1
|
Koehn LM, Jalaldeen R, Pelle J, Nicolazzo JA. Plasma, brain and spinal cord concentrations of caffeine are reduced in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis following oral administration. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 203:114434. [PMID: 39098618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114434] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Modifications to the small intestine and liver are known to occur during the symptomatic disease period of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a member of the motor neuron disease (MND) family of neurodegenerative disorders. How these modifications impact on oral absorption and pharmacokinetics of drugs remains unknown. In this study, model drugs representing different mechanisms of intestinal transport (caffeine for passive diffusion, digoxin for P-glycoprotein efflux, and sulfasalazine for breast cancer resistance protein efflux) were administered via oral gavage to postnatal day 114-120 male and female SOD1G93A mice (model of familial ALS) and wild-type (WT) littermates. Samples of blood, brain and spinal cord were taken at either 15, 30, 60 or 180 min after administration. In addition, the in vivo gastric emptying of 70 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) and the ex vivo intestinal permeability of caffeine were assessed. The area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCplasma) of digoxin and sulfasalazine were not significantly different between SOD1G93A and WT mice for both sexes. However, the AUCplasma of caffeine was significantly lower (female: 0.79-fold, male: 0.76-fold) in SOD1G93A compared to WT mice, which was associated with lower AUCbrain (female: 0.76-fold, male: 0.80-fold) and AUCspinal cord (female: 0.81-fold, male: 0.82-fold). The AUCstomach of caffeine was significantly higher (female: 1.5-fold, male: 1.9-fold) in SOD1G93A compared to WT mice, suggesting reduced gastric emptying in SOD1G93A mice. In addition, there was a significant reduction in gastric emptying of FITC-dextran (0.66-fold) and ex vivo intestinal permeability of caffeine (0.52-fold) in male SOD1G93A compared to WT mice. Reduced systemic and brain/spinal cord exposure of caffeine in SOD1G93A mice may therefore result from alterations to gastric emptying and small intestinal permeability. Specific dosing requirements may therefore be required for certain medicines in ALS to ensure that they remain in a safe and effective concentration range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam M Koehn
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Roshan Jalaldeen
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph Pelle
- Helen Macpherson Smith Trust Laboratory, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nementzik LR, Thumbadoo KM, Murray HC, Gordon D, Yang S, Blair IP, Turner C, Faull RLM, Curtis MA, McLean C, Nicholson GA, Swanson MEV, Scotter EL. Distribution of ubiquilin 2 and TDP-43 aggregates throughout the CNS in UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13230. [PMID: 38115557 PMCID: PMC11007053 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13230] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the UBQLN2 gene cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The neuropathology of such UBQLN2-linked cases of ALS/FTD is characterised by aggregates of the ubiquilin 2 protein in addition to aggregates of the transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43). ALS and FTD without UBQLN2 mutations are also characterised by TDP-43 aggregates, that may or may not colocalise with wildtype ubiquilin 2. Despite this, the relative contributions of TDP-43 and ubiquilin 2 to disease pathogenesis remain largely under-characterised, as does their relative deposition as aggregates across the central nervous system (CNS). Here we conducted multiplex immunohistochemistry of three UBQLN2 p.T487I-linked ALS/FTD cases, three non-UBQLN2-linked (sporadic) ALS cases, and 8 non-neurodegenerative disease controls, covering 40 CNS regions. We then quantified ubiquilin 2 aggregates, TDP-43 aggregates and aggregates containing both proteins in regions of interest to determine how UBQLN2-linked and non-UBQLN2-linked proteinopathy differ. We find that ubiquilin 2 aggregates that are negative for TDP-43 are predominantly small and punctate and are abundant in the hippocampal formation, spinal cord, all tested regions of neocortex, medulla and substantia nigra in UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD but not sporadic ALS. Curiously, the striatum harboured small punctate ubiquilin 2 aggregates in all cases examined, while large diffuse striatal ubiquilin 2 aggregates were specific to UBQLN2-linked ALS/FTD. Overall, ubiquilin 2 is mainly deposited in clinically unaffected regions throughout the CNS such that symptomology in UBQLN2-linked cases maps best to the aggregation of TDP-43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Nementzik
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Kyrah M. Thumbadoo
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Helen C. Murray
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - David Gordon
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Shu Yang
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ian P. Blair
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Clinton Turner
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, LabPlusAuckland City HospitalAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Richard L. M. Faull
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Maurice A. Curtis
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Anatomy and Medical ImagingUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Catriona McLean
- Department of Anatomical PathologyAlfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Garth A. Nicholson
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversityNorth RydeNew South WalesAustralia
- Northcott Neuroscience LaboratoryANZAC Research InstituteSydneyAustralia
- Molecular Medicine LaboratoryConcord Repatriation General HospitalSydneyAustralia
| | - Molly E. V. Swanson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Emma L. Scotter
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
- Centre for Brain ResearchUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dai T, Lou J, Kong D, Li J, Ren Q, Chen Y, Sun S, Yun Y, Sun X, Yang Y, Shao K, Li W, Zhao Y, Meng X, Yan C, Lin P, Liu S. Choroid plexus enlargement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and its correlation with clinical disability and blood-CSF barrier permeability. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:36. [PMID: 38632611 PMCID: PMC11025206 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00536-6] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using in vivo neuroimaging techniques, growing evidence has demonstrated that the choroid plexus (CP) volume is enlarged in patients with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, although animal and postmortem findings suggest that CP abnormalities are likely important pathological mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the third most common neurodegenerative disease, no available study has been conducted to thoroughly assess CP abnormalities and their clinical relevance in vivo in ALS patients to date. Thus, we aimed to determine whether in vivo CP enlargement may occur in ALS patients. We also aimed to identify the relationships of CP volume with clinical disabilities and blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) permeability in ALS patients. METHODS In this retrospective study, based on structural MRI data, CP volume was assessed using a Gaussian mixture model and underwent further manual correction in 155 ALS patients and 105 age- and sex-matched HCs from October 2021 to April 2023. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) was used to assess clinical disability. The CSF/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) was used to assess BCSFB permeability. Moreover, all the ALS patients completed genetic testing, and according to genetic testing, the ALS patients were further divided into genetic ALS subgroup and sporadic ALS subgroup. RESULTS We found that compared with HCs, ALS patients had a significantly higher CP volume (p < 0.001). Moreover, compared with HCs, CP volume was significantly increased in both ALS patients with and without known genetic mutations after family-wise error correction (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively), while there were no significant differences between the two ALS groups. Furthermore, the CP volume was significantly correlated with the ALSFRS-r score (r = -0.226; p = 0.005) and the Qalb (r = 0.479; p < 0.001) in ALS patients. CONCLUSION Our study first demonstrates CP enlargement in vivo in ALS patients, and continues to suggest an important pathogenetic role for CP abnormalities in ALS. Moreover, assessing CP volume is likely a noninvasive and easy-to-implement approach for screening BCSFB dysfunction in ALS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingjun Dai
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Jianwei Lou
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Deyuan Kong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 361015, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingguo Ren
- Department of Radiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Sujuan Sun
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Yun
- Department of Radiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yiru Yang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kai Shao
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Li
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Yuying Zhao
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangshui Meng
- Department of Radiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chuanzhu Yan
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China.
| | - Shuangwu Liu
- Research Institute of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, West Wenhua Street No.107, 250012, Jinan, China.
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rezzani R, Favero G, Gianò M, Pinto D, Labanca M, van Noorden CJ, Rinaldi F. Transient Receptor Potential Channels in the Healthy and Diseased Blood-Brain Barrier. J Histochem Cytochem 2024; 72:199-231. [PMID: 38590114 PMCID: PMC11020746 DOI: 10.1369/00221554241246032] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The large family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are integral membrane proteins that function as environmental sensors and act as ion channels after activation by mechanical (touch), physical (heat, pain), and chemical stimuli (pungent compounds such as capsaicin). Most TRP channels are localized in the plasma membrane of cells but some of them are localized in membranes of organelles and function as intracellular Ca2+-ion channels. TRP channels are involved in neurological disorders but their precise role(s) and relevance in these disorders are not clear. Endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) express TRP channels such as TRP vanilloid 1-4 and are involved in thermal detection by regulating BBB permeability. In neurological disorders, TRP channels in the BBB are responsible for edema formation in the brain. Therefore, drug design to modulate locally activity of TRP channels in the BBB is a hot topic. Today, the application of TRP channel antagonists against neurological disorders is still limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - ARTO, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society for the Study of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale - SISDO), Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaia Favero
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - ARTO, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marzia Gianò
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Pinto
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Labanca
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society for the Study of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale - SISDO), Brescia, Italy
| | - Cornelis J.F. van Noorden
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Fabio Rinaldi
- Human Microbiome Advanced Project Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Halder SK, Sapkota A, Milner R. β1 integrins play a critical role maintaining vascular integrity in the hypoxic spinal cord, particularly in white matter. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:45. [PMID: 38509621 PMCID: PMC10953150 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01749-4] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and β1 integrins play an essential role maintaining vascular integrity in the brain, particularly under vascular remodeling conditions. As blood vessels in the spinal cord are reported to have distinct properties from those in the brain, here we examined the impact of β1 integrin inhibition on spinal cord vascular integrity, both under normoxic conditions, when blood vessels are stable, and during exposure to chronic mild hypoxia (CMH), when extensive vascular remodeling occurs. We found that a function-blocking β1 integrin antibody triggered a small degree of vascular disruption in the spinal cord under normoxic conditions, but under hypoxic conditions, it greatly enhanced (20-fold) vascular disruption, preferentially in spinal cord white matter (WM). This resulted in elevated microglial activation as well as marked loss of myelin integrity and reduced density of oligodendroglial cells. To understand why vascular breakdown is localized to WM, we compared expression levels of major BBB components of WM and grey matter (GM) blood vessels, but this revealed no obvious differences. Interestingly however, hypoxyprobe staining demonstrated that the most severe levels of spinal cord hypoxia induced by CMH occurred in the WM. Analysis of brain tissue revealed a similar preferential vulnerability of WM tracts to show vascular disruption under these conditions. Taken together, these findings demonstrate an essential role for β1 integrins in maintaining vascular integrity in the spinal cord, and unexpectedly, reveal a novel and fundamental difference between WM and GM blood vessels in their dependence on β1 integrin function during hypoxic exposure. Our data support the concept that the preferential WM vulnerability described may be less a result of intrinsic differences in vascular barrier properties between WM and GM, and more a consequence of differences in vascular density and architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebok K Halder
- San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 3525 John Hopkins Court, Suite 200, 92121, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arjun Sapkota
- San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 3525 John Hopkins Court, Suite 200, 92121, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard Milner
- San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 3525 John Hopkins Court, Suite 200, 92121, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Osuna-Ramos JF, Camberos-Barraza J, Torres-Mondragón LE, Rábago-Monzón ÁR, Camacho-Zamora A, Valdez-Flores MA, Angulo-Rojo CE, Guadrón-Llanos AM, Picos-Cárdenas VJ, Calderón-Zamora L, Magaña-Gómez JA, Norzagaray-Valenzuela CD, Cárdenas-Torres FI, De la Herrán-Arita AK. Interplay between the Glymphatic System and the Endocannabinoid System: Implications for Brain Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17458. [PMID: 38139290 PMCID: PMC10743431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417458] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate mechanisms governing brain health and function have long been subjects of extensive investigation. Recent research has shed light on two pivotal systems, the glymphatic system and the endocannabinoid system, and their profound role within the central nervous system. The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste clearance system within the brain that facilitates the efficient removal of toxic waste products and metabolites from the central nervous system. It relies on the unique properties of the brain's extracellular space and is primarily driven by cerebrospinal fluid and glial cells. Conversely, the endocannabinoid system, a multifaceted signaling network, is intricately involved in diverse physiological processes and has been associated with modulating synaptic plasticity, nociception, affective states, appetite regulation, and immune responses. This scientific review delves into the intricate interconnections between these two systems, exploring their combined influence on brain health and disease. By elucidating the synergistic effects of glymphatic function and endocannabinoid signaling, this review aims to deepen our understanding of their implications for neurological disorders, immune responses, and cognitive well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Osuna-Ramos
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Josué Camberos-Barraza
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Doctorado en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Laura E. Torres-Mondragón
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Maestría en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | - Ángel R. Rábago-Monzón
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
- Doctorado en Biomedicina Molecular, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Javier A. Magaña-Gómez
- Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Gastronomy, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacán 80019, Mexico
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Silvin A, Qian J, Ginhoux F. Brain macrophage development, diversity and dysregulation in health and disease. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1277-1289. [PMID: 37365324 PMCID: PMC10616292 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01053-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain macrophages include microglia in the parenchyma, border-associated macrophages in the meningeal-choroid plexus-perivascular space, and monocyte-derived macrophages that infiltrate the brain under various disease conditions. The vast heterogeneity of these cells has been elucidated over the last decade using revolutionary multiomics technologies. As such, we can now start to define these various macrophage populations according to their ontogeny and their diverse functional programs during brain development, homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. In this review, we first outline the critical roles played by brain macrophages during development and healthy aging. We then discuss how brain macrophages might undergo reprogramming and contribute to neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and glioma. Finally, we speculate about the most recent and ongoing discoveries that are prompting translational attempts to leverage brain macrophages as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for diseases that affect the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymeric Silvin
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, 94800, France
| | - Jiawen Qian
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, 94800, France.
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138648, Republic of Singapore.
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu B, Fang J, Wang J, Jin X, Liu S, Song K, Wang P, Liu J, Liu S. Inhibition of autophagy and RIP1/RIP3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis by edaravone attenuates blood spinal cord barrier disruption following spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115165. [PMID: 37459660 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The disruption of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) can trigger secondary tissue damage. Edaravone is likely to protect the BSCB as a free radical scavenger, whereas it has been rarely reported thus far. In this study, the protective effect of edaravone was investigated with the use of compression spinal cord injured rats and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) injury. As indicated by the result of this study, edaravone treatment facilitated functional recovery after rats were subjected to SCI, ameliorated the vascular damage, and up-regulated the expression of BSCB-associated proteins. In vitro results, edaravone improved HBMECs viability, restored intercellular junctions, and promoted cellular angiogenic activities. It is noteworthy that autophagy was activated and RIP1/RIP3/MLKL phosphorylation was notably up-regulated. However, edaravone treatment exhibited the capability of mitigating above-mentioned tendency in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, rapamycin (Rapa) treatment deteriorated the protective effect of edaravone while aggravating the phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL expression. In the model of necrotic activator-induced HBMECs, autophagic expression was increased, whereas edaravone prevented autophagy and phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL. In general, our results suggested that edaravone is capable of reducing the destruction of BSCB and promoting functional recovery after SCI. The possible underlying mechanism is that edaravone is capable of protecting angiogenic activity and improving autophagy and the phosphorylation of RIP1/RIP3/MLKL, as well as their mutual deterioration. Accordingly, edaravone can be a favorable option for the treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehan Jin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfu Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaihang Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Operating Room, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Junjian Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuhao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Halder SK, Milner R. Spinal Cord Blood Vessels in Aged Mice Show Greater Levels of Hypoxia-Induced Vascular Disruption and Microglial Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11235. [PMID: 37510999 PMCID: PMC10378993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411235] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to chronic mild hypoxia (CMH, 8% O2), spinal cord blood vessels launch a robust angiogenic response that is associated with transient disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) which, in turn, triggers a microglial vasculo-protective response. Because hypoxia occurs in many age-related conditions, the goal of this study was to define how aging influences these responses by comparing events in young (8-10 weeks) and aged (20 months) mice. This revealed that aged mice had much greater (3-4-fold) levels of hypoxic-induced BSCB disruption than young mice and that, while the early stage of the angiogenic response in aged mice was no different to young mice, the maturation of newly formed vessels was significantly delayed. Interestingly, microglia in the spinal cords of aged mice were much more activated than young mice, even under normoxic conditions, and this was further enhanced by CMH, though, surprisingly, this resulted in reduced microglial clustering around leaky blood vessels and diminished vasculo-protection. Vascular disruption was associated with loss of myelin in spinal cord white matter (WM) in both young and aged mice. Furthermore, it was notable that the spinal cord of aged mice contained a lower density of Olig2+ oligodendroglial cells even under normoxic conditions and that CMH significantly reduced the density of Olig2+ cells in spinal cord WM of the aged, but not the young, mice. These results demonstrate that spinal cord blood vessels of aged mice are much more vulnerable to the damaging effects of hypoxia than young mice, in part due to the reduced vasculo-protection conferred by chronically activated microglial cells. These observations may have implications for the pathogenesis and/or treatment of spinal cord diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and suggest that an improvement in microglial function could offer therapeutic potential for treating these age-related conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Milner
- San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, 3525 John Hopkins Court, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scotter EL, Cao MC, Jansson D, Rustenhoven J, Smyth LCD, Aalderink MC, Siemens A, Fan V, Wu J, Mee EW, Faull RLM, Dragunow M. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-linked protein TDP-43 regulates interleukin-6 cytokine production by human brain pericytes. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 123:103768. [PMID: 36038081 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103768] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal movement disorder involving degeneration of motor neurons through dysfunction of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43. Pericytes, the perivascular cells of the blood-brain, blood-spinal cord, and blood-CSF barriers also degenerate in ALS. Indeed, pericytes are among the earliest cell types to show gene expression changes in pre-symptomatic animal models of ALS. This suggests that pericyte degeneration precedes neurodegeneration and may involve pericyte cell-autonomous TDP-43 dysfunction. Here we determined the effect of TDP-43 dysfunction in human brain pericytes on interleukin 6 (IL-6), a critical secreted inflammatory mediator reported to be regulated by TDP 43. Primary human brain pericytes were cultured from biopsy tissue from epilepsy surgeries and TDP-43 was silenced using siRNA. TDP-43 silencing of pericytes stimulated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β or tumour necrosis factor alpha, robustly suppressed the induction of IL-6 transcript and protein. IL-6 regulation by TDP-43 did not involve the assembly of TDP-43 nuclear splicing bodies, and did not occur via altered splicing of IL6. Instead, transcriptome-wide analysis by RNA-Sequencing identified a poison exon in the IL6 destabilising factor HNRNPD (AUF1) as a splicing target of TDP-43. Our data support a model whereby TDP-43 silencing favours destabilisation of IL6 mRNA, via enhanced AU-rich element-mediated decay by HNRNP/AUF1. This suggests that cell-autonomous deficits in TDP-43 function in human brain pericytes would suppress their production of IL-6. Given the importance of the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers in maintaining motor neuron health, TDP-43 in human brain pericytes may represent a cellular target for ALS therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Scotter
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Maize C Cao
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Deidre Jansson
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Justin Rustenhoven
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Leon C D Smyth
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Miranda C Aalderink
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Andrew Siemens
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Vicky Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jane Wu
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Edward W Mee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Agrawal I, Lim YS, Ng SY, Ling SC. Deciphering lipid dysregulation in ALS: from mechanisms to translational medicine. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:48. [DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00322-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLipids, defined by low solubility in water and high solubility in nonpolar solvents, can be classified into fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols. Lipids not only regulate integrity and fluidity of biological membranes, but also serve as energy storage and bioactive molecules for signaling. Causal mutations in SPTLC1 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain subunit 1) gene within the lipogenic pathway have been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a paralytic and fatal motor neuron disease. Furthermore, lipid dysmetabolism within the central nervous system and circulation is associated with ALS. Here, we aim to delineate the diverse roles of different lipid classes and understand how lipid dysmetabolism may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. Among the different lipids, accumulation of ceramides, arachidonic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine is commonly emerging as detrimental to motor neurons. We end with exploring the potential ALS therapeutics by reducing these toxic lipids.
Collapse
|
12
|
Monsour M, Garbuzova-Davis S, Borlongan CV. Patching Up the Permeability: The Role of Stem Cells in Lessening Neurovascular Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:1196-1209. [PMID: 36181767 PMCID: PMC9801306 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating disease with poor prognosis. The pathophysiology of ALS is commonly debated, with theories involving inflammation, glutamate excitotoxity, oxidative stress, mitochondria malfunction, neurofilament accumulation, inadequate nutrients or growth factors, and changes in glial support predominating. These underlying pathological mechanisms, however, act together to weaken the blood brain barrier and blood spinal cord barrier, collectively considered as the blood central nervous system barrier (BCNSB). Altering the impermeability of the BCNSB impairs the neurovascular unit, or interdependent relationship between the brain and advances the concept that ALS is has a significant neurovascular component contributing to its degenerative presentation. This unique categorization of ALS opens a variety of treatment options targeting the reestablishment of BCNSB integrity. This review will critically assess the evidence implicating the significant neurovascular components of ALS pathophysiology, while also offering an in-depth discussion regarding the use of stem cells to repair these pathological changes within the neurovascular unit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Monsour
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cesario V Borlongan
- Corresponding author: Cesar V. Borlongan, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Cell Autonomous and Non-Cell Autonomous Aspects of Neuronal Vulnerability and Resilience in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081191. [PMID: 36009818 PMCID: PMC9405388 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by a progressive paralysis due to the loss of particular neurons in our nervous system called motor neurons, that exert voluntary control of all our skeletal muscles. It is not entirely understood why motor neurons are particularly vulnerable in ALS, neither is it completely clear why certain groups of motor neurons, including those that regulate eye movement, are rather resilient to this disease. However, both vulnerability and resilience to ALS likely reflect cell intrinsic properties of different motor neuron subpopulations as well as non-cell autonomous events regulated by surrounding cell types. In this review we dissect the particular properties of different motor neuron types and their responses to disease that may underlie their respective vulnerabilities and resilience. Disease progression in ALS involves multiple cell types that are closely connected to motor neurons and we here also discuss their contributions to the differential vulnerability of motor neurons. Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is defined by the loss of upper motor neurons (MNs) that project from the cerebral cortex to the brain stem and spinal cord and of lower MNs in the brain stem and spinal cord which innervate skeletal muscles, leading to spasticity, muscle atrophy, and paralysis. ALS involves several disease stages, and multiple cell types show dysfunction and play important roles during distinct phases of disease initiation and progression, subsequently leading to selective MN loss. Why MNs are particularly vulnerable in this lethal disease is still not entirely clear. Neither is it fully understood why certain MNs are more resilient to degeneration in ALS than others. Brain stem MNs of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, which innervate our eye muscles, are highly resistant and persist until the end-stage of the disease, enabling paralyzed patients to communicate through ocular tracking devices. MNs of the Onuf’s nucleus in the sacral spinal cord, that innervate sphincter muscles and control urogenital functions, are also spared throughout the disease. There is also a differential vulnerability among MNs that are intermingled throughout the spinal cord, that directly relate to their physiological properties. Here, fast-twitch fatigable (FF) MNs, which innervate type IIb muscle fibers, are affected early, before onset of clinical symptoms, while slow-twitch (S) MNs, that innervate type I muscle fibers, remain longer throughout the disease progression. The resilience of particular MN subpopulations has been attributed to intrinsic determinants and multiple studies have demonstrated their unique gene regulation and protein content in health and in response to disease. Identified factors within resilient MNs have been utilized to protect more vulnerable cells. Selective vulnerability may also, in part, be driven by non-cell autonomous processes and the unique surroundings and constantly changing environment close to particular MN groups. In this article, we review in detail the cell intrinsic properties of resilient and vulnerable MN groups, as well as multiple additional cell types involved in disease initiation and progression and explain how these may contribute to the selective MN resilience and vulnerability in ALS.
Collapse
|
14
|
Alarcan H, Al Ojaimi Y, Lanznaster D, Escoffre JM, Corcia P, Vourc'h P, Andres CR, Veyrat-Durebex C, Blasco H. Taking Advantages of Blood–Brain or Spinal Cord Barrier Alterations or Restoring Them to Optimize Therapy in ALS? J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071071. [PMID: 35887567 PMCID: PMC9319288 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that still lacks an efficient therapy. The barriers between the central nervous system (CNS) and the blood represent a major limiting factor to the development of drugs for CNS diseases, including ALS. Alterations of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) have been reported in this disease but still require further investigations. Interestingly, these alterations might be involved in the complex etiology and pathogenesis of ALS. Moreover, they can have potential consequences on the diffusion of candidate drugs across the brain. The development of techniques to bypass these barriers is continuously evolving and might open the door for personalized medical approaches. Therefore, identifying robust and non-invasive markers of BBB and BSCB alterations can help distinguish different subgroups of patients, such as those in whom barrier disruption can negatively affect the delivery of drugs to their CNS targets. The restoration of CNS barriers using innovative therapies could consequently present the advantage of both alleviating the disease progression and optimizing the safety and efficiency of ALS-specific therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Alarcan
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Yara Al Ojaimi
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Debora Lanznaster
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Jean-Michel Escoffre
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- Service de Neurologie, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Patrick Vourc'h
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Christian R Andres
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Charlotte Veyrat-Durebex
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moleculaire, CHRU Bretonneau, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, 10 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cao MC, Cawston EE, Chen G, Brooks C, Douwes J, McLean D, Graham ES, Dragunow M, Scotter EL. Serum biomarkers of neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier leakage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:216. [PMID: 35690735 PMCID: PMC9188104 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable and rapidly progressive neurological disorder. Biomarkers are critical to understanding disease causation, monitoring disease progression and assessing the efficacy of treatments. However, robust peripheral biomarkers are yet to be identified. Neuroinflammation and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are common to familial and sporadic ALS and may produce a unique biomarker signature in peripheral blood. Using cytometric bead array (n = 15 participants per group (ALS or control)) and proteome profiling (n = 6 participants per group (ALS or control)), we assessed a total of 106 serum cytokines, growth factors, and BBB breakdown markers in the serum of control and ALS participants. Further, primary human brain pericytes, which maintain the BBB, were used as a biosensor of inflammation following pre-treatment with ALS serum. Principal components analysis of all proteome profile data showed no clustering of control or ALS sera, and no individual serum proteins met the threshold for statistical difference between ALS and controls (adjusted P values). However, the 20 most changed proteins between control and ALS sera showed a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.67) and cluster analysis of their levels together identified three sample subsets; control-only, mixed control-ALS, and ALS-only. These 20 proteins were predominantly pro-angiogenic and growth factors, including fractalkine, BDNF, EGF, PDGF, Dkk-1, MIF and angiopoietin-2. S100β, a protein highly concentrated in glial cells and therefore a marker of BBB leakage when found in blood, was unchanged in ALS serum, suggesting that serum protein profiles were reflective of peripheral rather than CNS biofluids. Finally, primary human brain pericytes remained proliferative and their secretome was unchanged by chronic exposure to ALS serum. Our exploratory study suggests that individual serum cytokine levels may not be robust biomarkers in small studies of ALS, but that larger studies using multiplexed analysis of pro-angiogenic and growth factors may identify a peripheral signature of ALS pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maize C Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Erin E Cawston
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Grace Chen
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 75, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Collin Brooks
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 75, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 75, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Dave McLean
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, PO Box 75, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - E Scott Graham
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand. .,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Emma L Scotter
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand. .,Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Levetiracetam Attenuates the Spinal Cord Injury Induced by Acute Trauma via Suppressing the Expression of Perforin. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7218666. [PMID: 35633929 PMCID: PMC9135510 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7218666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the major reasons causing the motor dysfunctions of the patients. At present, few therapeutic strategies can effectively improve the symptom of SCI. Levetiracetam has been confirmed to alleviate the injury of nerve cells, while its functions in SCI remains unclear. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used to establish SCI models to observe the effect of levetiracetam on SCI. The mice were fed with 180 mg/kg levetiracetam when suffering from SCI, and Basso mouse score (BMS) and CatWalk-assisted gait analysis were used to observe the motor functions of the mice. Nissl staining and TUNEL staining were used to observe the injury of nerve cells. The abundance of inflammatory factors was measured by ELISA. The permeability of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) in mice was detected with macrophage infiltration analysis. Moreover, the abundance of perforin in the tissues was detected by western blot. The results showed that the SCI mice treated with levetiracetam exhibited lighter motor dysfunction compared with the mice treated with saline. Levetiracetam can effectively reduce the inflammatory reactions and alleviate apoptosis of the nerve cells. Moreover, levetiracetam remarkably decreased the BSCB permeability of SCI mice. Besides, it was also found that levetiracetam can significantly inhibit the expression of perforin. In conclusion, this study suggests that levetiracetam can attenuate the injury of BSCB to block the progression of SCI via suppressing the expression of perforin.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yu W, He J, Cai X, Yu Z, Zou Z, Fan D. Neuroimmune Crosstalk Between the Peripheral and the Central Immune System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:890958. [PMID: 35592701 PMCID: PMC9110796 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.890958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease characterized by the degeneration and death of motor neurons. Systemic neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of ALS. The proinflammatory milieu depends on the continuous crosstalk between the peripheral immune system (PIS) and central immune system (CIS). Central nervous system (CNS) resident immune cells interact with the peripheral immune cells via immune substances. Dysfunctional CNS barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, and blood–spinal cord barrier, accelerate the inflammatory process, leading to a systemic self-destructive cycle. This review focuses on the crosstalk between PIS and CIS in ALS. Firstly, we briefly introduce the cellular compartments of CIS and PIS, respectively, and update some new understanding of changes specifically occurring in ALS. Then, we will review previous studies on the alterations of the CNS barriers, and discuss their crucial role in the crosstalk in ALS. Finally, we will review the moveable compartments of the crosstalk, including cytokines, chemokines, and peripheral immune cells which were found to infiltrate the CNS, highlighting the interaction between PIS and CIS. This review aims to provide new insights into pathogenic mechanisms and innovative therapeutic approaches for ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiying Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangyu Zou
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Dongsheng Fan,
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Younis A, Hardowar L, Barker S, Hulse RP. The consequence of endothelial remodelling on the blood spinal cord barrier and nociception. Curr Res Physiol 2022; 5:184-192. [PMID: 35434652 PMCID: PMC9010889 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociception is a fundamental acute protective mechanism that prevents harm to an organism. Understanding the integral processes that control nociceptive processing are fundamental to our appreciation of which cellular and molecular features underlie this process. There is an extensive understanding of how sensory neurons interpret differing sensory modalities and intensities. However, it is widely appreciated that the sensory neurons do not act alone. These work in harmony with inflammatory and vascular systems to modulate pain perception. The spinal cord has an extensive interaction with the capillary network in the form of a blood spinal cord barrier to ensure homeostatic control of the spinal cord neuron milieu. However, there is an extensive appreciation that disturbances in the blood spinal cord barrier contribute to the onset of chronic pain. Enhanced vascular permeability and impaired blood perfusion have both been highlighted as contributors to chronic pain manifestation. Here, we discuss the evidence that demonstrates alterations in the blood spinal cord barrier influences nociceptive processing and perception of pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Awais Younis
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Lydia Hardowar
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Sarah Barker
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Richard Philip Hulse
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Li SY, Johnson R, Smyth LC, Dragunow M. Platelet-derived growth factor signalling in neurovascular function and disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 145:106187. [PMID: 35217189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factors are critical for cerebrovascular development and homeostasis. Abnormalities in this signalling pathway are implicated in neurological diseases, especially those where neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in disease pathologies, such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease; the angiogenic nature of this pathway also draws its significance in brain malignancies such as glioblastoma where tumour angiogenesis is profuse. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the actions of the platelet-derived growth factors on neurovascular function, their role in the regulation of perivascular cell types expressing the cognate receptors, neurological diseases associated with aberrance in signalling, and highlight the clinical relevance and therapeutic potentials of this pathway for central nervous system diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Ys Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Leon Cd Smyth
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Mike Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mirian A, Moszczynski A, Soleimani S, Aubert I, Zinman L, Abrahao A. Breached Barriers: A Scoping Review of Blood-Central Nervous System Barrier Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:851563. [PMID: 35431812 PMCID: PMC9009245 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.851563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent studies have implicated changes in the blood-central nervous system barriers (BCNSB) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the current evidence for BCNSB structure and functional abnormalities in ALS studies and propose how BCNSB pathology may impact therapeutic development. Methods A literature search was conducted using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science, from inception to November 2021 and limited to entries in English language. Simplified search strategy included the terms ALS/motor neuron disease and [BCNSB or blood-brain barrier (BBB) or blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB)]. Henceforth, BCNSB is used as a term that is inclusive of the BBB and BSCB. Four independent reviewers conducted a title and abstract screening, hand-searched the reference lists of review papers, and performed a full text review of eligible studies. Included studies were original peer-reviewed full text publications, evaluating the structure and function of the BCNSB in preclinical models of ALS, clinical ALS, or postmortem human ALS tissue. There was no restriction on study design. The four reviewers independently extracted the data. Results The search retrieved 2,221 non-duplicated articles and 48 original studies were included in the synthesis. There was evidence that the integrity of the BCNSB is disrupted throughout the course of the disease in rodent models, beginning prior to symptom onset and detectable neurodegeneration. Increased permeability, pharmacoresistance with upregulated efflux transporters, and morphological changes in the supporting cells of the BCNSB, including pericytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells were observed in animal models. BCNSB abnormalities were also demonstrated in postmortem studies of ALS patients. Therapeutic interventions targeting BCNSB dysfunction were associated with improved motor neuron survival in animal models of ALS. Conclusion BCNSB structural and functional abnormalities are likely implicated in ALS pathophysiology and may occur upstream to neurodegeneration. Promising therapeutic strategies targeting BCNSB dysfunction have been tested in animals and can be translated into ALS clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ario Mirian
- Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Serena Soleimani
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Agessandro Abrahao
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bouvier DS, Fixemer S, Heurtaux T, Jeannelle F, Frauenknecht KBM, Mittelbronn M. The Multifaceted Neurotoxicity of Astrocytes in Ageing and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Translational Perspective. Front Physiol 2022; 13:814889. [PMID: 35370777 PMCID: PMC8969602 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.814889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a healthy physiological context, astrocytes are multitasking cells contributing to central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, defense, and immunity. In cell culture or rodent models of age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), numerous studies have shown that astrocytes can adopt neurotoxic phenotypes that could enhance disease progression. Chronic inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, unbalanced phagocytosis, or alteration of their core physiological roles are the main manifestations of their detrimental states. However, if astrocytes are directly involved in brain deterioration by exerting neurotoxic functions in patients with NDDs is still controversial. The large spectrum of NDDs, with often overlapping pathologies, and the technical challenges associated with the study of human brain samples complexify the analysis of astrocyte involvement in specific neurodegenerative cascades. With this review, we aim to provide a translational overview about the multi-facets of astrocyte neurotoxicity ranging from in vitro findings over mouse and human cell-based studies to rodent NDDs research and finally evidence from patient-related research. We also discuss the role of ageing in astrocytes encompassing changes in physiology and response to pathologic stimuli and how this may prime detrimental responses in NDDs. To conclude, we discuss how potentially therapeutic strategies could be adopted to alleviate or reverse astrocytic toxicity and their potential to impact neurodegeneration and dementia progression in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S. Bouvier
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg (UL), Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: David S. Bouvier,
| | - Sonja Fixemer
- Luxembourg Center of Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg (UL), Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Tony Heurtaux
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Félicia Jeannelle
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Katrin B. M. Frauenknecht
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg (UL), Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Department of Cancer Research (DOCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology, and Medicine (FSTM), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Michel Mittelbronn,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zelek WM, Morgan BP. Targeting complement in neurodegeneration: challenges, risks, and strategies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:615-628. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
23
|
Pan Y, Nicolazzo JA. Altered Blood-Brain Barrier and Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Dynamics in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Impact on Medication Efficacy and Safety. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2577-2588. [PMID: 35048358 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The access of drugs into the central nervous system (CNS) is regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). A large body of evidence supports perturbation of these barriers in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Modifications to the BBB and BSCB are also reported in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), albeit these modifications have received less attention relative to those in other neurodegenerative diseases. Such alterations to the BBB and BSCB have the potential to impact on CNS exposure of drugs in ALS, modulating the effectiveness of drugs intended to reach the brain and the toxicity of drugs that are not intended to reach the brain. Given the clinical importance of these phenomena, this review will summarise reported modifications to the BBB and BSCB in ALS, discuss their impact on CNS drug exposure and suggest further research directions so as to optimise medicine use in people with ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Pan
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph A Nicolazzo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nguyen B, Bix G, Yao Y. Basal lamina changes in neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:81. [PMID: 34876200 PMCID: PMC8650282 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00502-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative disorders are a group of age-associated diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the CNS. Two key pathological features of these disorders are blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and protein aggregation. MAIN BODY The BBB is composed of various cell types and a non-cellular component---the basal lamina (BL). Although how different cells affect the BBB is well studied, the roles of the BL in BBB maintenance and function remain largely unknown. In addition, located in the perivascular space, the BL is also speculated to regulate protein clearance via the meningeal lymphatic/glymphatic system. Recent studies from our laboratory and others have shown that the BL actively regulates BBB integrity and meningeal lymphatic/glymphatic function in both physiological and pathological conditions, suggesting that it may play an important role in the pathogenesis and/or progression of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we focus on changes of the BL and its major components during aging and in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). First, we introduce the vascular and lymphatic systems in the CNS. Next, we discuss the BL and its major components under homeostatic conditions, and summarize their changes during aging and in AD, PD, and ALS in both rodents and humans. The functional significance of these alterations and potential therapeutic targets are also reviewed. Finally, key challenges in the field and future directions are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Understanding BL changes and the functional significance of these changes in neurodegenerative disorders will fill the gap of knowledge in the field. Our goal is to provide a clear and concise review of the complex relationship between the BL and neurodegenerative disorders to stimulate new hypotheses and further research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Gregory Bix
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, MDC 8, Tampa, Florida, 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|