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Talevi A, Bellera C. An update on the novel methods for the discovery of antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications: where are we in 2024? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:975-990. [PMID: 38963148 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2373165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the availability of around 30 antiseizure medications, 1/3 of patients with epilepsy fail to become seizure-free upon pharmacological treatment. Available medications provide adequate symptomatic control in two-thirds of patients, but disease-modifying drugs are still scarce. Recently, though, new paradigms have been explored. AREAS COVERED Three areas are reviewed in which a high degree of innovation in the search for novel antiseizure and antiepileptogenic medications has been implemented: development of novel screening approaches, search for novel therapeutic targets, and adoption of new drug discovery paradigms aligned with a systems pharmacology perspective. EXPERT OPINION In the past, worldwide leaders in epilepsy have reiteratively stated that the lack of progress in the field may be explained by the recurrent use of the same molecular targets and screening procedures to identify novel medications. This landscape has changed recently, as reflected by the new Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program and the introduction of many in vitro and in vivo models that could possibly improve our chances of identifying first-in-class medications that may control drug-resistant epilepsy or modify the course of disease. Other milestones include the study of new molecular targets for disease-modifying drugs and exploration of a systems pharmacology perspective to design new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carolina Bellera
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CCT La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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2
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Haque I, Thapa P, Burns DM, Zhou J, Sharma M, Sharma R, Singh V. NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitors for Antiepileptogenic Drug Discovery and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6078. [PMID: 38892264 PMCID: PMC11172514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders and affects over 70 million people globally. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) relieve symptoms and prevent the occurrence of future seizures in epileptic patients but have a limited effect on epileptogenesis. Addressing the multifaceted nature of epileptogenesis and its association with the Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these medications for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antiseizure treatments. Several types of NLRP3 inhibitors have been developed and their effect has been validated both in in vitro and in vivo models of epileptogenesis. In this review, we discuss the advances in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 activation as well as progress made, and challenges faced in the development of NLRP3 inhibitors for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inamul Haque
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Department of Math, Science and Business Technology, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, KS 66112, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Pritam Thapa
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Douglas M. Burns
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Renal Research Laboratory, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA;
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
- Renal Research Laboratory, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA;
| | - Ram Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Vikas Singh
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
- Division of Neurology, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
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Ali SO, Ghaiad HR, Elmasry GF, Mehana NA. Sinapic Acid Mitigates Pentylenetetrazol-induced Acute Seizures By Modulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating Calcium/calcineurin Signaling: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02019-0. [PMID: 38662166 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02019-0] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Sinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in citrus fruits and cereals. Recent studies have shown that SA has potential anti-seizure properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. The present study investigated the neuroprotective role of SA at two different dosages in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute seizure model. Mice were divided into six groups: normal control, PTZ, SA (20 mg/kg), SA (20 mg/kg) + PTZ, SA (40 mg/kg), and SA (40 mg/kg) + PTZ. SA was orally administered for 21 days, followed by a convulsive dose of intraperitoneal PTZ (50 mg/kg). Seizures were estimated via the Racine scale, and animals were behaviorally tested using the Y-maze. Brain tissues were used to assess the levels of GABA, glutamate, oxidative stress markers, calcium, calcineurin, (Nod)-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Bcl-2-associated death protein (Bad) and Bcl-2. Molecular docking of SA using a multistep in silico protocol was also performed. The results showed that SA alleviated oxidative stress, restored the GABA/glutamate balance and calcium/calcineurin signaling, downregulated NLRP3 and apoptosis, and improved recognition and ambulatory activity in PTZ-treated mice. In silico results also revealed that SA strongly interacts with the target proteins NLRP3 and ASC. Overall, the results suggest that SA is a promising antiseizure agent and that both doses of SA are comparable, with 40 mg/kg SA being superior in normalizing glutathione, calcium and IL-1β, in addition to calcineurin, NLRP3, ASC and Bad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa O Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Heba R Ghaiad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Ghada F Elmasry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Noha A Mehana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
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Palumbo L, Carinci M, Guarino A, Asth L, Zucchini S, Missiroli S, Rimessi A, Pinton P, Giorgi C. The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Epileptic Models. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2825. [PMID: 37893198 PMCID: PMC10604217 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation represents a dynamic process of defense and protection against the harmful action of infectious agents or other detrimental stimuli in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the uncontrolled regulation of this physiological process is strongly associated with serious dysfunctional neuronal issues linked to the progression of CNS disorders. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that neuroinflammation is linked to epilepsy, one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders worldwide. Indeed, NLRP3, one of the most well-studied inflammasomes, is involved in the generation of epileptic seizures, events that characterize this pathological condition. In this context, several pieces of evidence have shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a central role in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Based on an extensive review of the literature on the role of NLRP3-dependent inflammation in epilepsy, in this review we discuss our current understanding of the connection between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and progressive neurodegeneration in epilepsy. The goal of the review is to cover as many of the various known epilepsy models as possible, providing a broad overview of the current literature. Lastly, we also propose some of the present therapeutic strategies targeting NLRP3, aiming to provide potential insights for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Annunziata Guarino
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Silvia Zucchini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.G.); (L.A.); (S.Z.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sonia Missiroli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.P.); (M.C.); (S.M.); (A.R.); (P.P.)
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Miguel Sanz C, Martinez Navarro M, Caballero Diaz D, Sanchez-Elexpuru G, Di Donato V. Toward the use of novel alternative methods in epilepsy modeling and drug discovery. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1213969. [PMID: 37719765 PMCID: PMC10501616 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1213969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease and, considering the amount of people affected of all ages worldwide, one of the most common neurological disorders. Over 20 novel antiseizure medications (ASMs) have been released since 1993, yet despite substantial advancements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind epileptogenesis, over one-third of patients continue to be resistant to available therapies. This is partially explained by the fact that the majority of existing medicines only address seizure suppression rather than underlying processes. Understanding the origin of this neurological illness requires conducting human neurological and genetic studies. However, the limitation of sample sizes, ethical concerns, and the requirement for appropriate controls (many patients have already had anti-epileptic medication exposure) in human clinical trials underscore the requirement for supplemental models. So far, mammalian models of epilepsy have helped to shed light on the underlying causes of the condition, but the high costs related to breeding of the animals, low throughput, and regulatory restrictions on their research limit their usefulness in drug screening. Here, we present an overview of the state of art in epilepsy modeling describing gold standard animal models used up to date and review the possible alternatives for this research field. Our focus will be mainly on ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo larval zebrafish models contributing to the 3R in epilepsy modeling and drug screening. We provide a description of pharmacological and genetic methods currently available but also on the possibilities offered by the continued development in gene editing methodologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9-based, for high-throughput disease modeling and anti-epileptic drugs testing.
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Balena T, Lillis K, Rahmati N, Bahari F, Dzhala V, Berdichevsky E, Staley K. A Dynamic Balance between Neuronal Death and Clearance in an in Vitro Model of Acute Brain Injury. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6084-6107. [PMID: 37527922 PMCID: PMC10451151 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0436-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In in vitro models of acute brain injury, neuronal death may overwhelm the capacity for microglial phagocytosis, creating a queue of dying neurons awaiting clearance. Neurons undergoing programmed cell death are in this queue, and are the most visible and frequently quantified measure of neuronal death after injury. However, the size of this queue should be equally sensitive to changes in neuronal death and the rate of phagocytosis. Using rodent organotypic hippocampal slice cultures as a model of acute perinatal brain injury, serial imaging demonstrated that the capacity for microglial phagocytosis of dying neurons was overwhelmed for 2 weeks. Altering phagocytosis rates (e.g., by changing the number of microglia) dramatically changed the number of visibly dying neurons. Similar effects were generated when the visibility of dying neurons was altered by changing the membrane permeability for stains that label dying neurons. Canonically neuroprotective interventions, such as seizure blockade, and neurotoxic maneuvers, such as perinatal ethanol exposure, were mediated by effects on microglial activity and the membrane permeability of neurons undergoing programmed cell death. These canonically neuroprotective and neurotoxic interventions had either no or opposing effects on healthy surviving neurons identified by the ongoing expression of transgenic fluorescent proteins.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In in vitro models of acute brain injury, microglial phagocytosis is overwhelmed by the number of dying cells. Under these conditions, the assumptions on which assays for neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects are based are no longer valid. Thus, longitudinal assays of healthy cells, such as serial assessment of the fluorescence emission of transgenically expressed proteins, provide more accurate estimates of cell death than do single-time point anatomic or biochemical assays of the number of dying neurons. More accurate estimates of death rates in vitro will increase the translatability of preclinical studies of neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Balena
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Kyle Lillis
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Negah Rahmati
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Fatemeh Bahari
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Volodymyr Dzhala
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
| | - Eugene Berdichevsky
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
| | - Kevin Staley
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114
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Balena T, Lillis K, Rahmati N, Bahari F, Dzhala V, Berdichevsky E, Staley K. A dynamic balance between neuronal death and clearance after acute brain injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.14.528332. [PMID: 36824708 PMCID: PMC9948967 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.14.528332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
After acute brain injury, neuronal apoptosis may overwhelm the capacity for microglial phagocytosis, creating a queue of dying neurons awaiting clearance. The size of this queue should be equally sensitive to changes in neuronal death and the rate of phagocytosis. Using rodent organotypic hippocampal slice cultures as a model of acute perinatal brain injury, serial imaging demonstrated that the capacity for microglial phagocytosis of dying neurons was overwhelmed for two weeks. Altering phagocytosis rates, e.g. by changing the number of microglia, dramatically changed the number of visibly dying neurons. Similar effects were generated when the visibility of dying neurons was altered by changing the membrane permeability for vital stains. Canonically neuroprotective interventions such as seizure blockade and neurotoxic maneuvers such as perinatal ethanol exposure were mediated by effects on microglial activity and the membrane permeability of apoptotic neurons, and had either no or opposing effects on healthy surviving neurons. Significance After acute brain injury, microglial phagocytosis is overwhelmed by the number of dying cells. Under these conditions, the assumptions on which assays for neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects are based are no longer valid. Thus longitudinal assays of healthy cells, such as assessment of the fluorescence emission of transgenically-expressed proteins, provide more accurate estimates of cell death than do single-time-point anatomical or biochemical assays. More accurate estimates of death rates will increase the translatability of preclinical studies of neuroprotection and neurotoxicity.
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Bauer J, Devinsky O, Rothermel M, Koch H. Autonomic dysfunction in epilepsy mouse models with implications for SUDEP research. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1040648. [PMID: 36686527 PMCID: PMC9853197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy has a high prevalence and can severely impair quality of life and increase the risk of premature death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in drug-resistant epilepsy and most often results from respiratory and cardiac impairments due to brainstem dysfunction. Epileptic activity can spread widely, influencing neuronal activity in regions outside the epileptic network. The brainstem controls cardiorespiratory activity and arousal and reciprocally connects to cortical, diencephalic, and spinal cord areas. Epileptic activity can propagate trans-synaptically or via spreading depression (SD) to alter brainstem functions and cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mechanisms by which seizures propagate to or otherwise impair brainstem function and trigger the cascading effects that cause SUDEP are poorly understood. We review insights from mouse models combined with new techniques to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy and SUDEP. These techniques include in vivo, ex vivo, invasive and non-invasive methods in anesthetized and awake mice. Optogenetics combined with electrophysiological and optical manipulation and recording methods offer unique opportunities to study neuronal mechanisms under normal conditions, during and after non-fatal seizures, and in SUDEP. These combined approaches can advance our understanding of brainstem pathophysiology associated with seizures and SUDEP and may suggest strategies to prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bauer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,*Correspondence: Henner Koch ✉
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Moudio S, Rodin F, Albargothy NJ, Karlsson U, Reyes JF, Hallbeck M. Exposure of α-Synuclein Aggregates to Organotypic Slice Cultures Recapitulates Key Molecular Features of Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:826102. [PMID: 35309552 PMCID: PMC8925863 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.826102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of proteinaceous deposits comprised largely of the α-synuclein protein is one of the main hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Their progressive development coincides with site-specific phosphorylation, oxidative stress and eventually, compromised neuronal function. However, modeling protein aggregate formation in animal or in vitro models has proven notably difficult. Here, we took advantage of a preclinical organotypic brain slice culture model to study α-synuclein aggregate formation ex vivo. We monitored the progressive and gradual changes induced by α-synuclein such as cellular toxicity, autophagy activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular death as well as α-synuclein modification including site-specific phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that organotypic brain slice cultures can be cultured for long periods of time and when cultured in the presence of aggregated α-synuclein, the molecular features of PD are recapitulated. Taken together, this ex vivo model allows for detailed modeling of the molecular features of PD, thus enabling studies on the cumulative effects of α-synuclein in a complex environment. This provides a platform to screen potential disease-modifying therapeutic candidates aimed at impeding α-synuclein aggregation and/or cellular transmission. Moreover, this model provides a robust replacement for in vivo studies that do not include behavioral experiments, thus providing a way to reduce the number of animals used in an accelerated timescale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Moudio
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rodin
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nazira Jamal Albargothy
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Urban Karlsson
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Juan F Reyes
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Martin Hallbeck
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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A kainic acid-induced seizure model in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons for studying the role of IL-6 in the functional activity. Stem Cell Res 2022; 60:102665. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2022.102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Lillis KP. Imaging Interneuron Impairment in Ictogenesis: A Spatiotemporal Sweet Spot of Seizure Sampling in Scn1a+/. Epilepsy Curr 2021; 21:376-378. [PMID: 34924841 PMCID: PMC8655246 DOI: 10.1177/15357597211032045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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12
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Michaelson SD, Müller TM, Bompolaki M, Miranda Tapia AP, Villarroel HS, Mackay JP, Balogun PJ, Urban JH, Colmers WF. Long-Lived Organotypic Slice Culture Model of the Rat Basolateral Amygdala. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e267. [PMID: 34670009 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Organotypic slice cultures (OTCs) have been employed in the laboratory since the early 1980s and have proved to be useful for the study of a number of neural systems. Our recent work focuses on the development of behavioral stress resilience induced by repeated daily injections of neuropeptide Y into the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Resilience develops over weeks, persisting to 8 weeks. To unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying neuropeptide Y-induced stress resilience we developed in vitro OTCs of the BLA. Here, we provide an optimized protocol that consistently yields viable and healthy OTCs containing the BLA and surrounding tissue using the interface method, prepared with slices taken from postnatal (P) day 14 rats. We explain key points to optimizing tissue viability and discuss mitigation or avoidance of pitfalls that can arise to aid in successful implementation of this technique. We show that principal neurons in BLA OTCs (8 weeks in vitro = equivalent postnatal day 70) develop into networks that are electrophysiologically very similar to those from acute slices obtained from older rats (P70) and respond to pharmacological treatments in a comparable way. Furthermore, we highlight how these cultures be used to further understand the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level neuropathophysiological changes underlying stress disorders. BLA OTCs provide long-term physiological and pharmacological results whose predictions were borne out in vivo, supporting the validity of the BLA OTC as a model to unravel BLA neurocircuitry. Recent preliminary results also support the successful application of this approach to preparing long-lived OTCs of BLA and neocortex from mice. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Organotypic slice culture Support Protocol 1: Changing medium Support Protocol 2: Drug incubations Basic Protocol 2: Excision of OTC slices from inserts Support Protocol 3: Fixation of slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheldon D Michaelson
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Taylor M Müller
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria Bompolaki
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ana Pamela Miranda Tapia
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Heika Silveira Villarroel
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James P Mackay
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pauline J Balogun
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice H Urban
- Center for the Neurobiology of Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders, Chicago Medical School/Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, North Chicago, Illinois
| | - William F Colmers
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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de Fraga LS, Tassinari ID, Jantsch J, Guedes RP, Bambini-Junior V. 'A picture is worth a thousand words': The use of microscopy for imaging neuroinflammation. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 206:325-345. [PMID: 34596237 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first studies of the nervous system by the Nobel laureates Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramon y Cajal using simple dyes and conventional light microscopes, microscopy has come a long way to the most recent techniques that make it possible to perform images in live cells and animals in health and disease. Many pathological conditions of the central nervous system have already been linked to inflammatory responses. In this scenario, several available markers and techniques can help imaging and unveil the neuroinflammatory process. Moreover, microscopy imaging techniques have become even more necessary to validate the large quantity of data generated in the era of 'omics'. This review aims to highlight how to assess neuroinflammation by using microscopy as a tool to provide specific details about the cell's architecture during neuroinflammatory conditions. First, we describe specific markers that have been used in light microscopy studies and that are widely applied to unravel and describe neuroinflammatory mechanisms in distinct conditions. Then, we discuss some important methodologies that facilitate the imaging of these markers, such as immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Emphasis will be given to studies using two-photon microscopy, an approach that revolutionized the real-time assessment of neuroinflammatory processes. Finally, some studies integrating omics with microscopy will be presented. The fusion of these techniques is developing, but the high amount of data generated from these applications will certainly improve comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Stürmer de Fraga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Isadora D'Ávila Tassinari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Jantsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK
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14
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Li X, Lin J, Hua Y, Gong J, Ding S, Du Y, Wang X, Zheng R, Xu H. Agmatine Alleviates Epileptic Seizures and Hippocampal Neuronal Damage by Inhibiting Gasdermin D-Mediated Pyroptosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627557. [PMID: 34421582 PMCID: PMC8378273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease, and neuroinflammation is one of the main contributors to epileptogenesis. Pyroptosis is a type of pro-inflammatory cell death that is related to epilepsy. Agmatine, has anti-inflammatory properties and exerts neuroprotective effects against seizures. Our study investigated the effect of agmatine on the core pyroptosis protein GSDMD in the context of epilepsy. Methods: A chronic epilepsy model and BV2 microglial cellular inflammation model were established by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. H&E and Nissl staining were used to evaluate hippocampal neuronal damage. The expression of pyroptosis and inflammasome factors was examined by western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Agmatine disrupted the kindling acquisition process, which decreased seizure scores and the incidence of full kindling and blocked hippocampal neuronal damage. In addition, agmatine increased BV2 microglial cell survival in vitro and alleviated seizures in vivo by suppressing the levels of PTZ-induced pyroptosis. Finally, the expression of TLR4, MYD88, phospho-IκBα, phospho-NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells, while agmatine suppressed the expression of these proteins. Conclusions: Our results indicate that agmatine affects epileptogenesis and exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation, GSDMD activation, and pyroptosis. The inhibitory effect of agmatine on pyroptosis was mediated by the suppression of the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Therefore, agmatine may be a potential treatment option for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahe Lin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Hua
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiaoni Gong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siqi Ding
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanru Du
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinshi Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rongyuan Zheng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huiqin Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Preparation and Culture of Organotypic Hippocampal Slices for the Analysis of Brain Metastasis and Primary Brain Tumor Growth. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33742394 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1350-4_5] [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: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a major challenge for therapy and defines the end stage of tumor progression with a very limited patients' prognosis. Experimental setups that faithfully mimic these processes are necessary to understand the mechanism of brain metastasis and to develop new improved therapeutic strategies. Here, we describe an in vitro model, which closely resembles the in vivo situation. Organotypic hippocampal brain slice cultures (OHSCs) prepared from 3- to 8-day-old mice are well suited for neuro-oncology research including brain metastasis. The original morphology is preserved in OHSCs even after culture periods of several days to weeks. Tumor cells or cells of metastatic origin can be seeded onto OHSCs to evaluate micro-tumor formation, tumor cell invasion, or treatment response. We describe preparation and culture of OHSCs including the seeding of tumor cells. Finally, we show examples of how to treat the OHSCs for life-dead or immunohistochemical staining.
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16
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Mohseni-Moghaddam P, Roghani M, Khaleghzadeh-Ahangar H, Sadr SS, Sala C. A literature overview on epilepsy and inflammasome activation. Brain Res Bull 2021; 172:229-235. [PMID: 33964347 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent serious brain disorders worldwide. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inflammation participates in the progression and pathogenesis of epilepsy. During inflammation, a cytosolic multimolecular complex called the "inflammasome" is activated, driving the innate immune response. This inflammatory pathway by sensing various pathogens and molecules from damaged cells and then activation of caspase-1 enzyme initiates inflammatory responses. Activated caspase-1 leads to the proteolytic cleavage of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and also induction of an inflammatory programmed cell death termed pyroptosis. NLR family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) and NLRP3 are the two best-characterized inflammasome members, and both basic and clinical research has reported their activation during epilepsy. This overview is intended to summarize the current literature concerning NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Mohseni-Moghaddam
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Roghani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khaleghzadeh-Ahangar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahabeddin Sadr
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Carlo Sala
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
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17
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Delbridge ARD, Huh D, Brickelmaier M, Burns JC, Roberts C, Challa R, Raymond N, Cullen P, Carlile TM, Ennis KA, Liu M, Sun C, Allaire NE, Foos M, Tsai HH, Franchimont N, Ransohoff RM, Butts C, Mingueneau M. Organotypic Brain Slice Culture Microglia Exhibit Molecular Similarity to Acutely-Isolated Adult Microglia and Provide a Platform to Study Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:592005. [PMID: 33473245 PMCID: PMC7812919 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are central nervous system (CNS) resident immune cells that have been implicated in neuroinflammatory pathogenesis of a variety of neurological conditions. Their manifold context-dependent contributions to neuroinflammation are only beginning to be elucidated, which can be attributed in part to the challenges of studying microglia in vivo and the lack of tractable in vitro systems to study microglia function. Organotypic brain slice cultures offer a tissue-relevant context that enables the study of CNS resident cells and the analysis of brain slice microglial phenotypes has provided important insights, in particular into neuroprotective functions. Here we use RNA sequencing, direct digital quantification of gene expression with nCounter® technology and targeted analysis of individual microglial signature genes, to characterize brain slice microglia relative to acutely-isolated counterparts and 2-dimensional (2D) primary microglia cultures, a widely used in vitro surrogate. Analysis using single cell and population-based methods found brain slice microglia exhibited better preservation of canonical microglia markers and overall gene expression with stronger fidelity to acutely-isolated adult microglia, relative to in vitro cells. We characterized the dynamic phenotypic changes of brain slice microglia over time, after plating in culture. Mechanical damage associated with slice preparation prompted an initial period of inflammation, which resolved over time. Based on flow cytometry and gene expression profiling we identified the 2-week timepoint as optimal for investigation of microglia responses to exogenously-applied stimuli as exemplified by treatment-induced neuroinflammatory changes observed in microglia following LPS, TNF and GM-CSF addition to the culture medium. Altogether these findings indicate that brain slice cultures provide an experimental system superior to in vitro culture of microglia as a surrogate to investigate microglia functions, and the impact of soluble factors and cellular context on their physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex R D Delbridge
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States.,Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Dann Huh
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Margot Brickelmaier
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Jeremy C Burns
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Chris Roberts
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ravi Challa
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Patrick Cullen
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Katelin A Ennis
- Genetic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Mei Liu
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Chao Sun
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Normand E Allaire
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Marianna Foos
- Biogen Postdoctoral Scientist Program, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Hui-Hsin Tsai
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Richard M Ransohoff
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Cherie Butts
- Digital & Quantitative Medicine, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael Mingueneau
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, United States
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18
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Tukker AM, Wijnolts FMJ, de Groot A, Westerink RHS. Applicability of hiPSC-Derived Neuronal Cocultures and Rodent Primary Cortical Cultures for In Vitro Seizure Liability Assessment. Toxicol Sci 2020; 178:71-87. [PMID: 32866265 PMCID: PMC7657345 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizures are life-threatening adverse drug reactions which are investigated late in drug development using rodent models. Consequently, if seizures are detected, a lot of time, money and animals have been used. Thus, there is a need for in vitro screening models using human cells to circumvent interspecies translation. We assessed the suitability of cocultures of human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and astrocytes compared with rodent primary cortical cultures for in vitro seizure liability assessment using microelectrode arrays. hiPSC-derived and rodent primary cortical neuronal cocultures were exposed to 9 known (non)seizurogenic compounds (pentylenetetrazole, amoxapine, enoxacin, amoxicillin, linopirdine, pilocarpine, chlorpromazine, phenytoin, and acetaminophen) to assess effects on neuronal network activity using microelectrode array recordings. All compounds affect activity in hiPSC-derived cocultures. In rodent primary cultures all compounds, except amoxicillin changed activity. Changes in activity patterns for both cell models differ for different classes of compounds. Both models had a comparable sensitivity for exposure to amoxapine (lowest observed effect concentration [LOEC] 0.03 µM), linopirdine (LOEC 1 µM), and pilocarpine (LOEC 0.3 µM). However, hiPSC-derived cultures were about 3 times more sensitive for exposure to pentylenetetrazole (LOEC 30 µM) than rodent primary cortical cultures (LOEC 100 µM). Sensitivity of hiPSC-derived cultures for chlorpromazine, phenytoin, and enoxacin was 10-30 times higher (LOECs 0.1, 0.3, and 0.1 µM, respectively) than in rodent cultures (LOECs 10, 3, and 3 µM, respectively). Our data indicate that hiPSC-derived neuronal cocultures may outperform rodent primary cortical cultures with respect to detecting seizures, thereby paving the way towards animal-free seizure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke M Tukker
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona M J Wijnolts
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aart de Groot
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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19
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Hoyle C, Redondo-Castro E, Cook J, Tzeng TC, Allan SM, Brough D, Lemarchand E. Hallmarks of NLRP3 inflammasome activation are observed in organotypic hippocampal slice culture. Immunology 2020; 161:39-52. [PMID: 32445196 PMCID: PMC7450173 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial inflammation driven by the NACHT, LRR and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to brain disease and is a therapeutic target. Most mechanistic studies on NLRP3 activation use two-dimensional pure microglial cell culture systems. Here we studied the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in organotypic hippocampal slices, which allowed us to investigate microglial NLRP3 activation in a three-dimensional, complex tissue architecture. Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 activation primed microglial inflammasome responses in hippocampal slices by increasing NLRP3 and interleukin-1β expression. Nigericin-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was dynamically visualized in microglia through ASC speck formation. Downstream caspase-1 activation, gasdermin D cleavage, pyroptotic cell death and interleukin-1β release were also detected, and these findings were consistent when using different NLRP3 stimuli such as ATP and imiquimod. NLRP3 inflammasome pathway inhibitors were effective in organotypic hippocampal slices. Hence, we have highlighted organotypic hippocampal slice culture as a valuable ex vivo tool to allow the future study of NLRP3 inflammasomes in a representative tissue section, aiding the discovery of further mechanistic insights and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hoyle
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elena Redondo-Castro
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - James Cook
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Te-Chen Tzeng
- Immunology and Inflammation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Celgene Corporation), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stuart M Allan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Brough
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eloise Lemarchand
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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20
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Yue J, Wei YJ, Yang XL, Liu SY, Yang H, Zhang C‐Q. NLRP3 inflammasome and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the epileptogenic zone in temporal lobe epilepsy: molecular insights into their interdependence. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:770-785. [PMID: 32311777 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Yue
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Y. J. Wei
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - X. L. Yang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - S. Y. Liu
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - H. Yang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - C. ‐Q. Zhang
- Epilepsy Research Center of PLA Department of Neurosurgery Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
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21
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Ibhazehiebo K, Rho JM, Kurrasch DM. Metabolism-based drug discovery in zebrafish: An emerging strategy to uncover new anti-seizure therapies. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107988. [PMID: 32070912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most common neurological disorders, epilepsy can occur throughout the lifespan and from a multiplicity of causes, including genetic mutations, inflammation, neurotrauma, or brain malformations. Although pharmacological agents are the mainstay of treatment for seizure control, an unyielding 30-40% of patients remain refractory to these medications and continue to experience spontaneous recurrent seizures with attendant life-long cognitive, behavioural, and mental health issues, as well as an increased risk for sudden unexpected death. Despite over eight decades of antiseizure drug (ASD) discovery and the approval of dozens of new medications, the percentage of this refractory population remains virtually unchanged, suggesting that drugs with new and unexpected mechanisms of action are needed. In this brief review, we discuss the need for new animal models of epilepsy, with a particular focus on the advantages and disadvantages of zebrafish. We also outline the evidence that epilepsy is characterized by derangements in mitochondrial function and introduce the rationale and promise of bioenergetics as a functional readout assay to uncover novel ASDs. We also consider limitations of a zebrafish metabolism-based drug screening approach. Our goal is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of further development of mitochondrial screening strategies for the development of novel ASDs. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley Ibhazehiebo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, California, USA
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada.
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22
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Yue J, He J, Wei Y, Shen K, Wu K, Yang X, Liu S, Zhang C, Yang H. Decreased expression of Rev-Erbα in the epileptic foci of temporal lobe epilepsy and activation of Rev-Erbα have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in the pilocarpine model. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:43. [PMID: 32005256 PMCID: PMC6993411 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-1718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A hallmark of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is brain inflammation accompanied by neuronal demise. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Rev-Erbα is involved in regulating neuroinflammation and determining the fate of neurons. Therefore, we studied the expression and cellular distribution of Rev-Erbα in the epileptogenic zone of TLE and the effect of treatment with the Rev-Erbα specific agonist SR9009 in the pilocarpine model. Methods The expression pattern of Rev-Erbα was investigated by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence labeling in patients with TLE. Next, the effects of SR9009 on neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and neuronal loss in the mouse hippocampus 7 days after status epilepticus (SE) were assessed by western blotting, immunofluorescence labeling staining, and TUNEL staining. Results The western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence labeling results revealed that Rev-Erbα was downregulated in the epileptogenic zone of TLE patients and mainly localized in neurons, astrocytes, and presumably microglia. Meanwhile, the expression of Rev-Erbα was decreased in the hippocampus and temporal neocortex of mice treated with pilocarpine in the early post-SE and chronic phases. Interestingly, the expression of Rev-Erbα in the normal hippocampus showed a 24-h rhythm; however, the rhythmicity was disturbed in the early phase after SE, and this disturbance was still present in epileptic animals. Our further findings revealed that treatment with SR9009 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) production, astrocytosis, microgliosis, and neuronal damage in the hippocampus after SE. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggested that a decrease in Rev-Erbα in the epileptogenic zone may contribute to the process of TLE and that the activation of Rev-Erbα may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiaojiang He
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Kaifeng Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Kefu Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Shiyong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 183 Xinqiao Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400037, China.
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23
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Gulino M, Kim D, Pané S, Santos SD, Pêgo AP. Tissue Response to Neural Implants: The Use of Model Systems Toward New Design Solutions of Implantable Microelectrodes. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:689. [PMID: 31333407 PMCID: PMC6624471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of implantable neuroelectrodes is advancing rapidly as these tools are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in clinical practice, especially for the treatment of traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders. Electrodes have been exploited in a wide number of neural interface devices, such as deep brain stimulation, which is one of the most successful therapies with proven efficacy in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson or epilepsy. However, one of the main caveats related to the clinical application of electrodes is the nervous tissue response at the injury site, characterized by a cascade of inflammatory events, which culminate in chronic inflammation, and, in turn, result in the failure of the implant over extended periods of time. To overcome current limitations of the most widespread macroelectrode based systems, new design strategies and the development of innovative materials with superior biocompatibility characteristics are currently being investigated. This review describes the current state of the art of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models available for the study of neural tissue response to implantable microelectrodes. We particularly highlight new models with increased complexity that closely mimic in vivo scenarios and that can serve as promising alternatives to animal studies for investigation of microelectrodes in neural tissues. Additionally, we also express our view on the impact of the progress in the field of neural tissue engineering on neural implant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Gulino
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donghoon Kim
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Duque Santos
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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