indicate that the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and consequently nicotine use, is rising in both adolescent and adult populations. As nicotine is a known developmental neurotoxin, these products present a potential threat for those exposed during early life stages. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the toxicity of e-cigarettes on the developing central nervous system. The goal of this study was to assess neurotoxicity resulting from early-life exposure to electronic cigarette aerosols in an in vivo model. Specifically, studies here focused on neuro-parameters related to neuroinflammation and neurotrophins. To accomplish this, pregnant and neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed to aerosols produced from classic tobacco flavor e-cigarette cartridges (with [13 mg/ml] and without nicotine) during gestation (∼3 weeks) and lactation (∼3 weeks) via whole-body inhalation. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosols with and without nicotine caused significant reductions in hippocampal gene expression of Ngfr and Bdnf, as well as in serum levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-6. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosols without nicotine enhanced expression of Iba-1, a specific marker of microglia, in the cornus ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus. Overall, our novel results indicate that exposure to e-cigarette aerosols, with and without nicotine, poses a considerable risk to the developing central nervous system. Consequently, e-cigarettes should be considered a potential public health threat, especially early in life, requiring further research and policy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith T Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987
| | - Nancy L Parmalee
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Kevin Corbett
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987
| | - Terry Gordon
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987
| | - Catherine B Klein
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, New York 10987
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
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49
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Molecular and Functional Properties of Regional Astrocytes in the Adult Brain. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8706-8717. [PMID: 28821665 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3956-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signature and functional properties of astroglial subtypes in the adult CNS remain largely undefined. By using translational ribosome affinity purification followed by RNA-Seq, we profiled astroglial ribosome-associated (presumably translating) mRNAs in major cortical and subcortical brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and hypothalamus) of BAC aldh1l1-translational ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) mice (both sexes). We found that the expression of astroglial translating mRNAs closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus posteriorly. This region-specific expression pattern of genes, such as synaptogenic modulator sparc and transcriptional factors (emx2, lhx2, and hopx), was validated by qRT-PCR and immunostaining in brain sections. Interestingly, cortical or subcortical astrocytes selectively promote neurite growth and synaptic activity of neurons only from the same region in mismatched cocultures, exhibiting region-matched astrocyte to neuron communication. Overall, these results generated new molecular signature of astrocyte types in the adult CNS, providing insights into their origin and functional diversity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We investigated the in vivo molecular and functional heterogeneity of astrocytes inter-regionally from adult brain. Our results showed that the expression pattern of ribosome-associated mRNA profiles in astrocytes closely follows the dorsoventral axis, especially posteriorly from cortex/hippocampus to thalamus/hypothalamus. In line with this, our functional results further demonstrated region-selective roles of cortical and subcortical astrocytes in regulating cortical or subcortical neuronal synaptogenesis and maturation. These in vivo studies provide a previously uncharacterized and important molecular atlas for exploring region-specific astroglial functions.
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50
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Willis CM, Ménoret A, Jellison ER, Nicaise AM, Vella AT, Crocker SJ. A Refined Bead-Free Method to Identify Astrocytic Exosomes in Primary Glial Cultures and Blood Plasma. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:335. [PMID: 28663721 PMCID: PMC5471332 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) and are known to fulfill critical homeostatic functions. Dysfunction of activated astrocytes is also known to participate in the development of several neurological diseases. Astrocytes can be uniquely identified by expression of the intermediate filament protein glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP). Herein, we report on the development of a rigorous and sensitive methodology to identify GFAP+ exosomes in primary culture using flow cytometry. We then demonstrate that activated astrocytes release increased amounts of exosomes in response to treatment with interleukin-1β. Using this methodology, we report the identification of GFAP+ exosomes in blood and then use a mouse model of inflammatory demyelination, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), to examine whether the abundance of GFAP+ exosomes in blood circulation changes during clinical illness. We find a detectable increase in the presence of GFAP+ exosomes in EAE mice when compared with non-EAE, control mice. Our data provide a novel perspective on the presence of GFAP in blood as it identifies exosomes as potential astrocyte-derived signals within blood. These data are complementary to previous clinical studies that reported elevated GFAP protein in blood samples from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during a clinical relapse. These data also reveal the existence of a potential systemic role for astrocyte-derived exosomes in CNS conditions involving inflammation such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory M Willis
- Departments of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
| | - Antoine Ménoret
- Departments of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
| | - Evan R Jellison
- Departments of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
| | - Alexandra M Nicaise
- Departments of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
| | - Anthony T Vella
- Departments of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
| | - Stephen J Crocker
- Departments of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of MedicineFarmington, CT, United States
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