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Botella Lucena P, Heneka MT. Inflammatory aspects of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 148:31. [PMID: 39196440 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02790-2] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer´s disease (AD) stands out as the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder. AD is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss, with neurodegeneration as its primary pathological feature. The role of neuroinflammation in the disease course has become a focus of intense research. While microglia, the brain's resident macrophages, have been pivotal to study central immune inflammation, recent evidence underscores the contributions of other cellular entities to the neuroinflammatory process. In this article, we review the inflammatory role of microglia and astrocytes, focusing on their interactions with AD's core pathologies, amyloid beta deposition, and tau tangle formation. Additionally, we also discuss how different modes of regulated cell death in AD may impact the chronic neuroinflammatory environment. This review aims to highlight the evolving landscape of neuroinflammatory research in AD and underscores the importance of considering multiple cellular contributors when developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Botella Lucena
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4367, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, Belvaux, L-4367, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Zhang B, Zhao J, Yan C, Bai Y, Guo P, Wang C, Wang Z, Du G, Liu A. Combination of RNA-seq and proteomics reveals the mechanism of DL0410 treatment in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116940. [PMID: 38925020 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116940] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of a systematic understanding of the specific mechanism of action of DL0410 in AD treatment. In this study, the combination of RNA-seq and proteomics was firstly employed to uncover the mechanism of action of DL0410 in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. The results of behavioral tests showed that oral administration of DL0410 for 8 weeks improved memory and cognition of APP/PS1 mice. DL0410 significantly reduced β-amyloid deposition and resulted in significant upregulation of synaptophysin, PSD95 and NMDAR/ CaMKⅡ signaling pathway in the hippocampus and cortex, indicating that DL0410 improved synaptic plasticity in APP/PS1 mice, which agrees with the results of RNA-seq and proteomics. Furthermore, the enrichment results of differentially expressed genes identified by RNA-seq and proteomics demonstrate the potential protective effects of DL0410 against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. As expected, DL0410 dose-dependently ameliorated oxidative damage and markedly increased the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, SOD1 and SOD2. Mitochondrial high-resolution respirometry results revealed that mitochondrial respiratory function was significantly improved in APP/PS1 mice administered with DL0410. In addition, DL0410 treatment reduced oxidative damage, strengthened antioxidant system and improved mitochondrial function in Aβ-induced HT22 cells. Altogether, our findings suggest the potential of DL0410 as a novel candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Caiqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yiming Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ailin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 10050, China; Beijing Key Lab of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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Sepulveda J, Kim JY, Binder J, Vicini S, Rebeck GW. APOE4 genotype and aging impair injury-induced microglial behavior in brain slices, including toward Aβ, through P2RY12. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:24. [PMID: 38468308 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00714-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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are highly dynamic cells that play a critical role in tissue homeostasis through the surveillance of brain parenchyma and response to cues associated with damage. Aging and APOE4 genotype are the strongest risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but how they affect microglial dynamics remains unclear. Using ex vivo confocal microscopy, we analyzed microglial dynamic behaviors in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus CA1 of 6-, 12-, and 21-month-old mice APOE3 or APOE4 knock-in mice expressing GFP under the CX3CR1 promoter. To study microglia surveillance, we imaged microglia baseline motility for 20 min and measured the extension and retraction of processes. We found that APOE4 microglia exhibited significantly less brain surveillance (27%) compared to APOE3 microglia in 6-month-old mice; aging exacerbated this deficit. To measure microglia response to damage, we imaged process motility in response to ATP, an injury-associated signal, for 30 min. We found APOE4 microglia extended their processes significantly slower (0.9 µm/min, p < 0.005) than APOE3 microglia (1.1 μm/min) in 6-month-old animals. APOE-associated alterations in microglia motility were observed in 12- and 21-month-old animals, and this effect was exacerbated with aging in APOE4 microglia. We measured protein and mRNA levels of P2RY12, a core microglial receptor required for process movement in response to damage. We found that APOE4 microglia express significantly less P2RY12 receptors compared to APOE3 microglia despite no changes in P2RY12 transcripts. To examine if the effect of APOE4 on the microglial response to ATP also applied to amyloid β (Aβ), we infused locally Hi-Lyte Fluor 555-labeled Aβ in acute brain slices of 6-month-old mice and imaged microglia movement for 2 h. APOE4 microglia showed a significantly slower (p < 0.0001) process movement toward the Aβ, and less Aβ coverage at early time points after Aβ injection. To test whether P2RY12 is involved in process movement in response to Aβ, we treated acute brain slices with a P2RY12 antagonist before Aβ injection; microglial processes no longer migrated towards Aβ. These results provide mechanistic insights into the impact of APOE4 genotype and aging in dynamic microglial behaviors prior to gross Aβ pathology and could help explain how APOE4 brains are more susceptible to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy Sepulveda
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Jennifer Yejean Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Joseph Binder
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA
| | - G William Rebeck
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20007, USA.
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Madeira D, Domingues J, Lopes CR, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Modification of astrocytic Cx43 hemichannel activity in animal models of AD: modulation by adenosine A 2A receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:340. [PMID: 37898985 PMCID: PMC10613596 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates astrocytic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive cognitive loss. The accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques is a histopathological hallmark of AD and associated with increased astrocyte reactivity. In APP/PS1 mice modelling established AD (9 months), we now show an altered astrocytic morphology and enhanced activity of astrocytic hemichannels, mainly composed by connexin 43 (Cx43). Hemichannel activity in hippocampal astrocytes is also increased in two models of early AD: (1) mice with intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of Aβ1-42, and (2) hippocampal slices superfused with Aβ1-42 peptides. In hippocampal gliosomes of APP/PS1 mice, Cx43 levels were increased, whereas mice administered icv with Aβ1-42 only displayed increased Cx43 phosphorylation levels. This suggests that hemichannel activity might be differentially modulated throughout AD progression. Additionally, we tested if adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) blockade reversed alterations of astrocytic hemichannel activity and found that the pharmacological blockade or genetic silencing (global and astrocytic) of A2AR prevented Aβ-induced hemichannel dysregulation in hippocampal slices, although A2AR genetic silencing increased the activity of astroglial hemichannels in control conditions. In primary cultures of astrocytes, A2AR-related protective effect was shown to occur through a protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Our results indicate that the dysfunction of hemichannel activity in hippocampal astrocytes is an early event in AD, which is modulated by A2AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Madeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Domingues
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia R Lopes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Polo I FMUC, First Floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Poejo J, Berrocal M, Saez L, Gutierrez-Merino C, Mata AM. Store-Operated Calcium Entry Inhibition and Plasma Membrane Calcium Pump Upregulation Contribute to the Maintenance of Resting Cytosolic Calcium Concentration in A1-like Astrocytes. Molecules 2023; 28:5363. [PMID: 37513235 PMCID: PMC10383710 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly neurotoxic A1-reactive astrocytes have been associated with several human neurodegenerative diseases. Complement protein C3 expression is strongly upregulated in A1 astrocytes, and this protein has been shown to be a specific biomarker of these astrocytes. Several cytokines released in neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to upregulate the production of amyloid β protein precursor (APP) and neurotoxic amyloid β (Aβ) peptides in reactive astrocytes. Also, aberrant Ca2+ signals have been proposed as a hallmark of astrocyte functional remodeling in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. In this work, we induced the generation of A1-like reactive astrocytes after the co-treatment of U251 human astroglioma cells with a cocktail of the cytokines TNF-α, IL1-α and C1q. These A1-like astrocytes show increased production of APP and Aβ peptides compared to untreated U251 cells. Additionally, A1-like astrocytes show a (75 ± 10)% decrease in the Ca2+ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), (85 ± 10)% attenuation of Ca2+ entry after complete Ca2+ depletion of the ER, and three-fold upregulation of plasma membrane calcium pump expression, with respect to non-treated Control astrocytes. These altered intracellular Ca2+ dynamics allow A1-like astrocytes to efficiently counterbalance the enhanced release of Ca2+ from the ER, preventing a rise in the resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Poejo
- Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares (IBPM), Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - María Berrocal
- Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares (IBPM), Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Lucía Saez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Carlos Gutierrez-Merino
- Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares (IBPM), Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Mata
- Instituto de Biomarcadores de Patologías Moleculares (IBPM), Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
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De Bastiani MA, Bellaver B, Brum WS, Souza DG, Ferreira PCL, Rocha AS, Povala G, Ferrari-Souza JP, Benedet AL, Ashton NJ, Karikari TK, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Rosa-Neto P, Pascoal TA, Zimmer ER. Hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocyte responses to amyloid and tau pathologies. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:175-184. [PMID: 36878332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Alzheimer's disease clinical research, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) released/leaked into the cerebrospinal fluid and blood is widely measured and perceived as a biomarker of reactive astrogliosis. However, it was demonstrated that GFAP levels differ in individuals presenting with amyloid-β (Aβ) or tau pathologies. The molecular underpinnings behind this specificity are little explored. Here we investigated biomarker and transcriptomic associations of hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocytes with Aβ and tau pathologies in humans and mouse models. METHODS We studied 90 individuals with plasma GFAP, Aβ- and Tau-PET to investigate the association between biomarkers. Then, transcriptomic analysis in hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocytes isolated from mouse models presenting Aβ (PS2APP) or tau (P301S) pathologies was conducted to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology terms, and protein-protein interaction networks associated with each phenotype. RESULTS In humans, we found that plasma GFAP associates with Aβ but not tau pathology. Unveiling the unique nature of hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocytic responses to Aβ or tau pathologies, mouse transcriptomics showed scarce overlap of DEGs between the Aβ. and tau mouse models. While Aβ GFAP-positive astrocytes were overrepresented with DEGs associated with proteostasis and exocytosis-related processes, tau hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocytes presented greater abnormalities in functions related to DNA/RNA processing and cytoskeleton dynamics. CONCLUSION Our results offer insights into Aβ- and tau-driven specific signatures in hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocytes. Characterizing how different underlying pathologies distinctly influence astrocyte responses is critical for the biological interpretation of astrocyte biomarkers and suggests the need to develop context-specific astrocyte targets to study AD. FUNDING This study was supported by Instituto Serrapilheira, Alzheimer's Association, CAPES, CNPq and FAPERGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antônio De Bastiani
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Bellaver
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Wagner S Brum
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Debora G Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Andreia S Rocha
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Povala
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - João Pedro Ferrari-Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea L Benedet
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pedro Rosa-Neto
- Translational Neuroimaging Laboratory (TNL), McGill Center for Studies in Aging (MCSA), Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tharick A Pascoal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Lia A, Sansevero G, Chiavegato A, Sbrissa M, Pendin D, Mariotti L, Pozzan T, Berardi N, Carmignoto G, Fasolato C, Zonta M. Rescue of astrocyte activity by the calcium sensor STIM1 restores long-term synaptic plasticity in female mice modelling Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1590. [PMID: 36949142 PMCID: PMC10033875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37240-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium dynamics in astrocytes represent a fundamental signal that through gliotransmitter release regulates synaptic plasticity and behaviour. Here we present a longitudinal study in the PS2APP mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) linking astrocyte Ca2+ hypoactivity to memory loss. At the onset of plaque deposition, somatosensory cortical astrocytes of AD female mice exhibit a drastic reduction of Ca2+ signaling, closely associated with decreased endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ concentration and reduced expression of the Ca2+ sensor STIM1. In parallel, astrocyte-dependent long-term synaptic plasticity declines in the somatosensory circuitry, anticipating specific tactile memory loss. Notably, we show that both astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and long-term synaptic plasticity are fully recovered by selective STIM1 overexpression in astrocytes. Our data unveil astrocyte Ca2+ hypoactivity in neocortical astrocytes as a functional hallmark of early AD stages and indicate astrocytic STIM1 as a target to rescue memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lia
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sansevero
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Chiavegato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Miriana Sbrissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diana Pendin
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Letizia Mariotti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tullio Pozzan
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Berardi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
- Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Cristina Fasolato
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Micaela Zonta
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Padua, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Goenaga J, Araque A, Kofuji P, Herrera Moro Chao D. Calcium signaling in astrocytes and gliotransmitter release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1138577. [PMID: 36937570 PMCID: PMC10017551 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1138577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia are as numerous in the brain as neurons and widely known to serve supportive roles such as structural scaffolding, extracellular ionic and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support. However, over the past two decades, several lines of evidence indicate that astrocytes, which are a type of glia, play active roles in neural information processing. Astrocytes, although not electrically active, can exhibit a form of excitability by dynamic changes in intracellular calcium levels. They sense synaptic activity and release neuroactive substances, named gliotransmitters, that modulate neuronal activity and synaptic transmission in several brain areas, thus impacting animal behavior. This "dialogue" between astrocytes and neurons is embodied in the concept of the tripartite synapse that includes astrocytes as integral elements of synaptic function. Here, we review the recent work and discuss how astrocytes via calcium-mediated excitability modulate synaptic information processing at various spatial and time scales.
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Andersen JV, Schousboe A, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte energy and neurotransmitter metabolism in Alzheimer's disease: integration of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102331. [PMID: 35872221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes contribute to the complex cellular pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurons and astrocytes function in close collaboration through neurotransmitter recycling, collectively known as the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, which is essential to sustain neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter recycling is intimately linked to astrocyte energy metabolism. In the course of AD, astrocytes undergo extensive metabolic remodeling, which may profoundly affect the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle. The consequences of altered astrocyte function and metabolism in relation to neurotransmitter recycling are yet to be comprehended. Metabolic alterations of astrocytes in AD deprive neurons of metabolic support, thereby contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In addition, several astrocyte-specific components of the glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle, including glutamine synthesis and synaptic neurotransmitter uptake, are perturbed in AD. Integration of the complex astrocyte biology within the context of AD is essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the disease, while restoring astrocyte metabolism may serve as an approach to arrest or even revert clinical progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens V Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Sobolczyk M, Boczek T. Astrocytic Calcium and cAMP in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:889939. [PMID: 35663426 PMCID: PMC9161693 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.889939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that the role of astrocytes exceeds far beyond neuronal scaffold and energy supply. Their unique morphological and functional features have recently brough much attention as it became evident that they play a fundamental role in neurotransmission and interact with synapses. Synaptic transmission is a highly orchestrated process, which triggers local and transient elevations in intracellular Ca2+, a phenomenon with specific temporal and spatial properties. Presynaptic activation of Ca2+-dependent adenylyl cyclases represents an important mechanism of synaptic transmission modulation. This involves activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway to regulate neurotransmitter synthesis, release and storage, and to increase neuroprotection. This aspect is of paramount importance for the preservation of neuronal survival and functionality in several pathological states occurring with progressive neuronal loss. Hence, the aim of this review is to discuss mutual relationships between cAMP and Ca2+ signaling and emphasize those alterations at the Ca2+/cAMP crosstalk that have been identified in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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11
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Satarker S, Bojja SL, Gurram PC, Mudgal J, Arora D, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic Glutamatergic Transmission and Its Implications in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071139. [PMID: 35406702 PMCID: PMC8997779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative disorders involve impaired neurotransmission, and glutamatergic neurotransmission sets a prototypical example. Glutamate is a predominant excitatory neurotransmitter where the astrocytes play a pivotal role in maintaining the extracellular levels through release and uptake mechanisms. Astrocytes modulate calcium-mediated excitability and release several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, including glutamate, and significantly modulate neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence supports the concept of excitotoxicity caused by astrocytic glutamatergic release in pathological conditions. Thus, the current review highlights different vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms of astrocytic glutamate release and their implication in neurodegenerative diseases. As in presynaptic neurons, the vesicular release of astrocytic glutamate is also primarily meditated by calcium-mediated exocytosis. V-ATPase is crucial in the acidification and maintenance of the gradient that facilitates the vesicular storage of glutamate. Along with these, several other components, such as cystine/glutamate antiporter, hemichannels, BEST-1, TREK-1, purinergic receptors and so forth, also contribute to glutamate release under physiological and pathological conditions. Events of hampered glutamate uptake could promote inflamed astrocytes to trigger repetitive release of glutamate. This could be favorable towards the development and worsening of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, across neurodegenerative diseases, we review the relations between defective glutamatergic signaling and astrocytic vesicular and non-vesicular events in glutamate homeostasis. The optimum regulation of astrocytic glutamatergic transmission could pave the way for the management of these diseases and add to their therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Sree Lalitha Bojja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Devinder Arora
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Lopes CR, Amaral IM, Pereira MF, Lopes JP, Madeira D, Canas PM, Cunha RA, Agostinho P. Impact of blunting astrocyte activity on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of early Alzheimer's disease based on amyloid-β peptide exposure. J Neurochem 2022; 160:556-567. [PMID: 35043392 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15575] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) accumulate in the brain since early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dysregulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity, the neurophysiological basis of memory. Although the relationship between long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory processes is well established, there is also evidence that long-term depression (LTD) may be crucial for learning and memory. Alterations in synaptic plasticity, namely in LTP, can be due to communication failures between astrocytes and neurons; however, little is known about astrocytes´ ability to control hippocampal LTD, particularly in AD-like conditions. We now aimed to test the involvement of astrocytes in changes of hippocampal LTP and LTD triggered by Aβ1-42 , taking advantage of L-α-aminoadipate (L-AA), a gliotoxin that blunts astrocytic function. The effects of Aβ1-42 exposure was tested in two different experimental paradigms: ex vivo (hippocampal slices superfusion) and in vivo (intracerebroventricular injection), which were previously validated to impair memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity, two features of early AD. Blunting astrocytic function with L-AA reduced LTP and LTD amplitude in hippocampal slices from control mice but the effect on LTD was less evident, suggesting that astrocytes have a greater influence on LTP than on LTD under non-pathological conditions. However, under AD conditions, blunting astrocytes did not consistently alter the reduction of LTP magnitude and reverted the LTD-to-LTP shift caused by both ex vivo and in vivo Aβ1-42 exposure. This shows that astrocytes were responsible for the hippocampal LTD-to-LTP shift observed in early AD conditions, reinforcing the interest of strategies targeting astrocytes to restore memory and synaptic plasticity deficits present in early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia R Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, FMUC, Portugal
| | - Inês M Amaral
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - João P Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Daniela Madeira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, FMUC, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, FMUC, Portugal
| | - Paula Agostinho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CNC, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, FMUC, Portugal
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13
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Yoon JH, Youn K, Jun M. Protective effect of sargahydroquinoic acid against Aβ 25-35-evoked damage via PI3K/Akt mediated Nrf2 antioxidant defense system. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112271. [PMID: 34619494 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. β-Amyloid (Aβ) is widely accepted as the main neurotoxin that triggers mitochondrial-associated oxidative stress, leading to neuronal death in AD. Following our preliminary research on the neuroprotective effects of the brown alga Sargassum serratifolium, its major compounds, including sargaquinoic acid, sargahydroquinoic acid (SHQA), and sargachromenol, were investigated to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of Aβ25-35-stimulated PC12 cells. SHQA exhibited the most potent effect on Aβ-induced mitochondrial-associated oxidative stress and apoptosis. In addition, the compound enhanced the expression and translocation of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), while reducing the expression of cytoplasmic Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Furthermore, the compound upregulated the expression of Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes, including HO-1, NQO1, GCLc, GCLm, and TrxR1. Co-treatment with SHQA and LY294002, a specific PI3K inhibitor, inhibited nuclear Nrf2 expression and Akt phosphorylation, demonstrating that SHQA-mediated Nrf2 activation was directly associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Mechanistic studies indicate that activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway is the molecular basis for the neuroprotective effects of SHQA. In silico docking simulation revealed that SHQA established specific interactions with the key amino acid residues of PI3K, Akt, and Nrf2-Keap1 via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, which may affect the biological capacities of target markers. Overall, this is the first report of this novel mechanism of SHQA as a Nrf2 activator against Aβ-mediated oxidative damage, suggesting that the compound might be a potential agent for the prevention of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hyun Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kumju Youn
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mira Jun
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea; Institute of Convergence Bio-Health, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Nanclares C, Baraibar AM, Araque A, Kofuji P. Dysregulation of Astrocyte-Neuronal Communication in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7887. [PMID: 34360652 PMCID: PMC8346080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies implicate astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, their role in pathogenesis is poorly understood. Astrocytes have well-established functions in supportive functions such as extracellular ionic homeostasis, structural support, and neurovascular coupling. However, emerging research on astrocytic function in the healthy brain also indicates their role in regulating synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability via the release of neuroactive substances named gliotransmitters. Here, we review how this "active" role of astrocytes at synapses could contribute to synaptic and neuronal network dysfunction and cognitive impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (C.N.); (A.M.B.); (A.A.)
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15
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Merighi S, Poloni TE, Terrazzan A, Moretti E, Gessi S, Ferrari D. Alzheimer and Purinergic Signaling: Just a Matter of Inflammation? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051267. [PMID: 34065393 PMCID: PMC8161210 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread neurodegenerative pathology responsible for about 70% of all cases of dementia. Adenosine is an endogenous nucleoside that affects neurodegeneration by activating four membrane G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, namely P1 receptors. One of them, the A2A subtype, is particularly expressed in the brain at the striatal and hippocampal levels and appears as the most promising target to counteract neurological damage and adenosine-dependent neuroinflammation. Extracellular nucleotides (ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, etc.) are also released from the cell or are synthesized extracellularly. They activate P2X and P2Y membrane receptors, eliciting a variety of physiological but also pathological responses. Among the latter, the chronic inflammation underlying AD is mainly caused by the P2X7 receptor subtype. In this review we offer an overview of the scientific evidence linking P1 and P2 mediated purinergic signaling to AD development. We will also discuss potential strategies to exploit this knowledge for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Merighi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Tino Emanuele Poloni
- Department of Neurology and Neuropathology, Golgi-Cenci Foundation & ASP Golgi-Redaelli, Abbiategrasso, 20081 Milan, Italy;
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Eva Moretti
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Stefania Gessi
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; (S.M.); (A.T.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.F.)
| | - Davide Ferrari
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (D.F.)
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