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Salmina AB, Alexandrova OP, Averchuk AS, Korsakova SA, Saridis MR, Illarioshkin SN, Yurchenko SO. Current progress and challenges in the development of brain tissue models: How to grow up the changeable brain in vitro? J Tissue Eng 2024; 15:20417314241235527. [PMID: 38516227 PMCID: PMC10956167 DOI: 10.1177/20417314241235527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro modeling of brain tissue is a promising but not yet resolved problem in modern neurobiology and neuropharmacology. Complexity of the brain structure and diversity of cell-to-cell communication in (patho)physiological conditions make this task almost unachievable. However, establishment of novel in vitro brain models would ultimately lead to better understanding of development-associated or experience-driven brain plasticity, designing efficient approaches to restore aberrant brain functioning. The main goal of this review is to summarize the available data on methodological approaches that are currently in use, and to identify the most prospective trends in development of neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier, blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and neurogenic niche in vitro models. The manuscript focuses on the regulation of adult neurogenesis, cerebral microcirculation and fluids dynamics that should be reproduced in the in vitro 4D models to mimic brain development and its alterations in brain pathology. We discuss approaches that are critical for studying brain plasticity, deciphering the individual person-specific trajectory of brain development and aging, and testing new drug candidates in the in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga P Alexandrova
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton S Averchuk
- Brain Science Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia
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Gerasimov E, Bezprozvanny I, Vlasova OL. Activation of Gq-Coupled Receptors in Astrocytes Restores Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Mice Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9969. [PMID: 37373117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the current AD therapeutic developments are directed towards improving neuronal cell function or facilitating Aβ amyloid clearance from the brain. However, some recent evidence suggests that astrocytes may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of Gq-coupled exogenous receptors expressed in astrocytes as a possible way of restoring brain function in the AD mouse model. We evaluated the effects of the optogenetic activation of astrocytes on long-term potentiation, spinal morphology and behavioral readouts in 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We determined that in vivo chronic activation of astrocytes resulted in the preservation of spine density, increased mushroom spine survival, and improved performance in cognitive behavioral tests. Furthermore, chronic optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes resulted in the elevation of EAAT-2 glutamate uptake transporter expression, which could be a possible explanation for the observed in vivo neuroprotective effects. The obtained results suggest that the persistent activation of astrocytes may be considered a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD and possibly other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Maltsev A, Roshchin M, Bezprozvanny I, Smirnov I, Vlasova O, Balaban P, Borodinova A. Bidirectional regulation by "star forces": Ionotropic astrocyte's optical stimulation suppresses synaptic plasticity, metabotropic one strikes back. Hippocampus 2023; 33:18-36. [PMID: 36484471 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23486] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The role of astrocytes in modulating synaptic plasticity is an important question that until recently was not addressed due to limitations of previously existing technology. In the present study, we took an advantage of optogenetics to specifically activate astrocytes in hippocampal slices in order to study effects on synaptic function. Using the AAV-based delivery strategy, we expressed the ionotropic channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or the metabotropic Gq-coupled Opto-a1AR opsins specifically in hippocampal astrocytes to compare different modalities of astrocyte activation. In electrophysiological experiments, we observed a depression of basal field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the CA1 hippocampal layer following light stimulation of astrocytic ChR2. The ChR2-mediated depression increased under simultaneous light and electrical theta-burst stimulation (TBS). Application of the type 2 purinergic receptor antagonist suramin prevented depression of basal synaptic transmission, and switched the ChR2-dependent depression into potentiation. The GABAB receptor antagonist, phaclofen, did not prevent the depression of basal fEPSPs, but switched the ChR2-dependent depression into potentiation comparable to the values for TBS in control slices. In contrast, light stimulation of Opto-a1AR expressed in astrocytes led to an increase in basal fEPSPs, as well as a potentiation of synaptic responses to TBS significantly. A specific blocker of the Gq protein downstream target, the phospholipase C, U73122, completely prevented the effects of Opto-a1AR stimulation on basal fEPSPs or Opto + TBS responses. To understand molecular basis for the observed effects, we performed an analysis of gene expression in these slices using quantitative PCR approach. We observed a significant upregulation of "immediate-early" gene expression in hippocampal slices after light activation of Opto-a1AR-expressing astrocytes alone (cRel, Arc, Fos, JunB, and Egr1) or paired with TBS (cRel, Fos, and Egr1). Activation of ChR2-expressing hippocampal astrocytes was insufficient to affect expression of these genes in our experimental conditions. Thus, we concluded that optostimulation of astrocytes with ChR2 and Opto-a1AR optogenetic tools enables bidirectional modulation of synaptic plasticity and gene expression in hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Matvey Roshchin
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ivan Smirnov
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel Balaban
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Borodinova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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The DREADDful Hurdles and Opportunities of the Chronic Chemogenetic Toolbox. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071110. [PMID: 35406674 PMCID: PMC8998042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic character of chemogenetics has been put forward as one of the assets of the technique, particularly in comparison to optogenetics. Yet, the vast majority of chemogenetic studies have focused on acute applications, while repeated, long-term neuromodulation has only been booming in the past few years. Unfortunately, together with the rising number of studies, various hurdles have also been uncovered, especially in relation to its chronic application. It becomes increasingly clear that chronic neuromodulation warrants caution and that the effects of acute neuromodulation cannot be extrapolated towards chronic experiments. Deciphering the underlying cellular and molecular causes of these discrepancies could truly unlock the chronic chemogenetic toolbox and possibly even pave the way for chemogenetics towards clinical application. Indeed, we are only scratching the surface of what is possible with chemogenetic research. For example, most investigations are concentrated on behavioral read-outs, whereas dissecting the underlying molecular signature after (chronic) neuromodulation could reveal novel insights in terms of basic neuroscience and deregulated neural circuits. In this review, we highlight the hurdles associated with the use of chemogenetic experiments, as well as the unexplored research questions for which chemogenetics offers the ideal research platform, with a particular focus on its long-term application.
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Novel Approaches Used to Examine and Control Neurogenesis in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179608. [PMID: 34502516 PMCID: PMC8431772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a key mechanism of brain development and plasticity, which is impaired in chronic neurodegeneration, including Parkinson’s disease. The accumulation of aberrant α-synuclein is one of the features of PD. Being secreted, this protein produces a prominent neurotoxic effect, alters synaptic plasticity, deregulates intercellular communication, and supports the development of neuroinflammation, thereby providing propagation of pathological events leading to the establishment of a PD-specific phenotype. Multidirectional and ambiguous effects of α-synuclein on adult neurogenesis suggest that impaired neurogenesis should be considered as a target for the prevention of cell loss and restoration of neurological functions. Thus, stimulation of endogenous neurogenesis or cell-replacement therapy with stem cell-derived differentiated neurons raises new hopes for the development of effective and safe technologies for treating PD neurodegeneration. Given the rapid development of optogenetics, it is not surprising that this method has already been repeatedly tested in manipulating neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro via targeting stem or progenitor cells. However, niche astrocytes could also serve as promising candidates for controlling neuronal differentiation and improving the functional integration of newly formed neurons within the brain tissue. In this review, we mainly focus on current approaches to assess neurogenesis and prospects in the application of optogenetic protocols to restore the neurogenesis in Parkinson’s disease.
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Gerasimov E, Erofeev A, Borodinova A, Bolshakova A, Balaban P, Bezprozvanny I, Vlasova OL. Optogenetic Activation of Astrocytes-Effects on Neuronal Network Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9613. [PMID: 34502519 PMCID: PMC8431749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics approach is used widely in neurobiology as it allows control of cellular activity with high spatial and temporal resolution. In most studies, optogenetics is used to control neuronal activity. In the present study optogenetics was used to stimulate astrocytes with the aim to modulate neuronal activity. To achieve this goal, light stimulation was applied to astrocytes expressing a version of ChR2 (ionotropic opsin) or Opto-α1AR (metabotropic opsin). Optimal optogenetic stimulation parameters were determined using patch-clamp recordings of hippocampal pyramidal neurons' spontaneous activity in brain slices as a readout. It was determined that the greatest increase in the number of spontaneous synaptic currents was observed when astrocytes expressing ChR2(H134R) were activated by 5 s of continuous light. For the astrocytes expressing Opto-α1AR, the greatest response was observed in the pulse stimulation mode (T = 1 s, t = 100 ms). It was also observed that activation of the astrocytic Opto-a1AR but not ChR2 results in an increase of the fEPSP slope in hippocampal neurons. Based on these results, we concluded that Opto-a1AR expressed in hippocampal astrocytes provides an opportunity to modulate the long-term synaptic plasticity optogenetically, and may potentially be used to normalize the synaptic transmission and plasticity defects in a variety of neuropathological conditions, including models of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gerasimov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.E.); (A.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Alexander Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.E.); (A.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Anastasia Borodinova
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Science, Butlerova St. 5A, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Anastasia Bolshakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.E.); (A.B.); (I.B.)
| | - Pavel Balaban
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of the Russian Academy of Science, Butlerova St. 5A, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.E.); (A.B.); (I.B.)
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Olga L. Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Khlopina St. 11, 194021 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.E.); (A.B.); (I.B.)
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Salmina AB, Komleva YK, Malinovskaya NA, Morgun AV, Teplyashina EA, Lopatina OL, Gorina YV, Kharitonova EV, Khilazheva ED, Shuvaev AN. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Stress and Neurodegeneration: Biochemical Mechanisms and New Models for Translational Research. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:746-760. [PMID: 34225598 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a structural and functional element of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which includes cells of neuronal, glial, and endothelial nature. The main functions of NVU include maintenance of the control of metabolism and chemical homeostasis in the brain tissue, ensuring adequate blood flow in active regions, regulation of neuroplasticity processes, which is realized through intercellular interactions under normal conditions, under stress, in neurodegeneration, neuroinfection, and neurodevelopmental diseases. Current versions of the BBB and NVU models, static and dynamic, have significantly expanded research capabilities, but a number of issues remain unresolved, in particular, personification of the models for a patient. In addition, application of both static and dynamic models has an important problem associated with the difficulty in reproducing pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the damage of the structural and functional integrity of the barrier in the diseases of the central nervous system. More knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BBB and NVU damage in pathology is required to solve this problem. This review discusses current state of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control BBB permeability, pathobiochemical mechanisms and manifestations of BBB breakdown in stress and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the problems and prospects of creating in vitro BBB and NVU models for translational studies in neurology and neuropharmacology. Deciphering BBB (patho)physiology will open up new opportunities for further development in the related areas of medicine such as regenerative medicine, neuropharmacology, and neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Division of Brain Sciences, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Yuliya K Komleva
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Malinovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Andrey V Morgun
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Elena A Teplyashina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Olga L Lopatina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V Kharitonova
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Elena D Khilazheva
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Anton N Shuvaev
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
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Borodinova AA, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Salmina AB, Vlasova OL. Genetic Constructs for the Control of Astrocytes' Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071600. [PMID: 34202359 PMCID: PMC8306323 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we aim to discuss the principles and the perspectives of using the genetic constructs based on AAV vectors to regulate astrocytes’ activity. Practical applications of optogenetic approaches utilizing different genetically encoded opsins to control astroglia activity were evaluated. The diversity of astrocytic cell-types complicates the rational design of an ideal viral vector for particular experimental goals. Therefore, efficient and sufficient targeting of astrocytes is a multiparametric process that requires a combination of specific AAV serotypes naturally predisposed to transduce astroglia with astrocyte-specific promoters in the AAV cassette. Inadequate combinations may result in off-target neuronal transduction to different degrees. Potentially, these constraints may be bypassed with the latest strategies of generating novel synthetic AAV serotypes with specified properties by rational engineering of AAV capsids or using directed evolution approach by searching within a more specific promoter or its replacement with the unique enhancer sequences characterized using modern molecular techniques (ChIP-seq, scATAC-seq, snATAC-seq) to drive the selective transgene expression in the target population of cells or desired brain regions. Realizing these strategies to restrict expression and to efficiently target astrocytic populations in specific brain regions or across the brain has great potential to enable future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Borodinova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel M. Balaban
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilya B. Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga L. Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
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