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Matsushita N, Kato S, Nishizawa K, Sugawara M, Takeuchi K, Miyasaka Y, Mashimo T, Kobayashi K. Highly selective transgene expression through the flip-excision switch system by using a unilateral spacer sequence. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100393. [PMID: 36936079 PMCID: PMC10014282 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The flip-excision switch (FLEX) system with an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector allows expression of transgenes in specific cell populations having Cre recombinase. A significant issue with this system is non-specific expression of transgenes in tissues after vector injection. We show here that Cre-independent recombination events in the AAV genome carrying the FLEX sequence occur mainly during the production of viral vectors in packaging cells, which results in transgene expression in off-target populations. Introduction of a relatively longer nucleotide sequence between two recognition sites at the unilateral side of the transgene cassette, termed a unilateral spacer sequence (USS), is useful to suppress the recombination in the viral genome, leading to the protection of non-specific transgene expression with enhanced gene expression selectivity. Our FLEX/USS system offers a powerful strategy for highly specific Cre-dependent transgene expression, aiming at various applications for structural and functional analyses of target cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Matsushita
- Division of Laboratory Animal Research, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigeki Kato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kayo Nishizawa
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Masateru Sugawara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kosei Takeuchi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Miyasaka
- Laboratory of Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Experimental Animal Sciences, Osaka University Medical School, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoji Mashimo
- Division of Animal Genetics, Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kazuto Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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2
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Li Y, Halterman MW. The MAP Kinase Phosphatase MKP-1 Modulates Neurogenesis via Effects on BNIP3 and Autophagy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121871. [PMID: 34944516 PMCID: PMC8699509 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited and acquired defects in neurogenesis contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, dysfunctional neural plasticity, and may underlie pathology in a range of neurodegenerative conditions. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of neural stem cells. While the balance between MAPKs and the family of MAPK dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) regulates axon branching and synaptic plasticity, the specific role that DUSPs play in neurogenesis remains unexplored. In the current study, we asked whether the canonical DUSP, MAP Kinase Phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), influences neural stem cell differentiation and the extent to which DUSP-dependent autophagy is operational in this context. Under basal conditions, Mkp-1 knockout mice generated fewer doublecortin (DCX) positive neurons within the dentate gyrus (DG) characterized by the accumulation of LC3 puncta. Analyses of wild-type neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation in vitro revealed increased Mkp-1 mRNA expression during the initial 24-h period. Notably, Mkp-1 KO NSC differentiation produced fewer Tuj1-positive neurons and was associated with increased expression of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kD protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and levels of autophagy. Conversely, Bnip3 knockdown in differentiated Mkp-1 KO NSCs reduced levels of autophagy and increased neuronal yields. These results indicate that MKP-1 exerts a pro-neurogenic bias during a critical window in NSC differentiation by regulating BNIP3 and basal autophagy levels.
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Flor-García M, Ávila J, Llorens-Martín M. GSK-3β S9A overexpression leads murine hippocampal neural precursors to acquire an astroglial phenotype in vivo. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:710-723. [PMID: 33955712 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22823] [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: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The addition of new neurons to the existing hippocampal circuitry persists in the adult dentate gyrus (DG). During this process, named adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), adult hippocampal progenitor cells (AHPs) give rise to newborn dentate granule cells (DGCs). The acquisition of a neuronal lineage by AHPs is tightly regulated by numerous signaling molecules and transcription factors. In this regard, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a master regulator of the maturation of AHPs in vitro. Here we analyzed the cell-autonomous effects of overexpressing a constitutively active form of GSK-3β (GSK-3β S9A) in AHPs in vivo. To this end, we stereotaxically injected a GSK-3β S9A-encoding retrovirus (GSK-3β-V5) into the DG of young adult C57BL6/J Ola Hsd female mice and studied the cell lineage acquisition, migratory and marker expression patterns, and the morphological maturation of the infected cells over time. Strikingly, GSK-3β S9A-transduced cells expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NG2, thereby acquiring an immature astroglial phenotype, which differed markedly from the neuronal phenotype observed in cells transduced with a control retrovirus that encoded GFP. Accordingly, the morphology and migration patterns of cells transduced by the two retroviruses are remarkably divergent. These observations support the role of GSK-3β as a cornerstone that regulates the balance between new astocytes/neurons generated in the adult murine DG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Flor-García
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Llorens-Martín
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CBMSO, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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4
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Baldauf L, Endres T, Scholz J, Kirches E, Ward DM, Lessmann V, Borucki K, Mawrin C. Mitoferrin-1 is required for brain energy metabolism and hippocampus-dependent memory. Neurosci Lett 2019; 713:134521. [PMID: 31563673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Disturbed iron (Fe) ion homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in neurodegeneration. Both processes are related, because central Fe ion consuming biogenetic pathways take place in mitochondria and affect their oxidative energy metabolism. Iron is imported into mitochondria by the two homologous Fe ion importers mitoferrin-1 and mitoferrin-2. To elucidate more specifically the role of mitochondrial Fe ions for brain energy metabolism and for proper neuronal function, we generated mice with a neuron-specific knockout of mitoferrin-1 (Slc25a37-/- or mfrn-1-/-) and compared them with corresponding control littermates (mfrn-1flox/flox). Mice lacking neuronal mfrn-1 exhibited no obvious anatomical or behavioral abnormalities as neonates, young or adult animals. However, they exhibited a moderate decrease in brain mitochondrial O2-consumption with complex-I substrates of the electron transport chain (p < 0.05), indicating a moderate suppression of electron transport. While these mice did not exhibit altered basal fear levels, inquisitiveness or motor skills in specific neurobiological test batteries, they clearly exhibited decreased spatial learning skills and missing establishment of stable spatial memory in Morris water maze, as compared to floxed controls (p < 0.05). We thus conclude that mitochondrial Fe ion supply is an important player in neuronal energy metabolism and proper brain function and that the carrier mitoferrin-1 cannot be completely replaced by mitoferrin-2 or other as yet unknown Fe ion carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baldauf
- Institute of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Endres
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Scholz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elmar Kirches
- Institute of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Diane M Ward
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Volkmar Lessmann
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Institute of Neuropathology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany.
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5
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Chakravarti D, Caraballo LD, Weinberg BH, Wong WW. Inducible Gene Switches with Memory in Human T Cells for Cellular Immunotherapy. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:1744-1754. [PMID: 31268301 PMCID: PMC6703182 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
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Cell-based therapies that employ
engineered T cells—including
those modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)—to
target cancer cells have demonstrated promising responses in clinical
trials. However, engineered T cell responses must be regulated to
prevent severe side effects such as cytokine storms and off-target
responses. Here we present a class of recombinase-based gene circuits
that will enable inducible, one-time state switching in adoptive T
cell therapy using an FDA-approved drug, creating a generalizable
platform that can be used to control when and how strongly a gene
is expressed. These circuits exhibit memory such that induced T cells
will maintain any changes made even when the drug inducer is removed.
This memory feature avoids prolonged drug inducer exposure, thus reducing
the complexity and potential side effect associated with the drug
inducer. We have utilized these circuits to control the expression
of an anti-Her2-CAR, demonstrating the ability of these circuits to
regulate CAR expression and T cell activity. We envision this platform
can be extended to regulate other genes involved in T cell behavior
for applications in various adoptive T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deboki Chakravarti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Leidy D. Caraballo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Benjamin H. Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Wilson W. Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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Hong-Qiang H, Mang-Qiao S, Fen X, Shan-Shan L, Hui-Juan C, Wu-Gang H, Wen-Jun Y, Zheng-Wu P. Sirt1 mediates improvement of isoflurane-induced memory impairment following hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning in middle-aged mice. Physiol Behav 2018; 195:1-8. [PMID: 30040951 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) preconditioning (PC) has been suggested as a feasible method to provide neuroprotection from postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, whether HBO-PC can ameliorate cognitive deficits induced by isoflurane, and the possible mechanism by which it may exert its effect, has not yet been clarified. In the present study, middle-aged mice were exposed to isoflurane anesthesia (1.5 minimal alveolar concentration [MAC]) for 2 h to establish a POCD model. After HBO preconditioning, cognitive function and expression of hippocampal sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were evaluated 24 h following isoflurane treatment, in the presence or absence of Sirt1 knockdown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA). HBO preconditioning increased the expression of Sirt1, Nrf2, and HO-1 and ameliorated memory dysfunction. Meanwhile, Sirt1 knockdown inhibited the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and attenuated the HBO preconditioning-associated memory improvement. Our results suggest that the application of HBO preconditioning is a useful treatment for POCD, and that Sirt1 may be a potential molecular target for POCD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Hong-Qiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA No. 174 Hospital, Chenggong Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, China
| | - Shu Mang-Qiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Psychiatry, Changan Hospital, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - Xue Fen
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Liu Shan-Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA No. 174 Hospital, Chenggong Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, China
| | - Cao Hui-Juan
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA No. 174 Hospital, Chenggong Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, China
| | - Hou Wu-Gang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yan Wen-Jun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Peng Zheng-Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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7
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Adams KV, Morshead CM. Neural stem cell heterogeneity in the mammalian forebrain. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 170:2-36. [PMID: 29902499 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The brain was long considered an organ that underwent very little change after development. It is now well established that the mammalian central nervous system contains neural stem cells that generate progeny that are capable of making new neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes throughout life. The field has advanced rapidly as it strives to understand the basic biology of these precursor cells, and explore their potential to promote brain repair. The purpose of this review is to present current knowledge about the diversity of neural stem cells in vitro and in vivo, and highlight distinctions between neural stem cell populations, throughout development, and within the niche. A comprehensive understanding of neural stem cell heterogeneity will provide insights into the cellular and molecular regulation of neural development and lifelong neurogenesis, and will guide the development of novel strategies to promote regeneration and neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey V Adams
- Institute of Medical Science, Terrence Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 3E2, Canada.
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, Terrence Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, M5S 3E2, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Anatomy, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, Canada; Rehabilitation Science Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
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8
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Xue F, Chen YC, Zhou CH, Wang Y, Cai M, Yan WJ, Wu R, Wang HN, Peng ZW. Risperidone ameliorates cognitive deficits, promotes hippocampal proliferation, and enhances Notch signaling in a murine model of schizophrenia. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:101-109. [PMID: 29037878 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic agents have been reported to promote hippocampal neurogenesis and improve cognitive deficits; yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions remain unclear. In the present study, we used a murine model of schizophrenia induced by 5-day intraperitoneal injection with the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist MK801 (0.3mg/kg/day) to assess cognitive behavioral deficits, changes in Notch signaling, and cellular proliferation in the hippocampus of adult male C57BL/6 mice after 2-week administration of risperidone (Rip, 0.2mg/kg/day) or vehicle. We then utilized in vivo stereotaxic injections of a lentivirus expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for Notch1 into the dentate gyrus to examine the role of Notch1 in the observed actions of Rip. We found that Rip ameliorated cognitive deficits and restored cell proliferation in MK801-treated mice in a manner associated with the up-regulation of Notch signaling molecules, including Notch1, Hes1, and Hes5. Moreover, these effects were abolished by pretreatment with Notch1 shRNA. Our results suggest that the ability of Rip to improve cognitive function in schizophrenia is mediated in part by Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yun-Chun Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Cui-Hong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wen-Jun Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Xi'an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua-Ning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Zheng-Wu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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9
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Encinas JM, Fitzsimons CP. Gene regulation in adult neural stem cells. Current challenges and possible applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 120:118-132. [PMID: 28751200 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adult neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) offer a unique opportunity for neural regeneration and niche modification in physiopathological conditions, harnessing the capability to modify from neuronal circuits to glial scar. Findings exposing the vast plasticity and potential of NSPCs have accumulated over the past years and we currently know that adult NSPCs can naturally give rise not only to neurons but also to astrocytes and reactive astrocytes, and eventually to oligodendrocytes through genetic manipulation. We can consider NSPCs as endogenous flexible tools to fight against neurodegenerative and neurological disorders and aging. In addition, NSPCs can be considered as active agents contributing to chronic brain alterations and as relevant cell populations to be preserved, so that their main function, neurogenesis, is not lost in damage or disease. Altogether we believe that learning to manipulate NSPC is essential to prevent, ameliorate or restore some of the cognitive deficits associated with brain disease and injury, and therefore should be considered as target for future therapeutic strategies. The first step to accomplish this goal is to target them specifically, by unveiling and understanding their unique markers and signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Encinas
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 205, 48170 Zamudio, Spain; Ikerbasque, The Basque Science Foundation, María Díaz de Haro 3, 6(th) Floor, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Neuroscience Program, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Amsterdam, SciencePark 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Overall RW, Walker TL, Fischer TJ, Brandt MD, Kempermann G. Different Mechanisms Must Be Considered to Explain the Increase in Hippocampal Neural Precursor Cell Proliferation by Physical Activity. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:362. [PMID: 27536215 PMCID: PMC4971098 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of proliferating neural precursor cells in the adult hippocampus is strongly increased by physical activity. The mechanisms through which this behavioral stimulus induces cell proliferation, however, are not yet understood. In fact, even the mode of proliferation of the stem and progenitor cells is not exactly known. Evidence exists for several mechanisms including cell cycle shortening, reduced cell death and stem cell recruitment, but as yet no model can account for all observations. An appreciation of how the cells proliferate, however, is crucial to our ability to model the neurogenic process and predict its behavior in response to pro-neurogenic stimuli. In a recent study, we addressed modulation of the cell cycle length as one possible mode of regulation of precursor cell proliferation in running mice. Our results indicated that the observed increase in number of proliferating cells could not be explained through a shortening of the cell cycle. We must therefore consider other mechanisms by which physical activity leads to enhanced precursor cell proliferation. Here we review the evidence for and against several different hypotheses and discuss the implications for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert W Overall
- Genomics of Regeneration, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität DresdenDresden, Germany; Genomics of Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) DresdenDresden, Germany
| | - Tara L Walker
- Genomics of Regeneration, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität DresdenDresden, Germany; Genomics of Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) DresdenDresden, Germany
| | - Tim J Fischer
- Genomics of Regeneration, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität DresdenDresden, Germany; Genomics of Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) DresdenDresden, Germany
| | - Moritz D Brandt
- Division of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden Dresden, Germany
| | - Gerd Kempermann
- Genomics of Regeneration, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität DresdenDresden, Germany; Genomics of Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) DresdenDresden, Germany
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