Oligodendroglial maturation is dependent on intracellular protein shuttling

Oligodendrocyte Progenitors in Glial Scar: A Bet on Remyelination

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) represent a subtype of glia, giving rise to oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS). While OPCs are highly proliferative during development, they become relatively quiescent during adulthood, when their fate is strictly influenced by the extracellular context. In traumatic injuries and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including those of autoimmune origin, oligodendrocytes undergo apoptosis, and demyelination starts. Adult OPCs become immediately activated; they migrate at the lesion site and proliferate to replenish the damaged area, but their efficiency is hampered by the presence of a glial scar-a barrier mainly formed by reactive astrocytes, microglia and the deposition of inhibitory extracellular matrix components. If, on the one hand, a glial scar limits the lesion spreading, it also blocks tissue regeneration. Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing astrocyte or microglia activation and shifting them toward a neuroprotective phenotype have been proposed, whereas the role of OPCs has been largely overlooked. In this review, we have considered the glial scar from the perspective of OPCs, analysing their behaviour when lesions originate and exploring the potential therapies aimed at sustaining OPCs to efficiently differentiate and promote remyelination.

Signal enhancement in spark-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for discrimination of glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma lesions

Here, the discrimination of two types of lethal brain cancers, i.e., glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and oligodendroglioma (OG) are investigated under the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and the electrical spark-assisted laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SA-LIBS) in order to discriminate the human brain glioma lesions against the infiltrated tissues. It is shown there are notable differences between the plasma emissions over the brain gliomas against those of infiltrated tissues. In fact, a notable enhancement appears in the characteristic emissions in favor of SA-LIBS against those of conventional LIB spectra. Moreover, the plasma properties such as temperature, electron density, and degree of ionization are probed through the data processing of the plasma emissions. The corresponding parameters, taken from SA-LIBS data, attest to be lucidly larger than those of LIBS up to one order of magnitude. In addition, the ionic species such as Mg II characteristic line at 279 nm and caII emission at 393 nm are notably enhanced in favor of SA-LIBS. In general, the experimental evidence verifies that SA-LIBS is beneficial in the discrimination and grading of GBM/OG neoplasia against healthy (infiltrate) tissues in the early stages.

A Novel Ex Vivo Model to Study Therapeutic Treatments for Myelin Repair following Ischemic Damage

Stroke is a major reason for persistent disability due to insufficient treatment strategies beyond reperfusion, leading to oligodendrocyte death and axon demyelination, persistent inflammation and astrogliosis in peri-infarct areas. After injury, oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) have been shown to compensate for myelin loss and prevent axonal loss through the replacement of lost oligodendrocytes, an inefficient process leaving axons chronically demyelinated. Phenotypic screening approaches in demyelinating paradigms revealed substances that promote myelin repair. We established an ex vivo adult organotypic coronal slice culture (OCSC) system to study repair after stroke in a resource-efficient way. Post-photothrombotic OCSCs can be manipulated for 8 d by exposure to pharmacologically active substances testing remyelination activity. OCSCs were isolated from a NG2-CreERT2-td-Tomato knock-in transgenic mouse line to analyze oligodendroglial fate/differentiation and kinetics. Parbendazole boosted differentiation of NG2⁺ cells and stabilized oligodendroglial fate reflected by altered expression of associated markers PDGFR-α, CC1, BCAS1 and Sox10 and GFAP. In vitro scratch assay and chemical ischemia confirmed the observed effects upon parbendazole treatment. Adult OCSCs represent a fast, reproducible, and quantifiable model to study OPC differentiation competence after stroke. Pharmacological stimulation by means of parbendazole promoted OPC differentiation.

Teriflunomide as a therapeutic means for myelin repair

BACKGROUND

Promotion of myelin repair in the context of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) still represents a clinical unmet need, given that this disease is not only characterized by autoimmune activities but also by impaired regeneration processes. Hence, this relates to replacement of lost oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths-the primary targets of autoimmune attacks. Endogenous remyelination is mainly mediated via activation and differentiation of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs), whereas its efficiency remains limited and declines with disease progression and aging. Teriflunomide has been approved as a first-line treatment for relapsing remitting MS. Beyond its role in acting via inhibition of de novo pyrimidine synthesis leading to a cytostatic effect on proliferating lymphocyte subsets, this study aims to uncover its potential to foster myelin repair.

METHODS

Within the cuprizone mediated de-/remyelination model teriflunomide dependent effects on oligodendroglial homeostasis and maturation, related to cellular processes important for myelin repair were analyzed in vivo. Teriflunomide administration was performed either as pulse or continuously and markers specific for oligodendroglial maturation and mitochondrial integrity were examined by means of gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, axon myelination was determined using electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Both pulse and constant teriflunomide treatment efficiently boosted myelin repair activities in this model, leading to accelerated generation of oligodendrocytes and restoration of myelin sheaths. Moreover, teriflunomide restored mitochondrial integrity within oligodendroglial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The link between de novo pyrimidine synthesis inhibition, oligodendroglial rescue, and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis appears as a key for successful myelin repair and hence for protection of axons from degeneration.

Radiation-induced neuropathological changes in the oligodendrocyte lineage with relevant clinical manifestations and therapeutic strategies

PURPOSE

With technological advancements in radiation therapy for tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), high doses of ionizing radiation can be delivered to the tumors with improved accuracy. Despite the reduction of ionizing radiation-induced toxicity to surrounding tissues of the CNS, a wide array of side effects still occurs, particularly late-delayed changes. These alterations, such as white matter damages and neurocognitive impairments, are often debilitative and untreatable, significantly affecting the quality of life of these patients, especially children. Oligodendrocytes, a major class of glial cells, have been identified to be one of the targets of radiation toxicity and are recognized be involved in late-delayed radiation-induced neuropathological changes. These cells are responsible for forming the myelin sheaths that surround and insulate axons within the CNS. Here, the effects of ionizing radiation on the oligodendrocyte lineage as well as the common clinical manifestations resulting from radiation-induced damage to oligodendrocytes will be discussed. Potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against radiation-induced oligodendrocyte damage will also be considered.

CONCLUSION

Oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are radiosensitive cells of the CNS. Here, general responses of these cells to radiation exposure have been outlined. However, several findings have not been consistent across various studies. For instance, cognitive decline in irradiated animals was observed to be accompanied by obvious demyelination or white matter changes in several studies but not in others. Hence, further studies have to be conducted to elucidate the level of contribution of the oligodendrocyte lineage to the development of late-delayed effects of radiation exposure, as well as to classify the dose and brain region-specific responses of the oligodendrocyte lineage to radiation. Several potential therapeutic approaches against late-delayed changes have been discussed, such as the transplantation of OPCs into irradiated regions and implementation of exercise. Many of these approaches show promising results. Further elucidation of the mechanisms involved in radiation-induced death of oligodendrocytes and OPCs would certainly aid in the development of novel protective and therapeutic strategies against the late-delayed effects of radiation.

Upscaling biological complexity to boost neuronal and oligodendroglia maturation and improve in vitro developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) evaluation

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal and glial cell models are suitable to assess the effects of environmental chemicals on the developing brain. Such test systems can recapitulate several key neurodevelopmental features, such as neural stem cell formation and differentiation towards different neuronal subtypes and astrocytes, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and neuronal network formation and function, which are crucial for brain development. While monolayer, two-dimensional (2D) cultures of human iPSC-neuronal or glial derivatives are generally suited for high-throughput testing, they also show some limitations. In particular, differentiation towards myelinating oligodendrocytes can only be achieved after extended periods in differentiation. In recent years, the implementation of three-dimensional (3D) neuronal and glial models obtained from human iPSCs has been shown to compensate for such limitations, enabling robust differentiation towards both neuronal and glial cell populations, myelination and formation of more mature neuronal network activity. Here we compared the differentiation capacity of human iPSC-derived neural stem cells cultured either as 2D monolayer or as 3D neurospheres, and assessed chlorpyrifos (CPF) effects. Data indicate that 3D neurospheres differentiate towards neurons and oligodendroglia more rapidly than 2D cultures; however, the 2D model is more suitable to assess neuronal functionality by analysis of spontaneous electrical activity using multielectrode array. Moreover, 2D and 3D test systems are diversely susceptible to CPF treatment. In conclusion, the selection of the most suitable in vitro test system (either 2D or 3D) should take into account the context of use and intended research goals ('fit for purpose' principle).

Insights into myelin dysfunction in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are disabling psychiatric disorders with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 1%. Both disorders present chronic and deteriorating prognoses that impose a large burden, not only on patients but also on society and health systems. These mental illnesses share several clinical and neurobiological traits; of these traits, oligodendroglial dysfunction and alterations to white matter (WM) tracts could underlie the disconnection between brain regions related to their symptomatic domains. WM is mainly composed of heavily myelinated axons and glial cells. Myelin internodes are discrete axon-wrapping membrane sheaths formed by oligodendrocyte processes. Myelin ensheathment allows fast and efficient conduction of nerve impulses through the nodes of Ranvier, improving the overall function of neuronal circuits. Rapid and precisely synchronized nerve impulse conduction through fibers that connect distant brain structures is crucial for higher-level functions, such as cognition, memory, mood, and language. Several cellular and subcellular anomalies related to myelin and oligodendrocytes have been found in postmortem samples from patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and neuroimaging techniques have revealed consistent alterations at the macroscale connectomic level in both disorders. In this work, evidence regarding these multilevel alterations in oligodendrocytes and myelinated tracts is discussed, and the involvement of proteins in key functions of the oligodendroglial lineage, such as oligodendrogenesis and myelination, is highlighted. The molecular components of the axo-myelin unit could be important targets for novel therapeutic approaches to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

TLR4 Associated Signaling Disrupters as a New Means to Overcome HERV-W Envelope-Mediated Myelination Deficits

Myelin repair in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is driven by successful differentiation of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) and thus constitutes a neurodegenerative process capable to compensate for functional deficits upon loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths as it is observed in multiple sclerosis (MS). The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) represents an MS-specific pathogenic entity, and its envelope (ENV) protein was previously identified as a negative regulator of OPC maturation—hence, it is of relevance in the context of diminished myelin repair. We here focused on the activity of the ENV protein and investigated how it can be neutralized for improved remyelination. ENV-mediated activation of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) increases inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, prompts nitrosative stress, and results in myelin-associated deficits, such as decreased levels of oligodendroglial maturation marker expression and morphological alterations. The intervention of TLR4 surface expression represents a potential means to rescue such ENV-dependent deficits. To this end, the rescue capacity of specific substances, either modulating V-ATPase activity or myeloid differentiation 2 (MD2)-mediated TLR4 glycosylation status, such as compound 20 (C20), L48H437, or folimycin, was analyzed, as these processes were demonstrated to be relevant for TLR4 surface expression. We found that pharmacological treatment can rescue the maturation arrest of oligodendroglial cells and their myelination capacity and can prevent iNOS induction in the presence of the ENV protein. In addition, downregulation of TLR4 surface expression was observed. Furthermore, mitochondrial integrity crucial for oligodendroglial cell differentiation was affected in the presence of ENV and ameliorated upon pharmacological treatment. Our study, therefore, provides novel insights into possible means to overcome myelination deficits associated with HERV-W ENV-mediated myelin deficits.

Small molecule screening as an approach to encounter inefficient myelin repair

While current multiple sclerosis therapies are focused on immunomodulation, thereby slowing down disease progression, scientific interest has nowadays been shifted toward regenerative therapies aiming at reversing already existing deficits. The application of chemical compounds was proven to be valuable for the understanding of oligodendrogenesis and for exposing mechanisms that can boost remyelination. However, sufficient myelin repair has not been achieved yet, thus underscoring the need for more studies toward this unmet clinical goal. In this regard, many research groups have significantly contributed to the field via developing compound screening approaches or using single substances. We, here, present an overview of recent studies addressing the identification of myelin repair drugs and provide insights into technical aspects and identified substances.

C21orf91 Regulates Oligodendroglial Precursor Cell Fate-A Switch in the Glial Lineage?

Neuropathological diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are frequently associated with impaired differentiation of the oligodendroglial cell lineage and subsequent alterations in white matter structure and dynamics. Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause for cognitive impairments and intellectual disability (ID) and is associated with a reduction in the number of neurons and oligodendrocytes, as well as with hypomyelination and astrogliosis. Recent studies mainly focused on neuronal development in DS and underestimated the role of glial cells as pathogenic players. This also relates to C21ORF91, a protein considered a key modulator of aberrant CNS development in DS. We investigated the role of C21orf91 ortholog in terms of oligodendrogenesis and myelination using database information as well as through cultured primary oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs). Upon modulation of C21orf91 gene expression, we found this factor to be important for accurate oligodendroglial differentiation, influencing their capacity to mature and to myelinate axons. Interestingly, C21orf91 overexpression initiates a cell population coexpressing astroglial- and oligodendroglial markers indicating that elevated C21orf91 expression levels induce a gliogenic shift towards the astrocytic lineage reflecting non-equilibrated glial cell populations in DS brains.

Identification of novel myelin repair drugs by modulation of oligodendroglial differentiation competence

BACKGROUND

In multiple sclerosis loss of myelin and oligodendrocytes impairs saltatory signal transduction and leads to neuronal loss and functional deficits. Limited capacity of oligodendroglial precursor cells to differentiate into mature cells is the main reason for inefficient myelin repair in the central nervous system. Drug repurposing constitutes a powerful approach for identification of pharmacological compounds promoting this process.

METHODS

A phenotypic compound screening using the subcellular distribution of a potent inhibitor of oligodendroglial cell differentiation, namely p57kip2, as differentiation competence marker was conducted. Hit compounds were validated in terms of their impact on developmental cell differentiation and myelination using both rat and human primary cell cultures and organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, respectively. Their effect on spontaneous remyelination was then investigated following cuprizone-mediated demyelination of the corpus callosum.

FINDINGS

A number of novel small molecules able to promote oligodendroglial cell differentiation were identified and a subset was found to foster human oligodendrogenesis as well as myelination ex vivo. Among them the steroid danazol and the anthelminthic parbendazole were found to increase myelin repair.

INTERPRETATION

We provide evidence that early cellular processes involved in differentiation decisions are applicable for the identification of regeneration promoting drugs and we suggest danazol and parbendazole as potent therapeutic candidates for demyelinating diseases.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the Jürgen Manchot Foundation, Düsseldorf; Research Commission of the Medical Faculty of Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf; Christiane and Claudia Hempel Foundation; Stifterverband/Novartisstiftung; James and Elisabeth Cloppenburg, Peek and Cloppenburg Düsseldorf Stiftung and International Progressive MS Alliance (BRAVEinMS).

The p21-activated kinases in neural cytoskeletal remodeling and related neurological disorders

The serine/threonine p21-activated kinases (PAKs), as main effectors of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac, represent a group of important molecular switches linking the complex cytoskeletal networks to broad neural activity. PAKs show wide expression in the brain, but they differ in specific cell types, brain regions, and developmental stages. PAKs play an essential and differential role in controlling neural cytoskeletal remodeling and are related to the development and fate of neurons as well as the structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines. PAK-mediated actin signaling and interacting functional networks represent a common pathway frequently affected in multiple neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Considering specific small-molecule agonists and inhibitors for PAKs have been developed in cancer treatment, comprehensive knowledge about the role of PAKs in neural cytoskeletal remodeling will promote our understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, which may also represent potential therapeutic targets of these diseases.

Functional Versatility of the CDK Inhibitor p57Kip2

The cyclin/CDK inhibitor p57^Kip2 belongs to the Cip/Kip family, with p21^Cip1 and p27^Kip1, and is the least studied member of the family. Unlike the other family members, p57^Kip2 has a unique role during embryogenesis and is the only CDK inhibitor required for embryonic development. p57^Kip2 is encoded by the imprinted gene CDKN1C, which is the gene most frequently silenced or mutated in the genetic disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), characterized by multiple developmental anomalies. Although initially identified as a cell cycle inhibitor based on its homology to other Cip/Kip family proteins, multiple novel functions have been ascribed to p57^Kip2 in recent years that participate in the control of various cellular processes, including apoptosis, migration and transcription. Here, we will review our current knowledge on p57^Kip2 structure, regulation, and its diverse functions during development and homeostasis, as well as its potential implication in the development of various pathologies, including cancer.

RNA-binding protein altered expression and mislocalization in MS

Objective

To determine whether there are nuclear depletion and cellular mislocalization of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) transactivation response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), fused in sarcoma (FUS), and polypyrimidine tract–binding protein (PTB) in MS, as is the case in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and oligodendrocytes infected with Theiler murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), we examined MS lesions and in vitro cultured primary human brain–derived oligodendrocytes.

Methods

Nuclear depletion and mislocalization of TDP-43, FUS, and PTB are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS and TMEV demyelination. The latter findings prompted us to investigate these RBPs in the demyelinated lesions of MS and in in vitro cultured human brain–derived oligodendrocytes under metabolic stress conditions.

Results

We found (1) mislocalized TDP-43 in oligodendrocytes in active lesions in some patients with MS; (2) decreased PTB1 expression in oligodendrocytes in mixed active/inactive demyelinating lesions; (3) decreased nuclear expression of PTB2 in neurons in cortical demyelinating lesions; and (4) nuclear depletion of TDP-43 in oligodendrocytes under metabolic stress induced by low glucose/low nutrient conditions compared with optimal culture conditions.

Conclusion

TDP-43 has been found to have a key role in oligodendrocyte function and viability, whereas PTB is important in neuronal differentiation, suggesting that altered expression and mislocalization of these RBPs in MS lesions may contribute to the pathogenesis of demyelination and neurodegeneration. Our findings also identify nucleocytoplasmic transport as a target for treatment.

Heterogeneous fate choice of genetically modulated adult neural stem cells in gray and white matter of the central nervous system

Apart from dedicated oligodendroglial progenitor cells, adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) can also give rise to new oligodendrocytes in the adult central nervous system (CNS). This process mainly confers myelinating glial cell replacement in pathological situations and can hence contribute to glial heterogeneity. Our previous studies demonstrated that the p57kip2 gene encodes an intrinsic regulator of glial fate acquisition and we here investigated to what degree its modulation can affect stem cell-dependent oligodendrogenesis in different CNS environments. We therefore transplanted p57kip2 knockdown aNSCs into white and gray matter (WM and GM) regions of the mouse brain, into uninjured spinal cords as well as in the vicinity of spinal cord injuries and evaluated integration and differentiation in vivo. Our experiments revealed that under healthy conditions intrinsic suppression of p57kip2 as well as WM localization promote differentiation toward myelinating oligodendrocytes at the expense of astrocyte generation. Moreover, p57kip2 knockdown conferred a strong benefit on cell survival augmenting net oligodendrocyte generation. In the vicinity of hemisectioned spinal cords, the gene knockdown led to a similar induction of oligodendroglial features; however, newly generated oligodendrocytes appeared to suffer more from the hostile environment. This study contributes to our understanding of mechanisms of adult oligodendrogenesis and glial heterogeneity and further reveals critical factors when considering aNSC mediated cell replacement in injury and disease.

pHERV-W envelope protein fuels microglial cell-dependent damage of myelinated axons in multiple sclerosis

Axonal degeneration is central to clinical disability and disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Myeloid cells such as brain-resident microglia and blood-borne monocytes are thought to be critically involved in this degenerative process. However, the exact underlying mechanisms have still not been clarified. We have previously demonstrated that human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) negatively affects oligodendroglial precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and remyelination via its envelope protein pathogenic HERV-W (pHERV-W) ENV (formerly MS-associated retrovirus [MSRV]-ENV). In this current study, we investigated whether pHERV-W ENV also plays a role in axonal injury in MS. We found that in MS lesions, pHERV-W ENV is present in myeloid cells associated with axons. Focusing on progressive disease stages, we could then demonstrate that pHERV-W ENV induces a degenerative phenotype in microglial cells, driving them toward a close spatial association with myelinated axons. Moreover, in pHERV-W ENV-stimulated myelinated cocultures, microglia were found to structurally damage myelinated axons. Taken together, our data suggest that pHERV-W ENV-mediated microglial polarization contributes to neurodegeneration in MS. Thus, this analysis provides a neurobiological rationale for a recently completed clinical study in MS patients showing that antibody-mediated neutralization of pHERV-W ENV exerts neuroprotective effects.

TDP-43 proteinopathy in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus infection

TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein that is primarily nuclear and important in splicing and RNA metabolism, is mislocalized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of neural cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and contributes to disease. We sought to investigate whether TDP-43 is mislocalized in infections with the acute neuronal GDVII strain and the persistent demyelinating DA strain of Theiler's virus murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a member of the Cardiovirus genus of Picornaviridae because: i) L protein of both strains is known to disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport, including transport of polypyrimidine tract binding protein, an RNA-binding protein, ii) motor neurons and oligodendrocytes are targeted in both TMEV infection and ALS. TDP-43 phosphorylation, cleavage, and cytoplasmic mislocalization to an aggresome were observed in wild type TMEV-infected cultured cells, with predicted splicing abnormalities. In contrast, cells infected with DA and GDVII strains that have L deletion had rare TDP-43 mislocalization and no aggresome formation. TDP-43 mislocalization was also present in neural cells of TMEV acutely-infected mice. Of note, TDP-43 was mislocalized six weeks after DA infection to the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes and other glial cells in demyelinating lesions of spinal white matter. A recent study showed that TDP-43 knock down in oligodendrocytes in mice led to demyelination and death of this neural cell [1], suggesting that TMEV infection mislocalization of TDP-43 and other RNA-binding proteins is predicted to disrupt key cellular processes and contribute to the pathogenesis of TMEV-induced diseases. Drugs that inhibit nuclear export may have a role in antiviral therapy.

Sildenafil Inhibits Myelin Expression and Myelination of Oligodendroglial Precursor Cells

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) have previously been implicated in oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination of central nervous system axons. Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor known to block PDE5, which also reduces inflammation in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis demyelinating model. To find out whether this inhibitor might exert beneficial effects on central nervous system myelin repair activities, we investigated to what degree sildenafil modulates differentiation and maturation of cultured primary rat oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs). To this end, gene and protein expression of 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, myelin basic protein, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, as well as of negative regulators of myelin expression (Hes1, Hes5, Id2, Id4, Rock2, and p57Kip2) were measured in OPCs treated with sildenafil. Moreover, the subcellular distribution of the p57kip2 protein was determined after sildenafil treatment, as this revealed to be an early predictor of the oligodendroglial differentiation capacity. In vitro myelination assays were done to measure the myelination capacity of oligodendrocytes treated with sildenafil. We found that sildenafil significantly diminished myelin gene expression and protein expression. Moreover, sildenafil also increased the expression of Id2 and Id4 negative transcriptional regulators, and the degree of OPCs with cytoplasmic p57kip2 protein localization was reduced, providing evidence that the PDE blocker impaired the differentiation capacity. Finally, sildenafil also interfered with the establishment of internodes as revealed by in vitro myelination assays. We therefore conclude that blocking PDE5 activities exerts a negative impact on intrinsic oligodendroglial differentiation processes.

Rescuing the negative impact of human endogenous retrovirus envelope protein on oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination

Remyelination in the adult CNS depends on activation, differentiation, and functional integration of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs) and constitutes the only spontaneous neuroregenerative process able to compensate for functional deficits upon loss of oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths as it is observed in multiple sclerosis. The proteins encoded by p57kip2- and by human endogenous retrovirus type W (pHERV-W) envelope genes were previously identified as negative regulators of OPC maturation. We here focused on the activity of the ENV protein and investigated how it can be neutralized for an improved myelin repair. We could demonstrate that myelination in vitro is severely affected by this protein but that application of an anti-ENV neutralizing antibody, currently investigated in clinical trials, can rescue the generation of internodes. We then compared p57kip2 and ENV dependent inhibitory mechanisms and found that a dominant negative version of the p57kip2 protein can equally save OPCs from myelination failure in response to ENV-mediated TLR4 activation. Additional experiments addressing p57kip2's underlying mode of action revealed a direct interaction with ATP6v1d, a central component of a vascular ATPase. Its pharmacological blocking was then shown to exert an analogous myelination rescue effect in presence of the ENV protein. Therefore, our study provides mechanistic insights into oligodendroglial inhibition processes and presents three different means to counteract the anti-myelination effect of the ENV protein. These observations are therefore of interest in light of understanding the complexity of the numerous oligodendroglial inhibitors and might promote the establishment of novel regenerative therapies.

Expression profile of the STAND protein Nwd1 in the developing and mature mouse central nervous system

The orchestrated events required during brain development, as well as the maintenance of adult neuronal plasticity, highly depend on the accurate responses of neuronal cells to various cellular stress or environmental stimuli. Recent studies have defined a previously unrecognized, broad class of multidomain proteins, designated as signal transduction ATPases with numerous domains (STAND), which comprises a large number of proteins, including the apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf1) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs), central players in cell death and innate immune responses, respectively. Although the involvement of STANDs in the central nervous system (CNS) has been postulated in terms of neuronal development and function, it remains largely unclear. Here, we identified Nwd1 (NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing protein 1), as a novel STAND protein, expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Structurally, Nwd1 was most analogous to the apoptosis regulator Apaf1, also involved in mitosis and axonal outgrowth regulation in the CNS. Using a specific antibody, we show that, during the embryonic and postnatal period, Nwd1 is expressed in nestin-positive NSPCs in vivo and in vitro, while postnatally it is found in terminally differentiated neurons and blood vessels. At the subcellular level, we demonstrate that Nwd1 is preferentially located in the cytosolic compartment of cultured NSPCs, partially overlapping with cytochrome c. These observations imply that Nwd1 might be involved in the neuronal lineage as a new STAND gene, including having a pro-apoptotic or nonapoptotic role, similar to Apaf1.

Teriflunomide promotes oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which in most cases initially presents with episodes of transient functional deficits (relapsing-remitting MS; RRMS) and eventually develops into a secondary progressive form (SPMS). Aside from neuroimmunological activities, MS is also characterized by neurodegenerative and regenerative processes. The latter involve the restoration of myelin sheaths-electrically insulating structures which are the primary targets of autoimmune attacks. Spontaneous endogenous remyelination takes place even in the adult CNS and is primarily mediated by activation, recruitment, and differentiation of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs). However, the overall efficiency of remyelination is limited and further declines with disease duration and progression. From a therapeutic standpoint, it is therefore key to understand how oligodendroglial maturation can be modulated pharmacologically. Teriflunomide has been approved as a first-line treatment for RRMS in the USA and the European Union. As the active metabolite of leflunomide, an established disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, it mainly acts via an inhibition of de novo pyrimidine synthesis exerting a cytostatic effect on proliferating B and T cells.

METHODS

We investigated teriflunomide-dependent effects on primary rat oligodendroglial homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation related to cellular processes important for myelin repair hence CNS regeneration in vitro. To this end, several cellular parameters, including specific oligodendroglial maturation markers, in vitro myelination, and p53 family member signaling, were examined by means of gene/protein expression analyses. The rate of myelination was determined using neuron-oligodendrocyte co-cultures.

RESULTS

Low teriflunomide concentrations resulted in cell cycle exit while higher doses led to decreased cell survival. Short-term teriflunomide pulses can efficiently promote oligodendroglial cell differentiation suggesting that young, immature cells could benefit from such stimulation. In vitro myelination can be boosted by means of an early stimulation window with teriflunomide. p73 signaling is functionally involved in promoting OPC differentiation and myelination.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a critical window of opportunity during which regenerative oligodendroglial activities including myelination of CNS axons can be stimulated by teriflunomide.

Lovastatin promotes myelin formation in NPC1 mutant oligodendrocytes

Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease is a rare neurovisceral disorder caused by mutations of either NPC1 or NPC2 gene and characterized by defective intracellular transport of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids, leading to neuron loss and myelin aberration in the central nervous system. In this study, by comparing protein expression in the cortical white matter tracts from mice at different postnatal days, we identified that in the NPC1 mutant (NPC1^-/-) mice, the onset of myelination is delayed and the amount of the major myelin protein MBP and PLP, and oligodendrocyte regulatory factor Olig1 and Olig2, but not NG2 and Sox10, decreased significantly, suggesting a disruption of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Furthermore, in in vitro oligodendrocyte cultivation, NPC1^-/- oligodendrocytes showed less response to the stimulation of neuron-conditioned medium (CdM), indicating a defect of oligodendrocyte per se. Interestingly, lovastatin restores the number of mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes by increasing Olig1 and Olig2 expressions. Our data suggest a potential strategy for improving myelination using lovastatin in NPC disease.

Recent achievements in stem cell-mediated myelin repair

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Following the establishment of a number of successful immunomodulatory treatments for multiple sclerosis, current research focuses on the repair of existing damage.

RECENT FINDINGS

Promotion of regeneration is particularly important for demyelinated areas with degenerated or functionally impaired axons of the central nervous system's white and gray matter. As the protection and generation of new oligodendrocytes is a key to the re-establishment of functional connections, adult oligodendrogenesis and myelin reconstitution processes are of primary interest. Moreover, understanding, supporting and promoting endogenous repair activities such as mediated by resident oligodendroglial precursor or adult neural stem cells are currently thought to be a promising approach toward the development of novel regenerative therapies.

SUMMARY

This review summarizes recent developments and findings related to pharmacological myelin repair as well as to the modulation/application of stem cells with the aim to restore defective myelin sheaths.

Human mesenchymal factors induce rat hippocampal- and human neural stem cell dependent oligodendrogenesis

The generation of new oligodendrocytes is essential for adult brain repair in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We previously identified the multifunctional p57kip2 protein as a negative regulator of myelinating glial cell differentiation and as an intrinsic switch of glial fate decision in adult neural stem cells (aNSCs). In oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs), p57kip2 protein nuclear exclusion was recently found to be rate limiting for differentiation to proceed. Furthermore, stimulation with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived factors enhanced oligodendrogenesis by yet unknown mechanisms. To elucidate this instructive interaction, we investigated to what degree MSC secreted factors are species dependent, whether hippocampal aNSCs respond equally well to such stimuli, whether apart from oligodendroglial differentiation also tissue integration and axonal wrapping can be promoted and whether the oligodendrogenic effect involved subcellular translocation of p57kip2. We found that CC1 positive oligodendrocytes within the hilus express nuclear p57kip2 protein and that MSC dependent stimulation of cultured hippocampal aNSCs was not accompanied by nuclear p57kip2 exclusion as observed for parenchymal OPCs after spontaneous differentiation. Stimulation with human MSC factors was observed to equally promote rat stem cell oligodendrogenesis, axonal wrapping and tissue integration. As forced nuclear shuttling of p57kip2 led to decreased CNPase- but elevated GFAP expression levels, this indicates heterogenic oligodendroglial mechanisms occurring between OPCs and aNSCs. We also show for the first time that dominant pro-oligodendroglial factors derived from human fetal MSCs can instruct human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NSCs to differentiate into O4 positive oligodendrocytes.

Karyopherin Alpha Proteins Regulate Oligodendrocyte Differentiation

Proper regulation of the coordinated transcriptional program that drives oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation is essential for central nervous system myelin formation and repair. Nuclear import, mediated in part by a group of karyopherin alpha (Kpna) proteins, regulates transcription factor access to the genome. Understanding how canonical nuclear import functions to control genomic access in OL differentiation may aid in the creation of novel therapeutics to stimulate myelination and remyelination. Here, we show that members of the Kpna family regulate OL differentiation, and may play distinct roles downstream of different pro-myelinating stimuli. Multiple family members are expressed in OLs, and their pharmacologic inactivation dose-dependently decreases the rate of differentiation. Additionally, upon differentiation, the three major Kpna subtypes (P/α2, Q/α3, S/α1) display differential responses to the pro-myelinating cues T3 and CNTF. Most notably, the Q/α3 karyopherin Kpna4 is strongly upregulated by CNTF treatment both compared with T3 treatment and other Kpna responses. Kpna4 inactivation results in inhibition of CNTF-induced OL differentiation, in the absence of changes in proliferation or viability. Collectively, these findings suggest that canonical nuclear import is an integral component of OL differentiation, and that specific Kpnas may serve vital and distinct functions downstream of different pro-myelinating cues.

Heterogeneous populations of neural stem cells contribute to myelin repair

As ingenious as nature's invention of myelin sheaths within the mammalian nervous system is, as fatal can be damage to this specialized lipid structure. Long-term loss of electrical insulation and of further supportive functions myelin provides to axons, as seen in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), leads to neurodegeneration and results in progressive disabilities. Multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated the increasing inability of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to replace lost oligodendrocytes (OLs) in order to restore lost myelin. Much research has been dedicated to reveal potential reasons for this regeneration deficit but despite promising approaches no remyelination-promoting drugs have successfully been developed yet. In addition to OPCs neural stem cells of the adult central nervous system also hold a high potential to generate myelinating OLs. There are at least two neural stem cell niches in the brain, the subventricular zone lining the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, and an additional source of neural stem cells has been located in the central canal of the spinal cord. While a substantial body of literature has described their neurogenic capacity, still little is known about the oligodendrogenic potential of these cells, even if some animal studies have provided proof of their contribution to remyelination. In this review, we summarize and discuss these studies, taking into account the different niches, the heterogeneity within and between stem cell niches and present current strategies of how to promote stem cell-mediated myelin repair.

The intellectual disability protein PAK3 regulates oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation

Oligodendrocyte and myelin deficits have been reported in mental/psychiatric diseases. The p21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3), a serine/threonine kinase, whose activity is stimulated by the binding of active Rac and Cdc42 GTPases is affected in these pathologies. Indeed, many mutations of Pak3 gene have been described in non-syndromic intellectual disability diseases. Pak3 is expressed mainly in the brain where its role has been investigated in neurons but not in glial cells. Here, we showed that PAK3 is highly expressed in oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) and its expression decreases in mature oligodendrocytes. In the developing white matter of the Pak3 knockout mice, we found defects of oligodendrocyte differentiation in the corpus callosum and to a lesser extent in the anterior commissure, which were compensated at the adult stage. In vitro experiments in OPC cultures, derived from Pak3 knockout and wild type brains, support a developmental and cell-autonomous role for PAK3 in regulating OPC differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes. Moreover, we did not detect any obvious alterations of the proliferation or migration of Pak3 null OPCs compared to wild type. Overall, our data highlight PAK3 as a new regulator of OPC differentiation.

Taking Advantage of Nature's Gift: Can Endogenous Neural Stem Cells Improve Myelin Regeneration?

Irreversible functional deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) are directly correlated to axonal damage and loss. Neurodegeneration results from immune-mediated destruction of myelin sheaths and subsequent axonal demyelination. Importantly, oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glial cells of the central nervous system, can be replaced to some extent to generate new myelin sheaths. This endogenous regeneration capacity has so far mainly been attributed to the activation and recruitment of resident oligodendroglial precursor cells. As this self-repair process is limited and increasingly fails while MS progresses, much interest has evolved regarding the development of remyelination-promoting strategies and the presence of alternative cell types, which can also contribute to the restoration of myelin sheaths. The adult brain comprises at least two neurogenic niches harboring life-long adult neural stem cells (NSCs). An increasing number of investigations are beginning to shed light on these cells under pathological conditions and revealed a significant potential of NSCs to contribute to myelin repair activities. In this review, these emerging investigations are discussed with respect to the importance of stimulating endogenous repair mechanisms from germinal sources. Moreover, we present key findings of NSC-derived oligodendroglial progeny, including a comprehensive overview of factors and mechanisms involved in this process.

CXCR7 Is Involved in Human Oligodendroglial Precursor Cell Maturation

Differentiation of oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs), a crucial prerequisite for central nervous system (CNS) remyelination in diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is modulated by a multitude of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In a previous study we revealed that the chemokine CXCL12 stimulates rodent OPC differentiation via activation of its receptor CXCR7. We could now demonstrate that CXCR7 is also expressed on NogoA- and Nkx2.2-positive oligodendroglial cells in human MS brains and that stimulation of cultured primary fetal human OPCs with CXCL12 promotes their differentiation as measured by surface marker expression and morphologic complexity. Pharmacological inhibition of CXCR7 effectively blocks these CXCL12-dependent effects. Our findings therefore suggest that a specific activation of CXCR7 could provide a means to promote oligodendroglial differentiation facilitating endogenous remyelination activities.

Intracellular Protein Shuttling: A Mechanism Relevant for Myelin Repair in Multiple Sclerosis?

A prominent feature of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) is the degeneration and loss of previously established functional myelin sheaths, which results in impaired signal propagation and axonal damage. However, at least in early disease stages, partial replacement of lost oligodendrocytes and thus remyelination occur as a result of resident oligodendroglial precursor cell (OPC) activation. These cells represent a widespread cell population within the adult central nervous system (CNS) that can differentiate into functional myelinating glial cells to restore axonal functions. Nevertheless, the spontaneous remyelination capacity in the adult CNS is inefficient because OPCs often fail to generate new oligodendrocytes due to the lack of stimulatory cues and the presence of inhibitory factors. Recent studies have provided evidence that regulated intracellular protein shuttling is functionally involved in oligodendroglial differentiation and remyelination activities. In this review we shed light on the role of the subcellular localization of differentiation-associated factors within oligodendroglial cells and show that regulation of intracellular localization of regulatory factors represents a crucial process to modulate oligodendroglial maturation and myelin repair in the CNS.

[New therapeutic strategies for remyelination in multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by oligodendrocyte death and myelin sheath destruction of the central nervous system (CNS) in response to autoinflammatory processes. Besides demyelination axonal degeneration constitutes the second histopathological hallmark of this disease. A large number of immunomodulatory and targeted immunosuppression treatments have been approved for relapsing remitting (RR) MS where they effectively reduce relapse rates; however, currently no treatment options exist to repair injured axonal tracts or myelin damage that accumulates over time particularly in progressive MS. In light of the growing available therapeutic repertoire of highly potent immunomodulatory medications there is an increasing interest in the development of therapies aimed at neutralizing neurodegenerative damage. Endogenous remyelination processes occur mainly as a result of oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) activation, recruitment and maturation; however, this repair activity appears to be limited and increasingly fails during disease progression. Based on these observations OPCs are considered as promising targets for the regenerative treatment of all stages of MS. This article presents an overview of approved medications with a suggested role in regeneration, regenerative treatments that are currently being tested in clinical trials, as well as promising future therapeutic approaches derived from basic glial cell research aiming at the promotion of the endogenous repair activity of the brain.