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Ma Z, Zhang W, Wang C, Su Y, Yi C, Niu J. A New Acquaintance of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in the Central Nervous System. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1573-1589. [PMID: 39042298 PMCID: PMC11422404 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01261-8] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are a heterogeneous multipotent population in the central nervous system (CNS) that appear during embryogenesis and persist as resident cells in the adult brain parenchyma. OPCs could generate oligodendrocytes to participate in myelination. Recent advances have renewed our knowledge of OPC biology by discovering novel markers of oligodendroglial cells, the myelin-independent roles of OPCs, and the regulatory mechanism of OPC development. In this review, we will explore the updated knowledge on OPC identity, their multifaceted roles in the CNS in health and diseases, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that are involved in their developmental stages, which hopefully would contribute to a further understanding of OPCs and attract attention in the field of OPC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexuan Ma
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of basic medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of basic medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chenmeng Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of basic medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jianqin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of basic medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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2
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Martín-Lopez G, Mallavibarrena PR, Villa-Gonzalez M, Vidal N, Pérez-Alvarez MJ. The dynamics of oligodendrocyte populations following permanent ischemia promotes long-term spontaneous remyelination of damaged area. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167270. [PMID: 38823461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167270] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Stroke is a major public health concern, with limited clinically approved interventions available to enhance sensorimotor recovery beyond reperfusion. Remarkably, spontaneous recovery is observed in certain stroke patients, suggesting the existence of a brain self-repair mechanism not yet fully understood. In a rat model of permanent cerebral ischemia, we described an increase in oligodendrocytes expressing 3RTau in damaged area. Considering that restoration of myelin integrity ameliorates symptoms in many neurodegenerative diseases, here we hypothesize that this cellular response could trigger remyelination. Our results revealed after ischemia an early recruitment of OPCs to damaged area, followed by their differentiation into 3RTau+ pre-myelinating cells and subsequent into remyelinating oligodendrocytes. Using rat brain slices and mouse primary culture we confirmed the presence of 3RTau in pre-myelinating and a subset of mature oligodendrocytes. The myelin status analysis confirmed long-term remyelination in the damaged area. Postmortem samples from stroke subjects showed a reduction in oligodendrocytes, 3RTau+ cells, and myelin complexity in subcortical white matter. In conclusion, the dynamics of oligodendrocyte populations after ischemia reveals a spontaneous brain self-repair mechanism which restores the functionality of neuronal circuits long-term by remyelination of damaged area. This is evidenced by the improvement of sensorimotor functions in ischemic rats. A deep understanding of this mechanism could be valuable in the search for alternative oligodendrocyte-based, therapeutic interventions to reduce the effects of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Martín-Lopez
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula R Mallavibarrena
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Villa-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemi Vidal
- Departamento de Patología, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria José Pérez-Alvarez
- Departamento de Biología (Fisiología Animal), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Biología Molecular (IUBM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular UAM-CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Korte N, Barkaway A, Wells J, Freitas F, Sethi H, Andrews SP, Skidmore J, Stevens B, Attwell D. Inhibiting Ca 2+ channels in Alzheimer's disease model mice relaxes pericytes, improves cerebral blood flow and reduces immune cell stalling and hypoxia. Nat Neurosci 2024:10.1038/s41593-024-01753-w. [PMID: 39294491 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01753-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Early in Alzheimer's disease (AD), pericytes constrict capillaries, increasing their hydraulic resistance and trapping of immune cells and, thus, decreasing cerebral blood flow (CBF). Therapeutic approaches to attenuate pericyte-mediated constriction in AD are lacking. Here, using in vivo two-photon imaging with laser Doppler and speckle flowmetry and magnetic resonance imaging, we show that Ca2+ entry via L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (CaVs) controls the contractile tone of pericytes. In AD model mice, we identifed pericytes throughout the capillary bed as key drivers of an immune reactive oxygen species (ROS)-evoked and pericyte intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i)-mediated decrease in microvascular flow. Blocking CaVs with nimodipine early in disease progression improved CBF, reduced leukocyte stalling at pericyte somata and attenuated brain hypoxia. Amyloid β (Aβ)-evoked pericyte contraction in human cortical tissue was also greatly reduced by CaV block. Lowering pericyte [Ca2+]i early in AD may, thus, offer a therapeutic strategy to enhance brain energy supply and possibly cognitive function in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Korte
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Anna Barkaway
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jack Wells
- UCL Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Felipe Freitas
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Huma Sethi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Stephen P Andrews
- ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Skidmore
- ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Beth Stevens
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Stanley Center, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David Attwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
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4
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Bottero M, Pessina G, Bason C, Vigo T, Uccelli A, Ferrara G. Nerve-Glial antigen 2: unmasking the enigmatic cellular identity in the central nervous system. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1393842. [PMID: 39136008 PMCID: PMC11317297 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are fundamental components of the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system (CNS). Among these, the Nerve-Glial antigen 2 (NG2) stands out as a transmembrane CSPG exclusively expressed in a different population of cells collectively termed NG2-expressing cells. These enigmatic cells, found throughout the developing and adult CNS, have been indicated with various names, including NG2 progenitor cells, polydendrocytes, synantocytes, NG2 cells, and NG2-Glia, but are more commonly referred to as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Characterized by high proliferation rates and unique morphology, NG2-expressing cells stand apart from neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Intriguingly, some NG2-expressing cells form functional glutamatergic synapses with neurons, challenging the long-held belief that only neurons possess the intricate machinery required for neurotransmission. In the CNS, the complexity surrounding NG2-expressing cells extends to their classification. Additionally, NG2 expression has been documented in pericytes and immune cells, suggesting a role in regulating brain innate immunity and neuro-immune crosstalk in homeostasis. Ongoing debates revolve around their heterogeneity, potential as progenitors for various cell types, responses to neuroinflammation, and the role of NG2. Therefore, this review aims to shed light on the enigma of NG2-expressing cells by delving into their structure, functions, and signaling pathways. We will critically evaluate the literature on NG2 expression across the CNS, and address the contentious issues surrounding their classification and roles in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. By unraveling the intricacies of NG2-expressing cells, we hope to pave the way for a more comprehensive understanding of their contributions to CNS health and during neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bottero
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giada Pessina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Vigo
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Guo Q, Gobbo D, Zhao N, Zhang H, Awuku NO, Liu Q, Fang LP, Gampfer TM, Meyer MR, Zhao R, Bai X, Bian S, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F, Huang W. Adenosine triggers early astrocyte reactivity that provokes microglial responses and drives the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6340. [PMID: 39068155 PMCID: PMC11283516 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular pathways mediating systemic inflammation entering the brain parenchyma to induce sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) remain elusive. Here, we report that in mice during the first 6 hours of peripheral lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-evoked systemic inflammation (6 hpi), the plasma level of adenosine quickly increased and enhanced the tone of central extracellular adenosine which then provoked neuroinflammation by triggering early astrocyte reactivity. Specific ablation of astrocytic Gi protein-coupled A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs) prevented this early reactivity and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors (e.g., CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL1) in astrocytes, thereby alleviating microglial reaction, ameliorating blood-brain barrier disruption, peripheral immune cell infiltration, neuronal dysfunction, and depression-like behaviour in the mice. Chemogenetic stimulation of Gi signaling in A1AR-deficent astrocytes at 2 and 4 hpi of LPS injection could restore neuroinflammation and depression-like behaviour, highlighting astrocytes rather than microglia as early drivers of neuroinflammation. Our results identify early astrocyte reactivity towards peripheral and central levels of adenosine as an important pathway driving SAE and highlight the potential of targeting A1ARs for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Guo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Na Zhao
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hong Zhang
- Biophysics, CIPMM, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Nana-Oye Awuku
- Molecular Neurophysiology, CIPMM, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Qing Liu
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Li-Pao Fang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Tanja M Gampfer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus R Meyer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Renping Zhao
- Biophysics, CIPMM, University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Shan Bian
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
- Center for Gender-specific Biology and Medicine (CGBM), University of Saarland, 66421, Homburg, Germany.
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Melrose J. CNS/PNS proteoglycans functionalize neuronal and astrocyte niche microenvironments optimizing cellular activity by preserving membrane polarization dynamics, ionic microenvironments, ion fluxes, neuronal activation, and network neurotransductive capacity. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25361. [PMID: 39034899 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Central and peripheral nervous system (CNS/PNS) proteoglycans (PGs) have diverse functional roles, this study examined how these control cellular behavior and tissue function. The CNS/PNS extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic, responsive, highly interactive, space-filling, cell supportive, stabilizing structure maintaining tissue compartments, ionic microenvironments, and microgradients that regulate neuronal activity and maintain the neuron in an optimal ionic microenvironment. The CNS/PNS contains a high glycosaminoglycan content (60% hyaluronan, HA) and a diverse range of stabilizing PGs. Immobilization of HA in brain tissues by HA interactive hyalectan PGs preserves tissue hydration and neuronal activity, a paucity of HA in brain tissues results in a pro-convulsant epileptic phenotype. Diverse CS, KS, and HSPGs stabilize the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular unit, provide smart gel neurotransmitter neuron vesicle storage and delivery, organize the neuromuscular junction basement membrane, and provide motor neuron synaptic plasticity, and photoreceptor and neuron synaptic functions. PG-HA networks maintain ionic fluxes and microgradients and tissue compartments that contribute to membrane polarization dynamics essential to neuronal activation and neurotransduction. Hyalectans form neuroprotective perineuronal nets contributing to synaptic plasticity, memory, and cognitive learning. Sialoglycoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACRCAN), an HA binding CSPG, stabilizes the inter-photoreceptor ECM. HSPGs pikachurin and eyes shut stabilize the photoreceptor synapse aiding in phototransduction and neurotransduction with retinal bipolar neurons crucial to visual acuity. This is achieved through Laminin G motifs in pikachurin, eyes shut, and neurexins that interact with the dystroglycan-cytoskeleton-ECM-stabilizing synaptic interconnections, neuronal interactive specificity, and co-ordination of regulatory action potentials in neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Northern, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
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Wisnu Wardhana DP, Maliawan S, Bagus Mahadewa TG, Islam AA, Jawi IM, Wiradewi Lestari AA, Kamasan Nyoman Arijana IG, Rosyidi RM, Wiranata S. Effects of Moleac 901 after severe spinal cord injury on chronic phase in Wistar rats. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28522. [PMID: 38601579 PMCID: PMC11004522 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background MLC901 is a phytopharmaceutical comprising significant compounds that can induce microenvironments conducive to the proliferation and specialization of neural cell progenitors. This study investigates the impact of administering MLC901, reducing the expression of NG2 and caspase-3 and increasing IL-10 levels, as well as histopathological and motor function, after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) in the chronic phase. Methods The study employed a randomized post-test-only control group design conducted between February and April 2023 at the Integrated Biomedical Laboratory. The participants in this study were categorized into three distinct groups: normal control, negative control, and therapy. A cohort of 18 rats was utilized for the study, with each group assigned a random allocation of six rats as subjects. Results The findings demonstrated a statistically significant disparity in the average NG2 expression (-52.00 ± 20.03; p ≤ 0.05), as well as Caspase-3 expression (-94.89 ± 8.57; p ≤ 0.05), which exhibited a lower magnitude. The levels of IL-10 (8.96 ± 3.98; p ≤ 0.05) were observed to be higher, along with an elevation in BBB score (7.67 ± 0.89; p ≤ 0.05), which was more pronounced in the treatment group compared to the negative control group. The cut-off point for cavitation diameter is determined to be 114.915 μm, exhibiting a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The area under curve (AUC) value is 1.0. The administration of MLC901 demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the increase in IL-10 levels (B 8.968; p ≤ 0.05), as well as a substantial negative correlation with the decrease in Caspase-3 expression (B -52.000; p ≤ 0.05) and NG2 expression (B -94.892; p ≤ 0.05). The administration of MLC901 via the upregulation of NG2 and Caspase-3 significantly increased the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores. Conclusions MLC901 positively affects motor and histopathological outcomes in the chronic phase of severe SCI in the Wistar rat model. These benefits are believed to be achieved by suppressing gliosis, neuroapoptosis, and neuroinflammation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dewa Putu Wisnu Wardhana
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Udayana University Hospital, 80361, Badung, Indonesia
| | - Sri Maliawan
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Dr. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, 80113, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Tjokorda Gde Bagus Mahadewa
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Dr. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, 80113, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Andi Asadul Islam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, 90245, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - I Made Jawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, 80232, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | - Anak Agung Wiradewi Lestari
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Dr. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital, 80113, Denpasar, Indonesia
| | | | - Rohadi Muhammad Rosyidi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty of Mataram University, West Nusa Tenggara General Hospital, 84371, Mataram, Indonesia
| | - Sinta Wiranata
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, 80232, Denpasar, Indonesia
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Nespoli E, Hakani M, Hein TM, May SN, Danzer K, Wirth T, Baumann B, Dimou L. Glial cells react to closed head injury in a distinct and spatiotemporally orchestrated manner. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2441. [PMID: 38286816 PMCID: PMC10825139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Acute neuroinflammation is a prominent reaction after TBI and is mostly initiated by brain-resident glial cells such as microglia, NG2-glia and astrocytes. The magnitude of this reaction paves the way for long-lasting consequences such as chronic neurological pathologies, for which therapeutic options remain limited. The neuroinflammatory response to TBI is mostly studied with craniotomy-based animal models that are very robust but also rather artificial. Here, we aimed to analyze the reaction of glial cells in a highly translational but variable closed head injury (CHI) model and were able to correlate the severity of the trauma to the degree of glial response. Furthermore, we could show that the different glial cell types react in a temporally and spatially orchestrated manner in terms of morphological changes, proliferation, and cell numbers in the first 15 days after the lesion. Interestingly, NG2-glia, the only proliferating cells in the healthy brain parenchyma, divided at a rate that was correlated with the size of the injury. Our findings describe the previously uncharacterized posttraumatic response of the major brain glial cell types in CHI in order to gain a detailed understanding of the course of neuroinflammatory events; such knowledge may open novel avenues for future therapeutic approaches in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Nespoli
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marsela Hakani
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Karin Danzer
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DNZE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Baumann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Leda Dimou
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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Zhao Q, Ren YL, Zhu YJ, Huang RQ, Zhu RR, Cheng LM, Xie N. The origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1276506. [PMID: 38188669 PMCID: PMC10766709 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1276506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Accaumulating studies focus on the effects of C3-positive A1-like phenotypes and S100A10-positive A2-like phenotypes of reactive astrocytes on spinal cord injury (SCI), however the origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI remain poorly understood. Through transgenic mice and lineage tracing, we aimed to determine the origins of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes. Meanwhile, the distribution and dynamic changes in C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were also detected in juvenile and adult SCI mice models and cultured astrocytes. Combing with bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis, we further explored the dynamic transcripts changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI. We confirmed that resident astrocytes produced both C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes, whereas ependymal cells regenerated only S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes in lesion area. Importantly, C3-positive reactive astrocytes were predominantly activated in adult SCI mice, while S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were hyperactivated in juvenile mice. Furthermore, we observed that C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes had a dynamic transformation process at different time in vitro and vivo, and a majority of intermediate states of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were found during transformation. RNA-seq and scRNA-seq results further confirmed that the transcripts of C3-positive reactive astrocytes and their lipid toxicity were gradually increased with time and age. In contrast, S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes transcripts increased at early time and then gradually decreased after SCI. Our results provide insight into the origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI, which would be valuable resources to further target C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-long Ren
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-qi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-rong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-ming Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Distéfano-Gagné F, Bitarafan S, Lacroix S, Gosselin D. Roles and regulation of microglia activity in multiple sclerosis: insights from animal models. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023:10.1038/s41583-023-00709-6. [PMID: 37268822 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00709-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As resident macrophages of the CNS, microglia are critical immune effectors of inflammatory lesions and associated neural dysfunctions. In multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal models, chronic microglial inflammatory activity damages myelin and disrupts axonal and synaptic activity. In contrast to these detrimental effects, the potent phagocytic and tissue-remodelling capabilities of microglia support critical endogenous repair mechanisms. Although these opposing capabilities have long been appreciated, a precise understanding of their underlying molecular effectors is only beginning to emerge. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the roles of microglia in animal models of MS and demyelinating lesions and the mechanisms that underlie their damaging and repairing activities. We also discuss how the structured organization and regulation of the genome enables complex transcriptional heterogeneity within the microglial cell population at demyelinating lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Distéfano-Gagné
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire de la Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Sara Bitarafan
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire de la Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Steve Lacroix
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire de la Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - David Gosselin
- Axe Neuroscience, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire de la Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.
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11
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Bai X, Zhao N, Koupourtidou C, Fang LP, Schwarz V, Caudal LC, Zhao R, Hirrlinger J, Walz W, Bian S, Huang W, Ninkovic J, Kirchhoff F, Scheller A. In the mouse cortex, oligodendrocytes regain a plastic capacity, transforming into astrocytes after acute injury. Dev Cell 2023:S1534-5807(23)00192-2. [PMID: 37220747 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute brain injuries evoke various response cascades directing the formation of the glial scar. Here, we report that acute lesions associated with hemorrhagic injuries trigger a re-programming of oligodendrocytes. Single-cell RNA sequencing highlighted a subpopulation of oligodendrocytes activating astroglial genes after acute brain injuries. By using PLP-DsRed1/GFAP-EGFP and PLP-EGFPmem/GFAP-mRFP1 transgenic mice, we visualized this population of oligodendrocytes that we termed AO cells based on their concomitant activity of astro- and oligodendroglial genes. By fate mapping using PLP- and GFAP-split Cre complementation and repeated chronic in vivo imaging with two-photon laser-scanning microscopy, we observed the conversion of oligodendrocytes into astrocytes via the AO cell stage. Such conversion was promoted by local injection of IL-6 and was diminished by IL-6 receptor-neutralizing antibody as well as by inhibiting microglial activation with minocycline. In summary, our findings highlight the plastic potential of oligodendrocytes in acute brain trauma due to microglia-derived IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Na Zhao
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764 Neuherberg-Munich, Germany
| | - Li-Pao Fang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Schwarz
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764 Neuherberg-Munich, Germany
| | - Laura C Caudal
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Renping Zhao
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Walz
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Shan Bian
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, 85764 Neuherberg-Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany; Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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12
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Dean T, Ghaemmaghami J, Corso J, Gallo V. The cortical NG2-glia response to traumatic brain injury. Glia 2023; 71:1164-1175. [PMID: 36692058 PMCID: PMC10404390 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. A chronic neurologic disease bearing the moniker of "the silent epidemic," TBI currently has no targeted therapies to ameliorate cellular loss or enhance functional recovery. Compared with those of astrocytes, microglia, and peripheral immune cells, the functions and mechanisms of NG2-glia following TBI are far less understood, despite NG2-glia comprising the largest population of regenerative cells in the mature cortex. Here, we synthesize the results from multiple rodent models of TBI, with a focus on cortical NG2-glia proliferation and lineage potential, and propose future avenues for glia researchers to address this unique cell type in TBI. As the molecular mechanisms that regulate NG2-glia regenerative potential are uncovered, we posit that future therapeutic strategies may exploit cortical NG2-glia to augment local cellular recovery following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Dean
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Javid Ghaemmaghami
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John Corso
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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13
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Schlett JS, Mettang M, Skaf A, Schweizer P, Errerd A, Mulugeta EA, Hein TM, Tsesmelis K, Tsesmelis M, Büttner UFG, Wendt H, Abaei A, Rasche V, Prex V, Nespoli E, Alami NO, Tews D, Walther P, Yilmazer-Hanke D, Oswald F, Dimou L, Wirth T, Baumann B. NF-κB is a critical mediator of post-mitotic senescence in oligodendrocytes and subsequent white matter loss. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:24. [PMID: 37069623 PMCID: PMC10108549 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammaging represents an accepted concept where the immune system shifts to a low-grade chronic pro-inflammatory state without overt infection upon aging. In the CNS, inflammaging is mainly driven by glia cells and associated with neurodegenerative processes. White matter degeneration (WMD), a well-known process in the aging brain, manifests in myelin loss finally resulting in motor, sensory and cognitive impairments. Oligodendrocytes (OL) are responsible for homeostasis and maintenance of the myelin sheaths, which is a complex and highly energy demanding process sensitizing these cells to metabolic, oxidative and other forms of stress. Yet, the immediate impact of chronic inflammatory stress like inflammaging on OL homeostasis, myelin maintenance and WMD remains open. METHODS To functionally analyze the role of IKK/NF-κB signaling in the regulation of myelin homeostasis and maintenance in the adult CNS, we established a conditional mouse model allowing NF-κB activation in mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. IKK2-CAPLP-CreERT2 mice were characterized by biochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and behavioral analyses. Transcriptome data from isolated, primary OLs and microglia cells were explored by in silico pathway analysis and validated by complementary molecular approaches. RESULTS Chronic NF-κB activation in mature OLs leads to aggravated neuroinflammatory conditions phenocopying brain inflammaging. As a consequence, IKK2-CAPLP-CreERT2 mice showed specific neurological deficits and impaired motoric learning. Upon aging, persistent NF-κB signaling promotes WMD in these mice as ultrastructural analysis revealed myelination deficits in the corpus callosum accompanied by impaired myelin protein expression. RNA-Seq analysis of primary oligodendrocytes and microglia cells uncovers gene expression signatures associated with activated stress responses and increased post mitotic cellular senescence (PoMiCS) which was confirmed by elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and SASP gene expression profile. We identified an elevated integrated stress response (ISR) characterized by phosphorylation of eIF2α as a relevant molecular mechanism which is able to affect translation of myelin proteins. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate an essential role of IKK/NF-κB signaling in mature, post-mitotic OLs in regulating stress-induced senescence in these cells. Moreover, our study identifies PoMICS as an important driving force of age-dependent WMD as well as of traumatic brain injury induced myelin defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Stefanie Schlett
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Melanie Mettang
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Aladdin Skaf
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pavel Schweizer
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alina Errerd
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Tabea Melissa Hein
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Tsesmelis
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Miltiadis Tsesmelis
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ulrike F G Büttner
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Heinrich Wendt
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alireza Abaei
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging (CF-SANI), Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging (CF-SANI), Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vivien Prex
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ester Nespoli
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Najwa Ouali Alami
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Tews
- Core Facility Extracellular Flux Analyzer, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Paul Walther
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Deniz Yilmazer-Hanke
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Ulm University, Helmholtzstraße 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Franz Oswald
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Leda Dimou
- Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Baumann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Ulm University, Albert- Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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14
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Liu YJ, Ding Y, Yin YQ, Xiao H, Hu G, Zhou JW. Cspg4high microglia contribute to microgliosis during neurodegeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2210643120. [PMID: 36795751 PMCID: PMC9974490 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210643120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia play a critical role in the pathogenic process of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Upon pathological stimulation, microglia are converted from a surveillant to an overactivated phenotype. However, the molecular characters of proliferating microglia and their contributions to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration remain unclear. Here, we identify chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (Cspg4, also known as neural/glial antigen 2)-expressing microglia as a specific subset of microglia with proliferative capability during neurodegeneration. We found that the percentage of Cspg4+ microglia was increased in mouse models of PD. The transcriptomic analysis of Cspg4+ microglia revealed that the subcluster Cspg4high microglia displayed a unique transcriptomic signature, which was characterized by the enrichment of orthologous cell cycle genes and a lower expression of genes responsible for neuroinflammation and phagocytosis. Their gene signatures were also distinct from that of known disease-associated microglia. The proliferation of quiescent Cspg4high microglia was evoked by pathological α-synuclein. Following the transplantation in the adult brain with the depletion of endogenous microglia, Cspg4high microglia grafts showed higher survival rates than their Cspg4- counterparts. Consistently, Cspg4high microglia were detected in the brain of AD patients and displayed the expansion in animal models of AD. These findings suggest that Cspg4high microglia are one of the origins of microgliosis during neurodegeneration and may open up a avenue for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-jing Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Yan-qing Yin
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing210023, China
| | - Jia-wei Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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15
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Fang LP, Liu Q, Meyer E, Welle A, Huang W, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F, Bai X. A subset of OPCs do not express Olig2 during development which can be increased in the adult by brain injuries and complex motor learning. Glia 2023; 71:415-430. [PMID: 36308278 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24284] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are uniformly distributed in the mammalian brain; however, their function is rather heterogeneous in respect to their origin, location, receptor/channel expression and age. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Olig2 is expressed in all OPCs as a pivotal determinant of their differentiation. Here, we identified a subset (2%-26%) of OPCs lacking Olig2 in various brain regions including cortex, corpus callosum, CA1 and dentate gyrus. These Olig2 negative (Olig2neg ) OPCs were enriched in the juvenile brain and decreased subsequently with age, being rarely detectable in the adult brain. However, the loss of this population was not due to apoptosis or microglia-dependent phagocytosis. Unlike Olig2pos OPCs, these subset cells were rarely labeled for the mitotic marker Ki67. And, accordingly, BrdU was incorporated only by a three-day long-term labeling but not by a 2-hour short pulse, suggesting these cells do not proliferate any more but were derived from proliferating OPCs. The Olig2neg OPCs exhibited a less complex morphology than Olig2pos ones. Olig2neg OPCs preferentially remain in a precursor stage rather than differentiating into highly branched oligodendrocytes. Changing the adjacent brain environment, for example, by acute injuries or by complex motor learning tasks, stimulated the transition of Olig2pos OPCs to Olig2neg cells in the adult. Taken together, our results demonstrate that OPCs transiently suppress Olig2 upon changes of the brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Pao Fang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Qing Liu
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Erika Meyer
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Brain Ischemia and Neuroprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Anna Welle
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany.,Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova
| | - Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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16
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Scheller A, Meyer E. Pathology-induced NG2 proteoglycan expression in microglia. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:801-802. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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17
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Juvenile social isolation affects the structure of the tanycyte-vascular interface in the hypophyseal portal system of the adult mice. Neurochem Int 2023; 162:105439. [PMID: 36356785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105439] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that social stress in the juvenile period affects hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in adulthood. The biological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate them by comparing adult mice that had experienced social isolation from postnatal day 21-35 (juvenile social isolation (JSI) group) with those reared normally (control group). JSI group mice showed an attenuated HPA response to acute swim stress, while the control group had a normal response to this stress. Activity levels of the paraventricular nucleus in both groups were comparable, as shown by c-Fos immunoreactivities and mRNA expression of c-Fos, Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), Glucocorticoid receptor, and Mineralocorticoid receptor. We found greater vascular coverage by tanycytic endfeet in the median eminence of the JSI group mice than in that of the control group mice under basal condition and after acute swim stress. Moreover, CRF content after acute swim stress was greater in the median eminence of the JSI group mice than in that of the control group mice. The attenuated HPA response to acute swim stress was specific to JSI group mice, but not to control group mice. Although a direct link awaits further experiments, tanycyte morphological changes in the median eminence could be related to the HPA response.
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18
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Meyer E, Rieder P, Gobbo D, Candido G, Scheller A, de Oliveira RMW, Kirchhoff F. Cannabidiol Exerts a Neuroprotective and Glia-Balancing Effect in the Subacute Phase of Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12886. [PMID: 36361675 PMCID: PMC9659180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological agents limiting secondary tissue loss and improving functional outcomes after stroke are still limited. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has been proposed as a neuroprotective agent against experimental cerebral ischemia. The effects of CBD mostly relate to the modulation of neuroinflammation, including glial activation. To investigate the effects of CBD on glial cells after focal ischemia in vivo, we performed time-lapse imaging of microglia and astroglial Ca2+ signaling in the somatosensory cortex in the subacute phase of stroke by in vivo two-photon laser-scanning microscopy using transgenic mice with microglial EGFP expression and astrocyte-specific expression of the genetically encoded Ca2+ sensor GCaMP3. CBD (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) prevented ischemia-induced neurological impairment, reducing the neurological deficit score from 2.0 ± 1.2 to 0.8 ± 0.8, and protected against neurodegeneration, as shown by the reduction (more than 70%) in Fluoro-Jade C staining (18.8 ± 7.5 to 5.3 ± 0.3). CBD reduced ischemia-induced microglial activation assessed by changes in soma area and total branch length, and exerted a balancing effect on astroglial Ca2+ signals. Our findings indicate that the neuroprotective effects of CBD may occur in the subacute phase of ischemia, and reinforce its strong anti-inflammatory property. Nevertheless, its mechanism of action on glial cells still requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Meyer
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Brain Ischemia and Neuroprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Phillip Rieder
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Gabriella Candido
- Laboratory of Brain Ischemia and Neuroprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Rúbia Maria Weffort de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Brain Ischemia and Neuroprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020900, Brazil
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
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19
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Zhang Z, Li X, Zhou H, Zhou J. NG2-glia crosstalk with microglia in health and disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1663-1674. [PMID: 36000202 PMCID: PMC9532922 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly becoming a global problem. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases are not fully understood. NG2‐glia abnormalities and microglia activation are involved in the development and/or progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the present understanding of the interaction between NG2‐glia and microglia in physiological and pathological states and discuss unsolved questions concerning their fate and potential fate. First, we introduce the NG2‐glia and microglia in health and disease. Second, we formulate the interaction between NG2‐glia and microglia. NG2‐glia proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis are influenced by factors released from the microglia. On the other hand, NG2‐glia also regulate microglia actions. We conclude that NG2‐glia and microglia are important immunomodulatory cells in the brain. Understanding the interaction between NG2‐glia and microglia will help provide a novel method to modulate myelination and treat neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Zhang
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiyin Zhou
- National Drug Clinical Trial Institution, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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A Focal Impact Model of Traumatic Brain Injury in Xenopus Tadpoles Reveals Behavioral Alterations, Neuroinflammation, and an Astroglial Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147578. [PMID: 35886924 PMCID: PMC9323330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a global driver of disability, and we currently lack effective therapies to promote neural repair and recovery. TBI is characterized by an initial insult, followed by a secondary injury cascade, including inflammation, excitotoxicity, and glial cellular response. This cascade incorporates molecular mechanisms that represent potential targets of therapeutic intervention. In this study, we investigate the response to focal impact injury to the optic tectum of Xenopus laevis tadpoles. This injury disrupts the blood-brain barrier, causing edema, and produces deficits in visually-driven behaviors which are resolved within one week. Within 3 h, injured brains show a dramatic transcriptional activation of inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of genes associated with inflammation, and recruitment of microglia to the injury site and surrounding tissue. Shortly afterward, astrocytes undergo morphological alterations and accumulate near the injury site, and these changes persist for at least 48 h following injury. Genes associated with astrocyte reactivity and neuroprotective functions also show elevated levels of expression following injury. Since our results demonstrate that the response to focal impact injury in Xenopus resembles the cellular alterations observed in rodents and other mammalian models, the Xenopus tadpole offers a new, scalable vertebrate model for TBI.
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Zhang H, Wu Z, Hu D, Yan M, Sun J, Lai J, Bai L. Immunotherapeutic Targeting of NG2/CSPG4 in Solid Organ Cancers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071023. [PMID: 35891187 PMCID: PMC9321363 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-glia antigen 2/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (NG2/CSPG4, also called MCSP, HMW-MAA, MSK16, MCSPG, MEL-CSPG, or gp240) is a large cell-surface antigen and an unusual cell membrane integral glycoprotein frequently expressed on undifferentiated precursor cells in multiple solid organ cancers, including cancers of the liver, pancreas, lungs, and kidneys. It is a valuable molecule involved in cancer cell adhesion, invasion, spreading, angiogenesis, complement inhibition, and signaling. Although the biological significance underlying NG2/CSPG4 proteoglycan involvement in cancer progression needs to be better defined, based on the current evidence, NG2/CSPG4+ cells, such as pericytes (PCs, NG2+/CD146+/PDGFR-β+) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), are closely associated with the liver malignancy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic malignancy, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as poor prognoses. Importantly, with a unique method, we successfully purified NG2/CSPG4-expressing cells from human HCC and PDAC vasculature tissue blocks (by core needle biopsy). The cells appeared to be spheres that stably expanded in cultures. As such, these cells have the potential to be used as sources of target antigens. Herein, we provide new information on the possibilities of frequently selecting NG2/CSPG4 as a solid organ cancer biomarker or exploiting expressing cells such as CSCs, or the PG/chondroitin sulfate chain of NG2/CSPG4 on the cell membrane as specific antigens for the development of antibody- and vaccine-based immunotherapeutic approaches to treat these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Deyu Hu
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Min Yan
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiejuan Lai
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Lianhua Bai
- Hepatobiliary Institute, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (H.Z.); (Z.W.); (D.H.); (M.Y.); (J.S.); (J.L.)
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-23-68765709; Fax: +86-2365462170
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Qin X, Wang J, Chen S, Liu G, Wu C, Lv Q, He X, Bai X, Huang W, Liao H. Astrocytic p75 NTR expression provoked by ischemic stroke exacerbates the blood-brain barrier disruption. Glia 2022; 70:892-912. [PMID: 35064700 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in the pathology of ischemic stroke. p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR ) contributes to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier in retinal ischemia. However, whether p75NTR influences the BBB permeability after acute cerebral ischemia remains unknown. The present study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of p75NTR on BBB integrity in an ischemic stroke mouse model, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 24 h of MCAO, astrocytes and endothelial cells in the infarct-affected brain area up-regulated p75NTR . Genetic p75NTR knockdown (p75NTR+/- ) or pharmacological inhibition of p75NTR using LM11A-31, a selective inhibitor of p75NTR , both attenuated brain damage and BBB leakage in MCAO mice. Astrocyte-specific conditional knockdown of p75NTR mediated with an adeno-associated virus significantly ameliorated BBB disruption and brain tissue damage, as well as the neurological functions after stroke. Further molecular biological examinations indicated that astrocytic p75NTR activated NF-κB and HIF-1α signals, which upregulated the expression of MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), subsequently leading to tight junction degradation after ischemia. As a result, increased leukocyte infiltration and microglia activation exacerbated brain injury after stroke. Overall, our results provide novel insight into the role of astrocytic p75NTR in BBB disruption after acute cerebral ischemia. The p75NTR may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Qin
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shujian Chen
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang Liu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaoran Wu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qunyu Lv
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinran He
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianshu Bai
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hong Liao
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Grycz K, Głowacka A, Ji B, Krzywdzińska K, Charzyńska A, Czarkowska-Bauch J, Gajewska-Woźniak O, Skup M. Regulation of perineuronal net components in the synaptic bouton vicinity on lumbar α-motoneurons in the rat after spinalization and locomotor training: New insights from spatio-temporal changes in gene, protein expression and WFA labeling. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Rieder P, Gobbo D, Stopper G, Welle A, Damo E, Kirchhoff F, Scheller A. Astrocytes and Microglia Exhibit Cell-Specific Ca2+ Signaling Dynamics in the Murine Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:840948. [PMID: 35431801 PMCID: PMC9006623 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.840948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord is the main pathway connecting brain and peripheral nervous system. Its functionality relies on the orchestrated activity of both neurons and glial cells. To date, most advancement in understanding the spinal cord inner mechanisms has been made either by in vivo exposure of its dorsal surface through laminectomy or by acute ex vivo slice preparation, likely affecting spinal cord physiology in virtue of the necessary extensive manipulation of the spinal cord tissue. This is especially true of cells immediately responding to alterations of the surrounding environment, such as microglia and astrocytes, reacting within seconds or minutes and for up to several days after the original insult. Ca2+ signaling is considered one of the most immediate, versatile, and yet elusive cellular responses of glia. Here, we induced the cell-specific expression of the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP3 to evaluate spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes and microglia. Ca2+ signals were then characterized in acute ex vivo (both gray and white matter) as well as in chronic in vivo (white matter) preparations using MSparkles, a MATLAB-based software for automatic detection and analysis of fluorescence events. As a result, we were able to segregate distinct astroglial and microglial Ca2+ signaling patterns along with method-specific Ca2+ signaling alterations, which must be taken into consideration in the reliable evaluation of any result obtained in physiological as well as pathological conditions. Our study revealed a high degree of Ca2+ signaling diversity in glial cells of the murine spinal cord, thus adding to the current knowledge of the astonishing glial heterogeneity and cell-specific Ca2+ dynamics in non-neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Rieder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gebhard Stopper
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anna Welle
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Elisa Damo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anja Scheller,
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An Automated Approach to Improve the Quantification of Pericytes and Microglia in Whole Mouse Brain Sections. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0177-21.2021. [PMID: 34642225 PMCID: PMC8570687 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0177-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole slide scanning technology has enabled the generation of high-resolution images from complete tissue sections. However, commonly used analysis software is often unable to handle the large data files produced. Here, we present a method using the open-source software QuPath to detect, classify and quantify fluorescently-labeled cells (microglia and pericytes) in whole coronal brain tissue sections. Whole-brain sections from both male and female NG2DsRed x CX3CR1+/GFP mice were analyzed. Small regions of interest were selected and manual counts were compared with counts generated from an automated approach, across a range of detection parameters. The optimal parameters for detecting cells and classifying them as microglia or pericytes in each brain region were determined and applied to annotations corresponding to the entire somatosensory and motor cortices, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus in each section. 3.74% of all detected cells were classified as pericytes; however, this proportion was significantly higher in the thalamus (6.20%) than in other regions. In contrast, microglia (4.51% of total cells) were more abundant in the cortex (5.54%). No differences were detected between male and female mice. In conclusion, QuPath offers a user-friendly solution to whole-slide image analysis which could lead to important new discoveries in both health and disease.
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Poulen G, Aloy E, Bringuier CM, Mestre-Francés N, Artus EV, Cardoso M, Perez JC, Goze-Bac C, Boukhaddaoui H, Lonjon N, Gerber YN, Perrin FE. Inhibiting microglia proliferation after spinal cord injury improves recovery in mice and nonhuman primates. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8640-8659. [PMID: 34522204 PMCID: PMC8419033 DOI: 10.7150/thno.61833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No curative treatment is available for any deficits induced by spinal cord injury (SCI). Following injury, microglia undergo highly diverse activation processes, including proliferation, and play a critical role on functional recovery. In a translational objective, we investigated whether a transient pharmacological reduction of microglia proliferation after injury is beneficial for functional recovery after SCI in mice and nonhuman primates. Methods: The colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) regulates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of microglia. We orally administrated GW2580, a CSF1R inhibitor that inhibits microglia proliferation. In mice and nonhuman primates, we then analyzed treatment outcomes on locomotor function and spinal cord pathology. Finally, we used cell-specific transcriptomic analysis to uncover GW2580-induced molecular changes in microglia. Results: First, transient post-injury GW2580 administration in mice improves motor function recovery, promotes tissue preservation and/or reorganization (identified by coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering microscopy), and modulates glial reactivity. Second, post-injury GW2580-treatment in nonhuman primates reduces microglia proliferation, improves motor function recovery, and promotes tissue protection. Finally, GW2580-treatment in mice induced down-regulation of proliferation-associated transcripts and inflammatory associated genes in microglia that may account for reduced neuroinflammation and improved functional recovery following SCI. Conclusion: Thus, a transient oral GW2580 treatment post-injury may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI patients and may also be extended to other central nervous system disorders displaying microglia activation.
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27
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Qiu YM, Zhang CL, Chen AQ, Wang HL, Zhou YF, Li YN, Hu B. Immune Cells in the BBB Disruption After Acute Ischemic Stroke: Targets for Immune Therapy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:678744. [PMID: 34248961 PMCID: PMC8260997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) disruption is an important pathophysiological process of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), resulting in devastating malignant brain edema and hemorrhagic transformation. The rapid activation of immune cells plays a critical role in BBB disruption after ischemic stroke. Infiltrating blood-borne immune cells (neutrophils, monocytes, and T lymphocytes) increase BBB permeability, as they cause microvascular disorder and secrete inflammation-associated molecules. In contrast, they promote BBB repair and angiogenesis in the latter phase of ischemic stroke. The profound immunological effects of cerebral immune cells (microglia, astrocytes, and pericytes) on BBB disruption have been underestimated in ischemic stroke. Post-stroke microglia and astrocytes can adopt both an M1/A1 or M2/A2 phenotype, which influence BBB integrity differently. However, whether pericytes acquire microglia phenotype and exert immunological effects on the BBB remains controversial. Thus, better understanding the inflammatory mechanism underlying BBB disruption can lead to the identification of more promising biological targets to develop treatments that minimize the onset of life-threatening complications and to improve existing treatments in patients. However, early attempts to inhibit the infiltration of circulating immune cells into the brain by blocking adhesion molecules, that were successful in experimental stroke failed in clinical trials. Therefore, new immunoregulatory therapeutic strategies for acute ischemic stroke are desperately warranted. Herein, we highlight the role of circulating and cerebral immune cells in BBB disruption and the crosstalk between them following acute ischemic stroke. Using a robust theoretical background, we discuss potential and effective immunotherapeutic targets to regulate BBB permeability after acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ya-nan Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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28
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Welle A, Kasakow CV, Jungmann AM, Gobbo D, Stopper L, Nordström K, Salhab A, Gasparoni G, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F, Walter J. Epigenetic control of region-specific transcriptional programs in mouse cerebellar and cortical astrocytes. Glia 2021; 69:2160-2177. [PMID: 34028094 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes from the cerebral cortex (CTX) and cerebellum (CB) share basic molecular programs, but also form distinct spatial and functional subtypes. The regulatory epigenetic layers controlling such regional diversity have not been comprehensively investigated so far. Here, we present an integrated epigenome analysis of methylomes, open chromatin, and transcriptomes of astroglia populations isolated from the cortex or cerebellum of young adult mice. Besides a basic overall similarity in their epigenomic programs, cortical astrocytes and cerebellar astrocytes exhibit substantial differences in their overall open chromatin structure and in gene-specific DNA methylation. Regional epigenetic differences are linked to differences in transcriptional programs encompassing genes of region-specific transcription factor networks centered around Lhx2/Foxg1 in CTX astrocytes and the Zic/Irx families in CB astrocytes. The distinct epigenetic signatures around these transcription factor networks point to a complex interconnected and combinatorial regulation of region-specific transcriptomes. These findings suggest that key transcription factors, previously linked to temporal, regional, and spatial control of neurogenesis, also form combinatorial networks important for astrocytes. Our study provides a valuable resource for the molecular basis of regional astrocyte identity and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Welle
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carmen V Kasakow
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Annemarie M Jungmann
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Laura Stopper
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Karl Nordström
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Abdulrahman Salhab
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Gilles Gasparoni
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics and EpiGenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
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Hughes AN. Glial Cells Promote Myelin Formation and Elimination. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661486. [PMID: 34046407 PMCID: PMC8144722 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Building a functional nervous system requires the coordinated actions of many glial cells. In the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes myelinate neuronal axons to increase conduction velocity and provide trophic support. Myelination can be modified by local signaling at the axon-myelin interface, potentially adapting sheaths to support the metabolic needs and physiology of individual neurons. However, neurons and oligodendrocytes are not wholly responsible for crafting the myelination patterns seen in vivo. Other cell types of the CNS, including microglia and astrocytes, modify myelination. In this review, I cover the contributions of non-neuronal, non-oligodendroglial cells to the formation, maintenance, and pruning of myelin sheaths. I address ways that these cell types interact with the oligodendrocyte lineage throughout development to modify myelination. Additionally, I discuss mechanisms by which these cells may indirectly tune myelination by regulating neuronal activity. Understanding how glial-glial interactions regulate myelination is essential for understanding how the brain functions as a whole and for developing strategies to repair myelin in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria N. Hughes
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Aurora, CO, United States
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Ross JM, Kim C, Allen D, Crouch EE, Narsinh K, Cooke DL, Abla AA, Nowakowski TJ, Winkler EA. The Expanding Cell Diversity of the Brain Vasculature. Front Physiol 2020; 11:600767. [PMID: 33343397 PMCID: PMC7744630 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.600767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebrovasculature is essential to brain health and is tasked with ensuring adequate delivery of oxygen and metabolic precursors to ensure normal neurologic function. This is coordinated through a dynamic, multi-directional cellular interplay between vascular, neuronal, and glial cells. Molecular exchanges across the blood-brain barrier or the close matching of regional blood flow with brain activation are not uniformly assigned to arteries, capillaries, and veins. Evidence has supported functional segmentation of the brain vasculature. This is achieved in part through morphologic or transcriptional heterogeneity of brain vascular cells-including endothelium, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle. Advances with single cell genomic technologies have shown increasing cell complexity of the brain vasculature identifying previously unknown cell types and further subclassifying transcriptional diversity in cardinal vascular cell types. Cell-type specific molecular transitions or zonations have been identified. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence for the expanding vascular cell diversity in the brain and how this may provide a cellular basis for functional segmentation along the arterial-venous axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayden M. Ross
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Chang Kim
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Denise Allen
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Crouch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kazim Narsinh
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel L. Cooke
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adib A. Abla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tomasz J. Nowakowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ethan A. Winkler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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