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Tewari BP, Woo AM, Prim CE, Chaunsali L, Patel DC, Kimbrough IF, Engel K, Browning JL, Campbell SL, Sontheimer H. Astrocytes require perineuronal nets to maintain synaptic homeostasis in mice. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1475-1488. [PMID: 39020018 PMCID: PMC11303255 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are densely packed extracellular matrices that cover the cell body of fast-spiking inhibitory neurons. PNNs stabilize synapses inhibiting synaptic plasticity. Here we show that synaptic terminals of fast-spiking interneurons localize to holes in the PNNs in the adult mouse somatosensory cortex. Approximately 95% of holes in the PNNs contain synapses and astrocytic processes expressing Kir4.1, glutamate and GABA transporters. Hence, holes in the PNNs contain tripartite synapses. In the adult mouse brain, PNN degradation causes an expanded astrocytic coverage of the neuronal somata without altering the axon terminals. The loss of PNNs impairs astrocytic transmitter and potassium uptake, resulting in the spillage of glutamate into the extrasynaptic space. Our data show that PNNs and astrocytes cooperate to contain synaptically released signals in physiological conditions. Their combined action is altered in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy where PNNs are disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu P Tewari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - AnnaLin M Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Courtney E Prim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lata Chaunsali
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Dipan C Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ian F Kimbrough
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kaliroi Engel
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Susan L Campbell
- Department of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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2
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Bradford BM, Walmsley-Rowe L, Reynolds J, Verity N, Mabbott NA. Cell adhesion molecule CD44 is dispensable for reactive astrocyte activation during prion disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13749. [PMID: 38877012 PMCID: PMC11178777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal, infectious, neurodegenerative disorders resulting from accumulation of misfolded cellular prion protein in the brain. Early pathological changes during CNS prion disease also include reactive astrocyte activation with increased CD44 expression, microgliosis, as well as loss of dendritic spines and synapses. CD44 is a multifunctional cell surface adhesion and signalling molecule which is considered to play roles in astrocyte morphology and the maintenance of dendritic spine integrity and synaptic plasticity. However, the role of CD44 in prion disease was unknown. Here we used mice deficient in CD44 to determine the role of CD44 during prion disease. We show that CD44-deficient mice displayed no difference in their response to CNS prion infection when compared to wild type mice. Furthermore, the reactive astrocyte activation and microgliosis that accompanies CNS prion infection was unimpaired in the absence of CD44. Together, our data show that although CD44 expression is upregulated in reactive astrocytes during CNS prion disease, it is dispensable for astrocyte and microglial activation and the development of prion neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Bradford
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Lauryn Walmsley-Rowe
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Joe Reynolds
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Maurice Wohl Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Nicholas Verity
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Neil A Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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3
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Huber RE, Babbitt C, Peyton SR. Heterogeneity of brain extracellular matrix and astrocyte activation. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25356. [PMID: 38773875 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
From the blood brain barrier to the synaptic space, astrocytes provide structural, metabolic, ionic, and extracellular matrix (ECM) support across the brain. Astrocytes include a vast array of subtypes, their phenotypes and functions varying both regionally and temporally. Astrocytes' metabolic and regulatory functions poise them to be quick and sensitive responders to injury and disease in the brain as revealed by single cell sequencing. Far less is known about the influence of the local healthy and aging microenvironments on these astrocyte activation states. In this forward-looking review, we describe the known relationship between astrocytes and their local microenvironment, the remodeling of the microenvironment during disease and injury, and postulate how they may drive astrocyte activation. We suggest technology development to better understand the dynamic diversity of astrocyte activation states, and how basal and activation states depend on the ECM microenvironment. A deeper understanding of astrocyte response to stimuli in ECM-specific contexts (brain region, age, and sex of individual), paves the way to revolutionize how the field considers astrocyte-ECM interactions in brain injury and disease and opens routes to return astrocytes to a healthy quiescent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Huber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Courtney Babbitt
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Ferreira JR, Caldeira J, Sousa M, Barbosa MA, Lamghari M, Almeida-Porada G, Gonçalves RM. Dynamics of CD44 + bovine nucleus pulposus cells with inflammation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9156. [PMID: 38644369 PMCID: PMC11033282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral Disc (IVD) degeneration has been associated with a chronic inflammatory response, but knowledge on the contribution of distinct IVD cells, namely CD44, to the progression of IVD degeneration remains elusive. Here, bovine nucleus pulposus (NP) CD44 cells were sorted and compared by gene expression and proteomics with the negative counterpart. NP cells were then stimulated with IL-1b (10 ng/ml) and dynamics of CD44 gene and protein expression was analyzed upon pro-inflammatory treatment. The results emphasize that CD44 has a multidimensional functional role in IVD metabolism, ECM synthesis and production of neuropermissive factors. CD44 widespread expression in NP was partially associated with CD14 and CD45, resulting in the identification of distinct cell subsets. In conclusion, this study points out CD44 and CD44-based cell subsets as relevant targets in the modulation of the IVD pro-inflammatory/degenerative cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Ferreira
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cell & Gene Therapy Safety, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, Molndal, Sweden
| | - J Caldeira
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Sousa
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M A Barbosa
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Lamghari
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - G Almeida-Porada
- WFIRM-Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - R M Gonçalves
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Pitha I, Du L, Nguyen TD, Quigley H. IOP and glaucoma damage: The essential role of optic nerve head and retinal mechanosensors. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 99:101232. [PMID: 38110030 PMCID: PMC10960268 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
There are many unanswered questions on the relation of intraocular pressure to glaucoma development and progression. IOP itself cannot be distilled to a single, unifying value, because IOP level varies over time, differs depending on ocular location, and can be affected by method of measurement. Ultimately, IOP level creates mechanical strain that affects axonal function at the optic nerve head which causes local extracellular matrix remodeling and retinal ganglion cell death - hallmarks of glaucoma and the cause of glaucomatous vision loss. Extracellular tissue strain at the ONH and lamina cribrosa is regionally variable and differs in magnitude and location between healthy and glaucomatous eyes. The ultimate targets of IOP-induced tissue strain in glaucoma are retinal ganglion cell axons at the optic nerve head and the cells that support axonal function (astrocytes, the neurovascular unit, microglia, and fibroblasts). These cells sense tissue strain through a series of signals that originate at the cell membrane and alter cytoskeletal organization, migration, differentiation, gene transcription, and proliferation. The proteins that translate mechanical stimuli into molecular signals act as band-pass filters - sensing some stimuli while ignoring others - and cellular responses to stimuli can differ based on cell type and differentiation state. Therefore, to fully understand the IOP signals that are relevant to glaucoma, it is necessary to understand the ultimate cellular targets of IOP-induced mechanical stimuli and their ability to sense, ignore, and translate these signals into cellular actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Pitha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Nanomedicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Glaucoma Center of Excellence, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liya Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thao D Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harry Quigley
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Glaucoma Center of Excellence, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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6
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Woo AM, Sontheimer H. Interactions between astrocytes and extracellular matrix structures contribute to neuroinflammation-associated epilepsy pathology. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1198021. [PMID: 39086689 PMCID: PMC11285605 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1198021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Often considered the "housekeeping" cells of the brain, astrocytes have of late been rising to the forefront of neurodegenerative disorder research. Identified as crucial components of a healthy brain, it is undeniable that when astrocytes are dysfunctional, the entire brain is thrown into disarray. We offer epilepsy as a well-studied neurological disorder in which there is clear evidence of astrocyte contribution to diseases as evidenced across several different disease models, including mouse models of hippocampal sclerosis, trauma associated epilepsy, glioma-associated epilepsy, and beta-1 integrin knockout astrogliosis. In this review we suggest that astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation, which plays a large role in the pathology of epilepsy, is at least partially modulated by interactions with perineuronal nets (PNNs), highly structured formations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These matrix structures affect synaptic placement, but also intrinsic neuronal properties such as membrane capacitance, as well as ion buffering in their immediate milieu all of which alters neuronal excitability. We propose that the interactions between PNNs and astrocytes contribute to the disease progression of epilepsy vis a vis neuroinflammation. Further investigation and alteration of these interactions to reduce the resultant neuroinflammation may serve as a potential therapeutic target that provides an alternative to the standard anti-seizure medications from which patients are so frequently unable to benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- AnnaLin M. Woo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Neuroscience Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Neuroscience Department, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Kruk PK, Nader K, Skupien-Jaroszek A, Wójtowicz T, Buszka A, Olech-Kochańczyk G, Wilczynski GM, Worch R, Kalita K, Włodarczyk J, Dzwonek J. Astrocytic CD44 Deficiency Reduces the Severity of Kainate-Induced Epilepsy. Cells 2023; 12:1483. [PMID: 37296604 PMCID: PMC10252631 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, yet we still lack a successful treatment for all epileptic patients. Most of the available drugs modulate neuronal activity. Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, may constitute alternative drug targets. A robust expansion of astrocytic cell bodies and processes occurs after seizures. Highly expressed in astrocytes, CD44 adhesion protein is upregulated during injury and is suggested to be one of the most important proteins associated with epilepsy. It connects the astrocytic cytoskeleton to hyaluronan in the extracellular matrix, influencing both structural and functional aspects of brain plasticity. METHODS Herein, we used transgenic mice with an astrocyte CD44 knockout to evaluate the impact of the hippocampal CD44 absence on the development of epileptogenesis and ultrastructural changes at the tripartite synapse. RESULTS We demonstrated that local, virally-induced CD44 deficiency in hippocampal astrocytes reduces reactive astrogliosis and decreases the progression of kainic acid-induced epileptogenesis. We also observed that CD44 deficiency resulted in structural changes evident in a higher dendritic spine number along with a lower percentage of astrocyte-synapse contacts, and decreased post-synaptic density size in the hippocampal molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study indicates that CD44 signaling may be important for astrocytic coverage of synapses in the hippocampus and that alterations of astrocytes translate to functional changes in the pathology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja K. Kruk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Nader
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Partnership for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders-Braincity, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skupien-Jaroszek
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wójtowicz
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Buszka
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Gabriela Olech-Kochańczyk
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M. Wilczynski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Remigiusz Worch
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kalita
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki-EMBL Partnership for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders-Braincity, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Dzwonek
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteura St, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Villablanca C, Vidal R, Gonzalez-Billault C. Are cytoskeleton changes observed in astrocytes functionally linked to aging? Brain Res Bull 2023; 196:59-67. [PMID: 36935053 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.03.007] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are active participants in the performance of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in both health and disease. During aging, astrocytes are susceptible to reactive astrogliosis, a molecular state characterized by functional changes in response to pathological situations, and cellular senescence, characterized by loss of cell division, apoptosis resistance, and gain of proinflammatory functions. This results in two different states of astrocytes, which can produce proinflammatory phenotypes with harmful consequences in chronic conditions. Reactive astrocytes and senescent astrocytes share morpho-functional features that are dependent on the organization of the cytoskeleton. However, such changes in the cytoskeleton have yet to receive the necessary attention to explain their role in the alterations of astrocytes that are associated with aging and pathologies. In this review, we summarize all the available findings that connect changes in the cytoskeleton of the astrocytes with aging. In addition, we discuss future avenues that we believe will guide such a novel topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristopher Villablanca
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Center for Integrative Biology, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile; Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
| | - René Vidal
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Center for Integrative Biology, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile; Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Gonzalez-Billault
- Laboratory of Cell and Neuronal Dynamics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile; Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute for Nutrition and Food Technologies, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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9
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Nanomechanical Signatures in Glioma Cells Depend on CD44 Distribution in IDH1 Wild-Type but Not in IDH1R132H Mutant Early-Passage Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044056. [PMID: 36835465 PMCID: PMC9959176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) recently burst into biomedicine, providing morphological and functional characteristics of cancer cells and their microenvironment responsible for tumor invasion and progression, although the novelty of this assay needs to coordinate the malignant profiles of patients' specimens to diagnostically valuable criteria. Applying high-resolution semi-contact AFM mapping on an extended number of cells, we analyzed the nanomechanical properties of glioma early-passage cell cultures with a different IDH1 R132H mutation status. Each cell culture was additionally clustered on CD44+/- cells to find possible nanomechanical signatures that differentiate cell phenotypes varying in proliferative activity and the characteristic surface marker. IDH1 R132H mutant cells compared to IDH1 wild-type ones (IDH1wt) characterized by two-fold increased stiffness and 1.5-fold elasticity modulus. CD44+/IDH1wt cells were two-fold more rigid and much stiffer than CD44-/IDH1wt ones. In contrast to IDH1 wild-type cells, CD44+/IDH1 R132H and CD44-/IDH1 R132H did not exhibit nanomechanical signatures providing statistically valuable differentiation of these subpopulations. The median stiffness depends on glioma cell types and decreases according to the following manner: IDH1 R132H mt (4.7 mN/m), CD44+/IDH1wt (3.7 mN/m), CD44-/IDH1wt (2.5 mN/m). This indicates that the quantitative nanomechanical mapping would be a promising assay for the quick cell population analysis suitable for detailed diagnostics and personalized treatment of glioma forms.
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10
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Soden PA, Henderson AR, Lee E. A Microfluidic Model of AQP4 Polarization Dynamics and Fluid Transport in the Healthy and Inflamed Human Brain: The First Step Towards Glymphatics-on-a-Chip. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200027. [PMID: 35922370 PMCID: PMC9771879 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-dependent glymphatic waste clearance pathway has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is difficult to unravel the causative relationship between glymphatic dysfunction, AQP4 depolarization, protein aggregation, and inflammation in neurodegeneration using animal models alone. There is currently a clear, unmet need for in vitro models of the brain's waterscape, and the first steps towards a bona fide "glymphatics-on-a-chip" are taken in the present study. It is demonstrated that chronic exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), amyloid-β(1-42) oligomers, and an AQP4 inhibitor impairs the drainage of fluid and amyloid-β(1-40) tracer in a gliovascular unit (GVU)-on-a-chip model containing human astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells. The LPS-induced drainage impairment is partially retained following cell lysis, indicating that neuroinflammation induces parallel changes in cell-dependent and matrisome-dependent fluid transport pathways in GVU-on-a-chip. Additionally, AQP4 depolarization is observed following LPS treatment, suggesting that LPS-induced drainage impairments on-chip may be driven in part by changes in AQP4-dependent fluid dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Soden
- College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Aria R Henderson
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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11
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Sideris E, Kioulaphides S, Wilson K, Yu A, Chen J, Carmichael ST, Segura T. Particle hydrogels decrease cerebral atrophy and attenuate astrocyte and microglia/macrophage reactivity after stroke. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2022; 5:2200048. [PMID: 36589207 PMCID: PMC9797126 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202200048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of individuals live with stroke related disabilities. Following stroke, highly reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia can release cytokines and lead to a cytotoxic environment that causes further brain damage and prevents endogenous repair. Paradoxically, these same cells also activate pro-repair mechanisms that contribute to endogenous repair and brain plasticity. Here, we show that the direct injection of a hyaluronic acid based microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogel into the stroke core in mice reduces the percent of highly reactive astrocytes, increases the percent of alternatively activated microglia, decreases cerebral atrophy and preserves NF200 axonal bundles. Further, we show that MAP hydrogel promotes reparative astrocyte infiltration into the lesion, which directly coincides with axonal penetration into the lesion. This work shows that the injection of a porous scaffold into the stroke core can lead to clinically relevant decrease in cerebral atrophy and modulates astrocytes and microglia towards a pro-repair phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Sideris
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sophia Kioulaphides
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Katrina Wilson
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Aaron Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jun Chen
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - S Thomas Carmichael
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tatiana Segura
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Neurology, and Dermatology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States,Corresponding author: Tel.: +1 919-660-2901,
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12
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Allnoch L, Leitzen E, Zdora I, Baumgärtner W, Hansmann F. Astrocyte depletion alters extracellular matrix composition in the demyelinating phase of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270239. [PMID: 35714111 PMCID: PMC9205503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes produce extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins contributing to the blood-brain barrier and regulating the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of astrocyte depletion upon the clinical outcome and the composition of ECM glycoproteins in a virus-induced animal model of demyelination. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-thymidine-kinase transgenic SJL (GFAP-knockout) and wildtype mice were infected with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Astrocyte depletion was induced during the progressive, demyelinating disease phase by ganciclovir administration once daily between 56 and 77 days post infection (dpi). At 77 dpi GFAP-knockout mice showed a significant deterioration of clinical signs associated with a reduction of azan and picrosirius red stained ECM-molecules in the thoracic spinal cord. Basement-membrane-associated ECM-molecules including laminin, entactin/nidogen-1 and Kir4.1 as well as non-basement membrane-associated ECM-molecules like collagen I, decorin, tenascin-R and CD44 were significantly reduced in the spinal cord of GFAP-knockout mice. The reduction of the investigated ECM-molecules demonstrates that astrocytes play a key role in the production of ECM-molecules. The present findings indicate that the detected loss of Kir4.1 and CD44 as well as the disruption of the integrity of perineuronal nets led to the deterioration of clinical signs in GFAP-knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Allnoch
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Leitzen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Isabel Zdora
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Florian Hansmann
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Woods I, O'Connor C, Frugoli L, Kerr S, Gutierrez Gonzalez J, Stasiewicz M, McGuire T, Cavanagh B, Hibbitts A, Dervan A, O'Brien FJ. Biomimetic Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Applications Exhibit Stiffness-Dependent Immunomodulatory and Neurotrophic Characteristics. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101663. [PMID: 34784649 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), tissue engineering scaffolds offer a potential bridge for regeneration across the lesion and support repair through proregenerative signaling. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds that mimic the physicochemical properties of native tissue have the potential to provide innate trophic signaling while also minimizing damaging inflammation. To address this challenge, taking cues from the spinal cord's structure, the proregenerative signaling capabilities of native cord components are compared in vitro. A synergistic mix of collagen-IV and fibronectin (Coll-IV/Fn) is found to optimally enhance axonal extension from neuronal cell lines (SHSY-5Y and NSC-34) and induce morphological features typical of quiescent astrocytes. This optimal composition is incorporated into hyaluronic acid scaffolds with aligned pore architectures but varying stiffnesses (0.8-3 kPa). Scaffolds with biomimetic mechanical properties (<1 kPa), functionalized with Coll-IV/Fn, not only modulate primary astrocyte behavior but also stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in a stiffness-dependent manner. Seeded SHSY-5Y neurons generate distributed neuronal networks, while softer biomimetic scaffolds promote axonal outgrowth in an ex vivo model of axonal regrowth. These results indicate that the interaction of stiffness and biomaterial composition plays an essential role in vitro in generating repair-critical cellular responses and demonstrates the potential of biomimetic scaffold design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Woods
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Cian O'Connor
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Lisa Frugoli
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Seán Kerr
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Javier Gutierrez Gonzalez
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre RCSI 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Martyna Stasiewicz
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Tara McGuire
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Brenton Cavanagh
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Alan Hibbitts
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Adrian Dervan
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
| | - Fergal J. O'Brien
- Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre RCSI 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02YN77 Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering Trinity College Dublin Dublin 2, D02R590 Ireland
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14
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Zakusilo FT, Kerry O’Banion M, Gelbard HA, Seluanov A, Gorbunova V. Matters of size: Roles of hyaluronan in CNS aging and disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 72:101485. [PMID: 34634492 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in aging and age-related neurodegeneration is not well understood. The role of hyaluronan (HA), a major extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, in malignancy and inflammation is gaining new understanding. In particular, the differential biological effects of high molecular weight (HMW-HA) and low molecular weight hyaluronan (LMW-HA), and the mechanism behind such differences are being uncovered. Tightly regulated in the brain, HA can have diverse effects on cellular development, growth and degeneration. In this review, we summarize the homeostasis and signaling of HA in healthy tissue, discuss its distribution and ontogeny in the central nervous system (CNS), summarize evidence for its involvement in age-related neurodegeneration and Alzheimer Disease (AD), and assess the potential of HA as a therapeutic target in the CNS.
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15
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Wilson ES, Litwa K. Synaptic Hyaluronan Synthesis and CD44-Mediated Signaling Coordinate Neural Circuit Development. Cells 2021; 10:2574. [PMID: 34685554 PMCID: PMC8533746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyaluronan-based extracellular matrix is expressed throughout nervous system development and is well-known for the formation of perineuronal nets around inhibitory interneurons. Since perineuronal nets form postnatally, the role of hyaluronan in the initial formation of neural circuits remains unclear. Neural circuits emerge from the coordinated electrochemical signaling of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Hyaluronan localizes to the synaptic cleft of developing excitatory synapses in both human cortical spheroids and the neonatal mouse brain and is diminished in the adult mouse brain. Given this developmental-specific synaptic localization, we sought to determine the mechanisms that regulate hyaluronan synthesis and signaling during synapse formation. We demonstrate that hyaluronan synthase-2, HAS2, is sufficient to increase hyaluronan levels in developing neural circuits of human cortical spheroids. This increased hyaluronan production reduces excitatory synaptogenesis, promotes inhibitory synaptogenesis, and suppresses action potential formation. The hyaluronan receptor, CD44, promotes hyaluronan retention and suppresses excitatory synaptogenesis through regulation of RhoGTPase signaling. Our results reveal mechanisms of hyaluronan synthesis, retention, and signaling in developing neural circuits, shedding light on how disease-associated hyaluronan alterations can contribute to synaptic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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16
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Jurga AM, Paleczna M, Kadluczka J, Kuter KZ. Beyond the GFAP-Astrocyte Protein Markers in the Brain. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091361. [PMID: 34572572 PMCID: PMC8468264 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea of central nervous system as one-man band favoring neurons is long gone. Now we all are aware that neurons and neuroglia are team players and constant communication between those various cell types is essential to maintain functional efficiency and a quick response to danger. Here, we summarize and discuss known and new markers of astroglial multiple functions, their natural heterogeneity, cellular interactions, aging and disease-induced dysfunctions. This review is focused on newly reported facts regarding astrocytes, which are beyond the old stereotypes. We present an up-to-date list of marker proteins used to identify a broad spectrum of astroglial phenotypes related to the various physiological and pathological nervous system conditions. The aim of this review is to help choose markers that are well-tailored for specific needs of further experimental studies, precisely recognizing differential glial phenotypes, or for diagnostic purposes. We hope it will help to categorize the functional and structural diversity of the astroglial population and ease a clear readout of future experimental results.
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17
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Pantazopoulos H, Katsel P, Haroutunian V, Chelini G, Klengel T, Berretta S. Molecular signature of extracellular matrix pathology in schizophrenia. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3960-3987. [PMID: 33070392 PMCID: PMC8359380 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence points to a critical involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Decreases of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and altered expression of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in glial cells have been identified in several brain regions. GWAS data have identified several SZ vulnerability variants of genes encoding for ECM molecules. Given the potential relevance of ECM functions to the pathophysiology of this disorder, it is necessary to understand the extent of ECM changes across brain regions, their region- and sex-specificity and which ECM components contribute to these changes. We tested the hypothesis that the expression of genes encoding for ECM molecules may be broadly disrupted in SZ across several cortical and subcortical brain regions and include key ECM components as well as factors such as ECM posttranslational modifications and regulator factors. Gene expression profiling of 14 neocortical brain regions, caudate, putamen and hippocampus from control subjects (n = 14/region) and subjects with SZ (n = 16/region) was conducted using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Analysis across brain regions revealed widespread dysregulation of ECM gene expression in cortical and subcortical brain regions in SZ, impacting several ECM functional key components. SRGN, CD44, ADAMTS1, ADAM10, BCAN, NCAN and SEMA4G showed some of the most robust changes. Region-, sex- and age-specific gene expression patterns and correlation with cognitive scores were also detected. Taken together, these findings contribute to emerging evidence for large-scale ECM dysregulation in SZ and point to molecular pathways involved in PNN decreases, glial cell dysfunction and cognitive impairment in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Pantazopoulos
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical SciencesUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
| | - Pavel Katsel
- Department of PsychiatryThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mental Illness Research Education ClinicalCenters of Excellence (MIRECC)JJ Peters VA Medical CenterBronxNYUSA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of PsychiatryThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mental Illness Research Education ClinicalCenters of Excellence (MIRECC)JJ Peters VA Medical CenterBronxNYUSA
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Translational Neuroscience LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Torsten Klengel
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Translational Molecular Genomics LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Translational Neuroscience LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Program in NeuroscienceHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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18
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Fernández-Santos B, Caro-Vega JM, Sola-Idígora N, Lazarini-Suárez C, Mañas-García L, Duarte P, Fuerte-Hortigón A, Ybot-González P. Molecular similarity between the mechanisms of epithelial fusion and fetal wound healing during the closure of the caudal neural tube in mouse embryos. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:955-973. [PMID: 33501723 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.306] [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: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube (NT) closure is a complex developmental process that takes place in the early stages of embryogenesis and that is a key step in neurulation. In mammals, the process by which the neural plate generates the NT requires organized cell movements and tissue folding, and it terminates with the fusion of the apposed ends of the neural folds. RESULTS Here we describe how almost identical cellular and molecular machinery is used to fuse the spinal neural folds as that involved in the repair of epithelial injury in the same area of the embryo. For both natural and wound activated closure of caudal neural tissue, hyaluronic acid and platelet-derived growth factor signaling appear to be crucial for the final fusion step. CONCLUSIONS There seems to be no general wound healing machinery for all tissues but rather, a tissue-specific epithelial fusion machinery that embryos activate when necessary after abnormal epithelial opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernández-Santos
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Manuel Caro-Vega
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Noelia Sola-Idígora
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Cecilia Lazarini-Suárez
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Laura Mañas-García
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Patrícia Duarte
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Ybot-González
- Neurodevelopment Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.,Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Hospital Virgen de Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
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19
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MMP-9 Signaling Pathways That Engage Rho GTPases in Brain Plasticity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010166. [PMID: 33467671 PMCID: PMC7830260 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been identified as a critical factor affecting synaptic function. It forms a functional scaffold that provides both the structural support and the reservoir of signaling molecules necessary for communication between cellular constituents of the central nervous system (CNS). Among numerous ECM components and modifiers that play a role in the physiological and pathological synaptic plasticity, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has recently emerged as a key molecule. MMP-9 may contribute to the dynamic remodeling of structural and functional plasticity by cleaving ECM components and cell adhesion molecules. Notably, MMP-9 signaling was shown to be indispensable for long-term memory formation that requires synaptic remodeling. The core regulators of the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell adhesion are the Rho family of GTPases. These proteins have been implicated in the control of a wide range of cellular processes occurring in brain physiology and pathology. Here, we discuss the contribution of Rho GTPases to MMP-9-dependent signaling pathways in the brain. We also describe how the regulation of Rho GTPases by post-translational modifications (PTMs) can influence these processes.
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20
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Le-Deygen IM, Musatova OE, Orlov VN, Melik-Nubarov NS, Grozdova ID. Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Interacts with Hyaluronan in Aqueous Media. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:681-689. [PMID: 33325680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We report here the first evidence for the interaction of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with hyaluronan (HA) in aqueous solutions. PEG-HA complexes (Kapp = 45,000 ± 8000 M-1) contained about 3.3 ± 0.1 of ethylene glycol units per disaccharide of HA. The carboxyl of the D-glucuronic acid and the amide of the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine did not participate in PEG binding. Similar experiments performed with dextran and monosaccharides showed that multiple free primary hydroxyls regularly distributed along the polysaccharide chain are necessary for PEG binding. Another novelty of our study is contraction of HA upon PEG binding. The effect was observed with HA in solution or adsorbed on positively charged liposomes. The thickness of the HA layer on the liposomes decreased 2-fold upon PEG addition. HA compaction induced by PEG may underlie the changes in the plasma membrane properties and resealing of mechanical injuries induced by Pluronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina M Le-Deygen
- Department of Chemical Enzymology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie gory 1, build. 3, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Oxana E Musatova
- Polymer Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie gory 1, build. 3, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Victor N Orlov
- A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie gory 1, Building 40, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Nikolay S Melik-Nubarov
- Polymer Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie gory 1, build. 3, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Irina D Grozdova
- Polymer Department, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, GSP-1, Leninskie gory 1, build. 3, Moscow 119991, Russia
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21
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Wilson E, Knudson W, Newell-Litwa K. Hyaluronan regulates synapse formation and function in developing neural networks. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16459. [PMID: 33020512 PMCID: PMC7536407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders present with synaptic alterations that disrupt the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling. For example, hyperexcitability of cortical neurons is associated with both epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. However, the mechanisms that initially establish the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in brain development are not well understood. Here, we sought to determine how the extracellular matrix directs synapse formation and regulates synaptic function in a model of human cortical brain development. The extracellular matrix, making up twenty percent of brain volume, is largely comprised of hyaluronan. Hyaluronan acts as both a scaffold of the extracellular matrix and a space-filling molecule. Hyaluronan is present from the onset of brain development, beginning with neural crest cell migration. Through acute perturbation of hyaluronan levels during synaptogenesis, we sought to determine how hyaluronan impacts the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synapse formation and the resulting neural activity. We used 3-D cortical spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to replicate this neurodevelopmental window. Our results demonstrate that hyaluronan preferentially surrounds nascent excitatory synapses. Removal of hyaluronan increases the expression of excitatory synapse markers and results in a corresponding increase in the formation of excitatory synapses, while also decreasing inhibitory synapse formation. This increased excitatory synapse formation elevates network activity, as demonstrated by microelectrode array analysis. In contrast, the addition of purified hyaluronan suppresses excitatory synapse formation. These results establish that the hyaluronan extracellular matrix surrounds developing excitatory synapses, where it critically regulates synapse formation and the resulting balance between excitatory to inhibitory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Wilson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Warren Knudson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Karen Newell-Litwa
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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22
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Diverse Roles for Hyaluronan and Hyaluronan Receptors in the Developing and Adult Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21175988. [PMID: 32825309 PMCID: PMC7504301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21175988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a vital role in the extracellular matrix of neural tissues. Originally thought to hydrate tissues and provide mechanical support, it is now clear that HA is also a complex signaling molecule that can regulate cell processes in the developing and adult nervous systems. Signaling properties are determined by molecular weight, bound proteins, and signal transduction through specific receptors. HA signaling regulates processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and process extension in a variety of cell types including neural stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocyte progenitors. The synthesis and catabolism of HA and the expression of HA receptors are altered in disease and influence neuroinflammation and disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the roles of HA, its synthesis and breakdown, as well as receptor expression in neurodevelopment, nervous system function and disease.
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23
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Zarei-Kheirabadi M, Sadrosadat H, Mohammadshirazi A, Jaberi R, Sorouri F, Khayyatan F, Kiani S. Human embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cells encapsulated in hyaluronic acid promotes regeneration in a contusion spinal cord injured rat. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 148:1118-1129. [PMID: 31982534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic damage that can causes a loss of neurons around the lesion site and resulting in locomotor and sensory deficits. Currently, there is widely attempts in improvement of treatment strategy and cell delivering to the central nervous system (CNS). The usage of hyaluronic acid (HA), the main components of the ECM in CNS tissue and neural stem cells (NSCs) niche, is a good selection that can increase of viability and differentiation of NSCs. Importantly, we demonstrate that encapsulation of human embryonic stem cell derived-neural stem cells (hESC-NS) in HA-based hydrogel can increased differentiation these cells into oligodendrocytes and improved locomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Zarei-Kheirabadi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Sadrosadat
- Department of Physiology, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Mohammadshirazi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Jaberi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sorouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, Medical Biomaterials Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Khayyatan
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Patel DC, Tewari BP, Chaunsali L, Sontheimer H. Neuron-glia interactions in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:282-297. [PMID: 30792501 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder afflicting ~65 million people worldwide. It is caused by aberrant synchronized firing of populations of neurons primarily due to imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Hence, the historical focus of epilepsy research has been neurocentric. However, the past two decades have enjoyed an explosion of research into the role of glia in supporting and modulating neuronal activity, providing compelling evidence of glial involvement in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The mechanisms by which glia, particularly astrocytes and microglia, may contribute to epilepsy and consequently could be harnessed therapeutically are discussed in this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipan C Patel
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Bhanu P Tewari
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Lata Chaunsali
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Glial Biology in Health, Disease, and Cancer Center, Roanoke, VA, USA. .,School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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25
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Bradford BM, Wijaya CAW, Mabbott NA. Discrimination of Prion Strain Targeting in the Central Nervous System via Reactive Astrocyte Heterogeneity in CD44 Expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:411. [PMID: 31551718 PMCID: PMC6746926 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are fatal, progressive, neurodegenerative, protein-misfolding disorders. Prion diseases may arise spontaneously, be inherited genetically or be acquired by infection and affect a variety of mammalian species including humans. Prion infections in the central nervous system (CNS) cause extensive neuropathology, including abnormal accumulations of misfolded host prion protein, vacuolar change resulting in sponge-like (spongiform) appearance of CNS tissue, neurodegeneration and reactive glial responses. Many different prion agent strains exist and these can differ based on disease duration, clinical signs and the targeting and distribution of the neuropathology in distinct brain areas. Reactive astrocytes are a prominent feature in the prion disease affected CNS as revealed by distinct morphological changes and upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The CD44 antigen is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration. Here we show that CD44 is also highly expressed in a subset of reactive astrocytes in regions of the CNS targeted by prions. Astrocyte heterogeneity revealed by differential CD44 upregulation occurs coincident with the earliest neuropathological changes during the pre-clinical phase of disease, and is not affected by the route of infection. The expression and distribution of CD44 was compared in brains from a large collection of 15 distinct prion agent strains transmitted to mice of different prion protein (Prnp) genotype backgrounds. Our data show that the pattern of CD44 upregulation observed in the hippocampus in each prion agent strain and host Prnp genotype combination was unique. Many mouse-adapted prion strains and hosts have previously been characterized based on the pattern of the distribution of the spongiform pathology or the misfolded PrP deposition within the brain. Our data show that CD44 expression also provides a reliable discriminatory marker of prion infection with a greater dynamic range than misfolded prion protein deposition, aiding strain identification. Together, our data reveal CD44 as a novel marker to detect reactive astrocyte heterogeneity during CNS prion disease and for enhanced identification of distinct prion agent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Bradford
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christianus A W Wijaya
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A Mabbott
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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26
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Duman JG, Mulherkar S, Tu YK, Erikson KC, Tzeng CP, Mavratsas VC, Ho TSY, Tolias KF. The adhesion-GPCR BAI1 shapes dendritic arbors via Bcr-mediated RhoA activation causing late growth arrest. eLife 2019; 8:47566. [PMID: 31461398 PMCID: PMC6713510 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47566] [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] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic arbor architecture profoundly impacts neuronal connectivity and function, and aberrant dendritic morphology characterizes neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we identify the adhesion-GPCR BAI1 as an important regulator of dendritic arborization. BAI1 loss from mouse or rat hippocampal neurons causes dendritic hypertrophy, whereas BAI1 overexpression precipitates dendrite retraction. These defects specifically manifest as dendrites transition from growth to stability. BAI1-mediated growth arrest is independent of its Rac1-dependent synaptogenic function. Instead, BAI1 couples to the small GTPase RhoA, driving late RhoA activation in dendrites coincident with growth arrest. BAI1 loss lowers RhoA activation and uncouples it from dendrite dynamics, causing overgrowth. None of BAI1's known downstream effectors mediates BAI1-dependent growth arrest. Rather, BAI1 associates with the Rho-GTPase regulatory protein Bcr late in development and stimulates its cryptic RhoA-GEF activity, which functions together with its Rac1-GAP activity to terminate arborization. Our results reveal a late-acting signaling pathway mediating a key transition in dendrite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Yen-Kuei Tu
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Kelly C Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Christopher P Tzeng
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Vasilis C Mavratsas
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Tammy Szu-Yu Ho
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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27
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Derouiche A, Geiger KD. Perspectives for Ezrin and Radixin in Astrocytes: Kinases, Functions and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153776. [PMID: 31382374 PMCID: PMC6695708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly perceived as active partners in physiological brain function and behaviour. The structural correlations of the glia–synaptic interaction are the peripheral astrocyte processes (PAPs), where ezrin and radixin, the two astrocytic members of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins are preferentially localised. While the molecular mechanisms of ERM (in)activation appear universal, at least in mammalian cells, and have been studied in great detail, the actual ezrin and radixin kinases, phosphatases and binding partners appear cell type specific and may be multiplexed within a cell. In astrocytes, ezrin is involved in process motility, which can be stimulated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, through activation of the glial metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) 3 or 5. However, it has remained open how this mGluR stimulus is transduced to ezrin activation. Knowing upstream signals of ezrin activation, ezrin kinase(s), and membrane-bound binding partners of ezrin in astrocytes might open new approaches to the glial role in brain function. Ezrin has also been implicated in invasive behaviour of astrocytomas, and glial activation. Here, we review data pertaining to potential molecular interaction partners of ezrin in astrocytes, with a focus on PKC and GRK2, and in gliomas and other diseases, to stimulate further research on their potential roles in glia-synaptic physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Derouiche
- Institute of Anatomy II, Goethe-University Frankfurt, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Kathrin D Geiger
- Neuropathology, Institute for Pathology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, TU Dresden, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
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28
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Wang Y, Mack JA, Maytin EV. CD44 inhibits α-SMA gene expression via a novel G-actin/MRTF-mediated pathway that intersects with TGFβR/p38MAPK signaling in murine skin fibroblasts. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:12779-12794. [PMID: 31285260 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-regulated differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts (MF) is critical for skin wound healing. Neoexpression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an established marker for MF differentiation, is driven by TGFβ receptor (TGFβR)-mediated signaling. Hyaluronan (HA) and its receptor CD44 may also participate in this process. To further understand this process, primary mouse skin fibroblasts were isolated and treated in vitro with recombinant TGF-β1 (rTGF-β1) to induce α-SMA expression. CD44 expression was also increased. Paradoxically, CD44 knockdown by RNA interference (RNAi) led to increased α-SMA expression and α-SMA-containing stress fibers. Removal of extracellular HA or inhibition of HA synthesis had no effect on α-SMA levels, suggesting a dispensable role for HA. Exploration of mechanisms linking CD44 knockdown to α-SMA induction, using RNAi and chemical inhibitors, revealed a requirement for noncanonical TGFβR signaling through p38MAPK. Decreased monomeric G-actin but increased filamentous F-actin following CD44 RNAi suggested a possible role for myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), a known regulator of α-SMA transcription and itself regulated by G-actin binding. CD44 RNAi promoted nuclear accumulation of MRTF and the binding to its transcriptional cofactor SRF. MRTF knockdown abrogated the increased α-SMA expression caused by CD44 RNAi, suggesting that MRTF is required for CD44-mediated regulation of α-SMA. Finally, chemical inhibition of p38MAPK reversed nuclear MRTF accumulation after rTGF-β1 addition or CD44 RNAi, revealing a central involvement of p38MAPK in both cases. We concluded that CD44 regulates α-SMA gene expression through cooperation between two intersecting signaling pathways, one mediated by G-actin/MRTF and the other via TGFβR/p38MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Judith A Mack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195.,Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Edward V Maytin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 .,Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
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29
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Zhang Z, Ma Z, Zou W, Zhang L, Li Y, Zhang J, Liu M, Hou W, Ma Y. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 controls astrocyte morphology via Rho-GTPase signaling. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:20847-20858. [PMID: 31004356 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte undergoes morphology changes that are closely associated with the signaling communications at synapses. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is specifically expressed in astrocytes and is associated with several important astrocyte functions, but its potential role(s) relating to astrocyte morphological changes remain unknown. Here, primary astrocytes were prepared from neonatal Ndrg2+/+ and Ndrg2-/- pups, and the drug Y27632 was used to induce stellation. We then used a variety of methods to measure the levels of NDRG2, α-Actinin4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the activity of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 in Y27632-treated astrocytes as well as in Ndrg2+/+ , Ndrg2-/- , or Ndrg2-/- + lentivirus (restore NDRG2 expression) astrocytes. We also conducted live-imaging and proteomics studies of the cultured astrocytes. We found that induction of astrocytes stellation (characterized by cytoplasmic retraction and process outgrowth) resulted in increased NDRG2 protein expression and Rac1 activity and in reduced α-Actinin4 protein expression and RhoA activity. Ndrg2 deletion induced astrocyte flattening, whereas the restoration of NDRG2 expression induced stellation. Ndrg2 deletion also significantly increased α-Actinin4 protein expression and RhoA activity yet reduced GFAP protein expression and Rac1 activity, and these trends were reversed by restoration of NDRG2 expression. Collectively, our results showed that Ndrg2 deletion promoted cell proliferation, interrupted stellation capability, and extensively altered the protein expression profiles of proteins that function in Rho-GTPase signaling. These findings suggest that NDRG2 functions to regulate astrocytes morphology via altering the accumulation of the Rho-GTPase signaling pathway components, thereby supporting that NDRG2 should be understood as a regulator of synaptic plasticity and thus neuronal communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangyuan Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center to Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Liu
- Anesthesia and Operation Center, The First Medical Center to Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wugang Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yulong Ma
- Anesthesia and Operation Center, The First Medical Center to Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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30
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Fu Q, Xiao P, Chen Y, Wei Z, Liu X. CD44 deficiency enhanced Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus dissemination and inflammation response in a mouse model. Res Vet Sci 2017; 115:96-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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31
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Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) have important contributions to the development of the mammalian brain, targeting its actions on both neurons and glial cells. Astrocytes, which constitute about half of the glial cells, characteristically undergo dramatic changes in their morphology during development and such changes become necessary for the proper development of the brain. Interestingly, a large number of studies have suggested that THs play a profound role in such morphological maturation of the astrocytes. This review discusses the present knowledge on the mechanisms by which THs elicit progressive differentiation and maturation of the astrocytes. As a prelude, information on astrocyte morphology during development and its regulations, the role of THs in the various functions of astrocyte shall be dealt with for a thorough understanding of the subject of this review.
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32
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Control of astrocyte morphology by Rho GTPases. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:44-53. [PMID: 28502648 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes modulate and support neuronal and synapse function via numerous mechanisms that often rely on diffusion of signalling molecules, ions or metabolites through extracellular space. As a consequence, the spatial arrangement and the distance between astrocyte processes and neuronal structures are of functional importance. Likewise, changes of astrocyte structure will affect the ability of astrocytes to interact with neurons. In contrast to neurons, where rapid morphology changes are critically involved in many aspects of physiological brain function, a role of astrocyte restructuring in brain physiology is only beginning to emerge. In neurons, small GTPases of the Rho family are powerful initiators and modulators of structural changes. Less is known about the functional significance of these signalling molecules in astrocytes. Here, we review recent experimental evidence for the role of RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 in controlling dynamic astrocyte morphology as well as experimental tools and analytical approaches for studying astrocyte morphology changes.
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33
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Song I, Dityatev A. Crosstalk between glia, extracellular matrix and neurons. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:101-108. [PMID: 28284900 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in the central nervous system form highly organized ECM structures around cell somata, axon initial segments, and synapses and play prominent roles in early development by guiding cell migration, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, and by regulating closure of the critical period of development, synaptic plasticity and stability, cognitive flexibility, and axonal regeneration in adults. Major components of neural ECM, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), tenascin-R and hyaluronic acid, are synthesized by both neurons and glial cells. The expression of these molecules is dynamically regulated during brain development in physiological conditions, shaping both neuronal and glial functions through multitude of molecular mechanisms. Upregulation of particular CSPGs and other ECM molecules, in particular by reactive astrocytes, after CNS injuries, during aging, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration on the one hand results in formation of growth-impermissive environment and impaired synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, ECM appeared to have a neuroprotective effect, at least in the form of perineuronal nets. CSPGs-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and several members of the disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family of proteases are secreted by neurons and glia and may drive neural ECM remodeling in physiological conditions as well as after brain injury and other brain disorders. Thus, targeting expression of specific ECM molecules, associated glycans and degrading enzymes may lead to development of new therapeutic strategies promoting regeneration and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inseon Song
- Molecular Neuroplasticity Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- Molecular Neuroplasticity Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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34
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Tehrani S, Davis L, Cepurna WO, Choe TE, Lozano DC, Monfared A, Cooper L, Cheng J, Johnson EC, Morrison JC. Astrocyte Structural and Molecular Response to Elevated Intraocular Pressure Occurs Rapidly and Precedes Axonal Tubulin Rearrangement within the Optic Nerve Head in a Rat Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167364. [PMID: 27893827 PMCID: PMC5125687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucomatous axon injury occurs at the level of the optic nerve head (ONH) in response to uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP). The temporal response of ONH astrocytes (glial cells responsible for axonal support) to elevated IOP remains unknown. Here, we evaluate the response of actin-based astrocyte extensions and integrin-based signaling within the ONH to 8 hours of IOP elevation in a rat model. IOP elevation of 60 mm Hg was achieved under isoflurane anesthesia using anterior chamber cannulation connected to a saline reservoir. ONH astrocytic extension orientation was significantly and regionally rearranged immediately after IOP elevation (inferior ONH, 43.2° ± 13.3° with respect to the anterior-posterior axis versus 84.1° ± 1.3° in controls, p<0.05), and re-orientated back to baseline orientation 1 day post IOP normalization. ONH axonal microtubule filament label intensity was significantly reduced 1 and 3 days post IOP normalization, and returned to control levels on day 5. Phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) levels steadily decreased after IOP normalization, while levels of phosphorylated paxillin (a downstream target of FAK involved in focal adhesion dynamics) were significantly elevated 5 days post IOP normalization. The levels of phosphorylated cortactin (a downstream target of Src kinase involved in actin polymerization) were significantly elevated 1 and 3 days post IOP normalization and returned to control levels by day 5. No significant axon degeneration was noted by morphologic assessment up to 5 days post IOP normalization. Actin-based astrocyte structure and signaling within the ONH are significantly altered within hours after IOP elevation and prior to axonal cytoskeletal rearrangement, producing some responses that recover rapidly and others that persist for days despite IOP normalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shandiz Tehrani
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Lauren Davis
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - William O. Cepurna
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Tiffany E. Choe
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Diana C. Lozano
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ashley Monfared
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Lauren Cooper
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Joshua Cheng
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Elaine C. Johnson
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - John C. Morrison
- Casey Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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35
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Astrocytes in Migration. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:272-282. [PMID: 27837318 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2089-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is a fundamental phenomenon that underlies tissue morphogenesis, wound healing, immune response, and cancer metastasis. Great progresses have been made in research methodologies, with cell migration identified as a highly orchestrated process. Brain is considered the most complex organ in the human body, containing many types of neural cells with astrocytes playing crucial roles in monitoring normal functions of the central nervous system. Astrocytes are mostly quiescent under normal physiological conditions in the adult brain but become migratory after injury. Under most known pathological conditions in the brain, spinal cord and retina, astrocytes are activated and become hypertrophic, hyperplastic, and up-regulating GFAP based on the grades of severity. These three observations are the hallmark in glia scar formation-astrogliosis. The reactivation process is initiated with structural changes involving cell process migration and ended with cell migration. Detailed mechanisms in astrocyte migration have not been studied extensively and remain largely unknown. Here, we therefore attempt to review the mechanisms in migration of astrocytes.
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36
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Roszkowska M, Skupien A, Wójtowicz T, Konopka A, Gorlewicz A, Kisiel M, Bekisz M, Ruszczycki B, Dolezyczek H, Rejmak E, Knapska E, Mozrzymas JW, Wlodarczyk J, Wilczynski GM, Dzwonek J. CD44: a novel synaptic cell adhesion molecule regulating structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:4055-4066. [PMID: 27798233 PMCID: PMC5156546 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-06-0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
CD44 is a novel molecular player that regulates structure and function of the synapse. It affects excitatory synaptic transmission, dendritic spine shape, number of functional synapses, and activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. These functions are exerted via the regulation of small Rho GTPases. Synaptic cell adhesion molecules regulate signal transduction, synaptic function, and plasticity. However, their role in neuronal interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) is not well understood. Here we report that the CD44, a transmembrane receptor for hyaluronan, modulates synaptic plasticity. High-resolution ultrastructural analysis showed that CD44 was localized at mature synapses in the adult brain. The reduced expression of CD44 affected the synaptic excitatory transmission of primary hippocampal neurons, simultaneously modifying dendritic spine shape. The frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents decreased, accompanied by dendritic spine elongation and thinning. These structural and functional alterations went along with a decrease in the number of presynaptic Bassoon puncta, together with a reduction of PSD-95 levels at dendritic spines, suggesting a reduced number of functional synapses. Lack of CD44 also abrogated spine head enlargement upon neuronal stimulation. Moreover, our results indicate that CD44 contributes to proper dendritic spine shape and function by modulating the activity of actin cytoskeleton regulators, that is, Rho GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42). Thus CD44 appears to be a novel molecular player regulating functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matylda Roszkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skupien
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wójtowicz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Konopka
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Gorlewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kisiel
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Bekisz
- Laboratory of Visual System, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Blazej Ruszczycki
- Laboratory of Imaging Tissue Structure and Function, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hubert Dolezyczek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emilia Rejmak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewelina Knapska
- Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Mozrzymas
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Biophysics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Wlodarczyk
- Laboratory of Cell Biophysics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M Wilczynski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Dzwonek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Systemic Neuromorphology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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37
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Baudouin E, Poilevey A, Hewage NI, Cochet F, Puyaubert J, Bailly C. The Significance of Hydrogen Sulfide for Arabidopsis Seed Germination. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:930. [PMID: 27446159 PMCID: PMC4921499 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) recently emerged as an important gaseous signaling molecule in plants. In this study, we investigated the possible functions of H2S in regulating Arabidopsis seed germination. NaHS treatments delayed seed germination in a dose-dependent manner and were ineffective in releasing seed dormancy. Interestingly, endogenous H2S content was enhanced in germinating seeds. This increase was correlated with higher activity of three enzymes (L-cysteine desulfhydrase, D-cysteine desulfhydrase, and β-cyanoalanine synthase) known as sources of H2S in plants. The H2S scavenger hypotaurine and the D/L cysteine desulfhydrase inhibitor propargylglycine significantly delayed seed germination. We analyzed the germinative capacity of des1 seeds mutated in Arabidopsis cytosolic L-cysteine desulfhydrase. Although the mutant seeds do not exhibit germination-evoked H2S formation, they retained similar germination capacity as the wild-type seeds. In addition, des1 seeds responded similarly to temperature and were as sensitive to ABA as wild type seeds. Taken together, these data suggest that, although its metabolism is stimulated upon seed imbibition, H2S plays, if any, a marginal role in regulating Arabidopsis seed germination under standard conditions.
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