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Nascimento F, Özyurt MG, Halablab K, Bhumbra GS, Caron G, Bączyk M, Zytnicki D, Manuel M, Roselli F, Brownstone R, Beato M. Spinal microcircuits go through multiphasic homeostatic compensations in a mouse model of motoneuron degeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588918. [PMID: 38645210 PMCID: PMC11030447 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
In neurological conditions affecting the brain, early-stage neural circuit adaption is key for long-term preservation of normal behaviour. We tested if motoneurons and respective microcircuits also adapt in the initial stages of disease progression in a mouse model of progressive motoneuron degeneration. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology and super-resolution microscopy, we found that, preceding muscle denervation and motoneuron death, recurrent inhibition mediated by Renshaw cells is reduced in half due to impaired quantal size associated with decreased glycine receptor density. Additionally, higher probability of release from proprioceptive Ia terminals leads to increased monosynaptic excitation to motoneurons. Surprisingly, the initial impairment in recurrent inhibition is not a widespread feature of inhibitory spinal circuits, such as group I inhibitory afferents, and is compensated at later stages of disease progression. We reveal that in disease conditions, spinal microcircuits undergo specific multiphasic homeostatic compensations to preserve force output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Nascimento
- Department of Neuroscience Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), Gower Street, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - M. Görkem Özyurt
- Department of Neuroscience Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), Gower Street, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Kareen Halablab
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases-Ulm (DZNE-Ulm), Ulm, Germany
| | - Gardave Singh Bhumbra
- Department of Neuroscience Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), Gower Street, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Guillaume Caron
- Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences (SPPIN), Université Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France
| | - Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Daniel Zytnicki
- Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences (SPPIN), Université Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France
| | - Marin Manuel
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, USA
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases-Ulm (DZNE-Ulm), Ulm, Germany
| | - Rob Brownstone
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Marco Beato
- Department of Neuroscience Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), Gower Street, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Bhattacharya D, Górska-Andrzejak J, Abaquita TAL, Pyza E. Effects of adenosine receptor overexpression and silencing in neurons and glial cells on lifespan, fitness, and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster. Exp Brain Res 2023:10.1007/s00221-023-06649-y. [PMID: 37335362 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06649-y] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
A single adenosine receptor gene (dAdoR) has been detected in Drosophila melanogaster. However, its function in different cell types of the nervous system is mostly unknown. Therefore, we overexpressed or silenced the dAdoR gene in eye photoreceptors, all neurons, or glial cells and examined the fitness of flies, the amount and daily pattern of sleep, and the influence of dAdoR silencing on Bruchpilot (BRP) presynaptic protein. Furthermore, we examined the dAdoR and brp gene expression in young and old flies. We found that a higher level of dAdoR in the retina photoreceptors, all neurons, and glial cells negatively influenced the survival rate and lifespan of male and female Drosophila in a cell-dependent manner and to a different extent depending on the age of the flies. In old flies, expression of both dAdoR and brp was higher than in young ones. An excess of dAdoR in neurons improved climbing in older individuals. It also influenced sleep by lengthening nighttime sleep and siesta. In turn, silencing of dAdoR decreased the lifespan of flies, although it increased the survival rate of young flies. It hindered the climbing of older males and females, but did not change sleep. Silencing also affected the daily pattern of BRP abundance, especially when dAdoR expression was decreased in glial cells. The obtained results indicate the role of adenosine and dAdoR in the regulation of fitness in flies that is based on communication between neurons and glial cells, and the effect of glial cells on synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elżbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Jagellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Sousa-Soares C, Noronha-Matos JB, Correia-de-Sá P. Purinergic Tuning of the Tripartite Neuromuscular Synapse. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4084-4104. [PMID: 37016047 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03317-8] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a specialised chemical synapse involved in the transmission of bioelectric signals between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber, leading to muscle contraction. Typically, the NMJ is a tripartite synapse comprising (a) a presynaptic region represented by the motor nerve ending, (b) a postsynaptic skeletal motor endplate area, and (c) perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) that shield the motor nerve terminal. Increasing evidence points towards the role of PSCs in the maintenance and control of neuromuscular integrity, transmission, and plasticity. Acetylcholine (ACh) is the main neurotransmitter at the vertebrate skeletal NMJ, and its role is fine-tuned by co-released purinergic neuromodulators, like adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and its metabolite adenosine (ADO). Adenine nucleotides modulate transmitter release and expression of postsynaptic ACh receptors at motor synapses via the activation of P2Y and P2X receptors. Endogenously generated ADO modulates ACh release by acting via co-localised inhibitory A1 and facilitatory A2A receptors on motor nerve terminals, whose tonic activation depends on the neuronal firing pattern and their interplay with cholinergic receptors and neuropeptides. Thus, the concerted action of adenine nucleotides, ADO, and ACh/neuropeptide co-transmitters is paramount to adapting the neuromuscular transmission to the working load under pathological conditions, like Myasthenia gravis. Unravelling these functional complexities prompted us to review our knowledge about the way purines orchestrate neuromuscular transmission and plasticity in light of the tripartite synapse concept, emphasising the often-forgotten role of PSCs in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sousa-Soares
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia, MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Bernardo Noronha-Matos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia, MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paulo Correia-de-Sá
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Neurobiologia, MedInUP, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa (MedInUP), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Rei N, Valente CA, Vaz SH, Farinha-Ferreira M, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Changes in adenosine receptors and neurotrophic factors in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Modulation by chronic caffeine. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272104. [PMID: 36516126 PMCID: PMC9749988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of corticospinal tract motor neurons. Previous studies showed that adenosine-mediated neuromodulation is disturbed in ALS and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a neuroprotective function in ALS mouse models. We evaluated how adenosine (A1R and A2AR) and VEGF (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) system markers are altered in the cortex and spinal cord of pre-symptomatic and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We then assessed if/how chronic treatment of SOD1G93A mice with a widely consumed adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, modulates VEGF system and/or the levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), known to be under control of A2AR. We found out decreases in A1R and increases in A2AR levels even before disease onset. Concerning the VEGF system, we detected increases of VEGFB and VEGFR-2 levels in the spinal cord at pre-symptomatic stage, which reverses at the symptomatic stage, and decreases of VEGFA levels in the cortex, in very late disease states. Chronic treatment with caffeine rescued cortical A1R levels in SOD1G93A mice, bringing them to control levels, while rendering VEGF signaling nearly unaffected. In contrast, BDNF levels were significantly affected in SOD1G93A mice treated with caffeine, being decreased in the cortex and increased in spinal the cord. Altogether, these findings suggest an early dysfunction of the adenosinergic system in ALS and highlights the possibility that the negative influence of caffeine previously reported in ALS animal models results from interference with BDNF rather than with the VEGF signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Rei
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudia A. Valente
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Farinha-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Davis LA, Fogarty MJ, Brown A, Sieck GC. Structure and Function of the Mammalian Neuromuscular Junction. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3731-3766. [PMID: 35950651 PMCID: PMC10461538 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ) comprises a presynaptic terminal, a postsynaptic receptor region on the muscle fiber (endplate), and the perisynaptic (terminal) Schwann cell. As with any synapse, the purpose of the NMJ is to transmit signals from the nervous system to muscle fibers. This neural control of muscle fibers is organized as motor units, which display distinct structural and functional phenotypes including differences in pre- and postsynaptic elements of NMJs. Motor units vary considerably in the frequency of their activation (both motor neuron discharge rate and duration/duty cycle), force generation, and susceptibility to fatigue. For earlier and more frequently recruited motor units, the structure and function of the activated NMJs must have high fidelity to ensure consistent activation and continued contractile response to sustain vital motor behaviors (e.g., breathing and postural balance). Similarly, for higher force less frequent behaviors (e.g., coughing and jumping), the structure and function of recruited NMJs must ensure short-term reliable activation but not activation sustained for a prolonged period in which fatigue may occur. The NMJ is highly plastic, changing structurally and functionally throughout the life span from embryonic development to old age. The NMJ also changes under pathological conditions including acute and chronic disease. Such neuroplasticity often varies across motor unit types. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-36, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah A. Davis
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew J. Fogarty
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alyssa Brown
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gary C. Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Swim Training Ameliorates Hyperlocomotion of ALS Mice and Increases Glutathione Peroxidase Activity in the Spinal Cord. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111614. [PMID: 34769048 PMCID: PMC8583724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, neurodegenerative disease. In some cases, ALS causes behavioral disturbances and cognitive dysfunction. Swimming has revealed a neuroprotective influence on the motor neurons in ALS. (2) Methods: In the present study, a SOD1-G93A mice model of ALS were used, with wild-type B6SJL mice as controls. ALS mice were analyzed before ALS onset (10th week of life), at ALS 1 onset (first symptoms of the disease, ALS 1 onset, and ALS 1 onset SWIM), and at terminal ALS (last stage of the disease, ALS TER, and ALS TER SWIM), and compared with wild-type mice. Swim training was applied 5 times per week for 30 min. All mice underwent behavioral tests. The spinal cord was analyzed for the enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers. (3) Results: Pre-symptomatic ALS mice showed increased locomotor activity versus control mice; the swim training reduced these symptoms. The metabolic changes in the spinal cord were present at the pre-symptomatic stage of the disease with a shift towards glycolytic processes at the terminal stage of ALS. Swim training caused an adaptation, resulting in higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and protection against oxidative stress. (4) Conclusion: Therapeutic aquatic activity might slow down the progression of ALS.
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How Are Adenosine and Adenosine A 2A Receptors Involved in the Pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081027. [PMID: 34440231 PMCID: PMC8392384 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is extensively distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it plays a key role as a neuromodulator. It has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of progressive neurogenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and there is now growing interest in its role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The motor neurons affected in ALS are responsive to adenosine receptor function, and there is accumulating evidence for beneficial effects of adenosine A2A receptor antagonism. In this article, we focus on recent evidence from ALS clinical pathology and animal models that support dynamism of the adenosinergic system (including changes in adenosine levels and receptor changes) in ALS. We review the possible mechanisms of chronic neurodegeneration via the adenosinergic system, potential biomarkers and the acute symptomatic pharmacology, including respiratory motor neuron control, of A2A receptor antagonism to explore the potential of the A2A receptor as target for ALS therapy.
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8
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Odierna GL, Phillips WD. The Safety Factor for Neuromuscular Transmission: Effects of Dimethylsulphoxide, Cannabinoids and Synaptic Homeostasis. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:831-844. [PMID: 34334412 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundIn myasthenia gravis, impaired postsynaptic sensitivity to acetylcholine results in failure of neuromuscular transmission and fatiguing muscle weakness.ObjectiveDevelop an ex vivo muscle contraction assay to test cannabinoids and other substances that might act on the myasthenic neuromuscular junction to restore control of the muscle.MethodsTubocurarine was added to an ex vivo, mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm muscle preparation to reduce acetylcholine sensitivity. This produced a myasthenia-like decrement in twitch force during a train of 10 nerve impulses (3 / sec). Endplate potential (EPP) recordings were used to confirm and extend the findings.ResultsSurprisingly, addition to the bath of dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), at concentrations as low as 0.1%(v/v), partially reversed the decrement in nerve-evoked force. Intracellular electrophysiology, conducted in the presence of tubocurarine, showed that DMSO increased the amplitudes of both the spontaneous miniature EPP (MEPP) and the (nerve-evoked) EPP. In the absence of tubocurarine (synaptic potentials at physiological levels), an adaptive fall in quantal content negated the DMSO-induced rise in EPP amplitude. The effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists (solubilized with DMSO) in the contraction assay do not support their further exploration as useful therapeutic agents for myasthenia gravis. CP 55,940 (a dual agonist for cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2) reversed the beneficial effects of DMSO.Conclusions:We demonstrate a powerful effect of DMSO upon quantal amplitude that might mislead pharmacological studies of synaptic function wherever DMSO is used as a drug vehicle. Our results also show that compounds targeting impaired neuromuscular transmission should be tested under myasthenic-like conditions, so as to avoid confounding effects of synaptic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmaria Lorenzo Odierna
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - William Donald Phillips
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Atif M, Alsrhani A, Naz F, Imran M, Imran M, Ullah MI, Alameen AAM, Gondal TA, Raza Q. Targeting Adenosine Receptors in Neurological Diseases. Cell Reprogram 2021; 23:57-72. [PMID: 33861641 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2020.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine plays a significant role in neurotransmission process by controlling the blood pressure, while adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter and by activation of P2 receptors, regulates the contractility of the heart. Adenosine signaling is essential in the process of regeneration by regulating proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of stem cells. In this review, we have selected neurological disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy) with clinical trials using antagonists and epigenetic tools targeting adenosine receptor as a therapeutic approach in the treatment of these disorders. Promising results have been reported from many clinical trials. It has been found that higher expression levels of A2A and P2X7 receptors in neurological disorders further complicate the disease condition. Therefore, modulations of these receptors by using antagonists of these receptors or SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) therapy as an epigenetic tool could be useful in reversing the complications of these disorders. Finally, we suggest that modulation of adenosine receptors in neurological disorders can increase the regenerative phase by increasing the rate of proliferation and differentiation in the damaged tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhmmad Atif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsrhani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farrah Naz
- Department of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Microbiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A M Alameen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Tanweer Aslam Gondal
- School of Exercise and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qaisar Raza
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, NUR International University, Lahore, Pakistan
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Gomes C, Sequeira C, Barbosa M, Cunha C, Vaz AR, Brites D. Astrocyte regional diversity in ALS includes distinct aberrant phenotypes with common and causal pathological processes. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112209. [PMID: 32739211 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are major contributors of motor neuron (MN) degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated whether regional and cell maturation differences influence ALS astrocyte malfunction. Spinal and cortical astrocytes from SOD1G93A (mSOD1) 7-day-old mice were cultured for 5 and 13 days in vitro (DIV). Astrocyte aberrancies predominated in 13DIV cells with region specificity. 13DIV cortical mSOD1 astrocytes showed early morphological changes and a predominant reactive and inflammatory phenotype, while repressed proteins and genes were found in spinal cells. Inflammatory-associated miRNAs, e.g. miR-155/miR-21/miR-146a, were downregulated in the first and upregulated in the later ones. Interestingly, depleted miR-155/miR-21/miR-146a in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs/exosomes) was a common pathological feature. Cortical mSOD1 astrocytes induced late apoptosis and kinesin-1 downregulation in mSOD1 NSC-34 MNs, whereas spinal cells upregulated dynein, while decreased nNOS and synaptic-related genes. Both regional-distinct mSOD1 astrocytes enhanced iNOS gene expression in mSOD1 MNs. We provide information on the potential contribution of astrocytes to ALS bulbar-vs. spinal-onset pathology, local influence on neuronal dysfunction and their shared miRNA-depleted exosome trafficking. These causal and common features may have potential therapeutic implications in ALS. Future studies should clarify if astrocyte-derived sEVs are active players in ALS-related neuroinflammation and glial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Gomes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Sequeira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Barbosa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Cunha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Vaz
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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11
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Rei N, Rombo DM, Ferreira MF, Baqi Y, Müller CE, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM, Vaz SH. Hippocampal synaptic dysfunction in the SOD1 G93A mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Reversal by adenosine A 2AR blockade. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108106. [PMID: 32311420 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) mostly affects motor neurons, but non-motor neural and cognitive alterations have been reported in ALS mouse models and patients. Here, we evaluated if time-dependent biphasic changes in synaptic transmission and plasticity occur in hippocampal synapses of ALS SOD1G93A mice. Recordings were performed in hippocampal slices of SOD1G93A and age-matched WT mice, in the pre-symptomatic and symptomatic stages. We found an enhancement of pre-synaptic function and increased adenosine A2A receptor levels in the hippocampus of pre-symptomatic mice. In contrast, in symptomatic mice, there was an impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) and a decrease in NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents, with A2AR levels also being increased. Chronic treatment with the A2AR antagonist KW-6002, rescued LTP and A2AR values. Altogether, these findings suggest an increase in synaptic function during the pre-symptomatic stage, followed by a decrease in synaptic plasticity in the symptomatic stage, which involves over-activation of A2AR from early disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Rei
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - D M Rombo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M F Ferreira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Y Baqi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 36, Postal Code 123, Muscat, Oman
| | - C E Müller
- Pharma-Zentrum Bonn, Pharmazeutisches Institut, Pharmazeutische Chemie I, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - J A Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A M Sebastião
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S H Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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12
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Andrejew R, Glaser T, Oliveira-Giacomelli Á, Ribeiro D, Godoy M, Granato A, Ulrich H. Targeting Purinergic Signaling and Cell Therapy in Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1201:275-353. [PMID: 31898792 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31206-0_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular purines exert several functions in physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. ATP acts through P2 receptors as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator and modulates heart contractility, while adenosine participates in neurotransmission, blood pressure, and many other mechanisms. Because of their capability to differentiate into mature cell types, they provide a unique therapeutic strategy for regenerating damaged tissue, such as in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Purinergic signaling is pivotal for controlling stem cell differentiation and phenotype determination. Proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of stem cells of various origins are regulated by purinergic receptors. In this chapter, we selected neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases with clinical trials using cell therapy and purinergic receptor targeting. We discuss these approaches as therapeutic alternatives to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, promising results were demonstrated in the utilization of mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow mononuclear cells in vascular regeneration. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, in general, P2X7 and A2A receptors mostly worsen the degenerative state. Stem cell-based therapy, mainly through mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells, showed promising results in improving symptoms caused by neurodegeneration. We propose that purinergic receptor activity regulation combined with stem cells could enhance proliferative and differentiation rates as well as cell engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Andrejew
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Glaser
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ágatha Oliveira-Giacomelli
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deidiane Ribeiro
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Godoy
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Granato
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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13
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Chern Y, Rei N, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Adenosine and Its Receptors as Potential Drug Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Caffeine Adenosine Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1089/caff.2019.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yijuang Chern
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nádia Rei
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A. Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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Modulating P1 Adenosine Receptors in Disease Progression of SOD1G93A Mutant Mice. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1037-1042. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Fusco AF, McCall AL, Dhindsa JS, Pucci LA, Strickland LM, Kahn AF, ElMallah MK. The Respiratory Phenotype of Rodent Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Spinocerebellar Ataxia. JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES 2019; 3:100011. [PMID: 31893284 PMCID: PMC6938301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) are neurodegenerative disorders that result in progressive motor dysfunction and ultimately lead to respiratory failure. Rodent models of neurodegenerative disorders provide a means to study the respiratory motor unit pathology that results in respiratory failure. In addition, they are important for pre-clinical studies of novel therapies that improve breathing, quality of life, and survival. The goal of this review is to compare the respiratory phenotype of two neurodegenerative disorders that have different pathological origins, but similar physiological outcomes. Manuscripts reviewed were identified using specific search terms and exclusion criteria. We excluded manuscripts that investigated novel therapeutics and only included those manuscripts that describe the respiratory pathology. The ALS manuscripts describe pathology in respiratory physiology, the phrenic and hypoglossal motor units, respiratory neural control centers, and accessory respiratory muscles. The SCA rodent model manuscripts characterized pathology in overall respiratory function, phrenic motor units and hypoglossal motor neurons. Overall, a combination of pathology in the respiratory motor units and control centers contribute to devastating respiratory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna F. Fusco
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Angela L. McCall
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Justin S. Dhindsa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Logan A. Pucci
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Amanda F. Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Mai K. ElMallah
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC,Corresponding author: Mai K. ElMallah, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center Box 2644, Durham, NC 27710, USA, Tel: 919-684-3577;
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16
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Gomes C, Cunha C, Nascimento F, Ribeiro JA, Vaz AR, Brites D. Cortical Neurotoxic Astrocytes with Early ALS Pathology and miR-146a Deficit Replicate Gliosis Markers of Symptomatic SOD1G93A Mouse Model. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2137-2158. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1220-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Bernareggi A, Ren E, Giniatullin A, Luin E, Sciancalepore M, Giniatullin R, Lorenzon P. Adenosine Promotes Endplate nAChR Channel Activity in Adult Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers via Low Affinity P1 Receptors. Neuroscience 2018; 383:1-11. [PMID: 29733889 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine is a powerful modulator of skeletal neuromuscular transmission, operating via inhibitory or facilitatory purinergic-type P1 receptors. To date, studies have been focused mainly on the effect of adenosine on presynaptic P1 receptors controlling transmitter release. In this study, using two-microelectrode voltage-clamp and single-channel patch-clamp recording techniques, we have explored potential postsynaptic targets of adenosine and their modulatory effect on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-mediated synaptic responses in adult mouse skeletal muscle fibers in vitro. In the whole-mount neuromuscular junction (NMJ) preparation, adenosine (100 μM) significantly reduced the frequency of the miniature endplate currents (MEPCs) and slowed their rising and decay time. Consistent with a postsynaptic site of action, adenosine and the potent P1 receptor agonist NECA significantly increased the open probability, the frequency and the open time of single nAChR channels, recorded at the endplate region. Using specific ligands for the P1 receptor subtypes, we found that the low-affinity P1 receptor subtype A2B was responsible for mediating the effects of adenosine on the nAChR channel openings. Our data suggest that at the adult mammalian NMJ, adenosine acts not only presynaptically to modulate acetylcholine transmitter release, but also at the postsynaptic level, to enhance the activity of nAChRs. Our findings open a new scenario in understanding of purinergic regulation of nAChR activity at the mammalian endplate region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bernareggi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elisa Ren
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Luin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Sciancalepore
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rashid Giniatullin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia; A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Paola Lorenzon
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; B.R.A.I.N., Centre for Neuroscience, Trieste, Italy
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18
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Sebastião AM, Rei N, Ribeiro JA. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Adenosine Receptors. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:267. [PMID: 29713276 PMCID: PMC5911503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present review we discuss the potential involvement of adenosinergic signaling, in particular the role of adenosine receptors, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Though the literature on this topic is not abundant, the information so far available on adenosine receptors in animal models of ALS highlights the interest to continue to explore the role of these receptors in this neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, all motor neurons affected in ALS are responsive to adenosine receptor ligands but interestingly, there are alterations in pre-symptomatic or early symptomatic stages that mirror those in advanced disease stages. Information starts to emerge pointing toward a beneficial role of A2A receptors (A2AR), most probably at early disease states, and a detrimental role of caffeine, in clear contrast with what occurs in other neurodegenerative diseases. However, some evidence also exists on a beneficial action of A2AR antagonists. It may happen that there are time windows where A2AR prove beneficial and others where their blockade is required. Furthermore, the same changes may not occur simultaneously at the different synapses. In line with this, it is not fully understood if ALS is a dying back disease or if it propagates in a centrifugal way. It thus seems crucial to understand how motor neuron dysfunction occurs, how adenosine receptors are involved in those dysfunctions and whether the early changes in purinergic signaling are compensatory or triggers for the disease. Getting this information is crucial before starting the design of purinergic based strategies to halt or delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nádia Rei
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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19
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Zanetti G, Negro S, Pirazzini M, Caccin P. Mouse Phrenic Nerve Hemidiaphragm Assay (MPN). Bio Protoc 2018; 8:e2759. [PMID: 34179283 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the specialized synapse by which peripheral motor neurons innervate muscle fibers and control skeletal muscle contraction. The NMJ is the target of several xenobiotics, including chemicals, plant, animal and bacterial toxins, as well as of autoantibodies raised against NMJ antigens. Depending on their biochemical nature, the site they target (either the nerve or the muscle) and their mechanism of action, substances affecting NMJ produce very specific alterations of neuromuscular functionality. Here we provide a detailed protocol to isolate the diaphragmatic muscle from mice and to set up two autonomously innervated hemidiaphragms. This preparation can be used to study bioactive substances like toxins, venoms and neuroactive molecules of various origin, or to measure the force of skeletal muscle contraction. The 'mouse phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm assay' (MPN) is an established model of ex vivo NMJ and recapitulates the complexity of neuromuscular transmission in a system easy to control and to manipulate, thus representing a valuable tool to study both NMJ physiology and the mechanism of action of toxins and other molecules acting at this synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Samuele Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Pirazzini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Caccin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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20
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Burnstock G. Purinergic Signalling: Therapeutic Developments. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:661. [PMID: 28993732 PMCID: PMC5622197 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic signalling, i.e., the role of nucleotides as extracellular signalling molecules, was proposed in 1972. However, this concept was not well accepted until the early 1990's when receptor subtypes for purines and pyrimidines were cloned and characterised, which includes four subtypes of the P1 (adenosine) receptor, seven subtypes of P2X ion channel receptors and 8 subtypes of the P2Y G protein-coupled receptor. Early studies were largely concerned with the physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry of purinergic signalling. More recently, the focus has been on the pathophysiology and therapeutic potential. There was early recognition of the use of P1 receptor agonists for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia and A2A receptor antagonists are promising for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Clopidogrel, a P2Y12 antagonist, is widely used for the treatment of thrombosis and stroke, blocking P2Y12 receptor-mediated platelet aggregation. Diquafosol, a long acting P2Y2 receptor agonist, is being used for the treatment of dry eye. P2X3 receptor antagonists have been developed that are orally bioavailable and stable in vivo and are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic cough, bladder incontinence, visceral pain and hypertension. Antagonists to P2X7 receptors are being investigated for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Other investigations are in progress for the use of purinergic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis, myocardial infarction, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, atherosclerosis, depression, autism, diabetes, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical SchoolLondon, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, MelbourneVIC, Australia
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21
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Opposite Synaptic Alterations at the Neuromuscular Junction in an ALS Mouse Model: When Motor Units Matter. J Neurosci 2017; 37:8901-8918. [PMID: 28821658 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3090-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Denervation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) precedes the loss of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is characterized by a motor unit (MU)-dependent vulnerability where MNs with fast-fatigable (FF) characteristics are lost first, followed by fast fatigue-resistant (FR) and slow (S) MNs. However, changes in NMJ properties as a function of MU types remain debated. We hypothesized that NMJ synaptic functions would be altered precociously in an MU-specific manner, before structural alterations of the NMJ. Synaptic transmission and morphological changes of NMJs have been explored in two nerve-muscle preparations of male SOD1G37R mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates: the soleus (S and FR MU); and the extensor digitorum longus (FF MU). S, FR, and FF NMJs of WT mice showed distinct synaptic properties from which we build an MU synaptic profile (MUSP) that reports MU-dependent NMJ synaptic properties. At postnatal day 180 (P180), FF and S NMJs of SOD1 already showed, respectively, lower and higher quantal content compared with WT mice, before signs of MN death and before NMJ morphological alterations. Changes persisted in both muscles until preonset (P380), while denervation was frequent in the mutant mouse. MN death was evident at this stage. Additional changes occurred at clinical disease onset (P450) for S and FR MU. As a whole, our results reveal a reversed MUSP in SOD1 mutants and highlight MU-specific synaptic changes occurring in a precise temporal sequence. Importantly, changes in synaptic properties appear to be good predictors of vulnerability to neurodegeneration.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The inadequate excitability of motor neurons and their output, the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), has been considered a key factor in the detrimental outcome of the motor function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, a conundrum persists at the NMJ whereby persistent but incoherent opposite neurotransmission changes have been reported to take place. This article untangles this conundrum by systematically analyzing the changes in synaptic properties over the course of the disease progression as a function of the motor unit type. This temporal analysis reveals that early synaptic alterations evolve with disease progression but precede NMJ neurodegeneration. These data provide a novel framework of analysis and comparison of synaptic transmission alterations in neurodegenerative disorders.
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22
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Cunha C, Santos C, Gomes C, Fernandes A, Correia AM, Sebastião AM, Vaz AR, Brites D. Downregulated Glia Interplay and Increased miRNA-155 as Promising Markers to Track ALS at an Early Stage. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4207-4224. [PMID: 28612258 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0631-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of unknown cause. Absence of specific targets and biomarkers compromise the development of new therapeutic strategies and of innovative tools to stratify patients and assess their responses to treatment. Here, we investigate changes in neuroprotective-neuroinflammatory actions in the spinal cord of SOD1 G93A mice, at presymptomatic and symptomatic stages to identify stage-specific biomarkers and potential targets. Results showed that in the presymptomatic stage, there are alterations in both astrocytes and microglia, which comprise decreased expression of GFAP and S100B and upregulation of GLT-1, as well as reduced expression of CD11b, M2-phenotype markers, and a set of inflammatory mediators. Reduced levels of Connexin-43, Pannexin-1, CCL21, and CX3CL1 further indicate the existence of a compromised intercellular communication. In contrast, in the symptomatic stage, increased markers of inflammation became evident, such as NF-κB/Nlrp3-inflammasome, Iba1, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and M1-polarizion markers, together with a decreased expression of M2-phenotypic markers. We also observed upregulation of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis, Connexin-43, Pannexin-1, and of microRNAs (miR)-124, miR-125b, miR-146a and miR-21. Reduced motor neuron number and presence of reactive astrocytes with decreased GFAP, GLT-1, and GLAST further characterized this inflammatory stage. Interestingly, upregulation of miR-155 and downregulation of MFG-E8 appear as consistent biomarkers of both presymptomatic and symptomatic stages. We hypothesize that downregulated cellular interplay at the early stages may represent neuroprotective mechanisms against inflammation, SOD1 aggregation, and ALS onset. The present study identified a set of inflamma-miRNAs, NLRP3-inflammasome, HMGB1, CX3CL1-CX3CR1, Connexin-43, and Pannexin-1 as emerging candidates and promising pharmacological targets that may represent potential neuroprotective strategies in ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cunha
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Santos
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Maria Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Vaz
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dora Brites
- Neuron Glia Biology in Health and Disease Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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23
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Kolahdouzan M, Hamadeh MJ. The neuroprotective effects of caffeine in neurodegenerative diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2017; 23:272-290. [PMID: 28317317 PMCID: PMC6492672 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is the most widely used psychostimulant in Western countries, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), caffeine is beneficial in both men and women, in humans and animals. Similar effects of caffeine were observed in men with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the effect of caffeine in female PD patients is controversial due to caffeine's competition with estrogen for the estrogen-metabolizing enzyme, CYP1A2. Studies conducted in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) showed protective effects of A2A R antagonism. A study found caffeine to be associated with earlier age of onset of Huntington's disease (HD) at intakes >190 mg/d, but studies in animal models have found equivocal results. Caffeine is protective in AD and PD at dosages equivalent to 3-5 mg/kg. However, further research is needed to investigate the effects of caffeine on PD in women. As well, the effects of caffeine in ALS, HD and Machado-Joseph disease need to be further investigated. Caffeine's most salient mechanisms of action relevant to neurodegenerative diseases need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshad Kolahdouzan
- School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceFaculty of HealthYork UniversityTorontoONCanada
- Muscle Health Research CentreYork UniversityTorontoONCanada
| | - Mazen J. Hamadeh
- School of Kinesiology and Health ScienceFaculty of HealthYork UniversityTorontoONCanada
- Muscle Health Research CentreYork UniversityTorontoONCanada
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24
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Volonté C, Apolloni S, Parisi C, Amadio S. Purinergic contribution to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropharmacology 2015; 104:180-93. [PMID: 26514402 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
By signalling through purinergic receptors classified as ionotropic P2X (for ATP) and metabotropic P1 (for adenosine) and P2Y (mainly for ADP, UDP, UTP, ATP), the extracellular nucleotides and their metabolic derivatives originated by extracellular activity of several different ectonucleotidases, are involved in the functioning of the nervous system. Here they exert a central role during physiological processes, but also in the precarious balance between beneficial and noxious events. Indeed, in recent years, the dysregulation of extracellular purinergic homeostasis has been correlated to well-characterized acute and chronic neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Among these, we focus our attention on purinergic signalling occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common late onset motoneuron disease, characterized by specific loss of motoneurons in brain stem and ventral horns of spinal cord. ALS is a progressive non-cell-autonomous and multifactorial neuroinflammatory disease, whose aetiology and pathological mechanisms are unidentified for most patients and initiate long before any sign or symptom becomes apparent. By combining purinergic with ALS knowledge, in this work we thus present and sustain a novel line of investigation on the purinergic contribution to ALS. In particular, here we recapitulate very early results about P2X4, P2X7 and P2Y6 receptor expression in tissues from ALS animal and cell models and patients, and more recent achievements about purinergic signalling mainly performed in vitro in microglia and lately in astrocytes and motoneurons. We finally highlight how purinergic signalling has progressively evolved up to preclinical trials, to the point of deserving now full consideration with reference to ALS. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Volonté
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Savina Apolloni
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Parisi
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Rome, Italy
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25
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Nascimento F, Sebastião AM, Ribeiro JA. Presymptomatic and symptomatic ALS SOD1(G93A) mice differ in adenosine A1 and A2A receptor-mediated tonic modulation of neuromuscular transmission. Purinergic Signal 2015; 11:471-80. [PMID: 26335190 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-015-9465-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease leading to neuromuscular transmission impairment. A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) function changes with disease stage, but the role of the A(1) receptors (A1Rs) is unknown and may have a functional cross-talk with A2AR. The role of A1R in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of ALS in presymptomatic (4-6 weeks old) and symptomatic (12-14 weeks old) phases was investigated by recording endplate potentials (EPPs), miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs), and quantal content (q.c.) of EPPs, from Mg(2+) paralyzed hemidiaphragm preparations. In presymptomatic mice, the A1R agonist, N (6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) (50 nM), decreased mean EPP amplitude, MEPP frequency, and q.c. of EPPs, an effect quantitatively similar to that in age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. However, coactivation of A2AR with CGS 21680 (5 nM) prevented the effects of CPA in WT mice but not in presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice, suggestive of A1R/A2AR cross-talk disruption in this phase of ALS. DPCPX (50 nM) impaired CGS 21680 facilitatory action on neuromuscular transmission in WT but not in presymptomatic mice. In symptomatic animals, CPA only inhibited transmission if added in the presence of adenosine deaminase (ADA, 1 U/mL). ADA and DPCPX enhanced more transmission in symptomatic mice than in age-matched WT mice, suggestive of increase in extracellular adenosine during the symptomatic phase of ALS. The data documents that at the neuromuscular junction of presymptomatic SOD1(G93A) mice, there is a loss of A1R-A2AR functional cross-talk, while in symptomatic mice there is increased A1R tonic activation, and that with disease progression, changes in A1R-mediated adenosine modulation may act as aggravating factors during the symptomatic phase of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Nascimento
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.,Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.,Neuronal Control of Movement Lab, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY18, 9LB, Scotland
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.,Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim A Ribeiro
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Fulle S. Purinergic signalling during myogenesis: a role for adenosine and its receptors. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 214:436-9. [PMID: 26082066 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Fulle
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences; Section of Physiology and Physiopathology; Interuniversity Institute of Myology; University “G.d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
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Ng SK, Higashimori H, Tolman M, Yang Y. Suppression of adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR)-mediated adenosine signaling improves disease phenotypes in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Exp Neurol 2015; 267:115-22. [PMID: 25779930 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease in which the majority of upper and lower motor neurons are degenerated. Despite intensive efforts to identify drug targets and develop neuroprotective strategies, effective therapeutics for ALS remains unavailable. The identification and characterization of novel targets and pathways remain crucial in the development of ALS therapeutics. Adenosine is a major neuromodulator that actively regulates synaptic transmission. Interestingly, adenosine levels are significantly elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of progressing human ALS patients. In the current study, we showed that adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR), but not adenosine 1 receptor (A1R), is highly enriched in spinal (motor) neurons. A2aR expression is also selectively increased at the symptomatic onset in the spinal cords of SOD1G93A mice and end-stage human ALS spinal cords. Interestingly, we found that direct adenosine treatment is sufficient to induce embryonic stem cell-derived motor neuron (ESMN) cell death in cultures. Subsequent pharmacological inhibition and partial genetic ablation of A2aR (A2aR(+/-)) significantly protect ESMN from SOD1G93A(+) astrocyte-induced cell death and delay disease progression of SOD1G93A mice. Taken together, our results provide compelling novel evidence that A2aR-mediated adenosine signaling contributes to the selective spinal motor neuron degeneration observed in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng Kah Ng
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Haruki Higashimori
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Michaela Tolman
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Neuroscience Program, Tufts Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA; Neuroscience Program, Tufts Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Diógenes MJ, Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Adenosine A2A Receptors and Neurotrophic Factors: Relevance for Parkinson’s Disease. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20273-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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