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Boonpraman N, Yi SS. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) as a biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1961-1966. [PMID: 38227522 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are defined by inflammation and the damage neurons undergo due to oxidative stress. A primary reactive oxygen species contributor in the central nervous system, NADPH oxidase 4, is viewed as a potential therapeutic touchstone and indicative marker for these ailments. This in-depth review brings to light distinct features of NADPH oxidase 4, responsible for generating superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, emphasizing its pivotal role in activating glial cells, inciting inflammation, and disturbing neuronal functions. Significantly, malfunctioning astrocytes, forming the majority in the central nervous system, play a part in advancing neurodegenerative diseases, due to their reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factor secretion. Our study reveals that aiming at NADPH oxidase 4 within astrocytes could be a viable treatment pathway to reduce oxidative damage and halt neurodegenerative processes. Adjusting NADPH oxidase 4 activity might influence the neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, including myeloperoxidase and osteopontin, offering better prospects for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review sheds light on the role of NADPH oxidase 4 in neural degeneration, emphasizing its drug target potential, and paving the path for novel treatment approaches to combat these severe conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napissara Boonpraman
- BK21 four Program, Department of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Sun Shin Yi
- BK21 four Program, Department of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
- iConnectome, Co., Ltd., Cheonan, South Korea
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2
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Firth W, Pye KR, Weightman Potter PG. Astrocytes at the intersection of ageing, obesity, and neurodegeneration. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:515-536. [PMID: 38652065 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Once considered passive cells of the central nervous system (CNS), glia are now known to actively maintain the CNS parenchyma; in recent years, the evidence for glial functions in CNS physiology and pathophysiology has only grown. Astrocytes, a heterogeneous group of glial cells, play key roles in regulating the metabolic and inflammatory landscape of the CNS and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for a variety of disorders. This review will outline astrocyte functions in the CNS in healthy ageing, obesity, and neurodegeneration, with a focus on the inflammatory responses and mitochondrial function, and will address therapeutic outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyn Firth
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Katherine R Pye
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K
| | - Paul G Weightman Potter
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K
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3
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Tu Z, Tang L, Khan FU, Hu M, Shen H, Wang Y. Low-frequency noise impairs righting reflex behavior by disrupting central nervous system in the sea slug Onchidium reevesii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170552. [PMID: 38309332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise has significantly increased due to human activities, posing a threat to the health and survival of marine organisms. However, current studies have often emphasized its effects on the physiological aspects of marine organisms, while ignored the relationship between the neuroendocrine system and behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the righting behavior and relevant physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS) in sea slug (Onchidium reevesii) exposed to low-frequency noise and subsequent noise removal. The duration of the sea slugs' righting reflex increased with longer noise exposure time. The degree of neuronal cell damage and apoptosis were significantly increased and relevant gene expressions were affected (Glu, AChE, FMRFamide and CaMKII) (P < 0.05). After the removal of noise, the righting reflex speed gradually recovered, and the degree of neuronal cell damage, apoptosis and the expression levels of genes continued to decrease. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the righting time was positively correlated with CNS tissue and DNA damage, apoptosis rate, and negatively correlated with the expression levels of genes. Therefore, low-frequency noise exposure causes damage to the CNS of sea slugs, subsequently impairing their normal behavior. Sea slugs exhibited partial recovery within 384 h after removing noise. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of low-frequency noise on the CNS and behavior of marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Tu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Liusiqiao Tang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Heding Shen
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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4
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Rodriguez-Vieitez E, Kumar A, Malarte ML, Ioannou K, Rocha FM, Chiotis K. Imaging Neuroinflammation: Quantification of Astrocytosis in a Multitracer PET Approach. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2785:195-218. [PMID: 38427196 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3774-6_13] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The recent progress in the development of in vivo biomarkers is rapidly changing how neurodegenerative diseases are conceptualized and diagnosed and how clinical trials are designed today. Alzheimer's disease (AD) - the most common neurodegenerative disorder - is characterized by a complex neuropathology involving the deposition of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, accompanied by the activation of glial cells, i.e., astrocytes and microglia, and neuroinflammatory response, leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. An increasing diversity of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging radiotracers is available to selectively target the different pathophysiological processes of AD. Along with the success of Aβ PET and the more recent tau PET imaging, there is a great interest to develop PET tracers to image glial reactivity and neuroinflammation. While most research to date has focused on imaging microgliosis, there is an upsurge of interest in imaging reactive astrocytes in the AD continuum. There is increasing evidence that reactive astrocytes are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous, with different subtypes that express different markers and display various homeostatic or detrimental roles across disease stages. Therefore, multiple biomarkers are desirable to unravel the complex phenomenon of reactive astrocytosis. In the field of in vivo PET imaging in AD, the research concerning reactive astrocytes has predominantly focused on targeting monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), most often using either 11C-deuterium-L-deprenyl (11C-DED) or 18F-SMBT-1 PET tracers. Additionally, imidazoline2 binding (I2BS) sites have been imaged using 11C-BU99008 PET. Recent studies in our group using 11C-DED PET imaging suggest that astrocytosis may be present from the early stages of disease development in AD. This chapter provides a detailed description of the practical approach used for the analysis of 11C-DED PET imaging data in a multitracer PET paradigm including 11C-Pittsburgh compound B (11C-PiB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). The multitracer PET approach allows investigating the comparative regional and temporal patterns of in vivo brain astrocytosis, fibrillar Aβ deposition, glucose metabolism, and brain structural changes. It may also contribute to understanding the potential role of novel plasma biomarkers of reactive astrocytes, in particular the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), at different stages of disease progression. This chapter attempts to stimulate further research in the field, including the development of novel PET tracers that may allow visualizing different aspects of the complex astrocytic and microglial response in neurodegenerative diseases. Progress in the field will contribute to the incorporation of PET imaging of glial reactivity and neuroinflammation as biomarkers with clinical application and motivate further investigation on glial cells as therapeutic targets in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rodriguez-Vieitez
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mona-Lisa Malarte
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Konstantinos Ioannou
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filipa M Rocha
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Konstantinos Chiotis
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Alhadidi QM, Bahader GA, Arvola O, Kitchen P, Shah ZA, Salman MM. Astrocytes in functional recovery following central nervous system injuries. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37702572 DOI: 10.1113/jp284197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly recognised as partaking in complex homeostatic mechanisms critical for regulating neuronal plasticity following central nervous system (CNS) insults. Ischaemic stroke and traumatic brain injury are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Depending on the context and type of injury, reactive astrocytes respond with diverse morphological, proliferative and functional changes collectively known as astrogliosis, which results in both pathogenic and protective effects. There is a large body of research on the negative consequences of astrogliosis following brain injuries. There is also growing interest in how astrogliosis might in some contexts be protective and help to limit the spread of the injury. However, little is known about how astrocytes contribute to the chronic functional recovery phase following traumatic and ischaemic brain insults. In this review, we explore the protective functions of astrocytes in various aspects of secondary brain injury such as oedema, inflammation and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. We also discuss the current knowledge on astrocyte contribution to tissue regeneration, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, dendrogenesis and axogenesis. Finally, we discuss diverse astrocyte-related factors that, if selectively targeted, could form the basis of astrocyte-targeted therapeutic strategies to better address currently untreatable CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim M Alhadidi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Yarmok University College, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Ghaith A Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Oiva Arvola
- Division of Anaesthesiology, Jorvi Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philip Kitchen
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mootaz M Salman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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7
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Balietti M, Casoli T, Giorgetti B, Colangeli R, Nicoletti C, Solazzi M, Pugliese A, Conti F. Generation and Characterization of the First Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease with Mutated AβPP Inserted in a BALB/c Background (C.B6/J-APPswe). J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230195. [PMID: 37182890 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are available, but all suffer from certain limitations, thus prompting further attempts. To date, no one model exists with amyloidopathy in a BALB/c strain. OBJECTIVE To generate and characterize the C.B6/J-APPswe mouse, a model of AD with a mutated human gene for the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) inserted in a BALB/c background. METHODS We analyzed five groups at different ages (3, 6, 9, 12, and 16-18 months) of C.B6/J-APPswe and wild-type mice (50% males and 50% females) for the main hallmarks of AD by western blotting, amyloid-β (Aβ) ELISA, immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology, and behavioral tests. RESULTS The C.B6/J-APPswe mouse displays early AβPP and Aβ production, late amyloid plaques formation, high level of tau phosphorylation, synaptic deficits (reduced density and functional impairment due to a reduced post-synaptic responsiveness), neurodegeneration caused by apoptosis and necroptosis/necrosis, microgliosis, astrocytic abnormalities, and sex-related differences in explorative behavior, anxiety-like behavior, and spatial long-term and working memories. Social housing is feasible despite the intra-cage aggressiveness of male animals. CONCLUSION C.B6/J-APPswe mice develop most of the distinctive features of AD and is a suitable model for the study of brain atrophy mechanisms and of the differences between males and females in the onset of cognitive/non-cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Casoli
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Colangeli
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cristina Nicoletti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Moreno Solazzi
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Pugliese
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Fondazione di Medicina Molecolare e Terapia Cellulare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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8
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Verkhratsky A, Semyanov A. Decline of astrocyte Ca 2+ signalling in Alzheimer's disease: STIM1 to the rescue! Cell Calcium 2023; 113:102756. [PMID: 37187057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Lia et al. [1] discovered the critical role of STIM1 ER Ca2+ sensor in the functional decline of astrocytes in the AD-like pathology in PS2APP mice. Profound downregulation of STIM1 expression in astrocytes in the disease results in the decreased ER Ca2+ content and severely impaired evoked as well as spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ signalling. Aberrant astrocytic Ca2+ signalling translated into impaired synaptic plasticity and memory. Astrocyte-specific overexpression of STIM1 restored Ca2+ excitability and rectified synaptic and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Pro, China; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia.
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9
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Rodríguez-Callejas JD, Fuchs E, Perez-Cruz C. Atrophic astrocytes in aged marmosets present tau hyperphosphorylation, RNA oxidation, and DNA fragmentation. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 129:121-136. [PMID: 37302213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes perform multiple essential functions in the brain showing morphological changes. Hypertrophic astrocytes are commonly observed in cognitively healthy aged animals, implying a functional defense mechanism without losing neuronal support. In neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes show morphological alterations, such as decreased process length and reduced number of branch points, known as astroglial atrophy, with detrimental effects on neuronal cells. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is a non-human primate that, with age, develops several features that resemble neurodegeneration. In this study, we characterize the morphological alterations in astrocytes of adolescent (mean 1.75 y), adult (mean 5.33 y), old (mean 11.25 y), and aged (mean 16.83 y) male marmosets. We observed a significantly reduced arborization in astrocytes of aged marmosets compared to younger animals in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. These astrocytes also show oxidative damage to RNA and increased nuclear plaques in the cortex and tau hyperphosphorylation (AT100). Astrocytes lacking S100A10 protein show a more severe atrophy and DNA fragmentation. Our results demonstrate the presence of atrophic astrocytes in the brains of aged marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Rodríguez-Callejas
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz-Institute of Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Perez-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Department of Pharmacology, Mexico City, Mexico.
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10
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Astrocytes in the pathophysiology of neuroinfection. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:131-145. [PMID: 36562155 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Key homeostasis providing cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are astrocytes, which belong to the class of cells known as atroglia, a highly heterogeneous type of neuroglia and a prominent element of the brain defence. Diseases evolve due to altered homeostatic state, associated with pathology-induced astroglia remodelling represented by reactive astrocytes, astroglial atrophy and astrodegeneration. These features are hallmarks of most infectious insults, mediated by bacteria, protozoa and viruses; they are also prominent in the systemic infection. The COVID-19 pandemic revived the focus into neurotropic viruses such as SARS-CoV2 (Coronaviridae) but also the Flaviviridae viruses including tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) causing the epidemic in South America prior to COVID-19. Astrocytes provide a key response to neurotropic infections in the CNS. Astrocytes form a parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier, the site of virus entry into the CNS. Astrocytes exhibit aerobic glycolysis, a form of metabolism characteristic of highly morphologically plastic cells, like cancer cells, hence a suitable milieu for multiplication of infectious agent, including viral particles. However, why the protection afforded by astrocytes fails in some circumstances is an open question to be studied in the future.
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11
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Kumar A, Fontana IC, Nordberg A. Reactive astrogliosis: A friend or foe in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2023; 164:309-324. [PMID: 34931315 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly efficient homeostatic glial cells playing a crucial role in optimal brain functioning and homeostasis. Astrocytes respond to changes in brain homoeostasis following central nervous system (CNS) injury/diseased state by a specific defence mechanism called reactive astrogliosis. Recent studies have implicated and placed reactive astrogliosis in the centre of pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The AD biomarker field is evolving rapidly with new findings providing strong evidence which supports the notion that a reactive astrogliosis is an early event in the time course of AD progression which may precede other pathological hallmarks of AD. Clinical/translational in vivo PET and in vitro postmortem brain imaging studies demonstrated 'a first and second wave' of reactive astrogliosis in AD with distinct close-loop relationships with other pathological biomarkers at different stages of the disease. At the end stages, reactive astrocytes are found to be associated, or in proximity, with amyloid plaque and tau pathological deposits in postmortem AD brains. Several new PET-tracers, which are being in pipeline and validated at a very fast pace for mapping and visualising reactive astrogliosis in the brain, will provide further invaluable mechanistic insights into AD and other non-AD dementia pathologies. The complementary roles of microglia and astrocyte activation in AD progression, along with the clinical value of new fluid astrocytes biomarkers in the context of existing biomarkers, are the latest avenue that needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor C Fontana
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Verkhratsky A, Semyanov A. Astrocytes in Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 103:253-277. [PMID: 37120471 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26576-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is associated with a morphological and functional decline of astrocytes with a prevalence of morphological atrophy and loss of function. In particular, ageing is manifested by the shrinkage of astrocytic processes: branches and leaflets, which decreases synaptic coverage. Astrocytic dystrophy affects multiple functions astrocytes play in the brain active milieu. In particular, and in combination with an age-dependent decline in the expression of glutamate transporters, astrocytic atrophy translates into deficient glutamate clearance and K+ buffering. Decreased astrocyte presence may contribute to age-dependent remodelling of brain extracellular space, hence affecting extrasynaptic signalling. Old astrocytes lose endfeet polarisation of AQP4 water channels, thus limiting the operation of the glymphatic system. In ageing, astrocytes down-regulate their antioxidant capacity leading to decreased neuroprotection. All these changes may contribute to an age-dependent cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Pro, China
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13
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de Lima IB, Ribeiro FM. The Implication of Glial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:164-182. [PMID: 34951388 PMCID: PMC10190153 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223140303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) was first identified more than 100 years ago, yet aspects pertaining to its origin and the mechanisms underlying disease progression are not well known. To this date, there is no therapeutic approach or disease-modifying drug that could halt or at least delay disease progression. Until recently, glial cells were seen as secondary actors in brain homeostasis. Although this view was gradually refuted and the relevance of glial cells for the most diverse brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission was vastly proved, many aspects of its functioning, as well as its role in pathological conditions, remain poorly understood. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells were shown to be involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Besides its relevance for glial function, glutamatergic receptors are also central in the pathology of AD, and recent studies have shown that glial mGluRs play a role in the establishment and progression of AD. AD-related alterations in Ca2+ signalling, APP processing, and Aβ load, as well as AD-related neurodegeneration, are influenced by glial mGluRs. However, different types of mGluRs play different roles, depending on the cell type and brain region that is being analysed. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the current understanding of glial mGluRs and their implication in AD, providing an insight for future therapeutics and identifying existing research gaps worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B.Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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14
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Gorina YV, Salmina AB, Erofeev AI, Gerasimov EI, Bolshakova AV, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Astrocyte Activation Markers. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:851-870. [PMID: 36180985 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922090012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most common type of glial cells that provide homeostasis and protection of the central nervous system. Important specific characteristic of astrocytes is manifestation of morphological heterogeneity, which is directly dependent on localization in a particular area of the brain. Astrocytes can integrate into neural networks and keep neurons active in various areas of the brain. Moreover, astrocytes express a variety of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters, which underlie their peculiar metabolic activity, and, hence, determine plasticity of the central nervous system during development and aging. Such complex structural and functional organization of astrocytes requires the use of modern methods for their identification and analysis. Considering the important fact that determining the most appropriate marker for polymorphic and multiple subgroups of astrocytes is of decisive importance for studying their multifunctionality, this review presents markers, modern imaging techniques, and identification of astrocytes, which comprise a valuable resource for studying structural and functional properties of astrocytes, as well as facilitate better understanding of the extent to which astrocytes contribute to neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana V Gorina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia.
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Tissue Engineering, Brain Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 105064, Russia
| | - Alexander I Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Evgeniy I Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Bolshakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, 194091, Russia
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15
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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16
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Rummel NG, Butterfield DA. Altered Metabolism in Alzheimer Disease Brain: Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1289-1305. [PMID: 34416829 PMCID: PMC9229240 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Alzheimer disease (AD) is an all-too-common condition in the aging population. However, aging does not automatically equal neurodegeneration and memory decline. Recent Advances: This review article involves metabolic changes in the AD brain that are related to oxidative stress. Selected pathways are identified as potential targets for intervention in AD. Critical Issues: One of the main factors of AD is the oxidative imbalance within the central nervous system, causing a disruption in metabolic processes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a natural consequence of many cellular processes, especially those associated with mitochondria, such as the electron transport chain. Some ROS, when kept under control and maintained at reasonable levels, often play roles in cell signaling. The cellular damage of ROS arises when oxidative imbalance occurs, in which case ROS are not controlled, leading to a myriad of alterations in cellular metabolic processes. These altered pathways include, among others, dysfunctional glycolysis, calcium regulation, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial processes, and mammalian target of rapamycin pathway dysregulation. Future Directions: Understanding how ROS can lead to these alterations can, ideally, elucidate therapeutic options for retarding AD progression in the aging population. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1289-1305.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole G Rummel
- Department of Chemistry and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - D Allan Butterfield
- Department of Chemistry and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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17
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Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. Getting Into the Brain: The Intranasal Approach to Enhance the Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Painless Derivative in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:773347. [PMID: 35360160 PMCID: PMC8961408 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.773347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) holds a great potential as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of neurological diseases. However, its safe and effective delivery to the brain is limited by the fact that NGF needs to be selectively targeted to the brain, to avoid severe side effects such as pain and to bypass the blood brain barrier. In this perspective, we will summarize the different approaches that have been used, or are currently applied, to deliver NGF to the brain, during preclinical and clinical trials to develop NGF as a therapeutic drug for Alzheimer’s disease. We will focus on the intranasal delivery of NGF, an approach that is used to deliver proteins to the brain in a non-invasive, safe, and effective manner minimizing systemic exposure. We will also describe the main experimental facts related to the effective intranasal delivery of a mutant form of NGF [painless NGF, human nerve growth factor painless (hNGFp)] in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and compare it to other ways to deliver NGF to the brain. We will also report new data on the application of intranasal delivery of hNGFp in Down Syndrome mouse model. These new data extend the therapeutic potential of hNGFp for the treatment of the dementia that is progressively associated to Down Syndrome. In conclusion, we will show how this approach can be a promising strategy and a potential solution for other unmet medical needs of safely and effectively delivering this neuroprotective neurotrophin to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Capsoni,
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute–Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
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18
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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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19
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Verkhratsky A, Li B, Scuderi C, Parpura V. Principles of Astrogliopathology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:55-73. [PMID: 34888830 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in the nervous system pathology was early on embraced by neuroscientists at end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, only to be pushed aside by neurone-centric dogmas during most of the twentieth century. However, the last decade of the twentieth century and the twenty-first century have brought the astroglial "renaissance", which has put astroglial cells as key players in pathophysiology of most if not all disorders of the nervous system and has regarded astroglia as a fertile ground for therapeutic intervention.Astrocytic contribution to neuropathology can be primary, whereby cell-autonomous changes, such as mutations in gene encoding for glial fibrillary acidic protein, can drive the pathologic progression, in this example, Alexander disease. They can also be secondary, when astrocytes respond to a variety of insults to the nervous tissue. Regardless of their origin, being cell-autonomous or not, changes in astroglia that occur in pathology, that is, astrogliopathology, can be contemporary and arbitrary classified into four forms: (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astrocytic atrophy with loss of function, (iii) pathological remodelling of astrocytes and (iv) astrodegeneration morphologically manifested as clasmatodendrosis. Inevitably, as with any other classification, this classification of astrogliopathology awaits its revision that shall be rooted in new discoveries and concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Baoman Li
- Practical Teaching Center, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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20
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Preman P, TCW J, Calafate S, Snellinx A, Alfonso-Triguero M, Corthout N, Munck S, Thal DR, Goate AM, De Strooper B, Arranz AM. Human iPSC-derived astrocytes transplanted into the mouse brain undergo morphological changes in response to amyloid-β plaques. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:68. [PMID: 34563212 PMCID: PMC8467145 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence for a direct contribution of astrocytes to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes causing Alzheimer's disease comes from molecular and functional studies in rodent models. However, these models may not fully recapitulate human disease as human and rodent astrocytes differ considerably in morphology, functionality, and gene expression. RESULTS To address these challenges, we established an approach to study human astrocytes within the mouse brain by transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocyte progenitors into neonatal brains. Xenografted hiPSC-derived astrocyte progenitors differentiated into astrocytes that integrated functionally within the mouse host brain and matured in a cell-autonomous way retaining human-specific morphologies, unique features, and physiological properties. In Alzheimer´s chimeric brains, transplanted hiPSC-derived astrocytes responded to the presence of amyloid plaques undergoing morphological changes that seemed independent of the APOE allelic background. CONCLUSIONS In sum, we describe here a promising approach that consist of transplanting patient-derived and genetically modified astrocytes into the mouse brain to study human astrocyte pathophysiology in the context of Alzheimer´s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Preman
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julia TCW
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Sara Calafate
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Snellinx
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Alfonso-Triguero
- grid.427629.cAchucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain ,grid.11480.3c0000000121671098Department of Neurosciences, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Nikky Corthout
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium ,VIB Bio Imaging Core, Campus Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastian Munck
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium ,VIB Bio Imaging Core, Campus Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Department of Pathology, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alison M Goate
- grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Neuroscience & Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Bart De Strooper
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amaia M Arranz
- grid.511015.1VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium ,grid.427629.cAchucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain ,grid.424810.b0000 0004 0467 2314Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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21
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Ni R, Röjdner J, Voytenko L, Dyrks T, Thiele A, Marutle A, Nordberg A. In vitro Characterization of the Regional Binding Distribution of Amyloid PET Tracer Florbetaben and the Glia Tracers Deprenyl and PK11195 in Autopsy Alzheimer's Brain Tissue. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:1723-1737. [PMID: 33749648 PMCID: PMC8150513 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence indicates a central role of gliosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, the regional distribution and interaction of astrogliosis and microgliosis in association with amyloid-β (Aβ) still remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE Here we studied the pathological profiles in autopsy AD brain by using specific imaging tracers. METHODS Autopsy brain tissues of AD (n = 15, age 70.4±8.5 years) and control cases (n = 12, age 76.6±10.9) were examined with homogenate binding assays, autoradiography for Aβ plaques (3H-florbetaben/3H-PIB), astrogliosis (3H-L-deprenyl), and microgliosis (3H-PK11195/3H-FEMPA), as well as immunoassays. RESULTS In vitro saturation analysis revealed high-affinity binding sites of 3H-florbetaben, 3H-L-deprenyl, and 3H-PK11195/3H-FEMPA in the frontal cortex of AD cases. In vitro3H-florbetaben binding increased across cortical and subcortical regions of AD compared to control with the highest binding in the frontal and parietal cortices. The in vitro3H-L-deprenyl binding showed highest binding in the hippocampus (dentate gyrus) followed by cortical and subcortical regions of AD while the GFAP expression was upregulated only in the hippocampus compared to control. The in vitro3H-PK11195 binding was solely increased in the parietal cortex and the hippocampus of AD compared to control. The 3H-florbetaben binding positively correlated with the 3H-L-deprenyl binding in the hippocampus and parietal cortex of AD and controls. Similarly, a positive correlation was observed between 3H-florbetaben binding and GFAP expression in hippocampus of AD and control. CONCLUSION The use of multi-imaging tracers revealed different regional pattern of changes in autopsy AD brain with respect to amyloid plaque pathology versus astrogliosis and microgliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennie Röjdner
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Larysa Voytenko
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Amelia Marutle
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, The Aging Brain Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Alternative Targets to Fight Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Astrocytes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040600. [PMID: 33921556 PMCID: PMC8073475 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040600] [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: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The available treatments for patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not curative. Numerous clinical trials have failed during the past decades. Therefore, scientists need to explore new avenues to tackle this disease. In the present review, we briefly summarize the pathological mechanisms of AD known so far, based on which different therapeutic tools have been designed. Then, we focus on a specific approach that is targeting astrocytes. Indeed, these non-neuronal brain cells respond to any insult, injury, or disease of the brain, including AD. The study of astrocytes is complicated by the fact that they exert a plethora of homeostatic functions, and their disease-induced changes could be context-, time-, and disease specific. However, this complex but fervent area of research has produced a large amount of data targeting different astrocytic functions using pharmacological approaches. Here, we review the most recent literature findings that have been published in the last five years to stimulate new hypotheses and ideas to work on, highlighting the peculiar ability of palmitoylethanolamide to modulate astrocytes according to their morpho-functional state, which ultimately suggests a possible potential disease-modifying therapeutic approach for AD.
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23
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Ramos-Gonzalez P, Mato S, Chara JC, Verkhratsky A, Matute C, Cavaliere F. Astrocytic atrophy as a pathological feature of Parkinson's disease with LRRK2 mutation. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:31. [PMID: 33785762 PMCID: PMC8009947 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00175-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The principal hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the selective neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurones. Mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes may contribute to dopaminergic neurodegeneration through decreased homoeostatic support and deficient neuroprotection. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived astrocytes from PD patients with LRRK2(G2019S) mutation and healthy donors of the similar age. In cell lines derived from PD patients, astrocytes were characterised by a significant decrease in S100B and GFAP-positive astrocytic profiles associated with marked decrease in astrocyte complexity. In addition, PD-derived astrocytes demonstrated aberrant mitochondrial morphology, decreased mitochondrial activity and ATP production along with an increase of glycolysis and increased production of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our data indicate that astrocytic asthenia observed in patient-derived cultures with LRRK2(G2019S) mutation may contribute to neuronal death through decreased homoeostatic support, elevated oxidative stress and failed neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ramos-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Susana Mato
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Biocruces, Bizkaia, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Chara
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Carlos Matute
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Cavaliere
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
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Salcedo C, Wagner A, Andersen JV, Vinten KT, Waagepetersen HS, Schousboe A, Freude KK, Aldana BI. Downregulation of GABA Transporter 3 (GAT3) is Associated with Deficient Oxidative GABA Metabolism in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astrocytes in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2676-2686. [PMID: 33710537 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03276-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in neurotransmitter homeostasis, primarily of glutamate and GABA, is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Homeostasis at the synapse is maintained by neurotransmitter recycling between neurons and astrocytes. Astrocytes support neuronal transmission through glutamine synthesis, which can be derived from oxidative metabolism of GABA. However, the precise implications of astrocytic GABA metabolism in AD remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate astrocytic GABA metabolism in AD pathology implementing human induced pluripotent stem cells derived astrocytes. Metabolic mapping of GABA was performed with [U-13C]GABA stable isotopic labeling using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Neurotransmitter and amino acid content was quantified via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and protein expression was investigated by Western blot assay. Cell lines carrying mutations in either amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin1 (PSEN-1) were used as AD models and were compared to a control cell line of the same genetic background. AD astrocytes displayed a reduced oxidative GABA metabolism mediated by a decreased uptake capacity of GABA, as GABA transporter 3 (GAT3) was downregulated in AD astrocytes compared to the controls. Interestingly, the carbon backbone of GABA in AD astrocytes was utilized to a larger extent to support glutamine synthesis compared to control astrocytes. The results strongly indicate alterations in GABA uptake and metabolism in AD astrocytes linked to reduced GABA transporter expression, hereby contributing further to neurotransmitter disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Salcedo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Antonie Wagner
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Tore Vinten
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helle S Waagepetersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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25
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Popov A, Brazhe A, Denisov P, Sutyagina O, Li L, Lazareva N, Verkhratsky A, Semyanov A. Astrocyte dystrophy in ageing brain parallels impaired synaptic plasticity. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13334. [PMID: 33675569 PMCID: PMC7963330 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about age-dependent changes in structure and function of astrocytes and of the impact of these on the cognitive decline in the senescent brain. The prevalent view on the age-dependent increase in reactive astrogliosis and astrocytic hypertrophy requires scrutiny and detailed analysis. Using two-photon microscopy in conjunction with 3D reconstruction, Sholl and volume fraction analysis, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the number and the length of astrocytic processes, in astrocytic territorial domains and in astrocyte-to-astrocyte coupling in the aged brain. Probing physiology of astrocytes with patch clamp, and Ca2+ imaging revealed deficits in K+ and glutamate clearance and spatiotemporal reorganisation of Ca2+ events in old astrocytes. These changes paralleled impaired synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal CA1 in old mice. Our findings may explain the astroglial mechanisms of age-dependent decline in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Popov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Institute of NeuroscienceNizhny Novgorod UniversityNizhny NovgorodRussia
| | - Alexey Brazhe
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Faculty of BiologyMoscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Pavel Denisov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Institute of NeuroscienceNizhny Novgorod UniversityNizhny NovgorodRussia
| | - Oksana Sutyagina
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Institute of NeuroscienceNizhny Novgorod UniversityNizhny NovgorodRussia
| | - Li Li
- Department of PhysiologyJiaxing University College of MedicineZhejiang ProChina
| | | | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussia
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Achucarro Center for NeuroscienceIKERBASQUEBasque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNEDLeioaSpain
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Shemyakin‐Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryRussian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- Faculty of BiologyMoscow State UniversityMoscowRussia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussia
- Department of PhysiologyJiaxing University College of MedicineZhejiang ProChina
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26
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The aging mouse brain: cognition, connectivity and calcium. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102358. [PMID: 33517250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a complex process that differentially impacts multiple cognitive, sensory, neuronal and molecular processes. Technological innovations now allow for parallel investigation of neuronal circuit function, structure and molecular composition in the brain of awake behaving adult mice. Thus, mice have become a critical tool to better understand how aging impacts the brain. However, a more granular systems-based approach, which considers the impact of age on key features relating to neural processing, is required. Here, we review evidence probing the impact of age on the mouse brain. We focus on a range of processes relating to neuronal function, including cognitive abilities, sensory systems, synaptic plasticity and calcium regulation. Across many systems, we find evidence for prominent age-related dysregulation even before 12 months of age, suggesting that emerging age-related alterations can manifest by late adulthood. However, we also find reports suggesting that some processes are remarkably resilient to aging. The evidence suggests that aging does not drive a parallel, linear dysregulation of all systems, but instead impacts some processes earlier, and more severely, than others. We propose that capturing the more fine-scale emerging features of age-related vulnerability and resilience may provide better opportunities for the rejuvenation of the aged brain.
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27
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Komleva Y, Chernykh A, Lopatina O, Gorina Y, Lokteva I, Salmina A, Gollasch M. Inflamm-Aging and Brain Insulin Resistance: New Insights and Role of Life-style Strategies on Cognitive and Social Determinants in Aging and Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:618395. [PMID: 33519369 PMCID: PMC7841337 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.618395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, the human life span has dramatically increased, and therefore, a steady increase in diseases associated with age (such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease) is expected. In these neurodegenerative diseases, there is a cognitive decline and memory loss, which accompany increased systemic inflammation, the inflamm-aging, and the insulin resistance. Despite numerous studies of age-related pathologies, data on the contribution of brain insulin resistance and innate immunity components to aging are insufficient. Recently, much research has been focused on the consequences of nutrients and adiposity- and nutrient-related signals in brain aging and cognitive decline. Moreover, given the role of metainflammation in neurodegeneration, lifestyle interventions such as calorie restriction may be an effective way to break the vicious cycle of metainflammation and have a role in social behavior. The various effects of calorie restriction on metainflammation, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration have been described. Less attention has been paid to the social determinants of aging and the possible mechanism by which calorie restriction might influence social behavior. The purpose of this review is to discuss current knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of geroscience-immunosenescence, inflamm-aging, and metainflammation-which makes a significant contribution to aging. A substantial part of the review is devoted to frontiers in the brain insulin resistance in relation to neuroinflammation. In addition, we summarize new data on potential mechanisms of calorie restriction that influence as a lifestyle intervention on the social brain. This knowledge can be used to initiate successful aging and slow the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Komleva
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Anatoly Chernykh
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Olga Lopatina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana Gorina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Irina Lokteva
- Medical Center “Private Practice”, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla Salmina
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Maik Gollasch
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Greifswald Medical School, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Geriatric Medicine Center, Wolgast Hospital, Wolgast, Germany
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28
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Augusto-Oliveira M, Verkhratsky A. Mens sana in corpore sano: lifestyle changes modify astrocytes to contain Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1548-1549. [PMID: 33433476 PMCID: PMC8323677 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Brasil
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain & Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain
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29
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Lana D, Ugolini F, Giovannini MG. Space-Dependent Glia-Neuron Interplay in the Hippocampus of Transgenic Models of β-Amyloid Deposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9441. [PMID: 33322419 PMCID: PMC7763751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review is focused on the description and discussion of the alterations of astrocytes and microglia interplay in models of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is an age-related neurodegenerative pathology with a slowly progressive and irreversible decline of cognitive functions. One of AD's histopathological hallmarks is the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Long regarded as a non-specific, mere consequence of AD pathology, activation of microglia and astrocytes is now considered a key factor in both initiation and progression of the disease, and suppression of astrogliosis exacerbates neuropathology. Reactive astrocytes and microglia overexpress many cytokines, chemokines, and signaling molecules that activate or damage neighboring cells and their mutual interplay can result in virtuous/vicious cycles which differ in different brain regions. Heterogeneity of glia, either between or within a particular brain region, is likely to be relevant in healthy conditions and disease processes. Differential crosstalk between astrocytes and microglia in CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus can be responsible for the differential sensitivity of the two areas to insults. Understanding the spatial differences and roles of glia will allow us to assess how these interactions can influence the state and progression of the disease, and will be critical for identifying therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lana
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Filippo Ugolini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Anatomopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy;
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30
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Verkhratsky A, Li Q, Melino S, Melino G, Shi Y. Can COVID-19 pandemic boost the epidemic of neurodegenerative diseases? Biol Direct 2020; 15:28. [PMID: 33246479 PMCID: PMC7691955 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-020-00282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents the world with the medical challenge associated with multifactorial nature of this pathology. Indeed COVID-19 affects several organs and systems and presents diversified clinical picture. COVID-19 affects the brain in many ways including direct infection of neural cells with SARS-CoV-2, severe systemic inflammation which floods the brain with pro-inflammatory agents thus damaging nervous cells, global brain ischaemia linked to a respiratory failure, thromboembolic strokes related to increased intravascular clotting and severe psychological stress. Often the COVID-19 is manifested by neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms that include dizziness, disturbed sleep, cognitive deficits, delirium, hallucinations and depression. All these indicate the damage to the nervous tissue which may substantially increase the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and promote dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT UK
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Qing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Sonia Melino
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Cracovia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Cracovia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031 China
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Medical College, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
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31
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Tremblay ME, Madore C, Bordeleau M, Tian L, Verkhratsky A. Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:592214. [PMID: 33304243 PMCID: PMC7693550 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, which causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has a brain neurotropism through binding to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expressed by neurones and glial cells, including astrocytes and microglia. Systemic infection which accompanies severe cases of COVID-19 also triggers substantial increase in circulating levels of chemokines and interleukins that compromise the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain parenchyma and affect its defensive systems, astrocytes and microglia. Brain areas devoid of a blood-brain barrier such as the circumventricular organs are particularly vulnerable to circulating inflammatory mediators. The performance of astrocytes and microglia, as well as of immune cells required for brain health, is considered critical in defining the neurological damage and neurological outcome of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2, the implication of neuroinflammation, adaptive and innate immunity, autoimmunity, as well as astrocytic and microglial immune and homeostatic functions in the neurological and psychiatric aspects of COVID-19. The consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection during ageing, in the presence of systemic comorbidities, and for the exposed pregnant mother and foetus are also covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Charlotte Madore
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maude Bordeleau
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Li Tian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Psychiatry Research Centre, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Leioa, Spain
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32
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Verkhratsky A, Augusto-Oliveira M, Pivoriūnas A, Popov A, Brazhe A, Semyanov A. Astroglial asthenia and loss of function, rather than reactivity, contribute to the ageing of the brain. Pflugers Arch 2020; 473:753-774. [PMID: 32979108 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astroglia represent a class of heterogeneous, in form and function, cells known as astrocytes, which provide for homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Ageing is associated with morphological and functional remodelling of astrocytes with a prevalence of morphological atrophy and loss of function. In particular, ageing is associated with (i) decrease in astroglial synaptic coverage, (ii) deficits in glutamate and potassium clearance, (iii) reduced astroglial synthesis of synaptogenic factors such as cholesterol, (iv) decrease in aquaporin 4 channels in astroglial endfeet with subsequent decline in the glymphatic clearance, (v) decrease in astroglial metabolic support through the lactate shuttle, (vi) dwindling adult neurogenesis resulting from diminished proliferative capacity of radial stem astrocytes, (vii) decline in the astroglial-vascular coupling and deficient blood-brain barrier and (viii) decrease in astroglial ability to mount reactive astrogliosis. Decrease in reactive capabilities of astroglia are associated with rise of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases. Astroglial morphology and function can be influenced and improved by lifestyle interventions such as intellectual engagement, social interactions, physical exercise, caloric restriction and healthy diet. These modifications of lifestyle are paramount for cognitive longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain. .,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexander Popov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya street 16/10, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Alexey Brazhe
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya street 16/10, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya street 16/10, Moscow, Russia, 117997. .,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
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33
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Kriaučiūnaitė K, Kaušylė A, Pajarskienė J, Tunaitis V, Lim D, Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Immortalised Hippocampal Astrocytes from 3xTG-AD Mice Fail to Support BBB Integrity In Vitro: Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Glial-Endothelial Communication. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:551-562. [PMID: 32440709 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00871-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Impairments of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and vascular dysfunction contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) from the earliest stages. However, the influence of AD-affected astrocytes on the BBB remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we created an in vitro BBB using human-immortalized endothelial cells in combination with immortalized astroglial cell lines from the hippocampus of 3xTG-AD and wild-type mice (3Tg-iAstro and WT-iAstro, respectively). We found that co-culturing endothelial monolayers with WT-iAstro upregulates expression of endothelial tight junction proteins (claudin-5, occludin, ZO-1) and increases the trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). In contrast, co-culturing with 3Tg-iAstro does not affect expression of tight junction proteins and does not change the TEER of endothelial monolayers. The same in vitro model has been used to evaluate the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the WT-iAstro and 3Tg-iAstro. The EVs derived from WT-iAstro increased TEER and upregulated expression of tight junction proteins, whereas EVs from 3Tg-iAstro were ineffective. In conclusion, we show for the first time that immortalized hippocampal astrocytes from 3xTG-AD mice exhibit impaired capacity to support BBB integrity in vitro through paracrine mechanisms and may represent an important factor underlying vascular abnormalities during development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kriaučiūnaitė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Kaušylė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Justina Pajarskienė
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Virginijus Tunaitis
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Bovio, 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania. .,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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34
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Assessment of Glial Activation Response in the Progress of Natural Scrapie after Chronic Dexamethasone Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093231. [PMID: 32370224 PMCID: PMC7247567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has been correlated with the progress of neurodegeneration in many neuropathologies. Although glial cells have traditionally been considered to be protective, the concept of them as neurotoxic cells has recently emerged. Thus, a major unsolved question is the exact role of astroglia and microglia in neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hand, it is well known that glucocorticoids are the first choice to regulate inflammation and, consequently, neuroglial inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to determine how chronic dexamethasone treatment influences the host immune response and to characterize the beneficial or detrimental role of glial cells. To date, this has not been examined using a natural neurodegenerative model of scrapie. With this aim, immunohistochemical expression of glial markers, prion protein accumulation, histopathological lesions and clinical evolution were compared with those in a control group. The results demonstrated how the complex interaction between glial populations failed to compensate for brain damage in natural conditions, emphasizing the need for using natural models. Additionally, the data showed that modulation of neuroinflammation by anti-inflammatory drugs might become a research focus as a potential therapeutic target for prion diseases, similar to that considered previously for other neurodegenerative disorders classified as prion-like diseases.
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35
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Chen Y, Qin C, Huang J, Tang X, Liu C, Huang K, Xu J, Guo G, Tong A, Zhou L. The role of astrocytes in oxidative stress of central nervous system: A mixed blessing. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12781. [PMID: 32035016 PMCID: PMC7106951 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) maintains a high level of metabolism, which leads to the generation of large amounts of free radicals, and it is also one of the most vulnerable organs to oxidative stress. Emerging evidences have shown that, as the key homeostatic cells in CNS, astrocytes are deeply involved in multiple aspects of CNS function including oxidative stress regulation. Besides, the redox level in CNS can in turn affect astrocytes in morphology and function. The complex and multiple roles of astrocytes indicate that their correct performance is crucial for the normal functioning of the CNS, and its dysfunction may result in the occurrence and progression of various neurological disorders. To date, the influence of astrocytes in CNS oxidative stress is rarely reviewed. Therefore, in this review we sum up the roles of astrocytes in redox regulation and the corresponding mechanisms under both normal and different pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianhan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Keru Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangxue Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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36
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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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Atkinson-Dell R, Mohamet L. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Astroglia: A New Tool for Research Towards the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:383-405. [PMID: 31583596 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite over a century of research into Alzheimer's disease (AD), progress in understanding the complex aetiology has been hindered, in part, by a lack of human, disease relevant, cellular models, reflected in an inability to translate results from animal studies to successful human therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, in which somatic cells are reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells, creates an ideal physiologically relevant model as they maintain the genetic identity of the donor. These iPSCs can self-renew indefinitely in vitro and have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type, opening up new discovery and therapeutic opportunities. Despite a plethora of publications indicating the generation and utility of iPSC-derived neurones for disease modelling to date, in comparison only a limited number of studies have described generation of enriched astroglia from patients with early- or late-stage onset of AD. We recently reported that iPSC-astroglia derived from these patients are capable of mimicking a wide variety of deficits in homeostatic molecular cascades, intimately associated with AD, that are routinely observed in vivo. This review examines the opportunities and limitations of this innovative technology in the context of AD modelling and uses for preclinical discovery to improve our success for an efficacious therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Mohamet
- StrataStem Ltd., Suite 112, 4a Rylands Street, Warrington, WA1 1EN, UK.
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38
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Verkhratsky A, Rodrigues JJ, Pivoriunas A, Zorec R, Semyanov A. Astroglial atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease. Pflugers Arch 2019; 471:1247-1261. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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39
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Verkhratsky A. Astroglial Calcium Signaling in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a035188. [PMID: 31110130 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the homeostatic and protective cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In neurological diseases, astrocytes undergo complex changes, which are subclassified into (1) reactive astrogliosis, an evolutionary conserved defensive rearrangement of cellular phenotype aimed at neuroprotection; (2) pathological remodeling, when astrocytes acquire new features driving pathology; and (3) astrodegeneration, which is manifested by astroglial atrophy and loss of homeostatic functions. In aging brains as well as in the brains affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes acquire both atrophic and reactive phenotypes in a region- and disease-stage-dependent manner. Prevalence of atrophy overreactivity, observed in certain brain regions and in terminal stages of the disease, arguably facilitates the development of neurological deficits. Astrocytes exhibit ionic excitability mediated by changes in intracellular concentration of ions, most importantly of Ca2+ and Na+, with intracellular ion dynamics triggered by the activity of neural networks. AD astrocytes associated with senile plaques demonstrate Ca2+ hyperactivity in the form of aberrant Ca2+ oscillations and pathological long-range Ca2+ waves. Astroglial Ca2+ signaling originating from Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in initiating astrogliotic response; deficient Ca2+ signaling toolkits observed in entorhinal and prefrontal cortices of AD model animals may account for vulnerability of these regions to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom.,Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
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40
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Sadick JS, Liddelow SA. Don't forget astrocytes when targeting Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3585-3598. [PMID: 30636042 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for CNS health, regulating homeostasis, metabolism, and synaptic transmission. In addition to these and many other physiological roles, the pathological impact of astrocytes ("reactive astrocytes") in acute trauma and chronic disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well established. Growing evidence supports a fundamental and active role of astrocytes in multiple neurodegenerative diseases. With a growing interest in normal astrocyte biology, and countless studies on changes in astrocyte function in the context of disease, it may be a surprise that no therapies exist incorporating astrocytes as key targets. Here, we examine unintentional effects of current AD therapies on astrocyte function and theorize how astrocytes may be intentionally targeted for more efficacious therapeutic outcomes. Given their integral role in normal neuronal functioning, incorporating astrocytes as key criteria for AD drug development can only lead to more effective therapies for the millions of AD sufferers worldwide. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Sadick
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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41
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Abstract
Ageing reduces the functional capacity of all organs, so does that of the nervous system; the latter is evident in the reduction of cognitive abilities, learning and memory. While the exact mechanisms of ageing of the nervous system remain elusive, it is without doubt that morpho-functional changes in a variety of neuroglial cells contribute to this process. The age-dependent changes in neuroglia are characterised by a progressive loss of function. This reduces glial ability to homeostatically nurture, protect and regenerate the nervous tissue. Such neuroglial paralysis also facilitates neurodegenerative processes. Ageing of neuroglia is variable and can be affected by environmental factors and comorbidities.
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42
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Verkhratsky A, Parpura V, Rodriguez-Arellano JJ, Zorec R. Astroglia in Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:273-324. [PMID: 31583592 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Cellular changes in the brains of the patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease occur well in advance of the clinical symptoms. At the cellular level, the most dramatic is a demise of neurones. As astroglial cells carry out homeostatic functions of the brain, it is certain that these cells are at least in part a cause of Alzheimer's disease. Historically, Alois Alzheimer himself has recognised this at the dawn of the disease description. However, the role of astroglia in this disease has been understudied. In this chapter, we summarise the various aspects of glial contribution to this disease and outline the potential of using these cells in prevention (exercise and environmental enrichment) and intervention of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jose Julio Rodriguez-Arellano
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, The University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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43
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Verkhratsky A, Ho MS, Vardjan N, Zorec R, Parpura V. General Pathophysiology of Astroglia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:149-179. [PMID: 31583588 PMCID: PMC7188602 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial cells are involved in most if not in all pathologies of the brain. These cells can change the morpho-functional properties in response to pathology or innate changes of these cells can lead to pathologies. Overall pathological changes in astroglia are complex and diverse and often vary with different disease stages. We classify astrogliopathologies into reactive astrogliosis, astrodegeneration with astroglial atrophy and loss of function, and pathological remodelling of astrocytes. Such changes can occur in neurological, neurodevelopmental, metabolic and psychiatric disorders as well as in infection and toxic insults. Mutation in astrocyte-specific genes leads to specific pathologies, such as Alexander disease, which is a leukodystrophy. We discuss changes in astroglia in the pathological context and identify some molecular entities underlying pathology. These entities within astroglia may repent targets for novel therapeutic intervention in the management of brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Margaret S Ho
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica BIOMEDICAL, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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44
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Scuderi C, Noda M, Verkhratsky A. Editorial: Neuroglia Molecular Mechanisms in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:407. [PMID: 30429774 PMCID: PMC6220059 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mami Noda
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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45
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Su L, Xia W, Shen T, Liang Q, Wang W, Li H, Jiao J. H2A.Z.1 crosstalk with H3K56-acetylation controls gliogenesis through the transcription of folate receptor. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:8817-8831. [PMID: 29982651 PMCID: PMC6158499 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play crucial roles in the central nervous system, and defects in astrocyte function are closely related to many neurological disorders. Studying the mechanism of gliogenesis has important implications for understanding and treating brain diseases. Epigenetic regulations have essential roles during mammalian brain development. Here, we demonstrate that histone H2A.Z.1 is necessary for the specification of multiple neural precursor cells (NPCs) and has specialized functions that regulate gliogenesis. Depletion of H2A.Z.1 suppresses gliogenesis and results in reduced astrocyte differentiation. Additionally, H2A.Z.1 regulates the acetylation of H3K56 (H3K56ac) by cooperating with the chaperone of ASF1a. Furthermore, RNA-seq data indicate that folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) participates in gliogenesis through the JAK–STAT signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that H2A.Z.1 is a key regulator of gliogenesis because it interacts with ASF1a to regulate H3K56ac and then directly affects the expression of FOLR1, which acts as a signal-transducing component of the JAK–STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenlong Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Tianjin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingli Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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46
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Zorec R, Županc TA, Verkhratsky A. Astrogliopathology in the infectious insults of the brain. Neurosci Lett 2018; 689:56-62. [PMID: 30096375 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Astroglia, a heterogeneous type of neuroglia, play key homeostatic functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and represent an important defence system. Impaired homeostatic capacity of astrocytes manifests in diseases and this is mirrored in various astrocyte-based pathological features including reactive astrogliosis, astrodegeneration with astroglial atrophy and pathological remodelling of astrocytes. All of these manifestations are most prominently associated with infectious insults, mediated by bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Here we focus onto neurotropic viruses such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), both belonging to Flaviviridae and both causing severe neurological impairments. We argue that astrocytes provide a route through which neurotropic infectious agents attack the CNS, since they are anatomically associated with the blood-brain barrier and exhibit aerobic glycolysis, a metabolic specialisation of highly morphologically dynamic cells, which may provide a suitable metabolic milieu for proliferation of infectious agents, including viral bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Zorec
- University of Ljubljana, Institute of Pathophysiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Molecular Cell Physiology, Zaloska cesta 4, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Celica, BIOMEDICAL, Technology Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- University of Ljubljana, Institute of Pathophysiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Molecular Cell Physiology, Zaloska cesta 4, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Celica, BIOMEDICAL, Technology Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain.
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47
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Leanza G, Gulino R, Zorec R. Noradrenergic Hypothesis Linking Neurodegeneration-Based Cognitive Decline and Astroglia. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:254. [PMID: 30100866 PMCID: PMC6072880 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past, manipulation of the cholinergic system was seen as the most likely therapeutic for neurodegeneration-based cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) (Whitehouse et al., 1982). However, targeting the noradrenergic system also seems a promising strategy, since more recent studies revealed that in post-mortem tissue from patients with AD and other neurodegenerative disorders there is a robust correlation between cognitive decline and loss of neurons from the Locus coeruleus (LC), a system with diffuse noradrenaline (NA) innervation in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the hypothesis has been considered that increasing NA signaling in the CNS will prevent, or at least halt the progression of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. A hallmark of the age- and neurodegeneration-related cognitive decline is reduced neurogenesis. We here discuss noradrenergic dysfunction in AD-related cognitive decline in humans and its potential involvement in AD pathology and disease progression. We also focus on animal models to allow the validation of the noradrenergic hypothesis of AD, including those based upon the immunotoxin-mediated ablation of LC based on saporin, a protein synthesis interfering agent, which offers selective and graded demise of LC neurons, Finally, we address how astrocytes, an abundant and functionally heterogeneous cell type of neuroglia maintaining homeostasis, may participate in the regulation of neurogenesis, a new strategy for preventing LC neuron loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Leanza
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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48
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Abstract
Astrocytes, the neural homeostatic cells, play a key role in the information processing in the central nervous system. They express multiple receptors which respond to a number of chemical messengers and get excited as evidenced by an increase in second messengers in short and delayed time domains. Astrocytes secrete numerous neuroactive agents and mount various homeostatic responses. These signal integrating functions are key factors of neuropathology (better termed astroneuropathology): they provide for neuroprotection through both homeostatic support and astroglial reactivity; failure in astroglial defensive or supporting capabilities facilitates evolution of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Celica, BIOMEDICAL, Technology Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Robert Zorec
- University of Ljubljana, Institute of Pathophysiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Zaloška cesta 4, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Celica, BIOMEDICAL, Technology Park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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49
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Vargas DM, De Bastiani MA, Zimmer ER, Klamt F. Alzheimer's disease master regulators analysis: search for potential molecular targets and drug repositioning candidates. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2018; 10:59. [PMID: 29935546 PMCID: PMC6015462 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-018-0394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial and complex neuropathology that involves impairment of many intricate molecular mechanisms. Despite recent advances, AD pathophysiological characterization remains incomplete, which hampers the development of effective treatments. In fact, currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for AD. Integrative strategies such as transcription regulatory network and master regulator analyses exemplify promising new approaches to study complex diseases and may help in the identification of potential pharmacological targets. Methods In this study, we used transcription regulatory network and master regulator analyses on transcriptomic data of human hippocampus to identify transcription factors (TFs) that can potentially act as master regulators in AD. All expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database using the GEOquery package. A normal hippocampus transcription factor-centered regulatory network was reconstructed using the ARACNe algorithm. Master regulator analysis and two-tail gene set enrichment analysis were employed to evaluate the inferred regulatory units in AD case-control studies. Finally, we used a connectivity map adaptation to prospect new potential therapeutic interventions by drug repurposing. Results We identified TFs with already reported involvement in AD, such as ATF2 and PARK2, as well as possible new targets for future investigations, such as CNOT7, CSRNP2, SLC30A9, and TSC22D1. Furthermore, Connectivity Map Analysis adaptation suggested the repositioning of six FDA-approved drugs that can potentially modulate master regulator candidate regulatory units (Cefuroxime, Cyproterone, Dydrogesterone, Metrizamide, Trimethadione, and Vorinostat). Conclusions Using a transcription factor-centered regulatory network reconstruction we were able to identify several potential molecular targets and six drug candidates for repositioning in AD. Our study provides further support for the use of bioinformatics tools as exploratory strategies in neurodegenerative diseases research, and also provides new perspectives on molecular targets and drug therapies for future investigation and validation in AD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-018-0394-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Vargas
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Biochemistry Department, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - M A De Bastiani
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Biochemistry Department, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - E R Zimmer
- Pharmacology Department, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - F Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Biochemistry Department, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,National Science Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Verkhratsky A, Rodríguez JJ. Cell-autonomous astrocytopathy in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 223:e13070. [PMID: 29624867 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
- Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience; IKERBASQUE; Basque Foundation for Science; Bilbao Spain
| | - J. J. Rodríguez
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience; IKERBASQUE; Basque Foundation for Science; Bilbao Spain
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