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Theophanous S, Sargiannidou I, Kleopa KA. Glial Cells as Key Regulators in Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9588. [PMID: 39273535 PMCID: PMC11395575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179588] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though several highly effective treatments have been developed for multiple sclerosis (MS), the underlying pathological mechanisms and drivers of the disease have not been fully elucidated. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying neuroinflammation in the context of glial cell involvement as there is increasing evidence of their central role in disease progression. Although glial cell communication and proper function underlies brain homeostasis and maintenance, their multiple effects in an MS brain remain complex and controversial. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the contribution of glial cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia in the pathology of MS during both the activation and orchestration of inflammatory mechanisms, as well as of their synergistic effects during the repair and restoration of function. Additionally, we discuss how the understanding of glial cell involvement in MS may provide new therapeutic targets either to limit disease progression or to facilitate repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Theophanous
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus
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2
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Ames S, Brooks J, Jones E, Morehouse J, Cortez-Thomas F, Desta D, Stirling DP. NKCC1 inhibition reduces periaxonal swelling, increases white matter sparing, and improves neurological recovery after contusive SCI. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106611. [PMID: 39032797 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106611] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrastructural studies of contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals have shown that the most prominent acute changes in white matter are periaxonal swelling and separation of myelin away from their axon, axonal swelling, and axonal spheroid formation. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause periaxonal swelling and the functional consequences are poorly understood. We hypothesized that periaxonal swelling and loss of connectivity between the axo-myelinic interface impedes neurological recovery by disrupting conduction velocity, and glial to axonal trophic support resulting in axonal swelling and spheroid formation. Utilizing in vivo longitudinal imaging of Thy1YFP+ axons and myelin labeled with Nile red, we reveal that periaxonal swelling significantly increases acutely following a contusive SCI (T13, 30 kdyn, IH Impactor) versus baseline recordings (laminectomy only) and often precedes axonal spheroid formation. In addition, using longitudinal imaging to determine the fate of myelinated fibers acutely after SCI, we show that ∼73% of myelinated fibers present with periaxonal swelling at 1 h post SCI and ∼ 51% of those fibers transition to axonal spheroids by 4 h post SCI. Next, we assessed whether cation-chloride cotransporters present within the internode contributed to periaxonal swelling and whether their modulation would increase white matter sparing and improve neurological recovery following a moderate contusive SCI (T9, 50 kdyn). Mechanistically, activation of the cation-chloride cotransporter KCC2 did not improve neurological recovery and acute axonal survival, but did improve chronic tissue sparing. In distinction, the NKKC1 antagonist bumetanide improved neurological recovery, tissue sparing, and axonal survival, in part through preventing periaxonal swelling and disruption of the axo-myelinic interface. Collectively, these data reveal a novel neuroprotective target to prevent periaxonal swelling and improve neurological recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Ames
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - Jesse Brooks
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - Emma Jones
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - Johnny Morehouse
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - Francisco Cortez-Thomas
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202; Bioengineering, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - Dereje Desta
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202
| | - David P Stirling
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202; Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202; Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA 40202.
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3
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Osso LA, Hughes EG. Dynamics of mature myelin. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1449-1461. [PMID: 38773349 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01642-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Myelin, which is produced by oligodendrocytes, insulates axons to facilitate rapid and efficient action potential propagation in the central nervous system. Traditionally viewed as a stable structure, myelin is now known to undergo dynamic modulation throughout life. This Review examines these dynamics, focusing on two key aspects: (1) the turnover of myelin, involving not only the renewal of constituents but the continuous wholesale replacement of myelin membranes; and (2) the structural remodeling of pre-existing, mature myelin, a newly discovered form of neural plasticity that can be stimulated by external factors, including neuronal activity, behavioral experience and injury. We explore the mechanisms regulating these dynamics and speculate that myelin remodeling could be driven by an asymmetry in myelin turnover or reactivation of pathways involved in myelin formation. Finally, we outline how myelin remodeling could have profound impacts on neural function, serving as an integral component of behavioral adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Osso
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ethan G Hughes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Barbaresi P, Fabri M, Lorenzi T, Sagrati A, Morroni M. Intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1393000. [PMID: 39035452 PMCID: PMC11259024 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1393000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The corpus callosum-the largest commissural fiber system connecting the two cerebral hemispheres-is considered essential for bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions. Most studies exploring the corpus callosum have examined either the anatomical, physiological, and neurochemical organization of callosal projections or the functional and/or behavioral aspects of the callosal connections after complete/partial callosotomy or callosal lesion. There are no works that address the intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. We review the existing information on the activities that take place in the commissure in three sections: I) the topographical and neurochemical organization of the intracallosal fibers, II) the role of glia in the corpus callosum, and III) the role of the intracallosal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Barbaresi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mara Fabri
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Teresa Lorenzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Sagrati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manrico Morroni
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ancona, Italy
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Grønbæk-Thygesen M, Hartmann-Petersen R. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aspartoacylase and its role in Canavan disease. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38582917 PMCID: PMC10998430 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01224-6] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive and lethal neurological disorder, characterized by the spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain. The disease is caused by a deficiency of the cytosolic aspartoacylase (ASPA) enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), an abundant brain metabolite, into aspartate and acetate. On the physiological level, the mechanism of pathogenicity remains somewhat obscure, with multiple, not mutually exclusive, suggested hypotheses. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that most disease linked ASPA gene variants lead to a structural destabilization and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the ASPA protein variants, and accordingly Canavan disease should in general be considered a protein misfolding disorder. Here, we comprehensively summarize the molecular and cell biology of ASPA, with a particular focus on disease-linked gene variants and the pathophysiology of Canavan disease. We highlight the importance of high-throughput technologies and computational prediction tools for making genotype-phenotype predictions as we await the results of ongoing trials with gene therapy for Canavan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Grønbæk-Thygesen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen
- The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200N, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Van Steenwinckel J, Bokobza C, Laforge M, Shearer IK, Miron VE, Rua R, Matta SM, Hill‐Yardin EL, Fleiss B, Gressens P. Key roles of glial cells in the encephalopathy of prematurity. Glia 2024; 72:475-503. [PMID: 37909340 PMCID: PMC10952406 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24474] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Across the globe, approximately one in 10 babies are born preterm, that is, before 37 weeks of a typical 40 weeks of gestation. Up to 50% of preterm born infants develop brain injury, encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP), that substantially increases their risk for developing lifelong defects in motor skills and domains of learning, memory, emotional regulation, and cognition. We are still severely limited in our abilities to prevent or predict preterm birth. No longer just the "support cells," we now clearly understand that during development glia are key for building a healthy brain. Glial dysfunction is a hallmark of EoP, notably, microgliosis, astrogliosis, and oligodendrocyte injury. Our knowledge of glial biology during development is exponentially expanding but hasn't developed sufficiently for development of effective neuroregenerative therapies. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge for the roles of glia in infants with EoP and its animal models, and a description of known glial-cell interactions in the context of EoP, such as the roles for border-associated macrophages. The field of perinatal medicine is relatively small but has worked passionately to improve our understanding of the etiology of EoP coupled with detailed mechanistic studies of pre-clinical and human cohorts. A primary finding from this review is that expanding our collaborations with computational biologists, working together to understand the complexity of glial subtypes, glial maturation, and the impacts of EoP in the short and long term will be key to the design of therapies that improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy Bokobza
- NeuroDiderot, INSERMUniversité Paris CitéParisFrance
| | | | - Isabelle K. Shearer
- School of Health and Biomedical SciencesSTEM College, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Veronique E. Miron
- Barlo Multiple Sclerosis CentreSt. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of ImmunologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- College of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineThe Dementia Research Institute at The University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Rejane Rua
- CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille‐Luminy (CIML), Turing Centre for Living SystemsAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Samantha M. Matta
- School of Health and Biomedical SciencesSTEM College, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elisa L. Hill‐Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical SciencesSTEM College, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Bobbi Fleiss
- NeuroDiderot, INSERMUniversité Paris CitéParisFrance
- School of Health and Biomedical SciencesSTEM College, RMIT UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
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Colón Ortiz C, Eroglu C. Astrocyte signaling and interactions in Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102307. [PMID: 38145604 PMCID: PMC10922437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common cause of impairment in working-aged adults. MS is characterized by neuroinflammation and infiltration of peripheral immune cells to the brain, which cause myelin loss and death of oligodendrocytes and neurons. Many studies on MS have focused on the peripheral immune sources of demyelination and repair. However, recent studies revealed that a glial cell type, the astrocytes, undergo robust morphological and transcriptomic changes that contribute significantly to demyelination and myelin repair. Here, we discuss recent findings elucidating signaling modalities that astrocytes acquire or lose in MS and how these changes alter the interactions of astrocytes with other nervous system cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Colón Ortiz
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Cagla Eroglu
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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8
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Valdebenito S, Ajasin D, Valerdi K, Liu YR, Rao S, Eugenin EA. Mechanisms of Intracellular Communication in Cancer and Pathogen Spreading. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 73:301-326. [PMID: 39242384 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62036-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell interactions are essential for proper development, homeostasis, and complex syncytia/organ formation and function. Intercellular communication are mediated by multiple mechanisms including soluble mediators, adhesion molecules and specific mechanisms of cell to cell communication such as Gap junctions (GJ), tunneling nanotubes (TNT), and exosomes. Only recently, has been discovered that TNTs and exosomes enable the exchange of large signaling molecules, RNA, viral products, antigens, and organelles opening new avenues of research and therapeutic approaches. The focus of this review is to summarize these recent findings in physiologic and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Valdebenito
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David Ajasin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karl Valerdi
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Samvrit Rao
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA.
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ghasemi A, Tavasoli AR, Khojasteh M, Rohani M, Alavi A. Description of Phenotypic Heterogeneity in a GJC2-Related Family and Literature Review. Mol Syndromol 2023; 14:405-415. [PMID: 37915394 PMCID: PMC10617252 DOI: 10.1159/000529678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Homozygous and compound heterozygous variants in GJC2, the gene encoding connexin-47 protein, cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease type 1 or hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 2 (HLD2), a severe infantile-onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, and rarely some milder phenotypes like hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) type 44 (SPG44) and subclinical leukodystrophy. Herein, we report an Iranian GJC2-related family with intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity and review the literatures. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed for an Iranian proband, who was initially diagnosed as HSP case. Data were analyzed and the candidate variant was confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing subsequently checked in family members to co-segregation analysis. A careful clinical and paraclinical evaluation of all affected individuals of the family was done and compared with previous reported GJC2-related families. Results A novel homozygous variant, c.G14T:p.Ser5Ile, in the GJC2 gene was identified. The variant was co-segregated with the disease status in the family members. Clinical evaluation of all patients showed two distinct GJC2-related phenotypes in this family; the proband presented a complicated form of HSP, whereas both his affected sisters presented a HLD2 phenotype. Discussion Up to now, correlation between HSP and GJC2 variants has been reported once. Here, the second case of SPG44 was identified that emphasizes on GJC2 as a HSP-causing gene. So, the screening of GJC2 in patients with HSP or HSP-like phenotypes especially with hypomyelination in their brain MRI is recommended. Also, for the first time, intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity for "two distinct GJC2-related phenotypes: HLD2 and HSP" was reported. Such intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity for GJC2 can emphasize on the shared pathophysiology of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Ghasemi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Tavasoli
- Department of Neurology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Khojasteh
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rohani
- Department of Neurology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hazrat Rasool Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afagh Alavi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abrams CK. Mechanisms of Diseases Associated with Mutation in GJC2/Connexin 47. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040712. [PMID: 37189458 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are members of a family of integral membrane proteins that provide a pathway for both electrical and metabolic coupling between cells. Astroglia express connexin 30 (Cx30)-GJB6 and Cx43-GJA1, while oligodendroglia express Cx29/Cx31.3-GJC3, Cx32-GJB1, and Cx47-GJC2. Connexins organize into hexameric hemichannels (homomeric if all subunits are identical or heteromeric if one or more differs). Hemichannels from one cell then form cell-cell channels with a hemichannel from an apposed cell. (These are termed homotypic if the hemichannels are identical and heterotypic if the hemichannels differ). Oligodendrocytes couple to each other through Cx32/Cx32 or Cx47/Cx47 homotypic channels and they couple to astrocytes via Cx32/Cx30 or Cx47/Cx43 heterotypic channels. Astrocytes couple via Cx30/Cx30 and Cx43/Cx43 homotypic channels. Though Cx32 and Cx47 may be expressed in the same cells, all available data suggest that Cx32 and Cx47 cannot interact heteromerically. Animal models wherein one or in some cases two different CNS glial connexins have been deleted have helped to clarify the role of these molecules in CNS function. Mutations in a number of different CNS glial connexin genes cause human disease. Mutations in GJC2 lead to three distinct phenotypes, Pelizaeus Merzbacher like disease, hereditary spastic paraparesis (SPG44) and subclinical leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles K Abrams
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Glial Cell Metabolic Profile Upon Iron Deficiency: Oligodendroglial and Astroglial Casualties of Bioenergetic Adjustments. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1949-1963. [PMID: 36595194 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03149-y] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Iron deficiency (ID) represents one of the most prevalent nutritional deficits, affecting almost two billion people worldwide. Gestational iron deprivation induces hypomyelination due to oligodendroglial maturation deficiencies and is thus a useful experimental model to analyze oligodendrocyte (OLG) requirements to progress to a mature myelinating state. A previous proteomic study in the adult ID brain by our group demonstrated a pattern of dysregulated proteins involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present report was to assess bioenergetics metabolism in primary cultures of OLGs and astrocytes (ASTs) from control and ID newborns, on the hypothesis that the regulation of cell metabolism correlates with cell maturation. Oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates were measured using a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer. ID OLGs and ASTs both exhibited decreased spare respiratory capacity, which indicates that ID effectively induces mitochondrial dysfunction. A decrease in glycogen granules was observed in ID ASTs, and an increase in ROS production was detected in ID OLGs. Immunolabeling of structural proteins showed that mitochondrial number and size were increased in ID OLGs, while an increased number of smaller mitochondria was observed in ID ASTs. These results reflect an unfavorable bioenergetic scenario in which ID OLGs fail to progress to a myelinating state, and indicate that the regulation of cell metabolism may impact cell fate decisions and maturation.
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Kodzaga I, Dere E. A fatal alliance: Glial connexins, myelin pathology and mental disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:97-115. [PMID: 36701970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mature oligodendrocytes are myelin forming glial cells which are responsible for myelination of neuronal axons in the white matter of the central nervous system. Myelin pathology is a major feature of severe neurological disorders. Oligodendrocyte-specific gene mutations and/or white matter alterations have also been addressed in a variety of mental disorders. Breakdown of myelin integrity and demyelination is associated with severe symptoms, including impairments in motor coordination, breathing, dysarthria, perception (vision and hearing), and cognition. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating that myelin sheath defects and white matter pathology contributes to the affective and cognitive symptoms of patients with mental disorders. Oligodendrocytes express the connexins GJC2; mCx47 [human (GJC2) and mouse (mCx47) connexin gene nomenclature according to Söhl and Willecke (2003)], GJB1; mCx32, and GJD1; mCx29 in both white and gray matter. Preclinical findings indicate that alterations in connexin expression in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes can induce myelin defects. GJC2; mCx47 is expressed at early embryonic stages in oligodendrocyte precursors cells which precedes central nervous system myelination. In adult humans and animals GJC2, respectively mCx47 expression is essential for oligodendrocyte function and ensures adequate myelination as well as myelin maintenance in the central nervous system. In the past decade, evidence has accumulated suggesting that mental disorders can be accompanied by changes in connexin expression, myelin sheath defects and corresponding white matter alterations. This dual pathology could compromise inter-neuronal information transfer, processing and communication and eventually contribute to behavioral, sensory-motor, affective and cognitive symptoms in patients with mental disorders. The induction of myelin repair and remyelination in the central nervous system of patients with mental disorders could help to restore normal neuronal information propagation and ameliorate behavioral and cognitive symptoms in individuals with mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Iris Kodzaga
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005, Paris, France.
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Yamanaka K, Nakamura K, Shibahara T, Takashima M, Takaki H, Hidaka M, Komori M, Yoshikawa Y, Wakisaka Y, Ago T, Kitazono T. Deletion of Nox4 enhances remyelination following cuprizone-induced demyelination by increasing phagocytic capacity of microglia and macrophages in mice. Glia 2023; 71:541-559. [PMID: 36321558 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
NOX4 is a major reactive oxygen species-producing enzyme that modulates cell stress responses. We here examined the effect of Nox4 deletion on demyelination-remyelination, the most common pathological change in the brain. We used a model of cuprizone (CPZ)-associated demyelination-remyelination in wild-type and Nox4-deficient (Nox4-/- ) mice. While the CPZ-induced demyelination in the corpus callosum after 4 weeks of CPZ intoxication was slightly less pronounced in Nox4-/- mice than that in wild-type mice, remyelination following CPZ withdrawal was significantly enhanced in Nox4-/- mice with an increased accumulation of IBA1-positive microglia/macrophages in the demyelinating corpus callosum. Consistently, locomotor function, as assessed by the beam walking test, was significantly better during the remyelination phase in Nox4-/- mice. Nox4 deletion did not affect autonomous growth of primary-culture oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Although Nox4 expression was higher in cultured macrophages than in microglia, Nox4-/- microglia and macrophages both showed enhanced phagocytic capacity of myelin debris and produced increased amounts of trophic factors upon phagocytosis. The expression of trophic factors was higher, in parallel with the accumulation of IBA1-positive cells, in the corpus callosum in Nox4-/- mice than that in wild-type mice. Nox4 deletion suppressed phagocytosis-induced increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, enhancing phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Treatment with culture medium of Nox4-/- macrophages engulfing myelin debris, but not that of Nox4-/- astrocytes, enhanced cell growth and expression of myelin-associated proteins in cultured oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Collectively, Nox4 deletion promoted remyelination after CPZ-induced demyelination by enhancing microglia/macrophage-mediated clearance of myelin debris and the production of trophic factors leading to oligodendrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Yamanaka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kuniyuki Nakamura
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Shibahara
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Takashima
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hayato Takaki
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaoki Hidaka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Motohiro Komori
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoji Yoshikawa
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Wakisaka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Ago
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takanari Kitazono
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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15
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Pechlivanidou M, Kousiappa I, Angeli S, Sargiannidou I, Koupparis AM, Papacostas SS, Kleopa KA. Glial Gap Junction Pathology in the Spinal Cord of the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15597. [PMID: 36555237 PMCID: PMC9779687 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415597] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are specialized transmembrane channels assembled by two hemi-channels of six connexin (Cx) proteins that facilitate neuroglial crosstalk in the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies confirmed the crucial role of glial GJs in neurodegenerative disorders with dementia or motor dysfunction including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to examine the alterations in astrocyte and related oligodendrocyte GJs in association with Aβ plaques in the spinal cord of the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Our analysis revealed abundant Aβ plaque deposition, activated microglia, and astrogliosis in 12-month-old (12M) 5xFAD mice, with significant impairment of motor performance starting from 3-months (3M) of age. Additionally, 12M 5xFAD mice displayed increased immunoreactivity of astroglial Cx43 and Cx30 surrounding Aβ plaques and higher protein levels, indicating upregulated astrocyte-to-astrocyte GJ connectivity. In addition, they demonstrated increased numbers of mature CC1-positive and precursor oligodendrocytes (OPCs) with higher immunoreactivity of Cx47-positive GJs in individual cells. Moreover, total Cx47 protein levels were significantly elevated in 12M 5xFAD, reflecting increased oligodendrocyte-to-oligodendrocyte Cx47-Cx47 GJ connectivity. In contrast, we observed a marked reduction in Cx32 protein levels in 12M 5xFAD spinal cords compared with controls, while qRT-PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation in Cx32 mRNA levels. Finally, myelin deficits were found focally in the areas occupied by Aβ plaques, whereas axons themselves remained preserved. Overall, our data provide novel insights into the altered glial GJ expression in the spinal cord of the 5xFAD model of AD and the implicated role of GJ pathology in neurodegeneration. Further investigation to understand the functional consequences of these extensive alterations in oligodendrocyte-astrocyte (O/A) GJ connectivity is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pechlivanidou
- Neurobiology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Ioanna Kousiappa
- Neurobiology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Stella Angeli
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Andreas M. Koupparis
- Neurobiology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Epilepsy Centre, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Dementia and Cognitive Disorders Centre, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Savvas S. Papacostas
- Neurobiology Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2414, Cyprus
- Epilepsy Centre, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Dementia and Cognitive Disorders Centre, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A. Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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16
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Nishimura Y, Masaki K, Matsuse D, Yamaguchi H, Tanaka T, Matsuo E, Hayashida S, Watanabe M, Matsushita T, Sadashima S, Sasagasako N, Yamasaki R, Isobe N, Iwaki T, Kira J. Early and extensive alterations of glial connexins, distal oligodendrogliopathy type demyelination, and nodal/paranodal pathology are characteristic of multiple system atrophy. Brain Pathol 2022; 33:e13131. [PMID: 36368713 PMCID: PMC10154368 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is aberrant accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes, forming glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Extensive demyelination occurs particularly in the olivopontocerebellar and striatonigral pathways, but its precise mechanism remains elusive. Glial connexins (Cxs), which form gap junction channels between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, play critical roles in myelin maintenance, and have not been studied in MSA. Therefore, we immunohistochemically investigated glial Cx changes in the cerebellar afferent fibers in 15 autopsied patients with MSA. We classified demyelinating lesions into three stages based on Klüver-Barrera staining: early (Stage I), intermediate (Stage II), and late (Stage III) stages showing subtle, moderate, and severe myelin reduction, respectively. Myelin-associated glycoprotein, but not myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, was preferentially decreased in Stage I, suggesting distal oligodendrogliopathy type demyelination. Accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein in oligodendrocytes was frequently seen in Stage I but less frequently observed in Stages II and III. Tubulin polymerization-promoting protein (TPPP/p25α)-positive oligodendrocytes were preserved in Stage I but successively decreased in Stages II and III. Even at Stage I, Cx32 was nearly absent from myelin, despite the relative preservation of other nodal proteins, such as neurofascin, claudin-11/oligodendrocyte-specific protein, and contactin-associated protein 1, which successively decreased in the later stages. Cx32 was re-distributed in the oligodendrocyte cytoplasm and co-localized with GCIs. Cx47 gradually decreased at the oligodendrocyte surface in a stage-dependent manner but was not co-localized with GCIs. Astrocytic Cx43 was down-regulated in Stage I but up-regulated in Stages II and III, reflecting astrogliosis. Cx43/Cx47 gap junctions significantly decreased from Stage I to III. Activated microglia/macrophages and T cells infiltrated in Stage I rather than Stages II and III. Therefore, early and extensive alterations of glial Cxs, particularly Cx32 loss, occur in MSA and may accelerate distal oligodendrogliopathy type demyelination and nodal/paranodal dysfunction through disruption of inter-glial communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nishimura
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Masaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Dai Matsuse
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Hiroo Yamaguchi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Tatsunori Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
- Sumitomo Pharma Osaka Japan
| | - Eriko Matsuo
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Shotaro Hayashida
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Mitsuru Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Takuya Matsushita
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Shoko Sadashima
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Naokazu Sasagasako
- Department of Neurology, Neuro‐Muscular Center National Omuta Hospital Fukuoka Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Noriko Isobe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Toru Iwaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
| | - Jun‐ichi Kira
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University Fukuoka Japan
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka International University of Health and Welfare Ookawa Japan
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center Fukuoka Central Hospital Fukuoka Japan
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17
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Lam M, Takeo K, Almeida RG, Cooper MH, Wu K, Iyer M, Kantarci H, Zuchero JB. CNS myelination requires VAMP2/3-mediated membrane expansion in oligodendrocytes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5583. [PMID: 36151203 PMCID: PMC9508103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin is required for rapid nerve signaling and is emerging as a key driver of CNS plasticity and disease. How myelin is built and remodeled remains a fundamental question of neurobiology. Central to myelination is the ability of oligodendrocytes to add vast amounts of new cell membrane, expanding their surface areas by many thousand-fold. However, how oligodendrocytes add new membrane to build or remodel myelin is not fully understood. Here, we show that CNS myelin membrane addition requires exocytosis mediated by the vesicular SNARE proteins VAMP2/3. Genetic inactivation of VAMP2/3 in myelinating oligodendrocytes caused severe hypomyelination and premature death without overt loss of oligodendrocytes. Through live imaging, we discovered that VAMP2/3-mediated exocytosis drives membrane expansion within myelin sheaths to initiate wrapping and power sheath elongation. In conjunction with membrane expansion, mass spectrometry of oligodendrocyte surface proteins revealed that VAMP2/3 incorporates axon-myelin adhesion proteins that are collectively required to form nodes of Ranvier. Together, our results demonstrate that VAMP2/3-mediated membrane expansion in oligodendrocytes is indispensable for myelin formation, uncovering a cellular pathway that could sculpt myelination patterns in response to activity-dependent signals or be therapeutically targeted to promote regeneration in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mable Lam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Koji Takeo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, Toray Industries, Inc., Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Rafael G Almeida
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Madeline H Cooper
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manasi Iyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Husniye Kantarci
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J Bradley Zuchero
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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18
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
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19
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Corrales-Hernández MG, Ortiz-Vergara MC, Cormane-Alfaro V, Luque-Bernal RM, Calderon-Ospina CA, Cediel-Becerra JF. Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Neurodevelopment, Neurological Diseases, and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2237. [PMID: 36140338 PMCID: PMC9496069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092237] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for proper embryonic development and its dysfunction may lead to disease. Recent research has drawn attention to a new group of molecules called connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs). Cxs have been described for more than forty years as pivotal regulators of embryogenesis; however, the exact mechanism by which they provide this regulation has not been clearly elucidated. Consequently, Cxs and Panxs have been linked to congenital neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and, more recently, chronic hemichannel opening has been associated with adult neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions formed by hexameric assemblies of Cxs, known as connexons, is believed to be a crucial component in developmental regulation. As for Panxs, despite being topologically similar to Cxs, they predominantly seem to form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space and, despite recent research into Panx1 (Pannexin 1) expression in different regions of the brain during the embryonic phase, it has been studied to a lesser degree. When it comes to the nervous system, Cxs and Panxs play an important role in early stages of neuronal development with a wide span of action ranging from cellular migration during early stages to neuronal differentiation and system circuitry formation. In this review, we describe the most recent available evidence regarding the molecular and structural aspects of Cx and Panx channels, their role in neurodevelopment, congenital and adult neurological diseases, and finally propose how pharmacological modulation of these channels could modify the pathogenesis of some diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Valeria Cormane-Alfaro
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal
- Anatomy and Embriology Units, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- GENIUROS Research Group, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
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20
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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21
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Dermitzakis I, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Miliaras D, Kesidou E, Boziki M, Petratos S, Grigoriadis N, Theotokis P. Developmental Cues and Molecular Drivers in Myelinogenesis: Revisiting Early Life to Re-Evaluate the Integrity of CNS Myelin. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3208-3237. [PMID: 35877446 PMCID: PMC9324160 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44070222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) coordinates its communication through saltatory conduction, facilitated by myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs). Despite the fact that neurogenesis from stem cell niches has caught the majority of attention in recent years, oligodendrogenesis and, more specifically, the molecular underpinnings behind OL-dependent myelinogenesis, remain largely unknown. In this comprehensive review, we determine the developmental cues and molecular drivers which regulate normal myelination both at the prenatal and postnatal periods. We have indexed the individual stages of myelinogenesis sequentially; from the initiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, including migration and proliferation, to first contact with the axon that enlists positive and negative regulators for myelination, until the ultimate maintenance of the axon ensheathment and myelin growth. Here, we highlight multiple developmental pathways that are key to successful myelin formation and define the molecular pathways that can potentially be targets for pharmacological interventions in a variety of neurological disorders that exhibit demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasonas Dermitzakis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Activation of the unfolded protein response by Connexin47 mutations associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103716. [PMID: 35276347 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease type 1 (PMLD1) is a hypomyelinating disorder arising in patients with mutations in GJC2, encoding Connexin47 (Cx47). PMLD1 causes nystagmus, cerebellar ataxia, spasticity and changes in CNS white matter detected by MRI. At least one mutation (p.I33M) yields a much milder phenotype, spastic paraplegia type 44 (SPG44). Cx47 contributes to gap junction communication channels between oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS), and between OLs and astrocytes. Prior studies in cell lines have shown that PMLD1 mutants such as p.P87S display defective protein trafficking, intracellular retention in the ER and loss-of-function. Here we show that when expressed in primary OLs, three PMLD1 associated mutants (p.P87S, p.Y269D and p.M283T) show ER retention of Cx47 and evidence of activation of the cellular stress (unfolded protein response, UPR) and apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, the milder SPG44 associated mutation p.I33M shows a wild-type-like subcellular distribution and no activation of the UPR or apoptotic pathways. These studies provide new insight into a potential element of toxic gain of function underlying the mechanism of PMLD1 that should help guide future therapeutic approaches.
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23
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Hösli L, Zuend M, Bredell G, Zanker HS, Porto de Oliveira CE, Saab AS, Weber B. Direct vascular contact is a hallmark of cerebral astrocytes. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110599. [PMID: 35385728 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes establish extensive networks via gap junctions that allow each astrocyte to connect indirectly to the vasculature. However, the proportion of astrocytes directly associated with blood vessels is unknown. Here, we quantify structural contacts of cortical astrocytes with the vasculature in vivo. We show that all cortical astrocytes are connected to at least one blood vessel. Moreover, astrocytes contact more vessels in deeper cortical layers where vessel density is known to be higher. Further examination of different brain regions reveals that only the hippocampus, which has the lowest vessel density of all investigated brain regions, harbors single astrocytes with no apparent vascular connection. In summary, we show that almost all gray matter astrocytes have direct contact to the vasculature. In addition to the glial network, a direct vascular access may represent a complementary pathway for metabolite uptake and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Hösli
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Zuend
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gustav Bredell
- ETH Zurich, Computer Vision Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henri S Zanker
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carlos Eduardo Porto de Oliveira
- ETH Zurich, Computer Vision Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aiman S Saab
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Weber
- University of Zurich, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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24
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Hösli L, Binini N, Ferrari KD, Thieren L, Looser ZJ, Zuend M, Zanker HS, Berry S, Holub M, Möbius W, Ruhwedel T, Nave KA, Giaume C, Weber B, Saab AS. Decoupling astrocytes in adult mice impairs synaptic plasticity and spatial learning. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110484. [PMID: 35263595 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate neural homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and memory are still poorly explored. Astrocytes form large intercellular networks by gap junction coupling, mainly composed of two gap junction channel proteins, connexin 30 (Cx30) and connexin 43 (Cx43). To circumvent developmental perturbations and to test whether astrocytic gap junction coupling is required for hippocampal neural circuit function and behavior, we generate and study inducible, astrocyte-specific Cx30 and Cx43 double knockouts. Surprisingly, disrupting astrocytic coupling in adult mice results in broad activation of astrocytes and microglia, without obvious signs of pathology. We show that hippocampal CA1 neuron excitability, excitatory synaptic transmission, and long-term potentiation are significantly affected. Moreover, behavioral inspection reveals deficits in sensorimotor performance and a complete lack of spatial learning and memory. Together, our findings establish that astrocytic connexins and an intact astroglial network in the adult brain are vital for neural homeostasis, plasticity, and spatial cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Hösli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Noemi Binini
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim David Ferrari
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laetitia Thieren
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe J Looser
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Zuend
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henri S Zanker
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stewart Berry
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Holub
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torben Ruhwedel
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christian Giaume
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Aiman S Saab
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Mayorga-Weber G, Rivera FJ, Castro MA. Neuron-glia (mis)interactions in brain energy metabolism during aging. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:835-854. [PMID: 35085408 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Life expectancy in humans is increasing, resulting in a growing aging population, that is accompanied by an increased disposition to develop cognitive deterioration. Hypometabolism is one of the multiple factors related to inefficient brain function during aging. This review emphasizes the metabolic interactions between glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and neurons, particularly, during aging. Glial cells provide support and protection to neurons allowing adequate synaptic activity. We address metabolic coupling from the expression of transporters, availability of substrates, metabolic pathways, and mitochondrial activity. In aging, the main metabolic exchange machinery is altered with inefficient levels of nutrients and detrimental mitochondrial activity that results in high reactive oxygen species levels and reduced ATP production, generating a highly inflammatory environment that favors deregulated cell death. Here, we provide an overview of the glial-to-neuron mechanisms, from the molecular components to the cell types, emphasizing aging as the crucial risk factor for developing neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Mayorga-Weber
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco J Rivera
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maite A Castro
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Janelia Research Campus, HHMI, Ashburn, VA, USA
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26
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Cytokines in the Brain and Neuroinflammation: We Didn’t Starve the Fire! Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020140. [PMID: 35215252 PMCID: PMC8878213 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the brain-protecting tissues of the skull, meninges, and blood-brain barrier, some forms of injury to or infection of the CNS can give rise to cerebral cytokine production and action and result in drastic changes in brain function and behavior. Interestingly, peripheral infection-induced systemic inflammation can also be accompanied by increased cerebral cytokine production. Furthermore, it has been recently proposed that some forms of psychological stress may have similar CNS effects. Different conditions of cerebral cytokine production and action will be reviewed here against the background of neuroinflammation. Within this context, it is important to both deepen our understanding along already taken paths as well as to explore new ways in which neural functioning can be modified by cytokines. This, in turn, should enable us to put forward different modes of cerebral cytokine production and action in relation to distinct forms of neuroinflammation.
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27
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Bloom MS, Orthmann-Murphy J, Grinspan JB. Motor Learning and Physical Exercise in Adaptive Myelination and Remyelination. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221097510. [PMID: 35635130 PMCID: PMC9158406 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221097510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that myelination is driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic cues has gained much traction in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that myelination occurs in an intrinsic manner during early development and continues through adulthood in an activity-dependent manner called adaptive myelination. Motor learning, the gradual acquisition of a specific novel motor skill, promotes adaptive myelination in both the healthy and demyelinated central nervous system (CNS). On the other hand, exercise, a physical activity that involves planned, structured and repetitive bodily movements that expend energy and benefits one's fitness, promotes remyelination in pathology, but it is less clear whether it promotes adaptive myelination in healthy subjects. Studies on these topics have also investigated whether the timing of motor learning or physical exercise is important for successful addition of myelin. Here we review our current understanding of the relationship of motor skill learning and physical exercise on myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara S. Bloom
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Orthmann-Murphy
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judith B. Grinspan
- Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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28
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Talukdar S, Emdad L, Das SK, Fisher PB. GAP junctions: multifaceted regulators of neuronal differentiation. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1982349. [PMID: 34651545 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1982349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular membrane channels consisting of connexin proteins, which contribute to direct cytoplasmic exchange of small molecules, substrates and metabolites between adjacent cells. These channels play important roles in neuronal differentiation, maintenance, survival and function. Gap junctions regulate differentiation of neurons from embryonic, neural and induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, they control transdifferentiation of neurons from mesenchymal stem cells. The expression and levels of several connexins correlate with cell cycle changes and different stages of neurogenesis. Connexins such as Cx36, Cx45, and Cx26, play a crucial role in neuronal function. Several connexin knockout mice display lethal or severely impaired phenotypes. Aberrations in connexin expression is frequently associated with various neurodegenerative disorders. Gap junctions also act as promising therapeutic targets for neuronal regenerative medicine, because of their role in neural stem cell integration, injury and remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmistha Talukdar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
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29
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Abrams CK, Flores-Obando RE, Dungan GD, Cherepanova E, Freidin MM. Investigating oligodendrocyte connexins: Heteromeric interactions between Cx32 and mutant or wild-type forms of Cx47 do not contribute to or modulate gap junction function. Glia 2021; 69:1882-1896. [PMID: 33835612 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes express two gap junction forming connexins, connexin 32 (Cx32) and Cx47; therefore, formation of heteromeric channels containing both Cx47 and Cx32 monomers might occur. Mutations in Cx47 cause both Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease Type 1 (PMLD1) and hereditary spastic paraparesis Type 44 (SPG44) and heteromer formation between these mutants and Cx32 may contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders. Here, we utilized electrophysiological and antibody-based techniques to examine this possibility. When cells expressing both Cx32 and Cx47 were paired with cells expressing either Cx32 or Cx47, properties were indistinguishable from those produced by cells expressing homotypic Cx32 or Cx47 channels. Similarly, pairing cells expressing both Cx32 and Cx47 with cells expressing Cx30 or Cx43 produced channels indistinguishable from heterotypic Cx32/Cx30 or Cx47/Cx43 channels, respectively. The same assessments were performed on cells expressing Cx32 and four mutant forms of Cx47 (p.I33M associated with SPG44 or p.P87S, p.Y269D or p.M283T associated with PMLD1). None of these mutants showed a functional effect on Cx32. Immunostained cells co-expressing Cx32WT (wild type) and Cx47WT showed a Pearson correlation coefficient close to zero, suggesting that any overlap was due to chance. p.Y269D showed a statistically significant negative correlation with Cx32, suggesting that Cx32 and this mutant overlap less than expected by chance. Co-immunoprecipitation of Cx32 with Cx47WT and mutants show only very low levels of co-immunoprecipitated protein. Overall, our data suggest that interactions between PMLD1 or SPG44 mutants and Cx32 gap junctions do not contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles K Abrams
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | | | - Gabriel D Dungan
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elina Cherepanova
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mona M Freidin
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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30
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Stavropoulos F, Georgiou E, Sargiannidou I, Kleopa KA. Dysregulation of Blood-Brain Barrier and Exacerbated Inflammatory Response in Cx47-Deficient Mice after Induction of EAE. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070621. [PMID: 34203192 PMCID: PMC8308522 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), in connexin 32 (Cx32) or Cx47 knockout (KO) mice with deficiency in oligodendrocyte gap junctions (GJs) results in a more severe disease course. In particular, Cx47 KO EAE mice experience an earlier EAE onset and more pronounced disease severity, accompanied by dysregulated pro-inflammatory responses preceding the disease manifestations. In this study, analysis of relevant pro-inflammatory cytokines in wild type EAE, Cx32 KO EAE, and Cx47 KO EAE mice revealed altered expression of Vcam-1 preceding EAE [7 days post injection (dpi)], of Ccl2 at the onset of EAE (12 dpi), and of Gm-csf at the peak of EAE (24 dpi) in Cx47 KO EAE mice. Moreover, Cx47 KO EAE mice exhibited more severe blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption, enhanced astrogliosis with defects in tight junction formation at the glia limitans, and increased T-cell infiltration prior to disease onset. Thus, Cx47 deficiency appears to cause dysregulation of the inflammatory profile and BSCB integrity, promoting early astrocyte responses in Cx47 KO EAE mice that lead to a more severe EAE outcome. Further investigation into the role of oligodendrocytic Cx47 in EAE and multiple sclerosis pathology is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippos Stavropoulos
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (F.S.); (E.G.); (I.S.)
| | - Elena Georgiou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (F.S.); (E.G.); (I.S.)
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (F.S.); (E.G.); (I.S.)
| | - Kleopas A. Kleopa
- Neuroscience Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus; (F.S.); (E.G.); (I.S.)
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22-358600; Fax: +357-22-392786
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31
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Gilloteaux J, Bouchat J, Bielarz V, Brion JP, Nicaise C. A primary cilium in oligodendrocytes: a fine structure signal of repairs in thalamic Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS). Ultrastruct Pathol 2021; 45:128-157. [PMID: 34154511 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2021.1891161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A murine osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) model of the central nervous system included the relay thalamic ventral posterolateral (VPL) and ventral posteromedial (VPM) nuclei. Morphologic comparisons between treatments have revealed oligodendrocyte changes and, already 12 hours following the osmolality restoration, some heavily contrasted oligodendrocytes formed a unique intracellular primary cilium. This unique structure, found in vivo, in mature CNS oligodendrocytes, could account for a local awakening of some of the developmental proteome as it can be expressed in oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This resilience accompanied the emergence of arl13b protein expression along with restoration of nerve cell body axon hillocks shown in a previous issue of this journal. Additionally, the return of several thalamic oligodendrocyte fine features (nucleus, organelles) was shown 36 h later, including some mitosis. Those cell restorations and recognized translational activities comforted that local repairs could again take place, due to oligodendrocyte resilience after ODS instead or added to a postulated immigration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells distant from the sites of myelinolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Gilloteaux
- Unit of Research in Molecular Physiology (Urphym - NARILIS), Départment of Médecine, Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, St George's University School of Medicine, KB Taylor Global Scholar's Program at UNN, School of Health and Life Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Joanna Bouchat
- Unit of Research in Molecular Physiology (Urphym - NARILIS), Départment of Médecine, Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Valery Bielarz
- Unit of Research in Molecular Physiology (Urphym - NARILIS), Départment of Médecine, Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Brion
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculté de Médecine Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Nicaise
- Unit of Research in Molecular Physiology (Urphym - NARILIS), Départment of Médecine, Université de Namur, Namur, Belgium
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32
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Traiffort E, Morisset-Lopez S, Moussaed M, Zahaf A. Defective Oligodendroglial Lineage and Demyelination in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073426. [PMID: 33810425 PMCID: PMC8036314 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons and their axons reaching the skeletal muscle have long been considered as the best characterized targets of the degenerative process observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the involvement of glial cells was also more recently reported. Although oligodendrocytes have been underestimated for a longer time than other cells, they are presently considered as critically involved in axonal injury and also conversely constitute a target for the toxic effects of the degenerative neurons. In the present review, we highlight the recent advances regarding oligodendroglial cell involvement in the pathogenesis of ALS. First, we present the oligodendroglial cells, the process of myelination, and the tight relationship between axons and myelin. The histological abnormalities observed in ALS and animal models of the disease are described, including myelin defects and oligodendroglial accumulation of pathological protein aggregates. Then, we present data that establish the existence of dysfunctional and degenerating oligodendroglial cells, the chain of events resulting in oligodendrocyte degeneration, and the most recent molecular mechanisms supporting oligodendrocyte death and dysfunction. Finally, we review the arguments in support of the primary versus secondary involvement of oligodendrocytes in the disease and discuss the therapeutic perspectives related to oligodendrocyte implication in ALS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Traiffort
- Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System U1195 INSERM, Paris Saclay University, 80 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Séverine Morisset-Lopez
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Orléans University, INSERM, rue Charles Sadron, CEDEX 02, 45071 Orleans, France; (S.M.-L.); (M.M.)
| | - Mireille Moussaed
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, UPR 4301 CNRS, Orléans University, INSERM, rue Charles Sadron, CEDEX 02, 45071 Orleans, France; (S.M.-L.); (M.M.)
| | - Amina Zahaf
- Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System U1195 INSERM, Paris Saclay University, 80 Rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
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33
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Duncan GJ, Simkins TJ, Emery B. Neuron-Oligodendrocyte Interactions in the Structure and Integrity of Axons. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653101. [PMID: 33763430 PMCID: PMC7982542 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes is a highly complex cell-to-cell interaction. Oligodendrocytes and axons have a reciprocal signaling relationship in which oligodendrocytes receive cues from axons that direct their myelination, and oligodendrocytes subsequently shape axonal structure and conduction. Oligodendrocytes are necessary for the maturation of excitatory domains on the axon including nodes of Ranvier, help buffer potassium, and support neuronal energy metabolism. Disruption of the oligodendrocyte-axon unit in traumatic injuries, Alzheimer's disease and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis results in axonal dysfunction and can culminate in neurodegeneration. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which demyelination and loss of oligodendrocytes compromise axons. We highlight the intra-axonal cascades initiated by demyelination that can result in irreversible axonal damage. Both the restoration of oligodendrocyte myelination or neuroprotective therapies targeting these intra-axonal cascades are likely to have therapeutic potential in disorders in which oligodendrocyte support of axons is disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg J. Duncan
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Tyrell J. Simkins
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ben Emery
- Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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34
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Charvériat M, Mouthon F, Rein W, Verkhratsky A. Connexins as therapeutic targets in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166098. [PMID: 33545299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes represent the reticular part of the central nervous system; gap junctions formed by connexins Cx43, Cx30- and Cx26 provide for homocellular astrocyte-astrocyte coupling, whereas connexins Cx30, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx47 connect astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Astroglial networks are anatomically and functionally segregated being homologous to neuronal ensembles. Connexons, gap junctions and hemichannels (unpaired connexons) are affected in various neuropathologies from neuropsychiatric to neurodegenerative diseases. Manipulation of astrocytic connexins modulates the size and outreach of astroglial syncytia thus affecting astroglial homeostatic support. Modulation of astrocytic connexin significantly modifies pharmacological profile of many CNS drugs, which represents an innovative therapeutic approach for CNS disorders; this approach is now actively tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Wide combination of connexin modulators with CNS drugs open new promising perspectives for fundamental studies and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
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35
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de Curtis M, Garbelli R, Uva L. A hypothesis for the role of axon demyelination in seizure generation. Epilepsia 2021; 62:583-595. [PMID: 33493363 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Loss of myelin and altered oligodendrocyte distribution in the cerebral cortex are commonly observed both in postsurgical tissue derived from different focal epilepsies (such as focal cortical dysplasias and tuberous sclerosis) and in animal models of focal epilepsy. Moreover, seizures are a frequent symptom in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and in animal models of demyelination and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. Finally, the excessive activity reported in demyelinated axons may promote hyperexcitability. We hypothesize that the extracellular potassium rise generated during epileptiform activity may be amplified by the presence of axons without appropriate myelin coating and by alterations in oligodendrocyte function. This process could facilitate the triggering of recurrent spontaneous seizures in areas of altered myelination and could result in further demyelination, thus promoting epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco de Curtis
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Garbelli
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Uva
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the thalamus jointly maintain synaptic activity by supplying metabolites. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108642. [PMID: 33472059 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalamic astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are coupled via gap junctions and form panglial networks. Here, we show that these networks have a key role in energy supply of neurons. Filling an astrocyte or an oligodendrocyte in acute slices with glucose or lactate is sufficient to rescue the decline of stimulation-induced field post-synaptic potential (fPSP) amplitudes during extracellular glucose deprivation (EGD). In mice lacking oligodendroglial coupling, loading an astrocyte with glucose does not rescue the EGD-mediated loss of fPSPs. Monocarboxylate and glucose transporters are required for rescuing synaptic activity during EGD. In mice deficient in astrocyte coupling, filling of an oligodendrocyte with glucose does not rescue fPSPs during EGD. Our results demonstrate that, in the thalamus, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are jointly engaged in delivering energy substrates for sustaining neuronal activity and suggest that oligodendrocytes exert their effect mainly by assisting astrocytes in metabolite transfer to the postsynapse.
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Göppner C, Soria AH, Hoegg-Beiler MB, Jentsch TJ. Cellular basis of ClC-2 Cl - channel-related brain and testis pathologies. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100074. [PMID: 33187987 PMCID: PMC7949093 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ClC-2 chloride channel is expressed in the plasma membrane of almost all mammalian cells. Mutations that cause the loss of ClC-2 function lead to retinal and testicular degeneration and leukodystrophy, whereas gain-of-function mutations cause hyperaldosteronism. Leukodystrophy is also observed with a loss of GlialCAM, a cell adhesion molecule that binds to ClC-2 in glia. GlialCAM changes the localization of ClC-2 and opens the channel by altering its gating. We now used cell type-specific deletion of ClC-2 in mice to show that retinal and testicular degeneration depend on a loss of ClC-2 in retinal pigment epithelial cells and Sertoli cells, respectively, whereas leukodystrophy was fully developed only when ClC-2 was disrupted in both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The leukodystrophy of Glialcam-/- mice could not be rescued by crosses with Clcn2op/op mice in which a mutation mimics the "opening" of ClC-2 by GlialCAM. These data indicate that GlialCAM-induced changes in biophysical properties of ClC-2 are irrelevant for GLIALCAM-related leukodystrophy. Taken together, our findings suggest that the pathology caused by Clcn2 disruption results from disturbed extracellular ion homeostasis and identifies the cells involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Göppner
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Audrey H Soria
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Maja B Hoegg-Beiler
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas J Jentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany; Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
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Tian D, Zhao Y, Zhu R, Li Q, Liu X. Systematic review of CMTX1 patients with episodic neurological dysfunction. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 8:213-223. [PMID: 33314704 PMCID: PMC7818278 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 (CMTX1) is an inherited peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in the gap junction beta 1 (GJB1) gene, which encodes the connexin32 protein. A small number of patients with GJB1 mutations present with episodic neurological dysfunction and reversible white matter lesions, which has not been adequately reported. Here, we aim to enable clinicians to further understand this particular situation through systematically reviewing all published relevant cases. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed electronic database for medical literature relevant to CMTX1 patients with episodic neurological dysfunction and then fully analyzed the general information, clinical manifestations, and characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and nerve conduction study (NCS). RESULTS We identified 47 cases of CMTX1 associated with episodic central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction from 38 publications. CMTX1 patients experienced episodic CNS deficits at a young age, ranging from infancy to 26 years, and 45 (95.7%) of them were male. The CNS symptoms manifested as facial, lingual, or limb weakness in 44 (93.6%), dysarthria or dysphagia in 39 (83.0%), facial or limb numbness in 15 (31.9%), and ataxia in 10 (21.3%) patients. The duration of episodic symptoms ranged from 3 minutes to 6 months. Thirty (63.8%) CMTX1 cases have reported obvious predisposing factors, among which the most common factors were infection or fever (27.7%), travel to high altitude (12.8%), and intensive exercise (8.5%). As for brain MRI, most abnormal signals were found in bilateral deep white matter (88.9%) and corpus callosum (80.0%). In addition, most of the NCS results were abnormal, including prolonged latency, reduced amplitude, and slowed conduction velocity. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of median nerve was the most detectable and valuable, ranging from 25 to 45 m/s. INTERPRETATION We have reported the most comprehensive summary of the demographic and clinical profile from 47 CMTX1 patients with episodic CNS deficits and provided new insight into the phenotype spectrum of CMTX1. We hope that our study can help clinicians make early diagnosis and implement the best prevention and treatment strategies for CMTX1 patients with episodic CNS deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Tian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yating Zhao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Qu Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Abou-Mrad Z, Alomari SO, Bsat S, Moussalem CK, Alok K, El Houshiemy MN, Alomari AO, Minassian GB, Omeis IA. Role of connexins in spinal cord injury: An update. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 197:106102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Dere D, Zlomuzica A, Dere E. Channels to consciousness: a possible role of gap junctions in consciousness. Rev Neurosci 2020; 32:/j/revneuro.ahead-of-print/revneuro-2020-0012/revneuro-2020-0012.xml. [PMID: 32853172 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurophysiological basis of consciousness is still unknown and one of the most challenging questions in the field of neuroscience and related disciplines. We propose that consciousness is characterized by the maintenance of mental representations of internal and external stimuli for the execution of cognitive operations. Consciousness cannot exist without working memory, and it is likely that consciousness and working memory share the same neural substrates. Here, we present a novel psychological and neurophysiological framework that explains the role of consciousness for cognition, adaptive behavior, and everyday life. A hypothetical architecture of consciousness is presented that is organized as a system of operation and storage units named platforms that are controlled by a consciousness center (central executive/online platform). Platforms maintain mental representations or contents, are entrusted with different executive functions, and operate at different levels of consciousness. The model includes conscious-mode central executive/online and mental time travel platforms and semiconscious steady-state and preconscious standby platforms. Mental representations or contents are represented by neural circuits and their support cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and become conscious when neural circuits reverberate, that is, fire sequentially and continuously with relative synchronicity. Reverberatory activity in neural circuits may be initiated and maintained by pacemaker cells/neural circuit pulsars, enhanced electronic coupling via gap junctions, and unapposed hemichannel opening. The central executive/online platform controls which mental representations or contents should become conscious by recruiting pacemaker cells/neural network pulsars, the opening of hemichannels, and promoting enhanced neural circuit coupling via gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Faculty of Psychology, Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Bochum, Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
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Papaneophytou C, Georgiou E, Kleopa KA. The role of oligodendrocyte gap junctions in neuroinflammation. Channels (Austin) 2020; 13:247-263. [PMID: 31232168 PMCID: PMC6602578 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2019.1631107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) provide channels for direct cell-to-cell connectivity serving the homeostasis in several organs of vertebrates including the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems. GJs are composed of connexins (Cx), which show a highly distinct cellular and subcellular expression pattern. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the CNS, are characterized by extensive GJ connectivity with each other as well as with astrocytes. The main oligodendrocyte connexins forming these GJ channels are Cx47 and Cx32. The importance of these channels has been highlighted by the discovery of human diseases caused by mutations in oligodendrocyte connexins, manifesting with leukodystrophy or transient encephalopathy. Experimental models have provided further evidence that oligodendrocyte GJs are essential for CNS myelination and homeostasis, while a strong inflammatory component has been recognized in the absence of oligodendrocyte connexins. Further studies revealed that connexins are also disrupted in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain, and in experimental models of induced inflammatory demyelination. Moreover, induced demyelination was more severe and associated with higher degree of CNS inflammation in models with oligodendrocyte GJ deficiency, suggesting that disrupted connexin expression in oligodendrocytes is not only a consequence but can also drive a pro-inflammatory environment in acquired demyelinating disorders such as MS. In this review, we summarize the current insights from human disorders as well as from genetic and acquired models of demyelination related to oligodendrocyte connexins, with the remaining challenges and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Papaneophytou
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus.,b Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering , University of Nicosia , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Elena Georgiou
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Kleopas A Kleopa
- a Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus.,c Neurology Clinics , the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, and the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine , Nicosia , Cyprus
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43
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Werkman IL, Lentferink DH, Baron W. Macroglial diversity: white and grey areas and relevance to remyelination. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:143-171. [PMID: 32648004 PMCID: PMC7867526 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Macroglia, comprising astrocytes and oligodendroglial lineage cells, have long been regarded as uniform cell types of the central nervous system (CNS). Although regional morphological differences between these cell types were initially described after their identification a century ago, these differences were largely ignored. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that macroglial cells form distinct populations throughout the CNS, based on both functional and morphological features. Moreover, with the use of refined techniques including single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, additional evidence is emerging for regional macroglial heterogeneity at the transcriptional level. In parallel, several studies revealed the existence of regional differences in remyelination capacity between CNS grey and white matter areas, both in experimental models for successful remyelination as well as in the chronic demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis (MS). In this review, we provide an overview of the diversity in oligodendroglial lineage cells and astrocytes from the grey and white matter, as well as their interplay in health and upon demyelination and successful remyelination. In addition, we discuss the implications of regional macroglial diversity for remyelination in light of its failure in MS. Since the etiology of MS remains unknown and only disease-modifying treatments altering the immune response are available for MS, the elucidation of macroglial diversity in grey and white matter and its putative contribution to the observed difference in remyelination efficiency between these regions may open therapeutic avenues aimed at enhancing endogenous remyelination in either area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge L Werkman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Dennis H Lentferink
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wia Baron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Roles of Progesterone, Testosterone and Their Nuclear Receptors in Central Nervous System Myelination and Remyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093163. [PMID: 32365806 PMCID: PMC7246940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone and testosterone, beyond their roles as sex hormones, are neuroactive steroids, playing crucial regulatory functions within the nervous system. Among these, neuroprotection and myelin regeneration are important ones. The present review aims to discuss the stimulatory effects of progesterone and testosterone on the process of myelination and remyelination. These effects have been demonstrated in vitro (i.e., organotypic cultures) and in vivo (cuprizone- or lysolecithin-induced demyelination and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)). Both steroids stimulate myelin formation and regeneration by acting through their respective intracellular receptors: progesterone receptors (PR) and androgen receptors (AR). Activation of these receptors results in multiple events involving direct transcription and translation, regulating general homeostasis, cell proliferation, differentiation, growth and myelination. It also ameliorates immune response as seen in the EAE model, resulting in a significant decrease in inflammation leading to a fast recovery. Although natural progesterone and testosterone have a therapeutic potential, their synthetic derivatives—the 19-norprogesterone (nestorone) and 7α-methyl-nortestosterone (MENT), already used as hormonal contraception or in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapies, may offer enhanced benefits for myelin repair. We summarize here a recent advancement in the field of myelin biology, to treat demyelinating disorders using the natural as well as synthetic analogs of progesterone and testosterone.
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45
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Giaume C, Naus CC, Sáez JC, Leybaert L. Glial Connexins and Pannexins in the Healthy and Diseased Brain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:93-145. [PMID: 32326824 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades a large amount of data have established that glial cells, the main cell population in the brain, dynamically interact with neurons and thus impact their activity and survival. One typical feature of glia is their marked expression of several connexins, the membrane proteins forming intercellular gap junction channels and hemichannels. Pannexins, which have a tetraspan membrane topology as connexins, are also detected in glial cells. Here, we review the evidence that connexin and pannexin channels are actively involved in dynamic and metabolic neuroglial interactions in physiological as well as in pathological situations. These features of neuroglial interactions open the way to identify novel non-neuronal aspects that allow for a better understanding of behavior and information processing performed by neurons. This will also complement the "neurocentric" view by facilitating the development of glia-targeted therapeutic strategies in brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giaume
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Tognatta R, Karl MT, Fyffe-Maricich SL, Popratiloff A, Garrison ED, Schenck JK, Abu-Rub M, Miller RH. Astrocytes Are Required for Oligodendrocyte Survival and Maintenance of Myelin Compaction and Integrity. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:74. [PMID: 32300294 PMCID: PMC7142332 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been implicated in regulating oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vitro, although their functions in vivo remain less well defined. Using a novel approach to locally ablate GFAP+ astrocytes, we demonstrate that astrocytes are required for normal CNS myelin compaction during development, and for maintaining myelin integrity in the adult. Transient ablation of GFAP+ astrocytes in the mouse spinal cord during the first postnatal week reduced the numbers of mature oligodendrocytes and inhibited myelin formation, while prolonged ablation resulted in myelin that lacked compaction and structural integrity. Ablation of GFAP+ astrocytes in the adult spinal cord resulted in the rapid, local loss of myelin integrity and regional demyelination. The loss of myelin integrity induced by astrocyte ablation was greatly reduced by NMDA receptor antagonists, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that myelin stability was affected by elevation of local glutamate levels following astrocyte ablation. Furthermore, targeted delivery of glutamate into adult spinal cord white matter resulted in reduction of myelin basic protein expression and localized disruption of myelin compaction which was also reduced by NMDA receptor blockade. The pathology induced by localized astrocyte loss and elevated exogenous glutamate, supports the concept that astrocytes are critical for maintenance of myelin integrity in the adult CNS and may be primary targets in the initiation of demyelinating diseases of the CNS, such as Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Tognatta
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Gladstone Institute of Neurological Diseases, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Molly T Karl
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Anastas Popratiloff
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Eric D Garrison
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jessica K Schenck
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Mohammad Abu-Rub
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Robert H Miller
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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47
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Xia CY, Xu JK, Pan CH, Lian WW, Yan Y, Ma BZ, He J, Zhang WK. Connexins in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes: Possible factors for demyelination in multiple sclerosis. Neurochem Int 2020; 136:104731. [PMID: 32201280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidences support that glial connexins are involved in the demyelination pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder. Here, we review the data from patients with MS and animal models of MS that implicate connexins in demyelination. Connexins expressed in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes show diverse changes at the different phases of MS. Loss of oligodendrocyte or astrocyte connexins contributes to demyelination and exaggerates the pathology of MS. Channel-dependent and -independent connexins are involved in the pathology of demyelination, which is related with myelin integrity, metabolic homeostasis, the brain-blood barrier, the immune cell infiltration, and the inflammatory response. A comprehensive understanding of connexin function in demyelination may provide new therapeutic targets for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Yuan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Kun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Hao Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Wen Lian
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Zhi Ma
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei-Ku Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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Jarjour AA, Velichkova AN, Boyd A, Lord KM, Torsney C, Henderson DJ, Ffrench-Constant C. The formation of paranodal spirals at the ends of CNS myelin sheaths requires the planar polarity protein Vangl2. Glia 2020; 68:1840-1858. [PMID: 32125730 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During axonal ensheathment, noncompact myelin channels formed at lateral edges of the myelinating process become arranged into tight paranodal spirals that resemble loops when cut in cross section. These adhere to the axon, concentrating voltage-dependent sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier and patterning the surrounding axon into distinct molecular domains. The signals responsible for forming and maintaining the complex structure of paranodal myelin are poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that the planar cell polarity determinant Vangl2 organizes paranodal myelin. We show that Vangl2 is concentrated at paranodes and that, following conditional knockout of Vangl2 in oligodendrocytes, the paranodal spiral loosens, accompanied by disruption to the microtubule cytoskeleton and mislocalization of autotypic adhesion molecules between loops within the spiral. Adhesion of the spiral to the axon is unaffected. This results in disruptions to axonal patterning at nodes of Ranvier, paranodal axon diameter and conduction velocity. When taken together with our previous work showing that loss of the apico-basal polarity protein Scribble has the opposite phenotype-loss of axonal adhesion but no effect on loop-loop autotypic adhesion-our results identify a novel mechanism by which polarity proteins control the shape of nodes of Ranvier and regulate conduction in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Jarjour
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Atanaska N Velichkova
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Boyd
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kathryn M Lord
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carole Torsney
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Deborah J Henderson
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Charles Ffrench-Constant
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine and MS Society/University of Edinburgh Centre for Translational Research, Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Li Q, Chen C, Ren Y, Liu X. Recurrent Stroke-Like Symptoms After Cesarean Section Deliveries in a Female Patient With X-Linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1. Front Neurol 2020; 11:8. [PMID: 32047472 PMCID: PMC6997334 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1 (CMTX1) is the second most frequent form of CMT, which is caused by mutations in the gap junction beta 1 gene (GJB1) coding for connexin 32 protein. In addition to typical peripheral neuropathy, central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with CMTX1 has been reported as a special feature, but female patients are rarely affected. Case presentation: We describe a 29-year-old female who had a history of two cesarean deliveries. After each delivery, she presented transient and recurrent slurred speech and limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse abnormal signals in the corpus callosum, posterior limbs of bilateral internal capsule, and centrum semiovale. Electromyogram showed sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy with the characteristics of intermediate CMT. The C.622G>A mutation (p.Glu208Lys) in the GJB1 gene was detected by PCR-sequencing. Conclusion: The diagnosis of CMTX1 should be considered, even in female patients, when the disease presents with recurrent stroke-like symptoms and abnormal white matter signals on MRI. The puerperium after delivery may be one of the precipitating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, The Research Center for Medical Genomics, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Ren
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Oligodendroglial connexin 47 regulates neuroinflammation upon autoimmune demyelination in a novel mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:2160-2169. [PMID: 31932428 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901294117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis plaques, oligodendroglial connexin (Cx) 47 constituting main gap junction channels with astroglial Cx43 is persistently lost. As mice with Cx47 single knockout exhibit no demyelination, the roles of Cx47 remain undefined. We aimed to clarify the effects of oligodendroglia-specific Cx47 inducible conditional knockout (icKO) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55) in PLP/CreERT;Cx47fl/fl mice at 14 d after tamoxifen injection. Cx47 icKO mice demonstrated exacerbation of acute and chronic relapsing EAE with more pronounced demyelination than Cx47 flox (fl)/fl littermates. CD3+ T cells more abundantly infiltrated the spinal cord in Cx47 icKO than in Cx47 fl/fl mice throughout the acute to chronic phases. CXCR3-CCR6+CD4+ and IL17+IFNγ-CD4+ helper T (Th) 17 cells isolated from spinal cord and brain tissues were significantly increased in Cx47 icKO mice compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice, while MOG35-55-specific proliferation and proinflammatory cytokine production of splenocytes were unaltered. Microarray analysis of isolated microglia revealed stronger microglial activation toward proinflammatory and injury-response phenotypes with increased expressions of chemokines that can attract Th17 cells, including Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Ccl7, and Ccl8, in Cx47 icKO mice compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice. In Cx47 icKO mice, NOS2+ and MHC class II+ microglia were more enriched immunohistochemically, and A1-specific astroglial gene expressions and astroglia immunostained for C3, a representative A1 astrocyte marker, were significantly increased at the acute phase, compared with Cx47 fl/fl mice. These findings suggest that oligodendroglia-specific Cx47 ablation induces severe inflammation upon autoimmune demyelination, underscoring a critical role for Cx47 in regulating neuroinflammation.
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