Neural Stem Cells of the Subventricular Zone Contribute to Neuroprotection of the Corpus Callosum after Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination

Demyelination and impaired oligodendrogenesis in the corpus callosum following lead exposure

The corpus callosum is an oligodendrocyte-enriched brain region, replenished by newborn oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in subventricular zone (SVZ). Lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with multiple sclerosis, a disease characterized by the loss of oligodendrocytes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pb exposure on oligodendrogenesis in SVZ and myelination in the corpus callosum. Adult female mice were used for a disproportionately higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis in females. Acute Pb exposure (one ip-injection of 27 mg Pb/kg as PbAc2 24 hr before sampling) caused mild Pb accumulation in the corpus callosum. Ex vivo assay using isolated SVZ tissues collected from acute Pb-exposed brains showed a diminished oligodendrogenesis in SVZ-derived neurospheres compared with controls. In vivo subchronic Pb exposure (13.5 mg Pb/kg by daily oral gavage 4 wk) revealed significantly decreased newborn BrdU+/MBP+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum, suggesting demyelination. Mechanistic investigations indicated decreased Rictor in SVZ OPCs, defective self-defense pathways, and reactive gliosis in the corpus callosum. Given the interwined pathologies between multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, the effect of Pb on myelination was evaluated in AD-modeled APP/PS1 mice. Myelin MRI on mice following chronic exposure (1,000 ppm Pb in drinking water as PbAc2 for 20 wk) revealed a profound demyelination in the corpus callosum compared with controls. Immunostaining of the choroid plexus showed diminished signaling molecule (Klotho, OTX2) expressions in Pb-treated animals. These observations suggest that Pb caused demyelination in the corpus callosum, likely by disrupting oligodendrogenesis from SVZ OPCs. Pb-induced demyelination represents a crucial pathogenic pathway in Pb neurotoxicity, including multiple sclerosis.

A New Acquaintance of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in the Central Nervous System

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are a heterogeneous multipotent population in the central nervous system (CNS) that appear during embryogenesis and persist as resident cells in the adult brain parenchyma. OPCs could generate oligodendrocytes to participate in myelination. Recent advances have renewed our knowledge of OPC biology by discovering novel markers of oligodendroglial cells, the myelin-independent roles of OPCs, and the regulatory mechanism of OPC development. In this review, we will explore the updated knowledge on OPC identity, their multifaceted roles in the CNS in health and diseases, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that are involved in their developmental stages, which hopefully would contribute to a further understanding of OPCs and attract attention in the field of OPC biology.

Betaine alleviates cerebellar endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative imbalance in a cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in rat

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, especially the cerebellum, with numerous physical and mental symptoms. Oxidative stress caused by inflammation can play a role in the occurrence of this disease. Betaine, a natural methyl donor compound, has potent neuroprotective effects. Here, we investigated the effects of betaine on motor behavior, cerebellar histological changes, oxidative stress response, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in a cuprizone (CPZ)-induced multiple sclerosis model in male rats. Twenty Wistar adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups including control, MS, betaine-treated MS, and betaine groups. MS was induced by feeding animals with rodent chow containing 0.5% CPZ for 12 weeks. Betaine was daily administrated as 1% in drinking water for the last 6 weeks. The motor behavioral performance was evaluated by open field, rotarod, and reverse basket tests. Histological analysis of the cerebellum was performed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Cresyl violet (Nissl) staining. Oxidative stress factors (GSH, GSSG, GPX, GR, and GT) were assessed in the experimental groups and finally, the expression of ERS-associated proteins was measured using western blot analysis. Data showed that treatment with betaine could effectively prevent and reverse the adverse behavioral manifestation compared with the MS group. Betaine treatment protected cerebellar demyelination and neuron and Purkinje cell degeneration against CPZ-induced demyelination. Betaine attenuated the protein levels of ESR-related proteins in the cerebellum of MS rats and similarly increased the level of enzymes related to antioxidants in the cerebellum. Therefore, our results suggest that oral administration of betaine may be used as a novel adjunct therapy against cerebellar dysfunctions in an animal model of MS.

Lineage-specific changes in mitochondrial properties during neural stem cell differentiation

Neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in discrete regions of the adult mammalian brain where they can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Several studies suggest that mitochondria have a major role in regulating NSC fate. Here, we evaluated mitochondrial properties throughout NSC differentiation and in lineage-specific cells. For this, we used the neurosphere assay model to isolate, expand, and differentiate mouse subventricular zone postnatal NSCs. We found that the levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion (Mitofusin [Mfn] 1 and Mfn 2) increased, whereas proteins involved in fission (dynamin-related protein 1 [DRP1]) decreased along differentiation. Importantly, changes in mitochondrial dynamics correlated with distinct patterns of mitochondrial morphology in each lineage. Particularly, we found that the number of branched and unbranched mitochondria increased during astroglial and neuronal differentiation, whereas the area occupied by mitochondrial structures significantly reduced with oligodendrocyte maturation. In addition, comparing the three lineages, neurons revealed to be the most energetically flexible, whereas astrocytes presented the highest ATP content. Our work identified putative mitochondrial targets to enhance lineage-directed differentiation of mouse subventricular zone-derived NSCs.

Star power: harnessing the reactive astrocyte response to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis

Astrocytes are indispensable for central nervous system development and homeostasis. In response to injury and disease, astrocytes are integral to the immunological- and the, albeit limited, repair response. In this review, we will examine some of the functions reactive astrocytes play in the context of multiple sclerosis and related animal models. We will consider the heterogeneity or plasticity of astrocytes and the mechanisms by which they promote or mitigate demyelination. Finally, we will discuss a set of biomedical strategies that can stimulate astrocytes in their promyelinating response.

HB-EGF and EGF infusion following CNS demyelination mitigates age-related decline in regeneration of oligodendrocytes from neural precursor cells originating in the ventricular-subventricular zone

In multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic demyelination initiated by immune-mediated destruction of myelin, leads to axonal damage and neuronal cell death, resulting in a progressive decline in neurological function. The development of interventions that potentiate remyelination could hold promise as a novel treatment strategy for MS. To this end, our group has demonstrated that neural precursor cells (NPCs) residing in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) of the adult mouse brain contribute significantly to remyelination in response to central nervous system (CNS) demyelination and can regenerate myelin of normal thickness. However, aging takes its toll on the regenerative potential of NPCs and reduces their contribution to remyelination. In this study, we investigated how aging influences the contribution of NPCs to oligodendrogenesis during the remyelination process and whether the delivery of growth factors into the brains of aged mice could potentiate the oligodendrogenic potential of NPCs. To enable us to map the fate of NPCs in response to demyelination induced at different postnatal ages, Nestin-CreERT2;Rosa26-LSL-eYFP mice were gavaged with tamoxifen at either 8 weeks, 30 weeks or one year of age before being challenged with cuprizone for a period of six weeks. Using osmotic minipumps, we infused heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF) into the cisterna magna for a period of two weeks beginning at the peak of cuprizone-induced demyelination (n=6-8 mice per group). Control mice received artificial cerebrospinal fluid (vehicle) alone. Mice were perfused six weeks after cuprizone withdrawal and the contribution of NPCs to oligodendrocyte regeneration in the corpus callosum was assessed. Our data reveal that although NPC-derived oligodendrocyte generation declined dramatically with age, this decline was partially reversed by growth factor infusion. Notably, co-infusion of EGF and HB-EGF increased oligodendrocyte regeneration twofold in some regions of the corpus callosum. Our results shed light on the beneficial effects of EGF and HB-EGF for increasing the contribution of NPCs to remyelination and indicate their therapeutic potential to combat the negative effects of aging upon remyelination efficacy.

How to Use the Cuprizone Model to Study De- and Remyelination

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system whose cause is still largely unknown. Oligodendrocyte degeneration results in demyelination of axons, which can eventually be repaired by a mechanism called remyelination. Prevention of demyelination and the pharmacological support of remyelination are two promising strategies to ameliorate disease progression in MS patients. The cuprizone model is commonly employed to investigate oligodendrocyte degeneration mechanisms or to explore remyelination pathways. During the last decades, several different protocols have been applied, and all have their pros and cons. This article intends to offer guidance for conducting pre-clinical trials using the cuprizone model in mice, focusing on discovering new treatment approaches to prevent oligodendrocyte degeneration or enhance remyelination.

Astragalus polysaccharides promote neural stem cells-derived oligodendrogenesis through attenuating CD8+T cell infiltration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to generate remyelinating oligodendrocytes, which play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes is insufficient, which is considered a major cause of remyelination failure. Our previous work reported that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) had a neuroprotective effect on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. However, it remains unclear whether APS regulate NSCs differentiation in EAE mice. In this study, our data illustrated that APS administration could promote NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we found that APS significantly improved neuroinflammation and inhibited CD8+T cell infiltration into SVZ of EAE mice. We also found that MOG35-55-specific CD8+T cells suppressed NSCs differentiation into oligodendrocytes by secreting IFN-γ, and APS facilitated the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes which was related to decreased IFN-γ secretion. In addition, APS treatment did not show a better effect on the NSCs-derived oligodendrogenesis after CD8+T cell depletion. This present study demonstrated that APS alleviated neuroinflammation and CD8+T cell infiltration into SVZ to induce oligodendroglial differentiation, and thus exerted neuroprotective effect. Our findings revealed that reducing the infiltration of CD8+T cells might contribute to enhancing NSCs-derived neurogenesis. And APS might be a promising drug candidate to treat MS.

Unravelling a novel role for cannabidivarin in the modulation of subventricular zone postnatal neurogenesis

Postnatal neurogenesis has been shown to rely on the endocannabinoid system. Here we aimed at unravelling the role of Cannabidivarin (CBDV), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, with high affinity for the non-classical cannabinoid receptor TRPV1, on subventricular zone (SVZ) postnatal neurogenesis. Using the neurosphere assay, SVZ-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) were incubated with CBDV and/or 5'-Iodoresinferotoxin (TRPV1 antagonist), and their role on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation were dissected. CBDV was able to promote, through a TRPV1-dependent mechanism, cell survival, cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, pulse-chase experiments revealed that CBDV-induced neuronal differentiation was a result of cell cycle exit of NSPCs. Regarding oligodendrocyte differentiation, CBDV inhibited oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. Since our data suggested that the CBDV-induced modulation of NSPCs acted via TRPV1, a sodium-calcium channel, and that intracellular calcium levels are known regulators of NSPCs fate and neuronal maturation, single cell calcium imaging was performed to evaluate the functional response of SVZ-derived cells. We observed that CBDV-responsive cells displayed a two-phase calcium influx profile, being the initial phase dependent on TRPV1 activation. Taken together, this work unveiled a novel and untapped neurogenic potential of CBDV via TRPV1 modulation. These findings pave the way to future neural stem cell biological studies and repair strategies by repurposing this non-psychoactive cannabinoid as a valuable therapeutic target.

Mertk-expressing microglia influence oligodendrogenesis and myelin modelling in the CNS

BACKGROUND

Microglia, an immune cell found exclusively within the CNS, initially develop from haematopoietic stem cell precursors in the yolk sac and colonise all regions of the CNS early in development. Microglia have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells in the CNS, as well as in myelination. Mertk is a receptor expressed on microglia that mediates immunoregulatory functions, including myelin efferocytosis.

FINDINGS

Here we demonstrate an unexpected role for Mertk-expressing microglia in both oligodendrogenesis and myelination. The selective depletion of Mertk from microglia resulted in reduced oligodendrocyte production in early development and the generation of pathological myelin. During demyelination, mice deficient in microglial Mertk had thinner myelin and showed signs of impaired OPC differentiation. We established that Mertk signalling inhibition impairs oligodendrocyte repopulation in Xenopus tadpoles following demyelination.

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the importance of microglia in myelination and are the first to identify Mertk as a regulator of oligodendrogenesis and myelin ultrastructure.

Current advances in stem cell therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease related to the central nervous system (CNS) with a significant global burden. In this illness, the immune system plays an essential role in its pathophysiology and progression. The currently available treatments are not recognized as curable options and, at best, might slow the progression of MS injuries to the CNS. However, stem cell treatment has provided a new avenue for treating MS. Stem cells may enhance CNS healing and regulate immunological responses. Likewise, stem cells can come from various sources, including adipose, neuronal, bone marrow, and embryonic tissues. Choosing the optimal cell source for stem cell therapy is still a difficult verdict. A type of stem cell known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is obtainable from different sources and has a strong immunomodulatory impact on the immune system. According to mounting data, the umbilical cord and adipose tissue may serve as appropriate sources for the isolation of MSCs. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), as novel stem cell sources with immune-regulatory effects, regenerative properties, and decreased antigenicity, can also be thought of as a new upcoming contender for MS treatment. Overall, the administration of stem cells in different sets of animal and clinical trials has shown immunomodulatory and neuroprotective results. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the different types of stem cells by focusing on MSCs and their mechanisms, which can be used to treat and improve the outcomes of MS disease.

The Effects of Cuprizone on Murine Subventricular Zone-Derived Neural Stem Cells and Progenitor Cells Grown as Neurospheres

Despite the extensive use of the cuprizone (CPZ) demyelination animal model, there is little evidence regarding the effects of CPZ on a cellular level. Initial studies have suggested that oligodendrocytes (OL) are the main cell targets for CPZ toxicity. However, recent data have revealed additional effects on neural stem cells and progenitor cells (NSC/NPC), which constitute a reservoir for OL regeneration during brain remyelination. We cultured NSC/NPC as neurospheres to investigate CPZ effects on cell mechanisms which are thought to be involved in demyelination and remyelination processes in vivo. Proliferating NSC/NPC cultures exposed to CPZ showed overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased progenitor migration at the expense of a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. Although NSC/NPC survival was not affected by CPZ in proliferative conditions, we found that CPZ-treated cultures undergoing cell differentiation were more prone to cell death than controls. The commitment and cell differentiation towards neural lineages did not seem to be affected by CPZ, as shown by the conserved proportions of OL, astrocytes, and neurons. Nevertheless, when CPZ treatment was performed after cell differentiation, we detected a significant reduction in the number and the morphological complexity of OL, astrogliosis, and neuronal damage. We conclude that, in addition to damaging mature OL, CPZ also reduces NSC/NPC proliferation and activates progenitor migration. These results shed light on CPZ direct effects on NSC proliferation and the progression of in vitro differentiation.

Tumor-associated nonmyelinating Schwann cell-expressed PVT1 promotes pancreatic cancer kynurenine pathway and tumor immune exclusion

One of the major obstacles to treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its immunoresistant microenvironment. The functional importance and molecular mechanisms of Schwann cells in PDAC remains largely elusive. We characterized the gene signature of tumor-associated nonmyelinating Schwann cells (TASc) in PDAC and indicated that the abundance of TASc was correlated with immune suppressive tumor microenvironment and the unfavorable outcome of patients with PDAC. Depletion of pancreatic-specific TASc promoted the tumorigenesis of PDAC tumors. TASc-expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) was triggered by the tumor cell-produced interleukin-6. Mechanistically, PVT1 modulated RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase in TASc, facilitating its enzymatic activities in catalysis of tryptophan to kynurenine. Depletion of TASc-expressed PVT1 suppressed PDAC tumor growth. Furthermore, depletion of TASc using a small-molecule inhibitor effectively sensitized PDAC to immunotherapy, signifying the important roles of TASc in PDAC immune resistance.

Neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells compete for remyelination in the corpus callosum

A major therapeutic goal in demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, is to improve remyelination, thereby restoring effective axon conduction and preventing neurodegeneration. In the adult central nervous system (CNS), parenchymal oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (pOPCs) and, to a lesser extent, pre-existing oligodendrocytes (OLs) and oligodendrocytes generated from neural stem cells (NSCs) in the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) are capable of forming new myelin sheaths. Due to their self-renewal capabilities and the ability of their progeny to migrate widely within the CNS, NSCs represent an additional source of remyelinating cells that may be targeted to supplement repair by pOPCs. However, in demyelinating disorders and disease models, the NSC contribution to myelin repair is modest and most evident in regions close to the SVZ. We hypothesized that NSC-derived cells may compete with OPCs to remyelinate the same axons, with pOPCs serving as the primary remyelinating cells due to their widespread distribution within the adult CNS, thereby limiting the contribution of NSC-progeny. Here, we have used a dual reporter, genetic fate mapping strategy, to characterize the contribution of pOPCs and NSC-derived OLs to remyelination after cuprizone-induced demyelination. We confirmed that, while pOPCs are the main remyelinating cells in the corpus callosum, NSC-derived cells are also activated and recruited to demyelinating lesions. Blocking pOPC differentiation genetically, resulted in a significant increase in the recruitment NSC-derived cells into the demyelinated corpus callosum and their differentiation into OLs. These results strongly suggest that pOPCs and NSC-progeny compete to repair white matter lesions. They underscore the potential significance of targeting NSCs to improve repair when the contribution of pOPCs is insufficient to affect full remyelination.

Inhibiting nighttime melatonin and boosting cortisol increase patrolling monocytes, phagocytosis, and myelination in a murine model of multiple sclerosis

Conflicting results on melatonin synthesis in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported due to variabilities in patient lifestyles, which are not considered when supplementing melatonin. Since melatonin acts through its receptors, we identified melatonin receptors in oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the corpus callosum, where demyelination occurs; the subventricular zone, where neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are located; and the choroid plexus, which functions as a blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Moreover, using chimeric mice, resident macrophages were found to express melatonin receptors, whereas bone marrow-derived macrophages lost this expression in the demyelinated brain. Next, we showed that cuprizone-fed mice, which is an MS model, tended to have increased melatonin levels. While we used different approaches to alter the circadian rhythm of melatonin and cortisol, only the constant light approach increased NSPC proliferation and differentiation to oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), OPCs maturation to OLs and recruitment to the site of demyelination, the number of patrolling monocytes, and phagocytosis. In contrast, constant darkness and exogenous melatonin exacerbated these events and amplified monocyte infiltration. Therefore, melatonin should not be considered a universal remedy, as is currently claimed. Our data emphasize the importance of monitoring melatonin/cortisol oscillations in each MS patient by considering diet and lifestyle to avoid melatonin overdose.

Periventricular remyelination failure in multiple sclerosis: a substrate for neurodegeneration

In multiple sclerosis, spontaneous remyelination is generally incomplete and heterogeneous across patients. A high heterogeneity in remyelination may also exist across lesions within the same individual, suggesting the presence of local factors interfering with myelin regeneration. In this study we explored in vivo the regional distribution of myelin repair and investigated its relationship with neurodegeneration. We first took advantage of the myelin binding property of the amyloid radiotracer 11C-PiB to conduct a longitudinal 11C-PiB PET study in an original cohort of 19 participants with a relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis, followed-up over a period of 1-4 months. We then replicated our results on an independent cohort of 40 people with multiple sclerosis followed-up over 1 year with magnetization transfer imaging, an MRI metrics sensitive to myelin content. For each imaging method, voxel-wise maps of myelin content changes were generated according to modality-specific thresholds. We demonstrated a selective failure of remyelination in periventricular white matter lesions of people with multiple sclerosis in both cohorts. In both the original and the replication cohort, we estimated that the probability of demyelinated voxels to remyelinate over the follow-up increased significantly as a function of the distance from ventricular CSF. Enlarged choroid plexus, a recently discovered biomarker linked to neuroinflammation, was found to be associated with the periventricular failure of remyelination in the two cohorts (r = -0.79, P = 0.0018; r = -0.40, P = 0.045, respectively), suggesting a role of the brain-CSF barrier in affecting myelin repair in surrounding tissues. In both cohorts, the failure of remyelination in periventricular white matter lesions was associated with lower thalamic volume (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001; r = 0.33; P = 0.069, respectively), an imaging marker of neurodegeneration. Interestingly, we also showed an association between the periventricular failure of remyelination and regional cortical atrophy that was mediated by the number of cortex-derived tracts passing through periventricular white matter lesions, especially in patients at the relapsing-remitting stage. Our findings demonstrate that lesion proximity to ventricles is associated with a failure of myelin repair and support the hypothesis that a selective periventricular remyelination failure in combination with the large number of tracts connecting periventricular lesions with cortical areas is a key mechanism contributing to cortical damage in multiple sclerosis.

Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.

Regulation of microglia function by neural stem cells

Neural stem and precursor cells (NPCs) build and regenerate the central nervous system (CNS) by maintaining their pool (self-renewal) and differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (multipotency) throughout life. This has inspired research into pro-regenerative therapies that utilize transplantation of exogenous NPCs or recruitment of endogenous adult NPCs for CNS regeneration and repair. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and other "omics" have revealed that NPCs express not just traditional progenitor-related genes, but also genes involved in immune function. Here, we review how NPCs exert immunomodulatory function by regulating the biology of microglia, immune cells that are present in NPC niches and throughout the CNS. We discuss the role of transplanted and endogenous NPCs in regulating microglia fates, such as survival, proliferation, migration, phagocytosis and activation, in the developing, injured and degenerating CNS. We also provide a literature review on NPC-specific mediators that are responsible for modulating microglia biology. Our review highlights the immunomodulatory properties of NPCs and the significance of these findings in the context of designing pro-regenerative therapies for degenerating and diseased CNS.

Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: Findings in the Cuprizone Model

Remyelination therapies, which are currently under development, have a great potential to delay, prevent or even reverse disability in multiple sclerosis patients. Several models are available to study the effectiveness of novel compounds in vivo, among which is the cuprizone model. This model is characterized by toxin-induced demyelination, followed by endogenous remyelination after cessation of the intoxication. Due to its high reproducibility and ease of use, this model enjoys high popularity among various research and industrial groups. In this review article, we will summarize recent findings using this model and discuss the potential of some of the identified compounds to promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients.

Neural precursor cells tune striatal connectivity through the release of IGFBPL1

The adult brain retains over life endogenous neural stem/precursor cells (eNPCs) within the subventricular zone (SVZ). Whether or not these cells exert physiological functions is still unclear. In the present work, we provide evidence that SVZ-eNPCs tune structural, electrophysiological, and behavioural aspects of striatal function via secretion of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-like 1 (IGFBPL1). In mice, selective ablation of SVZ-eNPCs or selective abrogation of IGFBPL1 determined an impairment of striatal medium spiny neuron morphology, a higher failure rate in GABAergic transmission mediated by fast-spiking interneurons, and striatum-related behavioural dysfunctions. We also found IGFBPL1 expression in the human SVZ, foetal and induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs. Finally, we found a significant correlation between SVZ damage, reduction of striatum volume, and impairment of information processing speed in neurological patients. Our results highlight the physiological role of adult SVZ-eNPCs in supporting cognitive functions by regulating striatal neuronal activity.

Thyroid hormone-dependent oligodendroglial cell lineage genomic and non-genomic signaling through integrin receptors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease whereby the pathological sequelae evolve from oligodendrocytes (OLs) within the central nervous system and are targeted by the immune system, which causes widespread white matter pathology and results in neuronal dysfunction and neurological impairment. The progression of this disease is facilitated by a failure in remyelination following chronic demyelination. One mediator of remyelination is thyroid hormone (TH), whose reliance on monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) was recently defined. MCT8 facilitates the entry of THs into oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) and pre-myelinating oligodendrocytes (pre-OLs). Patients with MS may exhibit downregulated MCT8 near inflammatory lesions, which emphasizes an inhibition of TH signaling and subsequent downstream targeted pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt. However, the role of the closely related mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in pre-OLs during neuroinflammation may also be central to the remyelination process and is governed by various growth promoting signals. Recent research indicates that this may be reliant on TH-dependent signaling through β1-integrins. This review identifies genomic and non-genomic signaling that is regulated through mTOR in TH-responsive pre-OLs and mature OLs in mouse models of MS. This review critiques data that implicates non-genomic Akt and mTOR signaling in response to TH-dependent integrin receptor activation in pre-OLs. We have also examined whether this can drive remyelination in the context of neuroinflammation and associated sequelae. Importantly, we outline how novel therapeutic small molecules are being designed to target integrin receptors on oligodendroglial lineage cells and whether these are viable therapeutic options for future use in clinical trials for MS.

Glial Response to Intranasal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Intermittent Cuprizone Model of Demyelination

Intranasal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery is a non-invasive method that has received interests for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The impact of intranasal MSCs on intermittent cuprizone model of demyelination was a focus of this study. C57/BL6 mice were fed with 0.3% cuprizone in an intermittent or single ways. Luxol fast blue (LFB), Rotarod test, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and western blot (WB) were used for interpretation of outcomes. MSCs effectively homed to the corpus callosum area, were able to improve motor coordination and to promote myelin recovery in the intermittent cuprizone (INTRCPZ/MSCs). Astrogliosis (GFAP⁺ cells) and microgliosis (Iba-1⁺ cells) were hampered, and more mature oligodendrocyte cells (APC⁺ cells) were identified in mice receiving INTRCPZ/MSCs. Such treatment also considerably reduced markers related to the macrophage type 1 (M1) cells, namely iNOS and CD86, but it recovered the M2 markers MRC-1 and TREM-2. In addition, a remarkable decrease in the expressions of pro-inflammatory IL-1β and TNFα but an increase in the rate of anti-inflammatory TGF-β and IL-10 were identified in mice that underwent INTRCPZ/MSCs therapy. Finally, microvascular changes were evaluated, and a noticeable increase in the expression of the endothelial cell marker CD31 was found in the INTRCPZ/MSCs-treated mice (p < 0.05 for all). The outcomes are representative of the efficacy of intranasal MSCs delivery in intermittent cuprizone model of MS for reshaping macrophage polarity along with modification of glial, inflammatory, and angiogenic markers in favor of therapy.

Myelin repair is fostered by the corticosteroid medrysone specifically acting on astroglial subpopulations

Background

Multiple sclerosis is characterised by inflammation, oligodendrocyte loss and axonal demyelination and shows an additional impact on astrocytes, and their polarization. Although a certain degree of spontaneous myelin repair can be observed, disease progression, and aging impair regeneration efforts highlighting the need to better understand glial cell dynamics to establish specific regenerative treatments.

Methods

Applying a chronic demyelination model, we here analysed demyelination and remyelination related effects on astrocytes and stem cell niches and studied the consequences of medrysone application on myelin repair, and astrocyte polarization.

Findings

Medrysone induced recovery of mature oligodendrocytes, myelin expression and node formation. In addition, C3d/S100a10 co-expression in astrocytes was enhanced. Moreover, Timp1 expression in C3d positive astrocytes revealed another astrocytic phenotype with a myelination promoting character.

Interpretation

Based on these findings, specific astrocyte subpopulations are suggested to act in a myelin regenerative way and manner the regulation of which can be positively modulated by this corticosteroid.

Funding

This work was supported by the Jürgen Manchot Stiftung, the Research Commission of the medical faculty of the Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf, the Christiane and Claudia Hempel Foundation for clinical stem cell research and the James and Elisabeth Cloppenburg, Peek and Cloppenburg Düsseldorf Stiftung.

Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Mediated Oligodendrogenesis in the Adult Mammalian Brain

Oligodendrogenesis is essential for replacing worn-out oligodendrocytes, promoting myelin plasticity, and for myelin repair following a demyelinating injury in the adult mammalian brain. Neural stem cells are an important source of oligodendrocytes in the adult brain; however, there are considerable differences in oligodendrogenesis from neural stem cells residing in different areas of the adult brain. Amongst the distinct niches containing neural stem cells, the subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus are considered the principle areas of adult neurogenesis. In addition to these areas, radial glia-like cells, which are the precursors of neural stem cells, are found in the lining of the third ventricle, where they are called tanycytes, and in the cerebellum, where they are called Bergmann glia. In this review, we will describe the contribution and regulation of each of these niches in adult oligodendrogenesis.

1,2-Dichloroethane induces cortex demyelination by depressing myelin basic protein via inhibiting aquaporin 4 in mice

1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) is a pervasive environmental pollutant, and overexposure to this hazardous material causes brain edema and demyelination in humans. We found that 1,2-DCE inhibits aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and is a primary pathogenic effector of 1,2-DCE-induced brain edema in animals. However, AQP4 down-regulation's link with cortex demyelination after 1,2-DCE exposure remains unclear. Thus, we exposed wild-type (WT) CD-1 mice and AQP4 knockout (AQP4-KO) mice to 0, 100, 350 and 700 mg/m³ 1,2-DCE by inhalation for 28 days. We applied label-free proteomics and a cell co-culture system to elucidate the role of AQP4 inhibition in 1,2-DCE-induced demyelination. The results showed that 1,2-DCE down-regulated AQP4 in the WT mouse cortexes. Both 1,2-DCE exposure and AQP4 deletion induced neurotoxicity in mice, including increased brain water content, abnormal pathological vacuolations, and neurobehavioral damage. Tests for interaction of multiple regression analysis highlighted different effects of 1,2-DCE exposure level depending on the genotype, indicating the core role of AQP4 in regulation on 1,2-DCE-caused neurotoxicity. We used label-free quantitative proteomics to detect differentially expressed proteins associated with 1,2-DCE exposure and AQP4 inhibition, and identified down-regulation in myelin basic protein (MBP) and tyrosine-protein kinase Fyn (FYN) in a dose-dependent manner in WT mice but not in AQP4-KO mice. 1,2-DCE and AQP4 deletion separately resulted in demyelination, as detected by Luxol fast blue staining, and manifested as disordered nerve fibers and cavitation in the cortexes. Western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed the decreased AQP4 in the astrocytes and the down-regulated MBP in the oligodendrocytes by 1,2-DCE exposure and AQP4 inhibition, respectively. Finally, the co-culture results of SVG p12 and MO3.13 cells showed that 1,2-DCE-induced AQP4 down-regulation in the astrocytes was responsible for demyelination, by decreasing MBP in the oligodendrocytes. In conclusion, 1,2-DCE induced cortex demyelination by depressing MBP via AQP4 inhibition in the mice.

Astrocyte and Oligodendrocyte Responses From the Subventricular Zone After Injury

Under normal conditions, neural stem cells (NSCs or B cells) in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) give rise to amplifying neural progenitor cells (NPCs or C cells), which can produce neuroblasts (or A cells) that migrate to the olfactory bulb and differentiate into new neurons. However, following brain injury, these cells migrate toward the injury site where they differentiate into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In this review, we will focus on recent findings that chronicle how astrocytes and oligodendrocytes derived from SVZ-NSCs respond to different types of injury. We will also discuss molecular regulators of SVZ-NSC proliferation and their differentiation into astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Overall, the goal of this review is to highlight how SVZ-NSCs respond to injury and to summarize the regulatory mechanisms that oversee their glial response. These molecular and cellular processes will provide critical insights needed to develop strategies to promote brain repair following injury using SVZ-NSCs.

GLI3 Is Required for OLIG2+ Progeny Production in Adult Dorsal Neural Stem Cells

The ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) is a postnatal germinal niche. It holds a large population of neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate neurons and oligodendrocytes for the olfactory bulb and (primarily) the corpus callosum, respectively. These NSCs are heterogeneous and generate different types of neurons depending on their location. Positional identity among NSCs is thought to be controlled in part by intrinsic pathways. However, extrinsic cell signaling through the secreted ligand Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is essential for neurogenesis in both the dorsal and ventral V-SVZ. Here we used a genetic approach to investigate the role of the transcription factors GLI2 and GLI3 in the proliferation and cell fate of dorsal and ventral V-SVZ NSCs. We find that while GLI3 is expressed in stem cell cultures from both dorsal and ventral V-SVZ, the repressor form of GLI3 is more abundant in dorsal V-SVZ. Despite this high dorsal expression and the requirement for other Shh pathway members, GLI3 loss affects the generation of ventrally-, but not dorsally-derived olfactory interneurons in vivo and does not affect trilineage differentiation in vitro. However, loss of GLI3 in the adult dorsal V-SVZ in vivo results in decreased numbers of OLIG2-expressing progeny, indicating a role in gliogenesis.

The role of neural stem cells in regulating glial scar formation and repair

Glial scars are a common pathological occurrence in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and injuries. They are caused after severe damage and consist of reactive glia that form a barrier around the damaged tissue that leads to a non-permissive microenvironment which prevents proper endogenous regeneration. While there are a number of therapies that are able to address some components of disease, there are none that provide regenerative properties. Within the past decade, neural stem cells (NSCs) have been heavily studied due to their potent anti-inflammatory and reparative capabilities in disease and injury. Exogenously applied NSCs have been found to aid in glial scar healing by reducing inflammation and providing cell replacement. However, endogenous NSCs have also been found to contribute to the reactive environment by different means. Further understanding how NSCs can be leveraged to aid in the resolution of the glial scar is imperative in the use of these cells as regenerative therapies. To do so, humanised 3D model systems have been developed to study the development and maintenance of the glial scar. Herein, we explore the current work on endogenous and exogenous NSCs in the glial scar as well as the novel 3D stem cell–based technologies being used to model this pathology in a dish.

Cuprizone feed formulation influences the extent of demyelinating disease pathology

Cuprizone is a copper-chelating agent that induces pathology similar to that within some multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The reliability and reproducibility of cuprizone for inducing demyelinating disease pathology depends on the animals ingesting consistent doses of cuprizone. Cuprizone-containing pelleted feed is a convenient way of delivering cuprizone, but the efficacy of these pellets at inducing demyelination has been questioned. This study compared the degree of demyelinating disease pathology between mice fed cuprizone delivered in pellets to mice fed a powdered cuprizone formulation at an early 3 week demyelinating timepoint. Within rostral corpus callosum, cuprizone pellets were more effective than cuprizone powder at increasing astrogliosis, microglial activation, DNA damage, and decreasing the density of mature oligodendrocytes. However, cuprizone powder demonstrated greater protein nitration relative to controls. Furthermore, mice fed control powder had significantly fewer mature oligodendrocytes than those fed control pellets. In caudal corpus callosum, cuprizone pellets performed better than cuprizone powder relative to controls at increasing astrogliosis, microglial activation, protein nitration, DNA damage, tissue swelling, and reducing the density of mature oligodendrocytes. Importantly, only cuprizone pellets induced detectable demyelination compared to controls. The two feeds had similar effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) dynamics. Taken together, these data suggest that demyelinating disease pathology is modelled more effectively with cuprizone pellets than powder at 3 weeks. Combined with the added convenience, cuprizone pellets are a suitable choice for inducing early demyelinating disease pathology.

Transcriptomic analysis of loss of Gli1 in neural stem cells responding to demyelination in the mouse brain

In the adult mammalian brain, Gli1 expressing neural stem cells reside in the subventricular zone and their progeny are recruited to sites of demyelination in the white matter where they generate new oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells. Remarkably, genetic loss or pharmacologic inhibition of Gli1 enhances the efficacy of remyelination by these neural stem cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of this Gli1-pool of neural stem cells. We compared murine NSCs with either intact or deficient Gli1 expression from adult mice on a control diet or on a cuprizone diet which induces widespread demyelination. These data will be a valuable resource for identifying therapeutic targets for enhancing remyelination in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Endogenous neural stem cells modulate microglia and protect against demyelination

In response to corpus callosum (CC) demyelination, subventricular zone-derived neural progenitors (SVZdNPs) are mobilized and generate new myelinating oligodendrocytes (OLG). Here, we examine the putative immunomodulatory properties of endogenous SVZdNPs during demyelination in the cuprizone model. SVZdNP density was higher in the lateral and rostral CC regions, and demyelination was inversely correlated with activated microglial density and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that CC areas with high levels of SVZdNP mobilization were enriched in a microglial cell subpopulation with an immunomodulatory signature. We propose MFGE8 (milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-8) and β3 integrin as a ligand/receptor pair involved in dialogue between SVZdNPs and microglia. Immature SVZdNPs mobilized to the demyelinated CC were found highly enriched in MFGE8, which promoted the phagocytosis of myelin debris in vitro. Overall, these results demonstrate that, in addition to their cell replacement capacity, endogenous progenitors have immunomodulatory properties, highlighting a new role for endogenous SVZdNPs in myelin regeneration.

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Demyelination is limited in corpus callosum areas rich in subventricular zone–derived progenitors

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In these areas microglial cells adopt an immunomodulatory phenotype

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Mobilized SVZ progenitors secrete MFGE8, which promotes myelin debris phagocytosis

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SVZ-derived progenitors minimize demyelination by modulating microglial activity

Macrophages and Stem Cells-Two to Tango for Tissue Repair?

Macrophages (MCs) are present in all tissues, not only supporting homeostasis, but also playing an important role in organogenesis, post-injury regeneration, and diseases. They are a heterogeneous cell population due to their origin, tissue specificity, and polarization in response to aggression factors, depending on environmental cues. Thus, as pro-inflammatory M1 phagocytic MCs, they contribute to tissue damage and even fibrosis, but the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype participates in repairing processes and wound healing through a molecular interplay with most cells in adult stem cell niches. In this review, we emphasize MC phenotypic heterogeneity in health and disease, highlighting their systemic and systematic contribution to tissue homeostasis and repair. Unraveling the intervention of both resident and migrated MCs on the behavior of stem cells and the regulation of the stem cell niche is crucial for opening new perspectives for novel therapeutic strategies in different diseases.

Myelin Repair: From Animal Models to Humans

It is widely thought that brain repair does not occur, but myelin regeneration provides clear evidence to the contrary. Spontaneous remyelination may occur after injury or in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the efficiency of remyelination varies considerably between MS patients and between the lesions of each patient. Myelin repair is essential for optimal functional recovery, so a profound understanding of the cells and mechanisms involved in this process is required for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe how animal models and modern cell tracing and imaging methods have helped to identify the cell types involved in myelin regeneration. In addition to the oligodendrocyte progenitor cells identified in the 1990s as the principal source of remyelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS), other cell populations, including subventricular zone-derived neural progenitors, Schwann cells, and even spared mature oligodendrocytes, have more recently emerged as potential contributors to CNS remyelination. We will also highlight the conditions known to limit endogenous repair, such as aging, chronic inflammation, and the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and the role of astrocytes and microglia in these processes. Finally, we will present the discrepancies between observations in humans and in rodents, discussing the relationship of findings in experimental models to myelin repair in humans. These considerations are particularly important from a therapeutic standpoint.

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes Differentiation of Ischemia-Activated Adult Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells to Neuronal Precursors

Modulating endogenous regenerative processes may represent a suitable treatment for central nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as stroke or trauma. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs), which naturally reside in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult brain, proliferate and differentiate to other cell types, and therefore may compensate the negative consequences of ischemic injury. The fate of NS/PCs in the developing brain is largely influenced by Wingless/Integrated (Wnt) signaling; however, its role in the differentiation of adult NS/PCs under ischemic conditions is still enigmatic. In our previous study, we identified the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway as a factor promoting neurogenesis at the expense of gliogenesis in neonatal mice. In this study, we used adult transgenic mice in order to assess the impact of the canonical Wnt pathway modulation (inhibition or hyper-activation) on NS/PCs derived from the SVZ, and combined it with the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to disclose the effect of focal cerebral ischemia (FCI). Based on the electrophysiological properties of cultured cells, we first identified three cell types that represented in vitro differentiated NS/PCs – astrocytes, neuron-like cells, and precursor cells. Following FCI, we detected fewer neuron-like cells after Wnt signaling inhibition. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical analysis revealed an overall higher expression of cell-type-specific proteins after FCI, indicating increased proliferation and differentiation rates of NS/PCs in the SVZ. Remarkably, Wnt signaling hyper-activation increased the abundance of proliferating and neuron-like cells, while Wnt pathway inhibition had the opposite effect. Finally, the expression profiling at the single cell level revealed an increased proportion of neural stem cells and neuroblasts after FCI. These observations indicate that Wnt signaling enhances NS/PCs-based regeneration in the adult mouse brain following FCI, and supports neuronal differentiation in the SVZ.

Calcium Channels in Adult Brain Neural Stem Cells and in Glioblastoma Stem Cells

The brain of adult mammals, including humans, contains neural stem cells (NSCs) located within specific niches of which the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) is the largest one. Under physiological conditions, NSCs proliferate, self-renew and produce new neurons and glial cells. Several recent studies established that oncogenic mutations in adult NSCs of the V-SVZ are responsible for the emergence of malignant primary brain tumors called glioblastoma. These aggressive tumors contain a small subpopulation of cells, the glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), that are endowed with proliferative and self-renewal abilities like NSCs from which they may arise. GSCs are thus considered as the cells that initiate and sustain tumor growth and, because of their resistance to current treatments, provoke tumor relapse. A growing body of studies supports that Ca²⁺ signaling controls a variety of processes in NSCs and GSCs. Ca²⁺ is a ubiquitous second messenger whose fluctuations of its intracellular concentrations are handled by channels, pumps, exchangers, and Ca²⁺ binding proteins. The concerted action of the Ca²⁺ toolkit components encodes specific Ca²⁺ signals with defined spatio-temporal characteristics that determine the cellular responses. In this review, after a general overview of the adult brain NSCs and GSCs, we focus on the multiple roles of the Ca²⁺ toolkit in NSCs and discuss how GSCs hijack these mechanisms to promote tumor growth. Extensive knowledge of the role of the Ca²⁺ toolkit in the management of essential functions in healthy and pathological stem cells of the adult brain should help to identify promising targets for clinical applications.

Therapeutic Plasticity of Neural Stem Cells

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have garnered significant scientific and commercial interest in the last 15 years. Given their plasticity, defined as the ability to develop into different phenotypes inside and outside of the nervous system, with a capacity of almost unlimited self-renewal, of releasing trophic and immunomodulatory factors, and of exploiting temporal and spatial dynamics, NSCs have been proposed for (i) neurotoxicity testing; (ii) cellular therapies to treat CNS diseases; (iii) neural tissue engineering and repair; (iv) drug target validation and testing; (v) personalized medicine. Moreover, given the growing interest in developing cell-based therapies to target neurodegenerative diseases, recent progress in developing NSCs from human-induced pluripotent stem cells has produced an analog of endogenous NSCs. Herein, we will review the current understanding on emerging conceptual and technological topics in the neural stem cell field, such as deep characterization of the human compartment, single-cell spatial-temporal dynamics, reprogramming from somatic cells, and NSC manipulation and monitoring. Together, these aspects contribute to further disentangling NSC plasticity to better exploit the potential of those cells, which, in the future, might offer new strategies for brain therapies.

A cell type-specific expression map of NCoR1 and SMRT transcriptional co-repressors in the mouse brain

The ability to rapidly change gene expression patterns is essential for differentiation, development, and functioning of the brain. Throughout development, or in response to environmental stimuli, gene expression patterns are tightly regulated by the dynamic interplay between transcription activators and repressors. Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) and silencing mediator for retinoid or thyroid-hormone receptors (SMRT) are the best characterized transcriptional co-repressors from a molecular point of view. They mediate epigenetic silencing of gene expression in a wide range of developmental and homeostatic processes in many tissues, including the brain. For instance, NCoR1 and SMRT regulate neuronal stem cell proliferation and differentiation during brain development and they have been implicated in learning and memory. However, we still have a limited understanding of their regional and cell type-specific expression in the brain. In this study, we used fluorescent immunohistochemistry to map their expression patterns throughout the adult mouse brain. Our findings reveal that NCoR1 and SMRT share an overall neuroanatomical distribution, and are detected in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. However, we observed striking differences in their cell type-specific expression in glial cells. Specifically, all oligodendrocytes express NCoR1, but only a subset express SMRT. In addition, NCoR1, but not SMRT, was detected in a subset of astrocytes and in the microglia. These novel observations are corroborated by single cell transcriptomics and emphasize how NCoR1 and SMRT may contribute to distinct biological functions, suggesting an exclusive role of NCoR1 in innate immune responses in the brain.

The active contribution of OPCs to neuroinflammation is mediated by LRP1

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) account for about 5% of total brain and spinal cord cells, giving rise to myelinating oligodendrocytes that provide electrical insulation to neurons of the CNS. OPCs have also recently been shown to regulate inflammatory responses and glial scar formation, suggesting functions that extend beyond myelination. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) is a multifaceted phagocytic receptor that is highly expressed in several CNS cell types, including OPCs. Here, we have generated an oligodendroglia-specific knockout of LRP1, which presents with normal myelin development, but is associated with better outcomes in two animal models of demyelination (EAE and cuprizone). At a mechanistic level, LRP1 did not directly affect OPC differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes. Instead, animals lacking LRP1 in OPCs in the demyelinating CNS were characterized by a robust dampening of inflammation. In particular, LRP1-deficient OPCs presented with impaired antigen cross-presentation machinery, suggesting a failure to propagate the inflammatory response and thus promoting faster myelin repair and neuroprotection. Our study places OPCs as major regulators of neuroinflammation in an LRP1-dependent fashion.

Endogenous neural precursor cells in health and disease

Neurogenesis persists in the adult brain of mammals in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG). The complex interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic signals provided by cells in the niche but also from distant sources regulate the fate of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) in these sites. This fine regulation is perturbed in aging and in pathological conditions leading to a different NPC behavior, tailored to the specific physio-pathological features. Indeed, NPCs exert in physiological and pathological conditions important neurogenic and non-neurogenic regulatory functions and participate in maintaining and protecting brain tissue homeostasis. In this review, we discuss intrinsic and extrinsic signals that regulate NPC activation and NPC functional role in various homeostatic and non-homeostatic conditions.