1
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Zha J, Chen Y, Cao F, Xu Y, Yang Z, Wen S, Liang M, Wu H, Zhong J. Homozygous variant of MLC1 results in megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2394. [PMID: 38337154 PMCID: PMC10858299 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2394] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare, inherited disorder that causes epilepsy, intellectual disorders, and early onset macrocephaly. MLC1 has been identified as a main pathogenic gene. METHODS Clinical data such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), routine blood tests, and physical examinations were collected from proband. Trio whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the family was performed, and all variants with a minor allele frequency (<0.01) in the exon and canonical splicing sites were selected for further pathogenic evaluation. Candidate variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Here, we report a new homozygous variant identified in two children from the same family in the MLC1 gene [NM_015166.4: c.838_843delinsATTTTA, (p.Ser280_Phe281delinsIleLeu)]. This variant is classified as variant of uncertain significance (VUS) according to the ACMG guidelines. Further experiments demonstrate that the newly identified variant causes a decrease of MLC1 protein levels when expressed in a heterologous expression system. CONCLUSION Our case expands on this genetic variation and provides new evidence for the clinical diagnosis of MLC1-related MLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zha
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Fangfang Cao
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Yuxin Xu
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
| | | | | | | | - Huaping Wu
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
| | - Jianmin Zhong
- Department of NeurologyJiangxi Provincial Children's HospitalNanchangJiangxiChina
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2
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Kater MSJ, Baumgart KF, Badia-Soteras A, Heistek TS, Carney KE, Timmerman AJ, van Weering JRT, Smit AB, van der Knaap MS, Mansvelder HD, Verheijen MHG, Min R. A novel role for MLC1 in regulating astrocyte-synapse interactions. Glia 2023; 71:1770-1785. [PMID: 37002718 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Loss of function of the astrocyte membrane protein MLC1 is the primary genetic cause of the rare white matter disease Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with subcortical Cysts (MLC), which is characterized by disrupted brain ion and water homeostasis. MLC1 is prominently present around fluid barriers in the brain, such as in astrocyte endfeet contacting blood vessels and in processes contacting the meninges. Whether the protein plays a role in other astrocyte domains is unknown. Here, we show that MLC1 is present in distal astrocyte processes, also known as perisynaptic astrocyte processes (PAPs) or astrocyte leaflets, which closely interact with excitatory synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. We find that the PAP tip extending toward excitatory synapses is shortened in Mlc1-null mice. This affects glutamatergic synaptic transmission, resulting in a reduced rate of spontaneous release events and slower glutamate re-uptake under challenging conditions. Moreover, while PAPs in wildtype mice retract from the synapse upon fear conditioning, we reveal that this structural plasticity is disturbed in Mlc1-null mice, where PAPs are already shorter. Finally, Mlc1-null mice show reduced contextual fear memory. In conclusion, our study uncovers an unexpected role for the astrocyte protein MLC1 in regulating the structure of PAPs. Loss of MLC1 alters excitatory synaptic transmission, prevents normal PAP remodeling induced by fear conditioning and disrupts contextual fear memory expression. Thus, MLC1 is a new player in the regulation of astrocyte-synapse interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy S J Kater
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina F Baumgart
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aina Badia-Soteras
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim S Heistek
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen E Carney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Jacob Timmerman
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan R T van Weering
- Department of Human Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjo S van der Knaap
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert D Mansvelder
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark H G Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier Min
- Department of Child Neurology, Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Marmor-Kollet N, Berkun V, Cummings G, Keren-Shaul H, David E, Addadi Y, Schuldiner O. Actin-dependent astrocytic infiltration is a key step for axon defasciculation during remodeling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112117. [PMID: 36790930 PMCID: PMC9989824 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112117] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for synapse formation, maturation, and plasticity; however, their function during developmental neuronal remodeling is largely unknown. To identify astrocytic molecules required for axon pruning of mushroom body (MB) γ neurons in Drosophila, we profiled astrocytes before (larva) and after (adult) remodeling. Focusing on genes enriched in larval astrocytes, we identified 12 astrocytic genes that are required for axon pruning, including the F-actin regulators Actin-related protein 2/3 complex, subunit 1 (Arpc1) and formin3 (form3). Interestingly, perturbing astrocytic actin dynamics does not affect their gross morphology, migration, or transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) secretion. In contrast, actin dynamics is required for astrocyte infiltration into the axon bundle at the onset of pruning. Remarkably, decreasing axonal adhesion facilitates infiltration by Arpc1 knockdown (KD) astrocytes and promotes axon pruning. Conversely, increased axonal adhesion reduces lobe infiltration by wild-type (WT) astrocytes. Together, our findings suggest that actin-dependent astrocytic infiltration is a key step in axon pruning, thus promoting our understanding of neuron-glia interactions during remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Marmor-Kollet
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Victoria Berkun
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Gideon Cummings
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Hadas Keren-Shaul
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Eyal David
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- Weizmann Institute of Science, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Oren Schuldiner
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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4
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Wang BB, Xu H, Isenmann S, Huang C, Elorza-Vidal X, Rychkov GY, Estévez R, Schittenhelm RB, Lukacs GL, Apaja PM. Ubr1-induced selective endophagy/autophagy protects against the endosomal and Ca 2+-induced proteostasis disease stress. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:167. [PMID: 35233680 PMCID: PMC8888484 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04191-8] [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: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cellular defense mechanisms against cumulative endo-lysosomal stress remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify Ubr1 as a protein quality control (QC) E3 ubiquitin-ligase that counteracts proteostasis stresses by facilitating endosomal cargo-selective autophagy for lysosomal degradation. Astrocyte regulatory cluster membrane protein MLC1 mutations cause endosomal compartment stress by fusion and enlargement. Partial lysosomal clearance of mutant endosomal MLC1 is accomplished by the endosomal QC ubiquitin ligases, CHIP and Ubr1 via ESCRT-dependent route. As a consequence of the endosomal stress, a supportive QC mechanism, dependent on both Ubr1 and SQSTM1/p62 activities, targets ubiquitinated and arginylated MLC1 mutants for selective endosomal autophagy (endophagy). This QC pathway is also activated for arginylated Ubr1-SQSTM1/p62 autophagy cargoes during cytosolic Ca2+-assault. Conversely, the loss of Ubr1 and/or arginylation elicited endosomal compartment stress. These findings underscore the critical housekeeping role of Ubr1 and arginylation-dependent endophagy/autophagy during endo-lysosomal proteostasis perturbations and suggest a link of Ubr1 to Ca2+ homeostasis and proteins implicated in various diseases including cancers and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben B Wang
- Lifelong Health, Organelle Proteostasis Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), 5000 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,EMBL Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Haijin Xu
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sandra Isenmann
- Lifelong Health, Organelle Proteostasis Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), 5000 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,EMBL Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Monash Biomedical Proteomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Grigori Y Rychkov
- Lifelong Health, Organelle Proteostasis Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), 5000 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Unitat de Fisiologia, Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Biomedical Proteomics Facility, Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Gergely L Lukacs
- Department of Physiology and Cell Information Systems, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Pirjo M Apaja
- Lifelong Health, Organelle Proteostasis Diseases, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), 5000 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. .,EMBL Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia. .,Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia. .,College of Public Health and Medicine, Molecular Biosciences Theme, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.
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5
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Schrader JM, Xu F, Lee H, Barlock B, Benveniste H, Van Nostrand WE. Emergent White Matter Degeneration in the rTg-DI Rat Model of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy Exhibits Unique Proteomic Changes. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:426-440. [PMID: 34896071 PMCID: PMC8895424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by cerebral vascular amyloid accumulation, neuroinflammation, microbleeds, and white matter (WM) degeneration, is a common comorbidity in Alzheimer disease and a prominent contributor to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. WM loss was recently reported in the corpus callosum (CC) in the rTg-DI rat model of CAA. The current study shows that the CC exhibits a much lower CAA burden compared with the adjacent cortex. Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra tandem mass spectrometry was used to show specific proteomic changes in the CC with emerging WM loss and compare them with the proteome of adjacent cortical tissue in rTg-DI rats. In the CC, annexin A3, heat shock protein β1, and cystatin C were elevated at 4 months (M) before WM loss and at 12M with evident WM loss. Although annexin A3 and cystatin C were also enhanced in the cortex at 12M, annexin A5 and the leukodystrophy-associated astrocyte proteins megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 and GlialCAM were distinctly elevated in the CC. Pathway analysis indicated neurodegeneration of axons, reflected by reduced expression of myelin and neurofilament proteins, was common to the CC and cortex; activation of Tgf-β1 and F2/thrombin was restricted to the CC. This study provides new insights into the proteomic changes that accompany WM loss in the CC of rTg-DI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Schrader
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Feng Xu
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Hedok Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Benjamin Barlock
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Helene Benveniste
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - William E Van Nostrand
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.
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6
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Lanciotti A, Brignone MS, Macioce P, Visentin S, Ambrosini E. Human iPSC-Derived Astrocytes: A Powerful Tool to Study Primary Astrocyte Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rare Leukodystrophies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010274. [PMID: 35008700 PMCID: PMC8745131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are very versatile cells, endowed with multitasking capacities to ensure brain homeostasis maintenance from brain development to adult life. It has become increasingly evident that astrocytes play a central role in many central nervous system pathologies, not only as regulators of defensive responses against brain insults but also as primary culprits of the disease onset and progression. This is particularly evident in some rare leukodystrophies (LDs) where white matter/myelin deterioration is due to primary astrocyte dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular defects causing these LDs may help clarify astrocyte contribution to myelin formation/maintenance and favor the identification of possible therapeutic targets for LDs and other CNS demyelinating diseases. To date, the pathogenic mechanisms of these LDs are poorly known due to the rarity of the pathological tissue and the failure of the animal models to fully recapitulate the human diseases. Thus, the development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) from patient fibroblasts and their differentiation into astrocytes is a promising approach to overcome these issues. In this review, we discuss the primary role of astrocytes in LD pathogenesis, the experimental models currently available and the advantages, future evolutions, perspectives, and limitations of hiPSC to study pathologies implying astrocyte dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lanciotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Maria Stefania Brignone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Pompeo Macioce
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Sergio Visentin
- National Center for Research and Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Drugs, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00169 Rome, Italy; (A.L.); (M.S.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-990-2037
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7
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Ain Ul Batool S, Almatrafi A, Fadhli F, Alluqmani M, Ali G, Basit S. A homozygous missense variant in the MLC1 gene underlies megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts in large kindred: Heterozygous carriers show seizure and mild motor function deterioration. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:1075-1082. [PMID: 34918859 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare type of leukodystrophy characterized by epileptic seizures, macrocephaly, and vacuolization of myelin and astrocyte. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of MLC patients shows diffuse white-matter anomalies and the occurrence of subcortical cysts. MLC features have been observed in individuals having mutations in the MLC1 or HEPACAM genes. In this study, we recruited a six generation large kindred with five affected individuals manifesting clinical features of epileptic seizures, macrocephaly, ataxia, and spasticity. In order to identify the underlying genetic cause of the clinical features, we performed whole-genome genotyping using Illumina microarray followed by detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOHs) regions. One affected individual was exome sequenced as well. Homozygosity mapping detected several LOH regions due to extensive consanguinity. An unbiased and hypothesis-free exome data analysis identified a homozygous missense variant (NM_015166.3:c.278C>T) in the exon 4 of the MLC1 gene. The variant is present in the LOH region on chromosome 22q (50 Mb) and segregates perfectly with the disorder within the family in an autosomal recessive manner. The variant is present in a highly conserved first cytoplasmic domain of the MLC1 protein (NM_015166.3:p.(Ser93Leu)). Interestingly, heterozygous individuals show seizure and mild motor function deterioration. We propose that the heterozygous variant in MLC1 might disrupt the functional interaction of MLC1 with GlialCAM resulting in mild clinical features in carriers of the variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Ain Ul Batool
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Almatrafi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatima Fadhli
- Department of Genetics, Madinah Maternity and Children Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed Alluqmani
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Taibah University Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghazanfar Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan
| | - Sulman Basit
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University Medina, Medina, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Hwang J, Park K, Lee GY, Yoon BY, Kim H, Roh SH, Lee BC, Kim K, Lim HH. Transmembrane topology and oligomeric nature of an astrocytic membrane protein, MLC1. Open Biol 2021; 11:210103. [PMID: 34847774 PMCID: PMC8633789 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MLC1 is a membrane protein mainly expressed in astrocytes, and genetic mutations lead to the development of a leukodystrophy, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts disease. Currently, the biochemical properties of the MLC1 protein are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize the transmembrane (TM) topology and oligomeric nature of the MLC1 protein. Systematic immunofluorescence staining data revealed that the MLC1 protein has eight TM domains and that both the N- and C-terminus face the cytoplasm. We found that MLC1 can be purified as an oligomer and could form a trimeric complex in both detergent micelles and reconstituted proteoliposomes. Additionally, a single-molecule photobleaching experiment showed that MLC1 protein complexes could consist of three MLC1 monomers in the reconstituted proteoliposomes. These results can provide a basis for both the high-resolution structural determination and functional characterization of the MLC1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmo Hwang
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunwoong Park
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Young Lee
- Brain Research Core Facility, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Young Yoon
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmin Kim
- School of Biological Science, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Roh
- School of Biological Science, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Cheol Lee
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea
| | - Kipom Kim
- Brain Research Core Facility, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ho Lim
- Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Republic of Korea,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, Republic of Korea
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9
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Guo Y, Lennon VA, Parisi JE, Popescu B, Vasquez C, Pittock SJ, Howe CL, Lucchinetti CF. Spectrum of sublytic astrocytopathy in neuromyelitis optica. Brain 2021; 145:1379-1390. [PMID: 34718426 PMCID: PMC9128820 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab394] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder targeting aquaporin-4 water channels in CNS astrocytes. Histopathological descriptions of astrocytic lesions reported in neuromyelitis optica so far have emphasized a characteristic loss of aquaporin-4, with deposition of IgG and complement and lysis of astrocytes, but sublytic reactions have been underappreciated. We performed a multi-modality study of 23 neuromyelitis optica autopsy cases (clinically and/or pathologically confirmed; 337 tissue blocks). By evaluating astrocytic morphology, immunohistochemistry and AQP4 RNA transcripts, and their associations with demyelinating activity, we documented a spectrum of astrocytopathy in addition to complement deposition, microglial reaction, granulocyte infiltration and regenerating activity. Within advanced demyelinating lesions, and in periplaque areas, there was remarkable hypertrophic astrogliosis, more subtle than astrocytic lysis. A degenerative component was suggested by ‘dystrophic’ morphology, cytoplasmic vacuolation, Rosenthal fibres and associated stress protein markers. The abundance of AQP4 mRNA transcripts in sublytic reactive astrocytes devoid of aquaporin-4 protein supported in vivo restoration following IgG-induced aquaporin-4 endocytosis/degradation. Astrocytic alterations extending beyond demyelinating lesions speak to astrocytopathy being an early and primary event in the evolving neuromyelitis optica lesion. Focal astrocytopathy observed without aquaporin-4 loss or lytic complement component deposition verifies that astrocytic reactions in neuromyelitis optica are not solely dependent on IgG-mediated aquaporin-4 loss or lysis by complement or by IgG-dependent leucocyte mediators. We conclude that neuromyelitis optica reflects a global astrocytopathy, initiated by binding of IgG to aquaporin-4 and not simply definable by demyelination and astrocytic lysis. The spectrum of astrocytic morphological changes in neuromyelitis optica attests to the complexity of factors influencing the range of astrocytic physiological responses to a targeted attack by aquaporin-4-specific IgG. Sublytic astrocytic reactions are no doubt an important determinant of the lesion’s evolution and potential for repair. Pharmacological manipulation of the astrocytic stress response may offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Guo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vanda A Lennon
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph E Parisi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bogdan Popescu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | | | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Charles L Howe
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Claudia F Lucchinetti
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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10
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Control of membrane protein homeostasis by a chaperone-like glial cell adhesion molecule at multiple subcellular locations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18435. [PMID: 34531445 PMCID: PMC8446001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of crosstalks among constituents of plasma membrane protein clusters/complexes in cellular proteostasis and protein quality control (PQC) remains incompletely understood. Examining the glial (enriched) cell adhesion molecule (CAM), we demonstrate its chaperone-like role in the biosynthetic processing of the megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cyst 1 (MLC1)-heteromeric regulatory membrane protein complex, as well as the function of the GlialCAM/MLC1 signalling complex. We show that in the absence of GlialCAM, newly synthesized MLC1 molecules remain unfolded and are susceptible to polyubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation at the endoplasmic reticulum. At the plasma membrane, GlialCAM regulates the diffusional partitioning and endocytic dynamics of cluster members, including the ClC-2 chloride channel and MLC1. Impaired folding and/or expression of GlialCAM or MLC1 in the presence of diseases causing mutations, as well as plasma membrane tethering compromise the functional expression of the cluster, leading to compromised endo-lysosomal organellar identity. In addition, the enlarged endo-lysosomal compartments display accelerated acidification, ubiquitinated cargo-sorting and impaired endosomal recycling. Jointly, these observations indicate an essential and previously unrecognized role for CAM, where GliaCAM functions as a PQC factor for the MLC1 signalling complex biogenesis and possess a permissive role in the membrane dynamic and cargo sorting functions with implications in modulations of receptor signalling.
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11
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Bosch A, Estévez R. Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy: Insights Into Pathophysiology and Perspectives for Therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:627887. [PMID: 33551753 PMCID: PMC7862579 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.627887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare genetic disorder belonging to the group of vacuolating leukodystrophies. It is characterized by megalencephaly, loss of motor functions, epilepsy, and mild mental decline. In brain biopsies of MLC patients, vacuoles were observed in myelin and in astrocytes surrounding blood vessels. It is mainly caused by recessive mutations in MLC1 and HEPACAM (also called GLIALCAM) genes. These disease variants are called MLC1 and MLC2A with both types of patients sharing the same clinical phenotype. Besides, dominant mutations in HEPACAM were also identified in a subtype of MLC patients (MLC2B) with a remitting phenotype. MLC1 and GlialCAM proteins form a complex mainly expressed in brain astrocytes at the gliovascular interface and in Bergmann glia at the cerebellum. Both proteins regulate several ion channels and transporters involved in the control of ion and water fluxes in glial cells, either directly influencing their location and function, or indirectly regulating associated signal transduction pathways. However, the MLC1/GLIALCAM complex function and the related pathological mechanisms leading to MLC are still unknown. It has been hypothesized that, in MLC, the role of glial cells in brain ion homeostasis is altered in both physiological and inflammatory conditions. There is no therapy for MLC patients, only supportive treatment. As MLC2B patients show an MLC reversible phenotype, we speculated that the phenotype of MLC1 and MLC2A patients could also be mitigated by the re-introduction of the correct gene even at later stages. To prove this hypothesis, we injected in the cerebellar subarachnoid space of Mlc1 knockout mice an adeno-associated virus (AAV) coding for human MLC1 under the control of the glial-fibrillary acidic protein promoter. MLC1 expression in the cerebellum extremely reduced myelin vacuolation at all ages in a dose-dependent manner. This study could be considered as the first preclinical approach for MLC. We also suggest other potential therapeutic strategies in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assumpció Bosch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Univ. Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat Mixta UAB-VHIR, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Estévez
- Departament de Ciències Fisiològiques, IDIBELL-Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Lattier JM, De A, Chen Z, Morales JE, Lang FF, Huse JT, McCarty JH. Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (MLC1) promotes glioblastoma cell invasion in the brain microenvironment. Oncogene 2020; 39:7253-7264. [PMID: 33040087 PMCID: PMC7736299 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01503-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), or grade IV astrocytoma, is a malignant brain cancer that contains subpopulations of proliferative and invasive cells that coordinately drive primary tumor growth, progression, and recurrence after therapy. Here, we have analyzed functions for megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts 1 (Mlc1), an eight-transmembrane protein normally expressed in perivascular brain astrocyte end feet that is essential for neurovascular development and physiology, in the pathogenesis of GBM. We show that Mlc1 is expressed in human stem-like GBM cells (GSCs) and is linked to the development of primary and recurrent GBM. Genetically inhibiting MLC1 in GSCs using RNAi-mediated gene silencing results in diminished growth and invasion in vitro as well as impaired tumor initiation and progression in vivo. Biochemical assays identify the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its intracellular signaling effectors as important for MLC1 control of GSC invasive growth. Collectively, these data reveal key functions for MLC1 in promoting GSC growth and invasion, and suggest that targeting the Mlc1 protein or its associated signaling effectors may be a useful therapy for blocking tumor progression in patients with primary or recurrent GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Lattier
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arpan De
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John E Morales
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Frederick F Lang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason T Huse
- Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph H McCarty
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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de Waard DM, Bugiani M. Astrocyte-Oligodendrocyte-Microglia Crosstalk in Astrocytopathies. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:608073. [PMID: 33328899 PMCID: PMC7710860 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.608073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defective astrocyte function due to a genetic mutation can have major consequences for microglia and oligodendrocyte physiology, which in turn affects the white matter integrity of the brain. This review addresses the current knowledge on shared and unique pathophysiological mechanisms of astrocytopathies, including vanishing white matter, Alexander disease, megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, and oculodentodigital dysplasia. The mechanisms of disease include protein accumulation, unbalanced secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, cytokines and chemokines by astrocytes, as well as an altered gap junctional network and a changed ionic and nutrient homeostasis. Interestingly, the extent to which astrogliosis and microgliosis are present in these astrocytopathies is highly variable. An improved understanding of astrocyte-microglia-oligodendrocyte crosstalk might ultimately lead to the identification of druggable targets for these, currently untreatable, severe conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, VU Medical center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Cohen-Salmon M, Slaoui L, Mazaré N, Gilbert A, Oudart M, Alvear-Perez R, Elorza-Vidal X, Chever O, Boulay AC. Astrocytes in the regulation of cerebrovascular functions. Glia 2020; 69:817-841. [PMID: 33058289 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most numerous type of neuroglia in the brain and have a predominant influence on the cerebrovascular system; they control perivascular homeostasis, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the dialogue with the peripheral immune system, the transfer of metabolites from the blood, and blood vessel contractility in response to neuronal activity. These regulatory processes occur in a specialized interface composed of perivascular astrocyte extensions that almost completely cover the cerebral blood vessels. Scientists have only recently started to study how this interface is formed and how it influences cerebrovascular functions. Here, we review the literature on the astrocytes' role in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system. We cover the anatomy and development of the gliovascular interface, the known gliovascular functions, and molecular factors, the latter's implication in certain pathophysiological situations, and recent cutting-edge experimental tools developed to examine the astrocytes' role at the vascular interface. Finally, we highlight some open questions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Leila Slaoui
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mazaré
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Alice Gilbert
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marc Oudart
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rodrigo Alvear-Perez
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, IRIB, Rouen, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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