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Zhang L, Wei J, Liu X, Li D, Pang X, Chen F, Cao H, Lei P. Gut microbiota-astrocyte axis: new insights into age-related cognitive decline. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:990-1008. [PMID: 38989933 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rapidly aging human population, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Aging is considered the main risk factor for cognitive decline and acts through alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and the functions of astrocytes. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been the focus of multiple studies and is closely associated with cognitive function. This article provides a comprehensive review of the specific changes that occur in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in older individuals and discusses how the aging of astrocytes and reactive astrocytosis are closely related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. This article also summarizes the gut microbiota components that affect astrocyte function, mainly through the vagus nerve, immune responses, circadian rhythms, and microbial metabolites. Finally, this article summarizes the mechanism by which the gut microbiota-astrocyte axis plays a role in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Our findings have revealed the critical role of the microbiota-astrocyte axis in age-related cognitive decline, aiding in a deeper understanding of potential gut microbiome-based adjuvant therapy strategies for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingge Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilei Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dai Li
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqi Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanglian Chen
- Tianjin Neurological Institution, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, National Key Clinical Specialty, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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2
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Gong QY, Wang W, Cai L, Jing Y, Yang DX, Yuan F, Tian HL, Ding J, Chen H, Xu ZM. Transplantation of astrocyte-derived mitochondria into injured astrocytes has a protective effect following stretch injury. Mitochondrion 2024; 78:101902. [PMID: 38768694 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2024.101902] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public-health problem. Astrocytes, and their mitochondria, are important factors in the pathogenesis of TBI-induced secondary injury. Mitochondria extracted from healthy tissues and then transplanted have shown promise in models of a variety of diseases. However, the effect on recipient astrocytes is unclear. Here, we isolated primary astrocytes from newborn C57BL/6 mice, one portion of which was used to isolate mitochondria, and another was subjected to stretch injury (SI) followed by transplantation of the isolated mitochondria. After incubation for 12 h, cell viability, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium overload, redox stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were improved. Live-cell imaging showed that the transplanted mitochondria were incorporated into injured astrocytes and fused with their mitochondrial networks, which was in accordance with the changes in the expression levels of markers of mitochondrial dynamics. The astrocytic IKK/NF-κB pathway was decelerated whereas the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway was accelerated by transplantation. Together, these results indicate that exogenous mitochondria from untreated astrocytes can be incorporated into injured astrocytes and fuse with their mitochondrial networks, improving cell viability by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction, redox stress, calcium overload, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yuan Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yao Jing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dian-Xu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Heng-Li Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Chandra S, Vassar R. The role of the gut microbiome in the regulation of astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00425. [PMID: 39054180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00425] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common cause of dementia. AD is characterized pathologically by proteinaceous aggregates composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau as well as progressive neurodegeneration. Concurrently with the buildup of protein aggregates, a strong neuroinflammatory response, in the form of reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis, occurs in the AD brain. It has recently been shown that the gut microbiome (GMB), composed of trillions of bacteria in the human intestine, can regulate both reactive astrocytosis and microgliosis in the context of both amyloidosis and tauopathy. Many studies have implicated microglia in these processes. However, growing evidence suggests that interactions between the GMB and astrocytes have a much larger role than previously thought. In this review, we summarize evidence regarding the gut microbiome in the control of reactive astrocytosis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidhanth Chandra
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Robert Vassar
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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4
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Zhang F, Zhang W. Research progress in Alzheimer's disease and bone-brain axis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102341. [PMID: 38759893 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102341] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of cognitive impairment. AD is closely related to orthopedic diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, in terms of epidemiology and pathogenesis. Brain and bone tissues can regulate each other in different manners through bone-brain axis. This article reviews the research progress of the relationship between AD and orthopedic diseases, bone-brain axis mechanisms of AD, and AD therapy by targeting bone-brain axis, in order to deepen the understanding of bone-brain communication, promote early diagnosis and explore new therapy for AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Center for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China.
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5
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Thiankhaw K, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. How calcineurin inhibitors affect cognition. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14161. [PMID: 38747643 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14161] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
AIMS With a focus on the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical findings, this review will gather comprehensive information about the effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) on cognitive function and related brain pathology from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We also summarize the potential mechanisms that underlie the pathways related to CNI-induced cognitive impairment. METHODS We systematically searched articles in PubMed using keywords 'calcineurin inhibitor*' and 'cognition' to identify related articles, which the final list pertaining to underlying mechanisms of CNI on cognition. RESULTS Several studies have reported an association between calcineurin and the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common neurocognitive disorder associated with amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. CNI, including tacrolimus and cyclosporin A, are commonly prescribed for patients with transplantation of solid organs such as kidney, liver, or heart, those drugs are currently being used as long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Although preclinical models emphasize the favorable effects of CNI on the restoration of brain pathology due to the impacts of calcineurin on the alleviation of amyloid-beta deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation, or rescuing synaptic and mitochondrial functions, treatment-related neurotoxicity, resulting in cognitive dysfunctions has been observed in clinical settings of patients who received CNI. CONCLUSION Inconsistent results of CNI on cognition from clinical studies have been observed due to impairment of the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation mediated by reactive oxygen species, and alteration in mitochondrial fission, and extended research is required to confirm its promising use in cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitti Thiankhaw
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siripron C Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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6
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Sompol P. Targeting Reactive Astrocytes in Vascular Dementia: Investigation of Neuronal-Astrocyte-Vascular Interactions. Neurosci Insights 2024; 19:26331055241255332. [PMID: 38784154 PMCID: PMC11113058 DOI: 10.1177/26331055241255332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically known as neuronal support cells, astrocytes are now widely studied for their close structural and functional interactions with multiple neural cell types and cerebral vessels where they maintain an ideal environment for optimized brain function. Under pathological conditions, astrocytes become reactive and lose key protective functions. In this commentary, we discuss our recent work in The Journal of Neuroscience (Sompol et al., 2023) that showed Ca2+ dysregulation in reactive astrocytes, as well as hyperactivation of the Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) and the Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFATs), in a diet-induced hyperhomocystienemia (HHcy) mouse model of Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID). Intravital multiphoton imaging coupled with whisker stimulation was used to explore astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and neurovascular function under active phase, fully awake conditions. Interestingly, evoked Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes were greater, even though intercorrelated Ca2+ signaling across networks of astrocytes was impaired in HHcy mice. Blockade of astrocytic CN/NFAT reduced signs of astrocyte reactivity, normalized cerebrovascular function, and improved hippocampal synaptic strength and hippocampal dependent cognition in HHcy mice, revealing a previously unrecognized deficit regarding neuron-astrocyte-vascular interactions. These findings strongly support the use of astrocyte targeting strategies to mitigate pathophysiological changes associated with VCID and other Alzheimer's-related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Noche JA, Radhakrishnan H, Ubele MF, Boaz K, Mefford JL, Jones ED, van Rooyen HY, Perpich JA, McCarty K, Meacham B, Smiley J, Bembenek Bailey SA, Puskás LG, Powell DK, Sordo L, Phelan MJ, Norris CM, Head E, Stark CEL. Age-Related Brain Atrophy and the Positive Effects of Behavioral Enrichment in Middle-Aged Beagles. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2366232024. [PMID: 38561226 PMCID: PMC11097262 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2366-23.2024] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging dogs serve as a valuable preclinical model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their natural age-related development of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, human-like metabolism, and large brains that are ideal for studying structural brain aging trajectories from serial neuroimaging. Here we examined the effects of chronic treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) tacrolimus or the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-inhibiting compound Q134R on age-related canine brain atrophy from a longitudinal study in middle-aged beagles (36 females, 7 males) undergoing behavioral enrichment. Annual MRI was analyzed using modern, automated techniques for region-of-interest-based and voxel-based volumetric assessments. We found that the frontal lobe showed accelerated atrophy with age, while the caudate nucleus remained relatively stable. Remarkably, the hippocampus increased in volume in all dogs. None of these changes were influenced by tacrolimus or Q134R treatment. Our results suggest that behavioral enrichment can prevent atrophy and increase the volume of the hippocampus but does not prevent aging-associated prefrontal cortex atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamsanandini Radhakrishnan
- University of California, Irvine, California 92697
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | | | - Kathy Boaz
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | - Erin D Jones
- University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lorena Sordo
- University of California, Irvine, California 92697
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8
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Edison P. Astroglial activation: Current concepts and future directions. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3034-3053. [PMID: 38305570 PMCID: PMC11032537 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13678] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are abundantly and ubiquitously expressed cell types with diverse functions throughout the central nervous system. Astrocytes show remarkable plasticity and exhibit morphological, molecular, and functional remodeling in response to injury, disease, or infection of the central nervous system, as evident in neurodegenerative diseases. Astroglial mediated inflammation plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focus on the role of astrocytes as essential players in neuroinflammation and discuss their morphological and functional heterogeneity in the normal central nervous system and explore the spatial and temporal variations in astroglial phenotypes observed under different disease conditions. This review discusses the intimate relationship of astrocytes to pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, this review considers the putative therapeutic strategies that can be deployed to modulate the astroglial functions in neurodegenerative diseases. HIGHLIGHTS: Astroglia mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Activated astrocytes exhibit diverse phenotypes in a region-specific manner in brain and interact with β-amyloid, tau, and α-synuclein species as well as with microglia and neuronal circuits. Activated astrocytes are likely to influence the trajectory of disease progression of neurodegenerative diseases, as determined by the stage of disease, individual susceptibility, and state of astroglial priming. Modulation of astroglial activation may be a therapeutic strategy at various stages in the trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases to modify the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Edison
- Division of NeurologyDepartment of Brain SciencesFaculty of Medicine, Imperial College LondonLondonUK
- Division of Psychological medicine and clinical neurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff UniversityWalesUK
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9
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Kraner SD, Sompol P, Prateeptrang S, Promkan M, Hongthong S, Thongsopha N, Nelson PT, Norris CM. Development of a monoclonal antibody specific for a calpain-generated ∆48 kDa calcineurin fragment, a marker of distressed astrocytes. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110012. [PMID: 37984591 PMCID: PMC10841921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110012] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin (CN) is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase. In healthy tissue, CN exists mainly as a full-length (∼60 kDa) highly-regulated protein phosphatase involved in essential cellular functions. However, in diseased or injured tissue, CN is proteolytically converted to a constitutively active fragment that has been causatively-linked to numerous pathophysiologic processes. These calpain-cleaved CN fragments (∆CN) appear at high levels in human brain at early stages of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). NEW METHOD We developed a monoclonal antibody to ∆CN, using an immunizing peptide corresponding to the C-terminal end of the ∆CN fragment. RESULTS We obtained a mouse monoclonal antibody, designated 26A6, that selectively detects ∆CN in Western analysis of calpain-cleaved recombinant human CN. Using this antibody, we screened both pathological and normal human brain sections provided by the University of Kentucky's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. 26A6 showed low reactivity towards normal brain tissue, but detected astrocytes both surrounding AD amyloid plaques and throughout AD brain tissue. In brain tissue with infarcts, there was considerable concentration of 26A6-positive astrocytes within/around infarcts, suggesting a link with anoxic/ischemia pathways. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD The results obtained with the new monoclonal are similar to those obtained with a polyclonal we had previously developed. However, the monoclonal is an abundant tool available to the dementia research community. CONCLUSIONS The new monoclonal 26A6 antibody is highly selective for the ∆CN proteolytic fragment and labels a subset of astrocytes, and could be a useful tool for marking insidious brain pathology and identifying novel astrocyte phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Siriyagon Prateeptrang
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Moltira Promkan
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suthida Hongthong
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Napasorn Thongsopha
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; School of Allied Health Science, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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10
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Muñoz-Castro C, Serrano-Pozo A. Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 39:345-382. [PMID: 39190082 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-64839-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Besides its two defining misfolded proteinopathies-Aβ plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles-Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an exemplar of a neurodegenerative disease with prominent reactive astrogliosis, defined as the set of morphological, molecular, and functional changes that astrocytes suffer as the result of a toxic exposure. Reactive astrocytes can be observed in the vicinity of plaques and tangles, and the relationship between astrocytes and these AD neuropathological lesions is bidirectional so that each AD neuropathological hallmark causes specific changes in astrocytes, and astrocytes modulate the severity of each neuropathological feature in a specific manner. Here, we will review both how astrocytes change as a result of their chronic exposure to AD neuropathology and how those astrocytic changes impact each AD neuropathological feature. We will emphasize the repercussions that AD-associated reactive astrogliosis has for the astrocyte-neuron interaction and highlight areas of uncertainty and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Muñoz-Castro
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology Department, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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11
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Mackiewicz J, Lisek M, Boczek T. Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1281882. [PMID: 38077352 PMCID: PMC10701682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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12
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Lin CCJ, Herisson F, Le H, Jaafar N, Chetal K, Oram MK, Flynn KL, Gavrilles EP, Sadreyev RI, Schiffino FL, Tanzi RE. Mast cell deficiency improves cognition and enhances disease-associated microglia in 5XFAD mice. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113141. [PMID: 37713312 PMCID: PMC10634538 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113141] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that peripheral immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathogenesis. Among these, mast cells are known for their functions in allergic reactions and neuroinflammation; however, little is known about their role in AD. Here, we crossed 5XFAD mice with mast cell-deficient strains and observed the effects on AD-related neuropathology and cognitive impairment. We found that mast cell depletion improved contextual fear conditioning in 5XFAD mice without affecting cued fear conditioning, anxiety-like behavior, or amyloid burden. Furthermore, mast cell depletion led to an upregulation of transcriptomic signatures for putatively protective disease-associated microglia and resulted in reduced markers indicative of reactive astrocytes. We hypothesize a system of bidirectional communication between dural mast cells and the brain, where mast cells respond to signals from the brain environment by expressing immune-regulatory mediators, impacting cognition and glial cell function. These findings highlight mast cells as potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chung Jerry Lin
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Fanny Herisson
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Hoang Le
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Nader Jaafar
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kashish Chetal
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Mary K Oram
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kelly L Flynn
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Evan P Gavrilles
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Felipe L Schiffino
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA; Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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13
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Chandra S, Di Meco A, Dodiya HB, Popovic J, Cuddy LK, Weigle IQ, Zhang X, Sadleir K, Sisodia SS, Vassar R. The gut microbiome regulates astrocyte reaction to Aβ amyloidosis through microglial dependent and independent mechanisms. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:45. [PMID: 37415149 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00635-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies show that antibiotic-mediated (abx) alteration of the gut microbiome (GMB) results in a reduction of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and proinflammatory microglial phenotype in male APPPS1-21 mice. However, the effect of GMB perturbation on astrocyte phenotypes and microglial-astrocyte communication in the context of amyloidosis has not been examined. METHODS To study whether the GMB modulates astrocyte phenotype in the context of amyloidosis, APPPS1-21 male and female mice were treated with broad-spectrum abx leading to GMB perturbation. GFAP + astrocytes, plaque-associated astrocytes (PAA), PAA morphological parameters, and astrocyte complement component C3 levels were quantified using a combination of immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, widefield microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, these same astrocyte phenotypes were assessed in abx-treated APPPS1-21 male mice that received either fecal matter transplant (FMT) from untreated APPPS1-21 male donors to restore their microbiome or vehicle control. To assess complete absence of the GMB on astrocyte phenotypes, the same astrocyte phenotypes were quantified in APPPS1-21 male mice raised in germ-free (GF) or specific-pathogen free conditions (SPF). Lastly, we assessed whether microglia are necessary for abx-induced astrocyte phenotypes by depleting microglia in APPPS1-21 male mice via treatment with a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor (PLX5622) and vehicle control or PLX5622 and abx. RESULTS Herein, we demonstrate that postnatal treatment of male APPPS1-21 mice with broad-spectrum abx leading to GMB perturbation reduces GFAP + reactive astrocytes and PAAs, suggesting that the GMB plays a role in regulating reactive astrocyte induction and recruitment to Aβ plaques. Additionally, we show that compared to controls, PAAs in abx-treated male APPPS1-21 mice exhibit an altered morphology with increased number and length of processes and reduced astrocytic complement C3, consistent with a homeostatic phenotype. GFAP + astrocyte reduction, PAA reduction, astrocyte morphological changes, and C3 levels are restored when abx-treated mice are subject to FMT from untreated APPPS1-21 male donor mice. Next, we found that APPPS1-21 male mice raised in GF conditions have similar astrocyte phenotypes as abx-treated male APPPS1-21 male mice. Correlational analysis revealed that pathogenic bacteria depleted by abx correlate with GFAP + astrocytosis, PAAs, and astrocyte morphological changes. Finally, we determined that abx-mediated reduction in GFAP + astrocytosis, PAAs, and astrocytic C3 expression is independent of microglia. However, abx-induced astrocyte morphological alterations are dependent on the presence of microglia, suggesting that there is both microglial independent and dependent GMB control of reactive astrocyte phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time, in the context of amyloidosis, that the GMB plays an important role in controlling reactive astrocyte induction, morphology, and astrocyte recruitment to Aβ plaques. GMB regulation of these astrocytic phenotypes is both independent and dependent on microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidhanth Chandra
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Antonio Di Meco
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hemraj B Dodiya
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jelena Popovic
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Leah K Cuddy
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ian Q Weigle
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Xiaoqiong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Katherine Sadleir
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sangram S Sisodia
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Robert Vassar
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Tarry Building Room 8-711, 300 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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14
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Qian K, Jiang X, Liu ZQ, Zhang J, Fu P, Su Y, Brazhe NA, Liu D, Zhu LQ. Revisiting the critical roles of reactive astrocytes in neurodegeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2697-2706. [PMID: 37037874 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, an integral component of the central nervous system (CNS), contribute to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis through their roles in synaptic function, K+ buffering, blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, and neuronal metabolism. Reactive astrocytes refer to astrocytes undergoing morphological, molecular and functional remodelling in response to pathological stimuli. The activation and differentiation of astrocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still controversies regarding their subset identification, function and nomenclature in neurodegeneration. In this review, we revisit the multidimensional roles of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, we propose a precise linkage between astrocyte subsets and their functions based on single-cell sequencing analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Qian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Nadezda A Brazhe
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Irwin AB, Martina V, Jago SCS, Bahabry R, Schreiber AM, Lubin FD. The lncRNA Neat1 is associated with astrocyte reactivity and memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539260. [PMID: 37205548 PMCID: PMC10187170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the functional role of lncRNAs in AD remains unclear. Here, we report a crucial role for the lncRNA Neat1 in astrocyte dysfunction and memory deficits associated with AD. Transcriptomics analysis show abnormally high expression levels of NEAT1 in the brains of AD patients relative to aged-matched healthy controls, with the most significantly elevated levels in glial cells. In a human transgenic APP-J20 (J20) mouse model of AD, RNA-fluorescent in situ hybridization characterization of Neat1 expression in hippocampal astrocyte versus non-astrocyte cell populations revealed a significant increase in Neat1 expression in astrocytes of male, but not female, mice. This corresponded with increased seizure susceptibility in J20 male mice. Interestingly, Neat1 deficiency in the dCA1 in J20 male mice did not alter seizure threshold. Mechanistically, Neat1 deficiency in the dorsal area CA1 of the hippocampus (dCA1) J20 male mice significantly improved hippocampus-dependent memory. Neat1 deficiency also remarkably reduced astrocyte reactivity markers suggesting that Neat1 overexpression is associated with astrocyte dysfunction induced by hAPP/Aβ in the J20 mice. Together, these findings indicate that abnormal Neat1 overexpression may contribute to memory deficits in the J20 AD model not through altered neuronal activity, but through astrocyte dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Verdion Martina
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Silvienne C Sint Jago
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Rudhab Bahabry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Anna Maria Schreiber
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
| | - Farah D. Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA
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16
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Lim D, Tapella L, Dematteis G, Talmon M, Genazzani AA. Calcineurin Signalling in Astrocytes: From Pathology to Physiology and Control of Neuronal Functions. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1077-1090. [PMID: 36083398 PMCID: PMC10030417 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03744-4] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN), a Ca2+/calmodulin-activated serine/threonine phosphatase, acts as a Ca2+-sensitive switch regulating cellular functions through protein dephosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. In astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells in the CNS, over-activation of CaN is known to drive pathological transcriptional remodelling, associated with neuroinflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and brain trauma. Recent reports suggest that, in physiological conditions, the activity of CaN in astrocytes is transcription-independent and is required for maintenance of basal protein synthesis rate and activation of astrocytic Na+/K+ pump thereby contributing to neuronal functions such as neuronal excitability and memory formation. In this contribution we overview the role of Ca2+ and CaN signalling in astroglial pathophysiology focusing on the emerging physiological role of CaN in astrocytes. We propose a model for the context-dependent switch of CaN activity from the post-transcriptional regulation of cell proteostasis in healthy astrocytes to the CaN-dependent transcriptional activation in neuroinflammation-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Via Bovio 6, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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17
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MacPherson KP, Eidson LN, Houser MC, Weiss BE, Gollihue JL, Herrick MK, de Sousa Rodrigues ME, Sniffen L, Weekman EM, Hamilton AM, Kelly SD, Oliver DL, Yang Y, Chang J, Sampson TR, Norris CM, Tansey MG. Soluble TNF mediates amyloid-independent, diet-induced alterations to immune and neuronal functions in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:895017. [PMID: 37006470 PMCID: PMC10052573 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.895017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Increasing evidence indicates that neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are a product of gene-by-environment interplay. The immune system is a major contributor mediating these interactions. Signaling between peripheral immune cells and those within the microvasculature and meninges of the central nervous system (CNS), at the blood-brain barrier, and in the gut likely plays an important role in AD. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is elevated in AD patients, regulates brain and gut barrier permeability, and is produced by central and peripheral immune cells. Our group previously reported that soluble TNF (sTNF) modulates cytokine and chemokine cascades that regulate peripheral immune cell traffic to the brain in young 5xFAD female mice, and in separate studies that a diet high in fat and sugar (HFHS) dysregulates signaling pathways that trigger sTNF-dependent immune and metabolic responses that can result in metabolic syndrome, which is a risk factor for AD. We hypothesized that sTNF is a key mediator of peripheral immune cell contributions to gene-by-environment interactions to AD-like pathology, metabolic dysfunction, and diet-induced gut dysbiosis. Methods: Female 5xFAD mice were subjected to HFHS diet for 2 months and then given XPro1595 to inhibit sTNF for the last month or saline vehicle. We quantified immune cell profiles by multi-color flow cytometry on cells isolated from brain and blood; metabolic, immune, and inflammatory mRNA and protein marker biochemical and immunhistological analyses, gut microbiome, and electrophysiology in brain slices were also performed. Results: Here, we show that selective inhibition of sTNF signaling via the biologic XPro1595 modulates the effects of an HFHS diet in 5xFAD mice on peripheral and central immune profiles including CNS-associated CD8+ T cells, the composition of gut microbiota, and long-term potentiation deficits. Discussion: Obesogenic diet induces immune and neuronal dysfunction in 5xFAD mice and sTNF inhibition mitigates its effects. A clinical trial in subjects at risk for AD due to genetic predisposition and underlying inflammation associated with peripheral inflammatory co-morbidities will be needed to investigate the extent to which these findings translate to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P. MacPherson
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lori N. Eidson
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Madelyn C. Houser
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Blaine E. Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jenna L. Gollihue
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mary K. Herrick
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Maria Elizabeth de Sousa Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lindsey Sniffen
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Erica M. Weekman
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Adam M. Hamilton
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sean D. Kelly
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Danielle L. Oliver
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jianjun Chang
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Timothy R. Sampson
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Malú Gámez Tansey
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, The University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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18
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Weiss BE, Lin RL, Case SL, Kraner SD, Weekman EM, Gant JC, Rogers CB, Niedowicz DM, Sudduth TL, Powell DK, Lin AL, Nelson PT, Thibault O, Wilcock DM, Norris CM. Targeting Astrocyte Signaling Alleviates Cerebrovascular and Synaptic Function Deficits in a Diet-Based Mouse Model of Small Cerebral Vessel Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1797-1813. [PMID: 36746627 PMCID: PMC10010459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1333-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the indispensable role that astrocytes play in the neurovascular unit, few studies have investigated the functional impact of astrocyte signaling in cognitive decline and dementia related to vascular pathology. Diet-mediated induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) recapitulates numerous features of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here, we used astrocyte targeting approaches to evaluate astrocyte Ca2+ dysregulation and the impact of aberrant astrocyte signaling on cerebrovascular dysfunction and synapse impairment in male and female HHcy diet mice. Two-photon imaging conducted in fully awake mice revealed activity-dependent Ca2+ dysregulation in barrel cortex astrocytes under HHcy. Stimulation of contralateral whiskers elicited larger Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes of HHcy diet mice compared with control diet mice. However, evoked Ca2+ signaling across astrocyte networks was impaired in HHcy mice. HHcy also was associated with increased activation of the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT4, which has been linked previously to the reactive astrocyte phenotype and synapse dysfunction in amyloid and brain injury models. Targeting the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT to astrocytes, using adeno-associated virus vectors, led to reduced GFAP promoter activity in HHcy diet mice and improved functional hyperemia in arterioles and capillaries. VIVIT expression in astrocytes also preserved CA1 synaptic function and improved spontaneous alternation performance on the Y maze. Together, the results demonstrate that aberrant astrocyte signaling can impair the major functional properties of the neurovascular unit (i.e., cerebral vessel regulation and synaptic regulation) and may therefore represent a promising drug target for treating VCID and possibly Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impact of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated Ca2+ responses and signaling in barrel cortex astrocytes of mice fed with a B-vitamin deficient diet that induces hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cerebral vessel disease, and cognitive decline. Multiphoton imaging in awake mice with HHcy revealed augmented Ca2+ responses in individual astrocytes, but impaired signaling across astrocyte networks. Stimulation-evoked arteriole dilation and elevated red blood cell velocity in capillaries were also impaired in cortex of awake HHcy mice. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, NFAT, normalized cerebrovascular function in HHcy mice, improved synaptic properties in brain slices, and stabilized cognition. Results suggest that astrocytes are a mechanism and possible therapeutic target for vascular-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Blaine E Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Sami L Case
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | - John C Gant
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Pathology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Olivier Thibault
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
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19
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Fontana IC, Souza DG, Souza DO, Gee A, Zimmer ER, Bongarzone S. A Medicinal Chemistry Perspective on Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2330-2346. [PMID: 36787643 PMCID: PMC9969404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) plays a key role in the clearance and recycling of glutamate - the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. EAAT2 loss/dysfunction triggers a cascade of neurodegenerative events, comprising glutamatergic excitotoxicity and neuronal death. Nevertheless, our current knowledge regarding EAAT2 in neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), is restricted to post-mortem analysis of brain tissue and experimental models. Thus, detecting EAAT2 in the living human brain might be crucial to improve diagnosis/therapy for ALS and AD. This perspective article describes the role of EAAT2 in physio/pathological processes and provides a structure-activity relationship of EAAT2-binders, bringing two perspectives: therapy (activators) and diagnosis (molecular imaging tools).
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor C Fontana
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16 - Neo floor seventh, 141 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Débora G Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diogo O Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antony Gee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Sarmento Leite 500, sala, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry (PPGBioq), and Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PPGFT), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Sarmento Leite 500, sala, 305 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 6681 Porto Alegre, Brazil.,McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Salvatore Bongarzone
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
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20
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Shinozaki Y, Kashiwagi K, Koizumi S. Astrocyte Immune Functions and Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2747. [PMID: 36769067 PMCID: PMC9916878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, a non-neuronal glial cell type in the nervous system, are essential for regulating physiological functions of the central nervous system. In various injuries and diseases of the central nervous system, astrocytes often change their phenotypes into neurotoxic ones that participate in pro-inflammatory responses (hereafter referred to as "immune functions"). Such astrocytic immune functions are not only limited to brain diseases but are also found in ocular neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma, a retinal neurodegenerative disease that is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. The eye has two astrocyte-lineage cells: astrocytes and Müller cells. They maintain the physiological environment of the retina and optic nerve, thereby controlling visual function. Dysfunction of astrocyte-lineage cells may be involved in the onset and progression of glaucoma. These cells become reactive in glaucoma patients, and animal studies have suggested that their immune responses may be linked to glaucoma-related events: tissue remodeling, neuronal death, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune functions of astrocyte-lineage cells in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kenji Kashiwagi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- Interdisciplinary Brain-Immune Research Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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21
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Huat TJ, Onraet T, Camats-Perna J, Newcombe EA, Ngo KC, Sue AN, Mirzaei M, LaFerla FM, Medeiros R. Deletion of MyD88 in astrocytes prevents β-amyloid-induced neuropathology in mice. Glia 2023; 71:431-449. [PMID: 36271704 PMCID: PMC9970273 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
As the understanding of immune responses in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is in its early phases, there remains an urgency to identify the cellular and molecular processes driving chronic inflammation. In AD, a subpopulation of astrocytes acquires a neurotoxic phenotype which prompts them to lose typical physiological features. While the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown, evidence suggests that myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) adaptor protein may play a role in coordinating these cells' immune responses in AD. Herein, we combined studies in human postmortem samples with a conditional genetic knockout mouse model to investigate the link between MyD88 and astrocytes in AD. In silico analyses of bulk and cell-specific transcriptomic data from human postmortem brains demonstrated an upregulation of MyD88 expression in astrocytes in AD versus non-AD individuals. Proteomic studies revealed an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein in multiple brain regions of AD subjects. These studies also showed that although overall MyD88 steady-state levels were unaffected by AD, this protein was enriched in astrocytes near amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Functional studies in mice indicated that the deletion of astrocytic MyD88 protected animals from the acute synaptic toxicity and cognitive impairment caused by the intracerebroventricular administration of β-amyloid (Aβ). Lastly, unbiased proteomic analysis revealed that loss of astrocytic MyD88 resulted in altered astrocyte reactivity, lower levels of immune-related proteins, and higher expression of synaptic-related proteins in response to Aβ. Our studies provide evidence of the pivotal role played by MyD88 in the regulation of astrocytes response to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tee Jong Huat
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Stem Cell Ageing and Regenerative Engineering, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tessa Onraet
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Judith Camats-Perna
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Estella A. Newcombe
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kim C. Ngo
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ashley N. Sue
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Clinical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University. Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank M. LaFerla
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rodrigo Medeiros
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine. Irvine, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Rodrigo Medeiros, University of California, Irvine, 3400A Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545.
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22
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Kumar A, Fontana IC, Nordberg A. Reactive astrogliosis: A friend or foe in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2023; 164:309-324. [PMID: 34931315 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly efficient homeostatic glial cells playing a crucial role in optimal brain functioning and homeostasis. Astrocytes respond to changes in brain homoeostasis following central nervous system (CNS) injury/diseased state by a specific defence mechanism called reactive astrogliosis. Recent studies have implicated and placed reactive astrogliosis in the centre of pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The AD biomarker field is evolving rapidly with new findings providing strong evidence which supports the notion that a reactive astrogliosis is an early event in the time course of AD progression which may precede other pathological hallmarks of AD. Clinical/translational in vivo PET and in vitro postmortem brain imaging studies demonstrated 'a first and second wave' of reactive astrogliosis in AD with distinct close-loop relationships with other pathological biomarkers at different stages of the disease. At the end stages, reactive astrocytes are found to be associated, or in proximity, with amyloid plaque and tau pathological deposits in postmortem AD brains. Several new PET-tracers, which are being in pipeline and validated at a very fast pace for mapping and visualising reactive astrogliosis in the brain, will provide further invaluable mechanistic insights into AD and other non-AD dementia pathologies. The complementary roles of microglia and astrocyte activation in AD progression, along with the clinical value of new fluid astrocytes biomarkers in the context of existing biomarkers, are the latest avenue that needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Igor C Fontana
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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Andronie-Cioara FL, Ardelean AI, Nistor-Cseppento CD, Jurcau A, Jurcau MC, Pascalau N, Marcu F. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031869. [PMID: 36768235 PMCID: PMC9915182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the most prominent risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Aging associates with a chronic inflammatory state both in the periphery and in the central nervous system, the evidence thereof and the mechanisms leading to chronic neuroinflammation being discussed. Nonetheless, neuroinflammation is significantly enhanced by the accumulation of amyloid beta and accelerates the progression of Alzheimer's disease through various pathways discussed in the present review. Decades of clinical trials targeting the 2 abnormal proteins in Alzheimer's disease, amyloid beta and tau, led to many failures. As such, targeting neuroinflammation via different strategies could prove a valuable therapeutic strategy, although much research is still needed to identify the appropriate time window. Active research focusing on identifying early biomarkers could help translating these novel strategies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adriana Ioana Ardelean
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Carmen Delia Nistor-Cseppento
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.N.-C.); (N.P.)
| | - Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | | | - Nicoleta Pascalau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (C.D.N.-C.); (N.P.)
| | - Florin Marcu
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
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24
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Gudkov SV, Burmistrov DE, Kondakova EV, Sarimov RM, Yarkov RS, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. An emerging role of astrocytes in aging/neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis with consequences on sleep and sleep disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101775. [PMID: 36334910 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system has changed dramatically over the last decade. The accumulating findings indicate that glial cells are involved not only in the maintenance of metabolic and ionic homeostasis and in the implementation of trophic functions but also in cognitive functions and information processing in the brain. Currently, there are some controversies regarding the role of astrocytes in complex processes such as aging of the nervous system and the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Many findings confirm the important functional role of astrocytes in age-related brain changes, including sleep disturbance and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and particularly Alzheimer's disease. Until recent years, neurobiological research has focused mainly on neuron-glial interactions, in which individual astrocytes locally modulate neuronal activity and communication between neurons. The review considers the role of astrocytes in the physiology of sleep and as an important "player" in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the features of the astrocytic network reorganization during aging are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy E Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena V Kondakova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Ruslan M Sarimov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Roman S Yarkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Maria V Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
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25
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Norris CM. Is It Time to Repurpose Calcineurin Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia? J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:599-602. [PMID: 37661889 PMCID: PMC10947791 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230780] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Numerous preclinical and human tissue studies implicate the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) as a pathophysiologic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions. Using public electronic records of tens of thousands of individuals across the United States, Silva et al. (2023) show that use of the FDA-approved CN inhibitor, tacrolimus (for purposes of immunosuppression) is also associated with reduced prevalence of dementia-related symptoms. Notably, the study controls for age, sex, and race as well as multiple risk factors for AD. The results suggest that tacrolimus, and possibly other immunosuppressants could be repurposed for the treatment of AD-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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26
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Zhang H, Chen L, Johnston KG, Crapser J, Green KN, Ha NML, Tenner AJ, Holmes TC, Nitz DA, Xu X. Degenerate mapping of environmental location presages deficits in object-location encoding and memory in the 5xFAD mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105939. [PMID: 36462718 PMCID: PMC10187684 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in developing diagnosis and treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is to detect abnormal network activity at as early a stage as possible. To date, behavioral and neurophysiological investigations in AD model mice have yet to conduct a longitudinal assessment of cellular pathology, memory deficits, and neurophysiological correlates of neuronal activity. We therefore examined the temporal relationships between pathology, neuronal activities and spatial representation of environments, as well as object location memory deficits across multiple stages of development in the 5xFAD mice model and compared these results to those observed in wild-type mice. We performed longitudinal in vivo calcium imaging with miniscope on hippocampal CA1 neurons in behaving mice. We find that 5xFAD mice show amyloid plaque accumulation, depressed neuronal calcium activity during immobile states, and degenerate and unreliable hippocampal neuron spatial tuning to environmental location at early stages by 4 months of age while their object location memory (OLM) is comparable to WT mice. By 8 months of age, 5xFAD mice show deficits of OLM, which are accompanied by progressive degradation of spatial encoding and, eventually, impaired CA1 neural tuning to object-location pairings. Furthermore, depressed neuronal activity and unreliable spatial encoding at early stage are correlated with impaired performance in OLM at 8-month-old. Our results indicate the close connection between impaired hippocampal tuning to object-location and the presence of OLM deficits. The results also highlight that depressed baseline firing rates in hippocampal neurons during immobile states and unreliable spatial representation precede object memory deficits and predict memory deficits at older age, suggesting potential early opportunities for AD detecting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Lujia Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Kevin G Johnston
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Joshua Crapser
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Kim N Green
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Nicole My-Linh Ha
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Andrea J Tenner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Todd C Holmes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America
| | - Douglas A Nitz
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America.
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America; Center for Neural Circuit Mapping, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America.
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27
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Lee D, Lee VMY, Hur SK. Manipulation of the diet-microbiota-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1042865. [PMID: 36408394 PMCID: PMC9672822 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1042865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies investigating the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease have identified various interdependent constituents contributing to the exacerbation of the disease, including Aβ plaque formation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neurofibrillary tangle accumulation, glial inflammation, and the eventual loss of proper neural plasticity. Recently, using various models and human patients, another key factor has been established as an influential determinant in brain homeostasis: the gut-brain axis. The implications of a rapidly aging population and the absence of a definitive cure for Alzheimer's disease have prompted a search for non-pharmaceutical tools, of which gut-modulatory therapies targeting the gut-brain axis have shown promise. Yet multiple recent studies examining changes in human gut flora in response to various probiotics and environmental factors are limited and difficult to generalize; whether the state of the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease is a cause of the disease, a result of the disease, or both through numerous feedback loops in the gut-brain axis, remains unclear. However, preliminary findings of longitudinal studies conducted over the past decades have highlighted dietary interventions, especially Mediterranean diets, as preventative measures for Alzheimer's disease by reversing neuroinflammation, modifying the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB), and addressing gut dysbiosis. Conversely, the consumption of Western diets intensifies the progression of Alzheimer's disease through genetic alterations, impaired barrier function, and chronic inflammation. This review aims to support the growing body of experimental and clinical data highlighting specific probiotic strains and particular dietary components in preventing Alzheimer's disease via the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lee
- Middleton High School, Middleton, WI, United States
| | - Virginia M-Y. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Seong Kwon Hur
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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28
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Companys-Alemany J, Turcu AL, Vázquez S, Pallàs M, Griñán-Ferré C. Glial cell reactivity and oxidative stress prevention in Alzheimer's disease mice model by an optimized NMDA receptor antagonist. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17908. [PMID: 36284170 PMCID: PMC9596444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22963-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease pathology, several neuronal processes are dysregulated by excitotoxicity including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS). New therapeutic agents capable of modulating such processes are needed to foster neuroprotection. Here, the effect of an optimised NMDA receptor antagonist, UB-ALT-EV and memantine, as a gold standard, have been evaluated in 5XFAD mice. Following treatment with UB-ALT-EV, nor memantine, changes in the calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway were detected. UB-ALT-EV increased neurotropic factors (Bdnf, Vgf and Ngf) gene expression. Treatments reduced astrocytic and microglial reactivity as revealed by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) quantification. Interestingly, only UB-ALT-EV was able to reduce gene expression of Trem2, a marker of microglial activation and NF-κB. Pro-inflammatory cytokines Il-1β, Ifn-γ, Ccl2 and Ccl3 were down-regulated in UB-ALT-EV-treated mice but not in memantine-treated mice. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory markers of the M2-migroglial phenotype, chitinase-like 3 (Ym1) and Arginase-1 (Arg1), were up-regulated after treatment with UB-ALT-EV. Since iNOS gene expression decreased after UB-ALT-EV treatment, a qPCR array containing 84 OS-related genes was performed. We found changes in Il-19, Il-22, Gpx6, Ncf1, Aox1 and Vim gene expression after UB-ALT-EV. Hence, our results reveal a robust effect on neuroinflammation and OS processes after UB-ALT-EV treatment, surpassing the memantine effect in 5XFAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Companys-Alemany
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreea L. Turcu
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Vázquez
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Ding S, Yang L, Huang L, Kong L, Chen M, Su Y, Li X, Dong X, Han Y, Li W, Li W. Chronic glucocorticoid exposure accelerates Aβ generation and neurotoxicity by activating calcium-mediated CN-NFAT1 signaling in hippocampal neurons in APP/PS1 mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 168:113407. [PMID: 36075474 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) exposure can lead to deterioration of the structure and function of hippocampal neurons and is closely involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) overproduction is an important aspect of AD pathogenesis. Our study mainly investigated the mechanism of chronic GC exposure in accelerating Aβ production in primary cultured hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice. The results indicated that chronic dexamethasone (DEX, 1 μM) significantly accelerated neuronal damage and Aβ accumulation in hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice. Meanwhile, DEX exposure markedly upregulated APP, NCSTN, BACE1 and p-Tau/Tau expression in hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice. Our study also indicated that chronic DEX exposure significantly increased intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels and the expressions of p-PLC, CN and NFAT1 in hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice. We further found that stabilizing intracellular calcium homeostasis with 2-APB (50 μM) and SKF-96365 (10 μM) significantly alleviated neuronal damage and Aβ accumulation in chronic DEX-induced hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, dual luciferase assays showed that NFAT1 upregulated NCSTN transactivation, which was further increased upon DEX treatment. This study suggests that chronic DEX exposure accelerates Aβ accumulation by activating calcium-mediated CN-NFAT1 signaling in hippocampal neurons from APP/PS1 mice, which may be closely related to the acceleration of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Liangliang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yong Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xuewang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xianan Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuli Han
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Weizu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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30
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Zhang W, Yang X, Liu J, Pan Y, Zhang M, Chen L. Senescent Phenotype of Astrocytes Leads to Activation of BV2 Microglia and N2a Neuronal Cells Death. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185925. [PMID: 36144658 PMCID: PMC9506220 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the central nervous system, are essential to tune individual-to-network neuronal activity. Senescence in astrocytes has been discovered as a crucial contributor to several age-related neurological diseases. Here, we aim to observe if astrocytes demonstrate senescence in the process of brain aging, and whether they bring adverse factors, especially harm to neuronal cells. (2) Methods: In vivo, mice were housed for four, 18, and 26 months. An in vitro cell model of aged astrocytes was constructed by serial passaging until passage 20–25, and those within 1–5 were invoked as young astrocytes. Meanwhile, an oxidative induced astrocyte senescence model was constructed by H2O2 induction. (3) Results: In vitro aged astrocytes all showed manifest changes in several established markers of cellular senescence, e.g., P53, P21, and the release of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and SA-β-gal positive cells. Results also showed mitochondrial dysfunction in the oxidative stress-induced astrocyte senescence model and treatment of berberine could ameliorate these alterations. Two types of senescent astrocytes’ conditioned medium could impact on neuron apoptosis in direct or indirect ways. (4) Conclusions: Senescent astrocyte might affect neurons directly or indirectly acting on the regulation of normal and pathological brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyou Zhang
- Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xuehan Yang
- Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jingyue Liu
- Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yichen Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Correspondence: (M.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Li Chen
- Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
- Correspondence: (M.Z.); (L.C.)
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Zhen H, Zheng M, Geng H, Song Q, Gao L, Yuan Z, Deng H, Pang Q, Zhao B. The feedback loop between calcineurin, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells regulates the number of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:988803. [PMID: 36172263 PMCID: PMC9510629 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.988803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the excitatory/inhibitory balance of brain neural circuits are the main source of encephalopathy during neurodevelopment. Changes in the function of neural circuits can lead to depolarization or repeat rhythmic firing of neurons in a manner similar to epilepsy. GABAergic neurons are inhibitory neurons found in all the main domains of the CNS. Previous studies suggested that DjCamkII and DjCaln play a crucial role in the regulation of GABAergic neurons during planarian regeneration. However, the mechanisms behind the regeneration of GABAergic neurons have not been fully explained. Herein, we demonstrated that DjCamkII and DjCaln were mutual negative regulation during planarian head regeneration. DjNFAT exerted feedback positive regulation on both DjCaln and DjCamkII. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that DjNFAT was predominantly expressed in the pharynx and parenchymal cells in intact planarian. Interestingly, during planarian head regeneration, DjNFAT was predominantly located in the newborn brain. Down-regulation of DjNFAT led to regeneration defects in the brain including regenerative brain became small and the lateral nerves cannot be regenerated completely, and a decreasein the number of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration. These findings suggest that the feedback loop between DjCaln, DjCamkII, and DjNFAT is crucial for the formation of GABAergic neurons during planarian head regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhen
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huazhi Geng
- Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Qian Song
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Lili Gao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Zuoqing Yuan
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Hongkuan Deng
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
| | - Bosheng Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Bosheng Zhao,
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NAD + metabolism drives astrocyte proinflammatory reprogramming in central nervous system autoimmunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2211310119. [PMID: 35994674 PMCID: PMC9436380 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211310119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the CNS, and their dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of MS and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Recent advances highlight the pivotal role of cellular metabolism in programming immune responses. However, the underlying immunometabolic mechanisms that drive astrocyte pathogenicity remain elusive. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital coenzyme involved in cellular redox reactions and a substrate for NAD+-dependent enzymes. Cellular NAD+ levels are dynamically controlled by synthesis and degradation, and dysregulation of this balance has been associated with inflammation and disease. Here, we demonstrate that cell-autonomous generation of NAD+ via the salvage pathway regulates astrocyte immune function. Inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a key enzyme in the salvage pathway, results in depletion of NAD+, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, and limits astrocyte inflammatory potential. We identified CD38 as the main NADase up-regulated in reactive mouse and human astrocytes in models of neuroinflammation and MS. Genetic or pharmacological blockade of astrocyte CD38 activity augmented NAD+ levels, suppressed proinflammatory transcriptional reprogramming, impaired chemotactic potential to inflammatory monocytes, and ameliorated EAE. We found that CD38 activity is mediated via calcineurin/NFAT signaling in mouse and human reactive astrocytes. Thus, NAMPT-NAD+-CD38 circuitry in astrocytes controls their ability to meet their energy demands and drives the expression of proinflammatory transcriptional modules, contributing to CNS pathology in EAE and, potentially, MS. Our results identify candidate therapeutic targets in MS.
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Cao H, Zuo C, Gu Z, Huang Y, Yang Y, Zhu L, Jiang Y, Wang F. High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation alleviates cognitive deficits in 3xTg-AD mice by modulating the PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 axis. Redox Biol 2022; 54:102354. [PMID: 35660628 PMCID: PMC9168605 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glutamate mediated excitotoxicity, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic loss and neuronal death, is ubiquitous in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous study found that 15 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could reduce cortical excitability. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of higher frequency rTMS on 3xTg-AD model mice and further explore the mechanisms of rTMS. METHODS First, WT and 3xTg-AD model mice received 25 Hz rTMS treatment for 21 days. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function. The levels of Aβ and neuroinflammation were assessed by ELISA and immunofluorescence. Oxidative stress was quantified by biochemical assay kits. Brain glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F-FDG PET. Apoptosis was assessed by western blot and TUNEL staining. Synaptic plasticity and PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway related protein expression were assessed by western blot. Next, to explore the activity of PI3K/Akt in the therapeutic effect of rTMS, 3xTg-AD model mice were given LY294002 intervention and rTMS treatment for 21 days, the experimental method was the same as before. RESULTS We found that 25 Hz rTMS could improve cognitive function of 3xTg-AD model mice, reduce hippocampal Aβ1-42 levels, ameliorate oxidative stress and improve glucose metabolism. rTMS alleviated neuroinflammatory response, enhanced synaptic plasticity and reduced neuronal loss and cell apoptosis, accompanied by activation of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway. After administration of PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, 25 Hz rTMS could not improve the cognitive function and reduce neuron damage of 3xTg-AD model mice, nor could it upregulate the expression of GLT-1, indicating that its therapeutic and protective effects required the involvement of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway. CONCLUSION rTMS exerts protective role for AD through regulating multiple pathological processes. Meanwhile, this study revealed the key role of PI3K/Akt/GLT-1 pathway in the treatment of AD by rTMS, which might be a new target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chengchao Zuo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongya Gu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yaqi Huang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yuyan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liudi Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Cancer Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Furong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Chen L, Song M, Yao C. Calcineurin in development and disease. Genes Dis 2022; 9:915-927. [PMID: 35685477 PMCID: PMC9170610 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcineurin (CaN) is a unique calcium (Ca2+) and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase that becomes activated in the presence of increased intracellular Ca2+ level. CaN then functions to dephosphorylate target substrates including various transcription factors, receptors, and channels. Once activated, the CaN signaling pathway participates in the development of multiple organs as well as the onset and progression of various diseases via regulation of different cellular processes. Here, we review current literature regarding the structural and functional properties of CaN, highlighting its crucial role in the development and pathogenesis of immune system disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, kidney disease, cardiomyopathy and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Min Song
- Department of Blood Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, First Affiliated Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
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Lee HG, Wheeler MA, Quintana FJ. Function and therapeutic value of astrocytes in neurological diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:339-358. [PMID: 35173313 PMCID: PMC9081171 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that perform diverse functions in health and disease. Astrocyte dysfunction is found in numerous diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Astrocytes regulate glutamate and ion homeostasis, cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism and respond to environmental factors, all of which have been implicated in neurological diseases. Astrocytes also exhibit significant heterogeneity, driven by developmental programmes and stimulus-specific cellular responses controlled by CNS location, cell-cell interactions and other mechanisms. In this Review, we highlight general mechanisms of astrocyte regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets, including drugs that alter astrocyte metabolism, and therapies that target transporters and receptors on astrocytes. Emerging ideas, such as engineered probiotics and glia-to-neuron conversion therapies, are also discussed. We further propose a concise nomenclature for astrocyte subsets that we use to highlight the roles of astrocytes and specific subsets in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Pilat D, Paumier JM, García-González L, Louis L, Stephan D, Manrique C, Khrestchatisky M, Di Pasquale E, Baranger K, Rivera S. MT5-MMP promotes neuroinflammation, neuronal excitability and Aβ production in primary neuron/astrocyte cultures from the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:65. [PMID: 35277173 PMCID: PMC8915472 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase 5 (MT5-MMP) deficiency in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) reduces brain neuroinflammation and amyloidosis, and prevents deficits in synaptic activity and cognition in prodromal stages of the disease. In addition, MT5-MMP deficiency prevents interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-mediated inflammation in the peripheral nervous system. In this context, we hypothesized that the MT5-MMP/IL-1β tandem could regulate nascent AD pathogenic events in developing neural cells shortly after the onset of transgene activation.
Methods
To test this hypothesis, we used 11–14 day in vitro primary cortical cultures from wild type, MT5-MMP−/−, 5xFAD and 5xFAD/MT5-MMP−/− mice, and evaluated the impact of MT5-MMP deficiency and IL-1β treatment for 24 h, by performing whole cell patch-clamp recordings, RT-qPCR, western blot, gel zymography, ELISA, immunocytochemistry and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated transduction.
Results
5xFAD cells showed higher levels of MT5-MMP than wild type, concomitant with higher basal levels of inflammatory mediators. Moreover, MT5-MMP-deficient cultures had strong decrease of the inflammatory response to IL-1β, as well as decreased stability of recombinant IL-1β. The levels of amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) were similar in 5xFAD and wild-type cultures, and IL-1β treatment did not affect Aβ levels. Instead, the absence of MT5-MMP significantly reduced Aβ by more than 40% while sparing APP metabolism, suggesting altogether no functional crosstalk between IL-1β and APP/Aβ, as well as independent control of their levels by MT5-MMP. The lack of MT5-MMP strongly downregulated the AAV-induced neuronal accumulation of the C-terminal APP fragment, C99, and subsequently that of Aβ. Finally, MT5-MMP deficiency prevented basal hyperexcitability observed in 5xFAD neurons, but not hyperexcitability induced by IL-1β treatment.
Conclusions
Neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability precede Aβ accumulation in developing neural cells with nascent expression of AD transgenes. MT5-MMP deletion is able to tune down basal neuronal inflammation and hyperexcitability, as well as APP/Aβ metabolism. In addition, MT5-MMP deficiency prevents IL-1β-mediated effects in brain cells, except hyperexcitability. Overall, this work reinforces the idea that MT5-MMP is at the crossroads of pathogenic AD pathways that are already incipiently activated in developing neural cells, and that targeting MT5-MMP opens interesting therapeutic prospects.
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Yue Q, Zhou X, Zhang Z, Hoi MPM. Murine Beta-Amyloid (1-42) Oligomers Disrupt Endothelial Barrier Integrity and VEGFR Signaling via Activating Astrocytes to Release Deleterious Soluble Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031878. [PMID: 35163801 PMCID: PMC8836933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) overexpress mutations of the human amyloid protein precursor (APP) and presenilin-1 (PSEN1) genes, which are known causes of amyloid pathology in familial AD. However, animal models for studying AD in the context of aging and age-related co-morbidities, such as blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruptions, are lacking. More recently, aged and progeroid mouse models have been proposed as alternatives to study aging-related AD, but the toxicity of murine amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) is not well defined. In this study, we aimed to study the potential toxicity of murine Aβ on brain endothelial cells and astrocytes, which are important components of the BBB, using mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) and astrocytes (C8-D1A). Murine-soluble Aβ (1–42) oligomers (sAβO42) (10 µM) induced negligible injuries in an endothelial monolayer but induced significant barrier disruptions in a bEnd.3 and C8-D1A co-culture. Similar results of endothelial perturbation were observed in a bEnd.3 monolayer treated with astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) generated by astrocytes exposed to sAβO42 (ACM-sAβO42), while additional exogenous sAβO42 did not cause further damage. Western blot analysis showed that ACM-sAβO42 altered the basal activities of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), eNOS, and the signaling of the MEK/ERK and Akt pathways in bEnd.3. Our results showed that murine sAβO42 was moderately toxic to an endothelial and astrocyte co-culture. These damaging effects on the endothelial barrier were induced by deleterious soluble factors released from astrocytes, which disrupted endothelial VEGFR2 signaling and perturbed cell survival and barrier stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China; (Q.Y.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Xinhua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China; (Q.Y.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Zaijun Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine & New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Maggie Pui Man Hoi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China; (Q.Y.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +853-8822-4876
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Schultz B, Taday J, Menezes L, Cigerce A, Leite MC, Gonçalves CA. Calpain-Mediated Alterations in Astrocytes Before and During Amyloid Chaos in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:1415-1430. [PMID: 34719501 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the changes found in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increased calpain, derived from calcium dysregulation, oxidative stress, and/or neuroinflammation, which are all assumed to be basic pillars in neurodegenerative diseases. The role of calpain in synaptic plasticity, neuronal death, and AD has been discussed in some reviews. However, astrocytic calpain changes sometimes appear to be secondary and consequent to neuronal damage in AD. Herein, we explore the possibility of calpain-mediated astroglial reactivity in AD, both preceding and during the amyloid phase. We discuss the types of brain calpains but focus the review on calpains 1 and 2 and some important targets in astrocytes. We address the signaling involved in controlling calpain expression, mainly involving p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase and calcineurin, as well as how calpain regulates the expression of proteins involved in astroglial reactivity through calcineurin and cyclin-dependent kinase 5. Throughout the text, we have tried to provide evidence of the connection between the alterations caused by calpain and the metabolic changes associated with AD. In addition, we discuss the possibility that calpain mediates amyloid-β clearance in astrocytes, as opposed to amyloid-β accumulation in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Schultz
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Taday
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Menezes
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Anderson Cigerce
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina C Leite
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Nguyen H, Zerimech S, Baltan S. Astrocyte Mitochondria in White-Matter Injury. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2696-2714. [PMID: 33527218 PMCID: PMC8935665 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03239-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes the diverse structure and function of astrocytes to describe the bioenergetic versatility required of astrocytes that are situated at different locations. The intercellular domain of astrocyte mitochondria defines their roles in supporting and regulating astrocyte-neuron coupling and survival against ischemia. The heterogeneity of astrocyte mitochondria, and how subpopulations of astrocyte mitochondria adapt to interact with other glia and regulate axon function, require further investigation. It has become clear that mitochondrial permeability transition pores play a key role in a wide variety of human diseases, whose common pathology may be based on mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by Ca2+ and potentiated by oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species cause axonal degeneration and a reduction in axonal transport, leading to axonal dystrophies and neurodegeneration including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Developing new tools to allow better investigation of mitochondrial structure and function in astrocytes, and techniques to specifically target astrocyte mitochondria, can help to unravel the role of mitochondrial health and dysfunction in a more inclusive context outside of neuronal cells. Overall, this review will assess the value of astrocyte mitochondria as a therapeutic target to mitigate acute and chronic injury in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Nguyen
- Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Sarah Zerimech
- Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Selva Baltan
- Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine (APOM), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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40
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Price BR, Johnson LA, Norris CM. Reactive astrocytes: The nexus of pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101335. [PMID: 33812051 PMCID: PMC8168445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity is a hallmark of neuroinflammation that arises with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly every other neurodegenerative condition. While astrocytes certainly contribute to classic inflammatory processes (e.g. cytokine release, waste clearance, and tissue repair), newly emerging technologies for measuring and targeting cell specific activities in the brain have uncovered essential roles for astrocytes in synapse function, brain metabolism, neurovascular coupling, and sleep/wake patterns. In this review, we use a holistic approach to incorporate, and expand upon, classic neuroinflammatory concepts to consider how astrocyte dysfunction/reactivity modulates multiple pathological and clinical hallmarks of AD. Our ever-evolving understanding of astrocyte signaling in neurodegeneration is not only revealing new drug targets and treatments for dementia but is suggesting we reimagine AD pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani R Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Kraner SD, Artiushin IA, Cloyd RA, Chishti EA, Koren SA, Nation GK, Abisambra JF, Huzian O, Nagy LI, Santha M, Hackler L, Puskas LG, Norris CM. Q134R: Small chemical compound with NFAT inhibitory properties improves behavioral performance and synapse function in mouse models of amyloid pathology. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13416. [PMID: 34117818 PMCID: PMC8282246 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) ameliorates pathophysiologic and cognitive changes in aging rodents and mice with aging-related Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. However, concerns over adverse effects have slowed the transition of common CN-inhibiting drugs to the clinic for the treatment of AD and AD-related disorders. Targeting substrates of CN, like the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), has been suggested as an alternative, safer approach to CN inhibitors. However, small chemical inhibitors of NFATs have only rarely been described. Here, we investigate a newly developed neuroprotective hydroxyquinoline derivative (Q134R) that suppresses NFAT signaling, without inhibiting CN activity. Q134R partially inhibited NFAT activity in primary rat astrocytes, but did not prevent CN-mediated dephosphorylation of a non-NFAT target, either in vivo, or in vitro. Acute (≤1 week) oral delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 (12 months old) or wild-type mice (3-4 months old) infused with oligomeric Aβ peptides led to improved Y maze performance. Chronic (≥3 months) oral delivery of Q134R appeared to be safe, and, in fact, promoted survival in wild-type (WT) mice when given for many months beyond middle age. Finally, chronic delivery of Q134R to APP/PS1 mice during the early stages of amyloid pathology (i.e., between 6 and 9 months) tended to reduce signs of glial reactivity, prevented the upregulation of astrocytic NFAT4, and ameliorated deficits in synaptic strength and plasticity, without noticeably altering parenchymal Aβ plaque pathology. The results suggest that Q134R is a promising drug for treating AD and aging-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jenna L. Gollihue
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Susan D. Kraner
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Irina A. Artiushin
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Ryan A. Cloyd
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Emad A. Chishti
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Shon A. Koren
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Grant K. Nation
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
| | - Jose F. Abisambra
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Norris
- Sanders‐Brown Center on Aging University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
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Radhakrishnan H, Ubele MF, Krumholz SM, Boaz K, Mefford JL, Jones ED, Meacham B, Smiley J, Puskás LG, Powell DK, Norris CM, Stark CEL, Head E. Tacrolimus Protects against Age-Associated Microstructural Changes in the Beagle Brain. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5124-5133. [PMID: 33952632 PMCID: PMC8197636 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0361-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of calcineurin leads to astrocyte hyperactivation, neuronal death, and inflammation, which are characteristics often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, prevents age-associated microstructural atrophy, which we measured using higher-order diffusion MRI, in the middle-aged beagle brain (n = 30, male and female). We find that tacrolimus reduces hippocampal (p = 0.001) and parahippocampal (p = 0.002) neurite density index, as well as protects against an age-associated increase in the parahippocampal (p = 0.007) orientation dispersion index. Tacrolimus also protects against an age-related decrease in fractional anisotropy in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.0001). We also show that these microstructural alterations precede cognitive decline and gross atrophy. These results support the idea that calcineurin inhibitors may have the potential to prevent aging-related pathology if administered at middle age.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Hyperactive calcineurin signaling causes neuroinflammation and other neurobiological changes often associated with pathologic aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Controlling the expression of calcineurin before gross cognitive deficits are observable might serve as a promising avenue for preventing AD pathology. In this study, we show that the administration of the calcineurin inhibitor, tacrolimus, over 1 year prevents age- and AD-associated microstructural changes in the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, and prefrontal cortex of the middle-aged beagle brain, with no noticeable adverse effects. Tacrolimus is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans to prevent solid organ transplant rejection, and our results bolster the promise of this drug to prevent AD and aging-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamsanandini Radhakrishnan
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Margo F Ubele
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Stephanie M Krumholz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Kathy Boaz
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jennifer L Mefford
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Erin Denhart Jones
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Beverly Meacham
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Jeffrey Smiley
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | | | - David K Powell
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders Brown Center on Aging, Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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Astrocyte Networks as Therapeutic Targets in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061368. [PMID: 34199470 PMCID: PMC8228804 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061368] [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: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are intimately involved in the response to neurodegenerative stress and have become an attractive target for the development of neuroprotective therapies. However, studies often focus on astrocytes as single-cell units. Astrocytes are densely interconnected by gap junctions that are composed primarily of the protein connexin-43 (Cx43) and can function as a broader network of cells. Such networks contribute to a number of important processes, including metabolite distribution and extracellular ionic buffering, and are likely to play an important role in the progression of neurodegenerative disease. This review will focus on the pro-degenerative and pro-survival influence of astrocyte Cx43 in disease progression, with a focus on the roles of gap junctions and hemichannels in the spread of degenerative stress. Finally, we will highlight the specific evidence for targeting these networks in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
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Michaluk P, Heller JP, Rusakov DA. Rapid recycling of glutamate transporters on the astroglial surface. eLife 2021; 10:e64714. [PMID: 33860761 PMCID: PMC8079145 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate uptake by astroglial transporters confines excitatory transmission to the synaptic cleft. The efficiency of this mechanism depends on the transporter dynamics in the astrocyte membrane, which remains poorly understood. Here, we visualise the main glial glutamate transporter GLT1 by generating its pH-sensitive fluorescent analogue, GLT1-SEP. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching-based imaging shows that 70-75% of GLT1-SEP dwell on the surface of rat brain astroglia, recycling with a lifetime of ~22 s. Genetic deletion of the C-terminus accelerates GLT1-SEP membrane turnover while disrupting its surface pattern, as revealed by single-molecule localisation microscopy. Excitatory activity boosts surface mobility of GLT1-SEP, involving its C-terminus, metabotropic glutamate receptors, intracellular Ca2+, and calcineurin-phosphatase activity, but not the broad-range kinase activity. The results suggest that membrane turnover, rather than lateral diffusion, is the main 'redeployment' route for the immobile fraction (20-30%) of surface-expressed GLT1. This finding reveals an important mechanism helping to control extrasynaptic escape of glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Michaluk
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- BRAINCITY, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PASWarsawPoland
| | - Janosch Peter Heller
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- School of Biotechnology and National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology (NICB), Dublin City UniversityGlasnevinIreland
| | - Dmitri A Rusakov
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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Calmodulin and Its Binding Proteins in Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063016. [PMID: 33809535 PMCID: PMC8001340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that manifests with rest tremor, muscle rigidity and movement disturbances. At the microscopic level it is characterized by formation of specific intraneuronal inclusions, called Lewy bodies (LBs), and by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum and substantia nigra. All living cells, among them neurons, rely on Ca2+ as a universal carrier of extracellular and intracellular signals that can initiate and control various cellular processes. Disturbances in Ca2+ homeostasis and dysfunction of Ca2+ signaling pathways may have serious consequences on cells and even result in cell death. Dopaminergic neurons are particularly sensitive to any changes in intracellular Ca2+ level. The best known and studied Ca2+ sensor in eukaryotic cells is calmodulin. Calmodulin binds Ca2+ with high affinity and regulates the activity of a plethora of proteins. In the brain, calmodulin and its binding proteins play a crucial role in regulation of the activity of synaptic proteins and in the maintenance of neuronal plasticity. Thus, any changes in activity of these proteins might be linked to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders including PD. This review aims to summarize published results regarding the role of calmodulin and its binding proteins in pathology and pathogenesis of PD.
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Hector A, Brouillette J. Hyperactivity Induced by Soluble Amyloid-β Oligomers in the Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:600084. [PMID: 33488358 PMCID: PMC7817907 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.600084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble amyloid-beta oligomers (Aβo) start to accumulate in the human brain one to two decades before any clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are implicated in synapse loss, one of the best predictors of memory decline that characterize the illness. Cognitive impairment in AD was traditionally thought to result from a reduction in synaptic activity which ultimately induces neurodegeneration. More recent evidence indicates that in the early stages of AD synaptic failure is, at least partly, induced by neuronal hyperactivity rather than hypoactivity. Here, we review the growing body of evidence supporting the implication of soluble Aβo on the induction of neuronal hyperactivity in AD animal models, in vitro, and in humans. We then discuss the impact of Aβo-induced hyperactivity on memory performance, cell death, epileptiform activity, gamma oscillations, and slow wave activity. We provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are emerging to explain how Aβo induce neuronal hyperactivity. We conclude by providing an outlook on the impact of hyperactivity for the development of disease-modifying interventions at the onset of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Hector
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal Research Center, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Brouillette
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal Research Center, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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47
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Kwon HS, Koh SH. Neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders: the roles of microglia and astrocytes. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:42. [PMID: 33239064 PMCID: PMC7689983 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00221-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1012] [Impact Index Per Article: 253.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Microglia and astrocytes are key regulators of inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. The activation of microglia and astrocytes is heterogeneous and traditionally categorized as neurotoxic (M1-phenotype microglia and A1-phenotype astrocytes) or neuroprotective (M2-phenotype microglia and A2-phenotype astrocytes). However, this dichotomized classification may not reflect the various phenotypes of microglia and astrocytes. The relationship between these activated glial cells is also very complicated, and the phenotypic distribution can change, based on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. A better understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases is essential for developing effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the roles of inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on the contributions of microglia and astrocytes and their relationship. In addition, we discuss biomarkers to measure neuroinflammation and studies on therapeutic drugs that can modulate neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Sung Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Vasilopoulou F, Griñán-Ferré C, Rodríguez-Arévalo S, Bagán A, Abás S, Escolano C, Pallàs M. I 2 imidazoline receptor modulation protects aged SAMP8 mice against cognitive decline by suppressing the calcineurin pathway. GeroScience 2020; 43:965-983. [PMID: 33128688 PMCID: PMC8110656 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain aging and dementia are current problems that must be solved. The levels of imidazoline 2 receptors (I2-IRs) are increased in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. We tested the action of the specific and selective I2-IR ligand B06 in a mouse model of accelerated aging and AD, the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model. Oral administration of B06 for 4 weeks improved SAMP8 mouse behavior and cognition and reduced AD hallmarks, oxidative stress, and apoptotic and neuroinflammation markers. Likewise, B06 regulated glial excitatory amino acid transporter 2 and N-methyl-D aspartate 2A and 2B receptor subunit protein levels. Calcineurin (CaN) is a phosphatase that controls the phosphorylation levels of cAMP response element-binding (CREB), apoptotic mediator BCL-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) and GSK3β, among other molecules. Interestingly, B06 was able to reduce the levels of the CaN active form (CaN A). Likewise, CREB phosphorylation, BAD gene expression, and other factors were modified after B06 treatment. Moreover, phosphorylation of a target of CaN, nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATC1), was increased in B06-treated mice, impeding the transcription of genes related to neuroinflammation and neural plasticity. In summary, this I2 imidazoline ligand can exert its beneficial effects on age-related conditions by modulating CaN pathway action and affecting several molecular pathways, playing a neuroprotective role in SAMP8 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Foteini Vasilopoulou
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Rodríguez-Arévalo
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Bagán
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sònia Abás
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Neurociencies, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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49
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Frazier HN, Anderson KL, Ghoweri AO, Lin RL, Hawkinson TR, Popa GJ, Sompol P, Mendenhall MD, Norris CM, Thibault O. Molecular elevation of insulin receptor signaling improves memory recall in aged Fischer 344 rats. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13220. [PMID: 32852134 PMCID: PMC7576226 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As demonstrated by increased hippocampal insulin receptor density following learning in animal models and decreased insulin signaling, receptor density, and memory decline in aging and Alzheimer's diseases, numerous studies have emphasized the importance of insulin in learning and memory processes. This has been further supported by work showing that intranasal delivery of insulin can enhance insulin receptor signaling, alter cerebral blood flow, and improve memory recall. Additionally, inhibition of insulin receptor function or expression using molecular techniques has been associated with reduced learning. Here, we sought a different approach to increase insulin receptor activity without the need for administering the ligand. A constitutively active, modified human insulin receptor (IRβ) was delivered to the hippocampus of young (2 months) and aged (18 months) male Fischer 344 rats in vivo. The impact of increasing hippocampal insulin receptor expression was investigated using several outcome measures, including Morris water maze and ambulatory gait performance, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western immunoblotting. In aged animals, the IRβ construct was associated with enhanced performance on the Morris water maze task, suggesting that this receptor was able to improve memory recall. Additionally, in both age-groups, a reduced stride length was noted in IRβ-treated animals along with elevated hippocampal insulin receptor levels. These results provide new insights into the potential impact of increasing neuronal insulin signaling in the hippocampus of aged animals and support the efficacy of molecularly elevating insulin receptor activity in vivo in the absence of the ligand to directly study this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Adam O. Ghoweri
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Tara R. Hawkinson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Gabriel J. Popa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiochemistryLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on AgingUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | | | | | - Olivier Thibault
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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50
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Jeong J, Park HJ, Mun BR, Jang JK, Choi YM, Choi WS. JBPOS0101 regulates amyloid beta, tau, and glial cells in an Alzheimer's disease model. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237153. [PMID: 32791516 PMCID: PMC7426148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive dysfunction and memory loss as the main symptoms. The deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau hyperphosphorylation are hallmarks of AD and are major therapeutic targets. However, the exact etiology has not yet been fully elucidated; thus, no drug that cures the disease has been approved. JBPOS0101 is a phenyl carbamate compound that has been tested as a drug for epileptic diseases. In our previous study, we showed that JBPOS0101 attenuated the accumulation of Aβ as well as the deficits in learning and memory in the 5xFAD mouse model. Here, we tested the dose effect (70 or 35 mg/kg) of JBPOS0101 on the memory defect and pathological markers and further investigated the underlying mechanisms in 5xFAD mice. In the behavior tests, JBPOS0101 treatment ameliorated deficits in learning and memory. Moreover, JBPOS0101 attenuated Aβ accumulation and tau phosphorylation. The elevated phosphorylation levels of the active GSK3β form (GSK3β-y216) in 5xFAD, which are responsible for tau phosphorylation, decreased in the JBPOS0101-treated groups. Furthermore, the elevation of reactive astrocytes and microglia in 5xFAD mice was attenuated in JBPOS0101-treated groups. These data suggest that JBPOS0101 may be a new drug candidate to lessen amyloid- and tau-related pathology by regulating glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Jeong
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongkang, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongkang, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Mun
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongkang, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Kyong Jang
- Bio-Pharm Solutions Co. Ltd, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Moon Choi
- Bio-Pharm Solutions Co. Ltd, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Choi
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yongkang, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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