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Khoury ES, Patel RV, O’Ferrall C, Fowler A, Sah N, Sharma A, Gupta S, Scafidi S, Kurtz J, Olmstead SJ, Kudchadkar SR, Kannan RM, Blue ME, Kannan S. Dendrimer nanotherapy targeting of glial dysfunction improves inflammation and neurobehavioral phenotype in adult female Mecp2-heterozygous mouse model of Rett syndrome. J Neurochem 2024; 168:841-854. [PMID: 37777475 PMCID: PMC11002961 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15960] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation of Mecp2 gene and primarily affects females. Glial cell dysfunction has been implicated in in Rett syndrome (RTT) both in patients and in mouse models of this disorder and can affect synaptogenesis, glial metabolism and inflammation. Here we assessed whether treatment of adult (5-6 months old) symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous female mice with N-acetyl cysteine conjugated to dendrimer (D-NAC), which is known to target glia and modulate inflammation and oxidative injury, results in improved behavioral phenotype, sleep and glial inflammatory profile. We show that unbiased global metabolomic analysis of the hippocampus and striatum in adult Mecp2-heterozygous mice demonstrates significant differences in lipid metabolism associated with neuroinflammation, providing the rationale for targeting glial inflammation in this model. Our results demonstrate that treatment with D-NAC (10 mg/kg NAC) once weekly is more efficacious than equivalently dosed free NAC in improving the gross neurobehavioral phenotype in symptomatic Mecp2-heterozygous female mice. We also show that D-NAC therapy is significantly better than saline in ameliorating several aspects of the abnormal phenotype including paw clench, mobility, fear memory, REM sleep and epileptiform activity burden. Systemic D-NAC significantly improves microglial proinflammatory cytokine production and is associated with improvements in several aspects of the phenotype including paw clench, mobility, fear memory, and REM sleep, and epileptiform activity burden in comparison to saline-treated Mecp2-hetereozygous mice. Systemic glial-targeted delivery of D-NAC after symptom onset in an older clinically relevant Rett syndrome model shows promise in improving neurobehavioral impairments along with sleep pattern and epileptiform activity burden. These findings argue for the translational value of this approach for treatment of patients with Rett Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Smith Khoury
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ruchit V. Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Caroline O’Ferrall
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Amanda Fowler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nirnath Sah
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Siddharth Gupta
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Susanna Scafidi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Josh Kurtz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sarah J. Olmstead
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sapna R. Kudchadkar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Departments of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rangaramanujam M. Kannan
- Center for Nanomedicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Kennedy Krieger Institute – Johns Hopkins University for Cerebral Palsy Research Excellence, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD, 21218
| | - Mary E. Blue
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, 21205
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger Inc., Baltimore MD, 21205
- Kennedy Krieger Institute – Johns Hopkins University for Cerebral Palsy Research Excellence, Baltimore, MD 21287
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2
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Cao Z, Min X, Xie X, Huang M, Liu Y, Sun W, Xu G, He M, He K, Li Y, Yuan J. RIPK1 activation in Mecp2-deficient microglia promotes inflammation and glutamate release in RTT. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320383121. [PMID: 38289948 PMCID: PMC10861890 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320383121] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (Mecp2) gene. Here, we found that inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) kinase ameliorated progression of motor dysfunction after onset and prolonged the survival of Mecp2-null mice. Microglia were activated early in myeloid Mecp2-deficient mice, which was inhibited upon inactivation of RIPK1 kinase. RIPK1 inhibition in Mecp2-deficient microglia reduced oxidative stress, cytokines production and induction of SLC7A11, SLC38A1, and GLS, which mediate the release of glutamate. Mecp2-deficient microglia release high levels of glutamate to impair glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and promote increased levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 proteins in vivo, which was reduced upon RIPK1 inhibition. Thus, activation of RIPK1 kinase in Mecp2-deficient microglia may be involved both in the onset and progression of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Cao
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Xia Min
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xingxing Xie
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Maoqing Huang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Weimin Sun
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Guifang Xu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
| | - Miao He
- Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200032, China
| | - Kaiwen He
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Ying Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
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3
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Jin LW, Di Lucente J, Ruiz Mendiola U, Suthprasertporn N, Tomilov A, Cortopassi G, Kim K, Ramsey JJ, Maezawa I. The ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate shifts microglial metabolism and suppresses amyloid-β oligomer-induced inflammation in human microglia. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23261. [PMID: 37878335 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301254r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids are metabolized by β-oxidation within the "mitochondrial ketogenic pathway" (MKP) to generate β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone body. BHB can be generated by most cells but largely by hepatocytes following exercise, fasting, or ketogenic diet consumption. BHB has been shown to modulate systemic and brain inflammation; however, its direct effects on microglia have been little studied. We investigated the impact of BHB on Aβ oligomer (AβO)-stimulated human iPS-derived microglia (hiMG), a model relevant to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). HiMG responded to AβO with proinflammatory activation, which was mitigated by BHB at physiological concentrations of 0.1-2 mM. AβO stimulated glycolytic transcripts, suppressed genes in the β-oxidation pathway, and induced over-expression of AD-relevant p46Shc, an endogenous inhibitor of thiolase, actions that are expected to suppress MKP. AβO also triggered mitochondrial Ca2+ increase, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. BHB potently ameliorated all the above mitochondrial changes and rectified the MKP, resulting in reduced inflammasome activation and recovery of the phagocytotic function impaired by AβO. These results indicate that microglia MKP can be induced to modulate microglia immunometabolism, and that BHB can remedy "keto-deficiency" resulting from MKP suppression and shift microglia away from proinflammatory mitochondrial metabolism. These effects of BHB may contribute to the beneficial effects of ketogenic diet intervention in aged mice and in human subjects with mild AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jacopo Di Lucente
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ulises Ruiz Mendiola
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Nopparat Suthprasertporn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alexey Tomilov
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Gino Cortopassi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jon J Ramsey
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
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Lepiarz-Raba I, Gbadamosi I, Florea R, Paolicelli RC, Jawaid A. Metabolic regulation of microglial phagocytosis: Implications for Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:48. [PMID: 37908010 PMCID: PMC10617244 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00382-w] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are increasingly implicated in the regulation of brain health and disease. Microglia perform multiple functions in the central nervous system, including surveillance, phagocytosis and release of a variety of soluble factors. Importantly, a majority of their functions are closely related to changes in their metabolism. This natural inter-dependency between core microglial properties and metabolism offers a unique opportunity to modulate microglial activities via nutritional or metabolic interventions. In this review, we examine the existing scientific literature to synthesize the hypothesis that microglial phagocytosis of amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates in Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be selectively enhanced via metabolic interventions. We first review the basics of microglial metabolism and the effects of common metabolites, such as glucose, lipids, ketone bodies, glutamine, pyruvate and lactate, on microglial inflammatory and phagocytic properties. Next, we examine the evidence for dysregulation of microglial metabolism in AD. This is followed by a review of in vivo studies on metabolic manipulation of microglial functions to ascertain their therapeutic potential in AD. Finally, we discuss the effects of metabolic factors on microglial phagocytosis of healthy synapses, a pathological process that also contributes to the progression of AD. We conclude by enlisting the current challenges that need to be addressed before strategies to harness microglial phagocytosis to clear pathological protein deposits in AD and other neurodegenerative disorders can be widely adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Lepiarz-Raba
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ismail Gbadamosi
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Roberta Florea
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland.
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5
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Musokhranova U, Grau C, Vergara C, Rodríguez-Pascau L, Xiol C, Castells AA, Alcántara S, Rodríguez-Pombo P, Pizcueta P, Martinell M, García-Cazorla A, Oyarzábal A. Mitochondrial modulation with leriglitazone as a potential treatment for Rett syndrome. J Transl Med 2023; 21:756. [PMID: 37884937 PMCID: PMC10601217 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome is a neuropediatric disease occurring due to mutations in MECP2 and characterized by a regression in the neuronal development following a normal postnatal growth, which results in the loss of acquired capabilities such as speech or purposeful usage of hands. While altered neurotransmission and brain development are the center of its pathophysiology, alterations in mitochondrial performance have been previously outlined, shaping it as an attractive target for the disease treatment. METHODS We have thoroughly described mitochondrial performance in two Rett models, patients' primary fibroblasts and female Mecp2tm1.1Bird-/+ mice brain, discriminating between different brain areas. The characterization was made according to their bioenergetics function, oxidative stress, network dynamics or ultrastructure. Building on that, we have studied the effect of leriglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, in the modulation of mitochondrial performance. For that, we treated Rett female mice with 75 mg/kg/day leriglitazone from weaning until sacrifice at 7 months, studying both the mitochondrial performance changes and their consequences on the mice phenotype. Finally, we studied its effect on neuroinflammation based on the presence of reactive glia by immunohistochemistry and through a cytokine panel. RESULTS We have described mitochondrial alterations in Rett fibroblasts regarding both shape and bioenergetic functions, as they displayed less interconnected and shorter mitochondria and reduced ATP production along with increased oxidative stress. The bioenergetic alterations were recalled in Rett mice models, being especially significant in cerebellum, already detectable in pre-symptomatic stages. Treatment with leriglitazone recovered the bioenergetic alterations both in Rett fibroblasts and female mice and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in the latest, resulting in the amelioration of the mice phenotype both in general condition and exploratory activity. CONCLUSIONS Our studies confirm the mitochondrial dysfunction in Rett syndrome, setting the differences through brain areas and disease stages. Its modulation through leriglitazone is a potential treatment for this disorder, along with other diseases with mitochondrial involvement. This work constitutes the preclinical necessary evidence to lead to a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uliana Musokhranova
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Grau
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Clara Xiol
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba A Castells
- Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Alcántara
- Neural Development Lab, Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Rodríguez-Pombo
- Centro de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Moleculares, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CBM-CSIC, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Institute for Molecular Biology-IUBM, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, IDIPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marc Martinell
- Minoryx Therapeutics BE S.A., Gosselies, Charleroi, Belgium
- Minoryx Therapeutics S.L., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angels García-Cazorla
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Oyarzábal
- Synaptic Metabolism and Personalized Therapies Lab, Department of Neurology and MetabERN, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 39-57 Santa Rosa Street, Esplugues de Llobregat , 08950, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERER-Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Rare Diseases, Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Thoby-Brisson M. Central respiratory command and microglia: An early-life partnership. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102756. [PMID: 37544078 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, brain-resident macrophages, are key players in brain development, regulating synapse density, shaping neural circuits, contributing to plasticity, and maintaining nervous tissue homeostasis. These functions are ensured from early prenatal development until maturity, in normal and pathological states of the central nervous system. Microglia dysfunction can be involved in several neurodevelopmental disorders, some of which are associated with respiratory deficits. Breathing is a rhythmic motor behavior generated and controlled by hindbrain neuronal networks. The operation of the central respiratory command relies on the proper development of these rhythmogenic networks, formation of their appropriate interactions, and their lifelong constant adaptation to physiological needs. This review, focusing exclusively on the perinatal period, outlines recent advances obtained in rodents in determining the roles of microglia in the establishment and functioning of the respiratory networks and their involvement in certain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Thoby-Brisson
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076, Bordeaux, France. mailto:
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7
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Miao J, Chen L, Pan X, Li L, Zhao B, Lan J. Microglial Metabolic Reprogramming: Emerging Insights and Therapeutic Strategies in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3191-3210. [PMID: 37341833 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01376-y] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a critical role in maintaining brain homeostasis. However, in neurodegenerative conditions, microglial cells undergo metabolic reprogramming in response to pathological stimuli, including Aβ plaques, Tau tangles, and α-synuclein aggregates. This metabolic shift is characterized by a transition from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, increased glucose uptake, enhanced production of lactate, lipids, and succinate, and upregulation of glycolytic enzymes. These metabolic adaptations result in altered microglial functions, such as amplified inflammatory responses and diminished phagocytic capacity, which exacerbate neurodegeneration. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial metabolic reprogramming in neurodegenerative diseases and discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglial metabolism to mitigate neuroinflammation and promote brain health. Microglial Metabolic Reprogramming in Neurodegenerative Diseases This graphical abstract illustrates the metabolic shift in microglial cells in response to pathological stimuli and highlights potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglial metabolism for improved brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifei Miao
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojin Pan
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liqing Li
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Beibei Zhao
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jiao Lan
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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8
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Zelenka L, Jarek M, Pägelow D, Geffers R, van Vorst K, Fulde M. Crosstalk of Highly Purified Microglia and Astrocytes in the Frame of Toll-like Receptor (TLR)2/1 Activation. Neuroscience 2023; 526:256-266. [PMID: 37391121 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The major immune cells of the central nervous systems (CNS) are microglia and astrocytes, subsets of the glial cell population. The crosstalk between glia via soluble signaling molecules plays an indispensable role for neuropathologies, brain development as well as homeostasis. However, the investigation of the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk has been hampered due to the lack of suitable glial isolation methods. In this study, we investigated for the first time the crosstalk between highly purified Toll-like receptor (TLR)2-knock out (TLR2-KO) and wild-type (WT) microglia and astrocytes. We examined the crosstalk of TLR2-KO microglia and astrocytes in the presence of WT supernatants of the respective other glial cell type. Interestingly, we observed a significant TNF release by TLR2-KO astrocytes, which were activated with Pam3CSK4-stimulated WT microglial supernatants, strongly indicating a crosstalk between microglia and astrocytes after TLR2/1 activation. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq revealed a wide range of significant up- and down-regulated genes such as Cd300, Tnfrsf9 or Lcn2, which might be involved in the molecular conversation between microglia and astrocytes. Finally, co-culturing microglia and astrocytes confirmed the prior results by demonstrating a significant TNF release by WT microglia co-cultured with TLR2-KO astrocytes. Our findings suggest a molecular TLR2/1-dependent conversation between highly pure activated microglia and astrocytes via signaling molecules. Furthermore, we demonstrate the first crosstalk experiments using ∼100% pure microglia and astrocyte mono-/co-cultures derived from mice with different genotypes highlighting the urgent need of efficient glial isolation protocols, which particularly holds true for astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zelenka
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Jarek
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Genome Analytics (GMAK), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dennis Pägelow
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Genome Analytics (GMAK), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kira van Vorst
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus Fulde
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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9
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Pepe G, Fioriniello S, Marracino F, Capocci L, Maglione V, D'Esposito M, Di Pardo A, Della Ragione F. Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity Is Perturbed in a Mecp2-Null Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040606. [PMID: 37189354 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT, online MIM 312750) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and cognitive disabilities. It is mainly caused by pathogenetic variants in the X-linked MECP2 gene, encoding an epigenetic factor crucial for brain functioning. Despite intensive studies, the RTT pathogenetic mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. Impaired vascular function has been previously reported in RTT mouse models; however, whether an altered brain vascular homeostasis and the subsequent blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown occur in RTT and contribute to the disease-related cognitive impairment is still unknown. Interestingly, in symptomatic Mecp2-null (Mecp2-/y, Mecp2tm1.1Bird) mice, we found enhanced BBB permeability associated with an aberrant expression of the tight junction proteins Ocln and Cldn-5 in different brain areas, in terms of both transcript and protein levels. Additionally, Mecp2-null mice showed an altered expression of different genes encoding factors with a role in the BBB structure and function, such as Cldn3, Cldn12, Mpdz, Jam2, and Aqp4. With this study, we provide the first evidence of impaired BBB integrity in RTT and highlight a potential new molecular hallmark of the disease that might open new perspectives for the setting-up of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Fioriniello
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maurizio D'Esposito
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Floriana Della Ragione
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'A. Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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10
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Zhang P, Omanska A, Ander B, Gandal M, Stamova B, Schumann C. Neuron-specific transcriptomic signatures indicate neuroinflammation and altered neuronal activity in ASD temporal cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2206758120. [PMID: 36862688 PMCID: PMC10013873 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206758120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, yet transcriptomic profiling of bulk brain tissue has identified substantial convergence among dysregulated genes and pathways in ASD. However, this approach lacks cell-specific resolution. We performed comprehensive transcriptomic analyses on bulk tissue and laser-capture microdissected (LCM) neurons from 59 postmortem human brains (27 ASD and 32 controls) in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) of individuals ranging from 2 to 73 years of age. In bulk tissue, synaptic signaling, heat shock protein-related pathways, and RNA splicing were significantly altered in ASD. There was age-dependent dysregulation of genes involved in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) (GAD1 and GAD2) and glutamate (SLC38A1) signaling pathways. In LCM neurons, AP-1-mediated neuroinflammation and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways were upregulated in ASD, while mitochondrial function, ribosome, and spliceosome components were downregulated. GABA synthesizing enzymes GAD1 and GAD2 were both downregulated in ASD neurons. Mechanistic modeling suggested a direct link between inflammation and ASD in neurons, and prioritized inflammation-associated genes for future study. Alterations in small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) associated with splicing events suggested interplay between snoRNA dysregulation and splicing disruption in neurons of individuals with ASD. Our findings supported the fundamental hypothesis of altered neuronal communication in ASD, demonstrated that inflammation was elevated at least in part in ASD neurons, and may reveal windows of opportunity for biotherapeutics to target the trajectory of gene expression and clinical manifestation of ASD throughout the human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Alicja Omanska
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA95817
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Bradley P. Ander
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Michael J. Gandal
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Penn Med and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Boryana Stamova
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Cynthia M. Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA95817
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
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11
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Maurya SK, Gupta S, Mishra R. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of microglia in maintenance of brain homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1072046. [PMID: 36698776 PMCID: PMC9870594 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1072046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging role of microglia in brain homeostasis, neurodegeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders has attracted considerable interest. In addition, recent developments in microglial functions and associated pathways have shed new light on their fundamental role in the immunological surveillance of the brain. Understanding the interconnections between microglia, neurons, and non-neuronal cells have opened up additional avenues for research in this evolving field. Furthermore, the study of microglia at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels has enhanced our knowledge of these native brain immune cells. Moreover, exploring various facets of microglia biology will facilitate the early detection, treatment, and management of neurological disorders. Consequently, the present review aimed to provide comprehensive insight on microglia biology and its influence on brain development, homeostasis, management of disease, and highlights microglia as potential therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kumar Maurya
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India,*Correspondence: Shashank Kumar Maurya, ;
| | - Suchi Gupta
- Tech Cell Innovations Private Limited, Centre for Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CMIE), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajnikant Mishra
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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12
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Lu S, Chen Y, Wang Z. Advances in the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome using cell models. Animal Model Exp Med 2022; 5:532-541. [PMID: 35785421 PMCID: PMC9773312 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12236] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mainly in girls with a range of typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. MeCP2 protein loss-of-function in neural lineage cells is the main cause of RTT pathogenicity. As it is still hard to understand the mechanism of RTT on the basis of only clinical patients or animal models, cell models cultured in vitro play indispensable roles. Here we reviewed the research progress in the pathogenesis of RTT at the cellular level, summarized the preclinical-research-related applications, and prospected potential future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational MedicineKunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical ResearchKunmingChina
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13
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Komada M, Nishimura Y. Epigenetics and Neuroinflammation Associated With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Microglial Perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852752. [PMID: 35646933 PMCID: PMC9133693 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Converging lines of evidence from basic and clinical sciences suggest that dysregulation of the epigenetic landscape, including DNA methylation and miRNA expression, is associated with neuroinflammation. Genetic and environmental factors can affect the interaction between epigenetics and neuroinflammation, which may cause neurodevelopmental disorders. In this minireview, we focus on neuroinflammation that might be mediated by epigenetic dysregulation in microglia, and compare studies using mammals and zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munekazu Komada
- Mammalian Embryology, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yuhei Nishimura,
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14
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Dave A, Pillai PP. Docosahexaenoic acid increased MeCP2 mediated mitochondrial respiratory complexes II and III enzyme activities in cortical astrocytes. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23002. [PMID: 35174922 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in the neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system. Currently, therapeutics for RTT is aimed at restoring the loss-of-function by MeCP2 gene therapy, but that approach has multiple challenges. We have already reported impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics in MeCP2 deficient astrocytes. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid, has been shown with health benefits, but its impact on mitochondrial functions in MeCP2 deficient astrocytes has never been paid much attention. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of DHA on mitochondrial respiratory chain regulation in MeCP2 knockdown astrocytes. We determined NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) flavoprotein 2 (Ndufv2-complex-I), Ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein (Uqcrc1-complex-III) genes expression, Ndufv2 protein expression, respiratory electron transport chain complex I, II, III, and IV enzyme activities, intracellular Ca+2 , reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in DHA pre-incubated MeCP2 knock-down rat primary cortical astrocytes. Our study demonstrates that 100 µM DHA increases MeCP2 gene and protein expression. Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Uqcrc1 gene expression, Ndufv2 protein expression, but has no effect on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene expression. DHA treatment also increases mitochondrial respiratory Complexes II and III activities and reduces intracellular calcium levels. Taken together, the effects of DHA seem independent of MeCP2 deficiency in astrocytes. Hence, further studies are warranted to understand the complicated mechanisms of DHA and for its therapeutic significance in MeCP2-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and in RTT disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Dave
- Department of Zoology, Division of Neurobiology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, India
| | - Prakash P Pillai
- Department of Zoology, Division of Neurobiology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat, India
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15
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Bach S, Shovlin S, Moriarty M, Bardoni B, Tropea D. Rett Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome: Different Etiology With Common Molecular Dysfunctions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764761. [PMID: 34867203 PMCID: PMC8640214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorders with complex clinical presentations. RTT is caused by mutations in the Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) altering the function of its protein product MeCP2. MeCP2 modulates gene expression by binding methylated CpG dinucleotides, and by interacting with transcription factors. FXS is caused by the silencing of the FMR1 gene encoding the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a RNA binding protein involved in multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and modulating the translation of thousands of proteins including a large set of synaptic proteins. Despite differences in genetic etiology, there are overlapping features in RTT and FXS, possibly due to interactions between MeCP2 and FMRP, and to the regulation of pathways resulting in dysregulation of common molecular signaling. Furthermore, basic physiological mechanisms are regulated by these proteins and might concur to the pathophysiology of both syndromes. Considering that RTT and FXS are disorders affecting brain development, and that most of the common targets of MeCP2 and FMRP are involved in brain activity, we discuss the mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity altered in RTT and FXS, and we consider the similarities and the differences between these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snow Bach
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Barbara Bardoni
- Inserm, CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Golubiani G, Lagani V, Solomonia R, Müller M. Metabolomic Fingerprint of Mecp2-Deficient Mouse Cortex: Evidence for a Pronounced Multi-Facetted Metabolic Component in Rett Syndrome. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092494. [PMID: 34572143 PMCID: PMC8472238 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Using unsupervised metabolomics, we defined the complex metabolic conditions in the cortex of a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT, which represents a cause of mental and cognitive disabilities in females, results in profound cognitive impairment with autistic features, motor disabilities, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiorespiratory irregularities. Typical RTT originates from mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG-binding-protein-2 (Mecp2) gene, which encodes a transcriptional modulator. It then causes a deregulation of several target genes and metabolic alterations in the nervous system and peripheral organs. We identified 101 significantly deregulated metabolites in the Mecp2-deficient cortex of adult male mice; 68 were increased and 33 were decreased compared to wildtypes. Pathway analysis identified 31 mostly upregulated metabolic pathways, in particular carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, key metabolic mitochondrial/extramitochondrial pathways, and lipid metabolism. In contrast, neurotransmitter-signaling is dampened. This metabolic fingerprint of the Mecp2-deficient cortex of severely symptomatic mice provides further mechanistic insights into the complex RTT pathogenesis. The deregulated pathways that were identified—in particular the markedly affected amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism—confirm a complex and multifaceted metabolic component in RTT, which in turn signifies putative therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the deregulated key metabolites provide a choice of potential biomarkers for a more detailed rating of disease severity and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gocha Golubiani
- Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, D-37130 Göttingen, Germany;
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Lagani
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Revaz Solomonia
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Michael Müller
- Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, D-37130 Göttingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-39-22933
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17
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
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18
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An mtDNA mutant mouse demonstrates that mitochondrial deficiency can result in autism endophenotypes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021429118. [PMID: 33536343 PMCID: PMC8017921 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021429118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have increasingly been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, corroborated by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) germline and somatic variants being found in ASD patients. If mitochondrial defects can generate ASD, then specific mtDNA mutations should induce ASD endophenotypes in mice. We tested this prediction by introduction of an mtDNA ND6 gene missense mutation (ND6P25L) into the mouse germline and found ASD endophenotypes. The ND6P25L mice exhibit impaired social interaction, compulsive behavior, and increased anxiety. They have reduced electroencephalographic delta and theta wave power, increased predilection to seizures, but without diminution of hippocampal interneurons. These endophenotypes correlate with impaired cortical and hippocampal mitochondrial respiration and increased reactive oxygen species production. Thus, mitochondrial defects can be sufficient to produce ASD phenotypes. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by a deficit in social communication, pathologic repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and electroencephalogram (EEG) aberrations. While exhaustive analysis of nuclear DNA (nDNA) variation has revealed hundreds of copy number variants (CNVs) and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations, no unifying hypothesis as to the pathophysiology of ASD has yet emerged. Based on biochemical and physiological analyses, it has been hypothesized that ASD may be the result of a systemic mitochondrial deficiency with brain-specific manifestations. This proposal has been supported by recent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses identifying both germline and somatic mtDNA variants in ASD. If mitochondrial defects do predispose to ASD, then mice with certain mtDNA mutations should present with autism endophenotypes. To test this prediction, we examined a mouse strain harboring an mtDNA ND6 gene missense mutation (P25L). This mouse manifests impaired social interactions, increased repetitive behaviors and anxiety, EEG alterations, and a decreased seizure threshold, in the absence of reduced hippocampal interneuron numbers. EEG aberrations were most pronounced in the cortex followed by the hippocampus. Aberrations in mitochondrial respiratory function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also most pronounced in the cortex followed by the hippocampus, but absent in the olfactory bulb. These data demonstrate that mild systemic mitochondrial defects can result in ASD without apparent neuroanatomical defects and that systemic mitochondrial mutations can cause tissue-specific brain defects accompanied by regional neurophysiological alterations.
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19
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Wittrahm R, Takalo M, Marttinen M, Kuulasmaa T, Mäkinen P, Kemppainen S, Martiskainen H, Rauramaa T, Pike I, Leinonen V, Natunen T, Haapasalo A, Hiltunen M. MECP2 Increases the Pro-Inflammatory Response of Microglial Cells and Phosphorylation at Serine 423 Regulates Neuronal Gene Expression upon Neuroinflammation. Cells 2021; 10:860. [PMID: 33918872 PMCID: PMC8070522 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a critical transcriptional regulator for synaptic function. Dysfunction of synapses, as well as microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, represent the earliest pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, expression, protein levels, and activity-related phosphorylation changes of MECP2 were analyzed in post-mortem human temporal cortex. The effects of wild type and phosphorylation-deficient MECP2 variants at serine 423 (S423) or S80 on microglial and neuronal function were assessed utilizing BV2 microglial monocultures and co-cultures with mouse cortical neurons under inflammatory stress conditions. MECP2 phosphorylation at the functionally relevant S423 site nominally decreased in the early stages of AD-related neurofibrillary pathology in the human temporal cortex. Overexpression of wild type MECP2 enhanced the pro-inflammatory response in BV2 cells upon treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) and decreased BV2 cell phagocytic activity. The expression of the phosphorylation-deficient MECP2-S423A variant, but not S80A, further increased the pro-inflammatory response of BV2 cells. In neurons co-cultured with BV2 cells, the MECP2-S423A variant increased the expression of several genes, which are important for the maintenance and protection of neurons and synapses upon inflammatory stress. Collectively, functional analyses in different cellular models suggest that MECP2 may influence the inflammatory response in microglia independently of S423 and S80 phosphorylation, while the S423 phosphorylation might play a role in the activation of neuronal gene expression, which conveys neuroprotection under neuroinflammation-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Wittrahm
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mari Takalo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Mikael Marttinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Teemu Kuulasmaa
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Petra Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Susanna Kemppainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Henna Martiskainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tuomas Rauramaa
- Department of Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ian Pike
- Proteome Sciences plc, Hamilton House, London WC1H 9BB, UK;
| | - Ville Leinonen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland;
- Unit of Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teemu Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Mikko Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Yliopistonranta 1E, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; (R.W.); (M.T.); (M.M.); (T.K.); (P.M.); (S.K.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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21
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Ding L, Xu X, Li C, Wang Y, Xia X, Zheng JC. Glutaminase in microglia: A novel regulator of neuroinflammation. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 92:139-156. [PMID: 33278560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the inflammatory responses that are involved in the pathogenesis of most neurological disorders. Glutaminase (GLS) is the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine to produce glutamate. Besides its well-known role in cellular metabolism and excitatory neurotransmission, GLS has recently been increasingly noticed to be up-regulated in activated microglia under pathological conditions. Furthermore, GLS overexpression induces microglial activation, extracellular vesicle secretion, and neuroinflammatory microenvironment formation, which, are compromised by GLS inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that GLS has more complicated implications in brain disease etiology than what are previously known. In this review, we introduce GLS isoforms, expression patterns in the body and the brain, and expression/activities regulation. Next, we discuss the metabolic and neurotransmission functions of GLS. Afterwards, we summarize recent findings of GLS-mediated microglial activation and pro-inflammatory extracellular vesicle secretion, which, in turns, induces neuroinflammation. Lastly, we provide a comprehensive discussion for the involvement of microglial GLS in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, indicating microglial GLS as a promising target to treat these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ding
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiaonan Xu
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200434, China.
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200434, China; Departments of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5930, USA.
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22
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Abnormalities of synaptic mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 99:161-178. [PMID: 33340060 PMCID: PMC7819932 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition primarily characterized by an impairment of social interaction combined with the occurrence of repetitive behaviors. ASD starts in childhood and prevails across the lifespan. The variability of its clinical presentation renders early diagnosis difficult. Mutations in synaptic genes and alterations of mitochondrial functions are considered important underlying pathogenic factors, but it is obvious that we are far from a comprehensive understanding of ASD pathophysiology. At the synapse, mitochondria perform diverse functions, which are clearly not limited to their classical role as energy providers. Here, we review the current knowledge about mitochondria at the synapse and summarize the mitochondrial disturbances found in mouse models of ASD and other ASD-related neurodevelopmental disorders, like DiGeorge syndrome, Rett syndrome, Tuberous sclerosis complex, and Down syndrome.
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23
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Immunometabolism in the Brain: How Metabolism Shapes Microglial Function. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:854-869. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Jayasooriya RGPT, Molagoda IMN, Dilshara MG, Choi YH, Kim GY. Glutamine Cooperatively Upregulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Nitric Oxide Production in BV2 Microglial Cells through the ERK and Nrf-2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9060536. [PMID: 32575515 PMCID: PMC7346178 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is a nonessential α-amino acid for protein biosynthesis. However, the mechanism through which Gln regulates NO production in microglial cells is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the presence or absence of Gln affects NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Our data revealed that Gln depletion decreased cell viability accompanied by mild cytotoxicity, and blocked LPS-induced NO production concomitant with a significant decrease in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression. Additionally, Gln depletion for 24 h blocked the restoration of LPS-mediated NO production in the presence of Gln, suggesting that Gln depletion caused long-term immune deprivation. In particular, sodium-coupled amino acid transporter 1 and 2 (SNAT1 and SNAT2), which are the main Gln transporters, were highly upregulated in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, in the presence of Gln accompanied by NO production. Regardless of the presence of Gln, LPS positively stimulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and transient Nrf2 knockdown and HO-1 inhibition stimulated LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression; however, transient Nrf2 knockdown did not affect SNAT1 and SNAT2 expression, indicating that Gln transporters, SNAT1 and SNAT2, were not regulated by Nrf2, which downregulated the HO-1-mediated NO production. Moreover, Gln depletion significantly reduced LPS-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation; furthermore, a specific ERK inhibitor, PD98059, and transient ERK knockdown attenuated LPS-stimulated NO production and iNOS expression, in the presence of Gln, accompanied by downregulation of SNAT1 and SNAT2, suggesting that the ERK signaling pathway was related to LPS-mediated NO production via SNAT1 and SNAT2. Altogether, our data indicated that extracellular Gln is vital for NO production from microglia in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matharage Gayani Dilshara
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (I.M.N.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan 47227, Korea;
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea; (I.M.N.M.); (M.G.D.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Pecorelli A, Cervellati C, Cordone V, Hayek J, Valacchi G. Compromised immune/inflammatory responses in Rett syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:100-106. [PMID: 32119978 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in X-linked gene methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a key transcriptional regulator, account for most cases of Rett syndrome (RTT), a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder with no known cure. Despite extensive research to elucidate MeCP2 functions, the mechanisms underlying RTT pathophysiology are still unclear. In addition to a variety of neurological symptoms, RTT also includes a plethora of additional phenotypical features including altered lipid metabolism, redox imbalance, immune dysfunction and mitochondrial abnormalities that explain its multisystemic nature. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the potential role of dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses in RTT. The findings show that abnormalities of humoral and cell-mediated immunity together with chronic low-grade inflammation in multiple organs represent not only clinical manifestations of RTT but rather can contribute to its development and deteriorating course. A future research challenge could be to target therapeutically immune dysfunction as a novel means for RTT management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecorelli
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Dept. of Animal Science, NC Research Campus, NC State University, Kannapolis, 28081, NC, USA
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Dept. of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Cordone
- Dept. of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University General Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Dept. of Animal Science, NC Research Campus, NC State University, Kannapolis, 28081, NC, USA; Dept. of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy; Dept. of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, 02447, Seoul, South Korea.
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26
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Fagiolini M, Patrizi A, LeBlanc J, Jin LW, Maezawa I, Sinnett S, Gray SJ, Molholm S, Foxe JJ, Johnston MV, Naidu S, Blue M, Hossain A, Kadam S, Zhao X, Chang Q, Zhou Z, Zoghbi H. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Understand the Pathogenesis of Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2-related Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:190-206. [PMID: 32360592 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions in the gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) underlie complex neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett Syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autism. Significant progress has been made on the molecular and cellular basis of MECP2-related disorders providing a new framework for understanding how altered epigenetic landscape can derail the formation and refinement of neuronal circuits in early postnatal life and proper neurological function. This review will summarize selected major findings from the past years and particularly highlight the integrated and multidisciplinary work done at eight NIH-funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC) across the US. Finally, we will outline a path forward with identification of reliable biomarkers and outcome measures, longitudinal preclinical and clinical studies, reproducibility of results across centers as a synergistic effort to decode and treat the pathogenesis of the complex MeCP2 disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Fagiolini
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Annarita Patrizi
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jocelyn LeBlanc
- Children's Hospital Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Sinnett
- UNC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of North Carolina, Gene Therapy Center and Dept. of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- UNC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of North Carolina, Gene Therapy Center and Dept. of Ophthalmology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Sakkubai Naidu
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Mary Blue
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ahamed Hossain
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Shilpa Kadam
- Kennedy Krieger Institute Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Quiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetic, Epigenetic Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Huda Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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27
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Microglial metabolic flexibility supports immune surveillance of the brain parenchyma. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1559. [PMID: 32214088 PMCID: PMC7096448 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are highly motile cells that continuously monitor the brain environment and respond to damage-associated cues. While glucose is the main energy substrate used by neurons in the brain, the nutrients metabolized by microglia to support surveillance of the parenchyma remain unexplored. Here, we use fluorescence lifetime imaging of intracellular NAD(P)H and time-lapse two-photon imaging of microglial dynamics in vivo and in situ, to show unique aspects of the microglial metabolic signature in the brain. Microglia are metabolically flexible and can rapidly adapt to consume glutamine as an alternative metabolic fuel in the absence of glucose. During insulin-induced hypoglycemia in vivo or in aglycemia in acute brain slices, glutaminolysis supports the maintenance of microglial process motility and damage-sensing functions. This metabolic shift sustains mitochondrial metabolism and requires mTOR-dependent signaling. This remarkable plasticity allows microglia to maintain their critical surveillance and phagocytic roles, even after brain neuroenergetic homeostasis is compromised. Glucose is the main source of fuel in the brain. Here, the authors show that in the absence of glucose, glutamine is required for microglia to maintain their immune surveillance function.
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Abstract
Despite decades of research on Alzheimer disease, understanding the complexity of the genetic and molecular interactions involved in its pathogenesis remains far from our grasp. Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is an important epigenetic regulator enriched in the brain, and recent findings have implicated MeCP2 as a crucial player in Alzheimer disease. Here, we provide comprehensive insights into the pathophysiological roles of MeCP2 in Alzheimer disease. In particular, we focus on how the alteration of MeCP2 expression can impact Alzheimer disease through risk genes, amyloid-β and tau pathology, cell death and neurodegeneration, and cellular senescence. We suggest that Alzheimer disease can be adversely affected by upregulated MeCP2-dependent repression of risk genes (MEF2C, ADAM10, and PM20D1), increased tau accumulation, and neurodegeneration through neuronal cell death (excitotoxicity and apoptosis). In addition, we propose that the progression of Alzheimer disease could be caused by reduced MeCP2-mediated enhancement of astrocytic and microglial senescence and consequent glial SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype)-dependent neuroinflammation. We surmise that any imbalance in MeCP2 function would accelerate or cause Alzheimer disease pathogenesis, implying that MeCP2 may be a potential drug target for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer disease.
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29
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Smith ES, Smith DR, Eyring C, Braileanu M, Smith-Connor KS, Ei Tan Y, Fowler AY, Hoffman GE, Johnston MV, Kannan S, Blue ME. Altered trajectories of neurodevelopment and behavior in mouse models of Rett syndrome. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106962. [PMID: 30502397 PMCID: PMC8040058 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder that is caused by mutations in the x-linked gene coding for methyl-CpG-biding-protein 2 (MECP2) and that mainly affects females. Male and female transgenic mouse models of RTT have been studied extensively, and we have learned a great deal regarding RTT neuropathology and how MeCP2 deficiency may be influencing brain function and maturation. In this manuscript we review what is known concerning structural and coinciding functional and behavioral deficits in RTT and in mouse models of MeCP2 deficiency. We also introduce our own corroborating data regarding behavioral phenotype and morphological alterations in volume of the cortex and striatum and the density of neurons, aberrations in experience-dependent plasticity within the barrel cortex and the impact of MeCP2 loss on glial structure. We conclude that regional structural changes in genetic models of RTT show great similarity to the alterations in brain structure of patients with RTT. These region-specific modifications often coincide with phenotype onset and contribute to larger issues of circuit connectivity, progression, and severity. Although the alterations seen in mouse models of RTT appear to be primarily due to cell-autonomous effects, there are also non-cell autonomous mechanisms including those caused by MeCP2-deficient glia that negatively impact healthy neuronal function. Collectively, this body of work has provided a solid foundation on which to continue to build our understanding of the role of MeCP2 on neuronal and glial structure and function, its greater impact on neural development, and potential new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dani R Smith
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Charlotte Eyring
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Maria Braileanu
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, The Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Karen S Smith-Connor
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yew Ei Tan
- Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amanda Y Fowler
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Gloria E Hoffman
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sujatha Kannan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mary E Blue
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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30
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Yamada D, Kawabe K, Tosa I, Tsukamoto S, Nakazato R, Kou M, Fujikawa K, Nakamura S, Ono M, Oohashi T, Kaneko M, Go S, Hinoi E, Yoneda Y, Takarada T. Inhibition of the glutamine transporter SNAT1 confers neuroprotection in mice by modulating the mTOR-autophagy system. Commun Biol 2019; 2:346. [PMID: 31552299 PMCID: PMC6751179 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0582-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in neurodegenerative diseases is established, but possible therapeutic targets responsible for its activation in neurons must be explored. Here we identified solute carrier family 38a member 1 (SNAT1, Slc38a1) as a positive regulator of mTORC1 in neurons. Slc38a1flox/flox and Synapsin I-Cre mice were crossed to generate mutant mice in which Slc38a1 was selectively deleted in neurons. Measurement of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) or the MAP2-negative area in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) revealed that Slc38a1 deficiency decreased infarct size. We found a transient increase in the phosphorylation of p70S6k1 (pp70S6k1) and a suppressive effect of rapamycin on infarct size in MCAO mice. Autophagy inhibitors completely mitigated the suppressive effect of SNAT1 deficiency on neuronal cell death under in vitro stroke culture conditions. These results demonstrate that SNAT1 promoted ischemic brain damage via mTOR-autophagy system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Yamada
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Kenji Kawabe
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Ikue Tosa
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Shunpei Tsukamoto
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Ryota Nakazato
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Miki Kou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Koichi Fujikawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Saki Nakamura
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Ono
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Toshitaka Oohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
| | - Mari Kaneko
- Laboratory for Animal Resource Development Unit and Genetic Engineering Team, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Shioi Go
- Laboratory for Animal Resource Development Unit and Genetic Engineering Team, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Yukio Yoneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192 Japan
| | - Takeshi Takarada
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558 Japan
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31
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Kahanovitch U, Patterson KC, Hernandez R, Olsen ML. Glial Dysfunction in MeCP2 Deficiency Models: Implications for Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153813. [PMID: 31387202 PMCID: PMC6696322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare, X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder typically affecting females, resulting in a range of symptoms including autistic features, intellectual impairment, motor deterioration, and autonomic abnormalities. RTT is primarily caused by the genetic mutation of the Mecp2 gene. Initially considered a neuronal disease, recent research shows that glial dysfunction contributes to the RTT disease phenotype. In the following manuscript, we review the evidence regarding glial dysfunction and its effects on disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Kahanovitch
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kelsey C Patterson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Raymundo Hernandez
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VL 24014, USA
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Life Sciences I Building Room 212, 970 Washington St. SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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Le TTH, Tran NT, Dao TML, Nguyen DD, Do HD, Ha TL, Kühn R, Nguyen TL, Rajewsky K, Chu VT. Efficient and Precise CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated MECP2 Modifications in Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Genet 2019; 10:625. [PMID: 31333716 PMCID: PMC6614930 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) have severe mental and physical disabilities. The majority of RTT patients carry a heterozygous mutation in methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), an X-linked gene encoding an epigenetic factor crucial for normal nerve cell function. No curative therapy for RTT syndrome exists, and cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated system that targets and corrects the disease relevant regions of the MECP2 exon 4 coding sequence. We achieved homologous recombination (HR) efficiencies of 20% to 30% in human cell lines and iPSCs. Furthermore, we successfully introduced a MECP2R270X mutation into the MECP2 gene in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Consequently, using CRISPR/Cas9, we were able to repair such mutations with high efficiency in human mutant iPSCs. In summary, we provide a new strategy for MECP2 gene targeting that can be potentially translated into gene therapy or for iPSCs-based disease modeling of RTT syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Thanh Huong Le
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Tung Tran
- Immune Regulation and Cancer, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thi Mai Lan Dao
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Dung Nguyen
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huy Duong Do
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Lien Ha
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ralf Kühn
- Immune Regulation and Cancer, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,iPS Cell Based Disease Modeling, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thanh Liem Nguyen
- Department of Gene Technology, Vinmec Research Institute of Stem Cell and Gene Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Klaus Rajewsky
- Immune Regulation and Cancer, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Van Trung Chu
- Immune Regulation and Cancer, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,iPS Cell Based Disease Modeling, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Castora FJ. Mitochondrial function and abnormalities implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:83-108. [PMID: 30599156 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse that generate over 90% of the ATP produced in cells. In addition to its role in energy production, the mitochondrion also plays a major role in carbohydrate, fatty acid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, programmed cell death (apoptosis), generation of and protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), immune response, regulation of intracellular calcium ion levels and even maintenance of gut microbiota. With its essential role in bio-energetic as well as non-energetic biological processes, it is not surprising that proper cellular, tissue and organ function is dependent upon proper mitochondrial function. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be directly linked to a variety of medical disorders, particularly neuromuscular disorders and increasing evidence has linked mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Rett Syndrome (RS) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Over the last 40 years there has been a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of ASD and, more recently, an increasing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in ASD development. In this review, the latest evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormalities in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the pathogenesis of autism will be presented. This review will also summarize the results of several recent `approaches used for improving mitochondrial function that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to managing and/or treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Castora
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA; Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
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Maezawa I, Nguyen HM, Di Lucente J, Jenkins DP, Singh V, Hilt S, Kim K, Rangaraju S, Levey AI, Wulff H, Jin LW. Kv1.3 inhibition as a potential microglia-targeted therapy for Alzheimer's disease: preclinical proof of concept. Brain 2019; 141:596-612. [PMID: 29272333 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia significantly contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease but an effective microglia-targeted therapeutic approach is not yet available clinically. The potassium channels Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 play important roles in regulating immune cell functions and have been implicated by in vitro studies in the 'M1-like pro-inflammatory' or 'M2-like anti-inflammatory' state of microglia, respectively. We here found that amyloid-β oligomer-induced expression of Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 in cultured primary microglia. Likewise, ex vivo microglia acutely isolated from the Alzheimer's model 5xFAD mice co-expressed Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 as well as markers traditionally associated with M1 and M2 activation suggesting that amyloid-β oligomer induces a microglial activation state that is more complex than previously thought. Using the orally available, brain penetrant small molecule Kv1.3 blocker PAP-1 as a tool, we showed that pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic microglial responses induced by amyloid-β oligomer required Kv1.3 activity in vitro and in hippocampal slices. Since we further observed that Kv1.3 was highly expressed in microglia of transgenic Alzheimer's mouse models and human Alzheimer's disease brains, we hypothesized that pharmacological Kv1.3 inhibition could mitigate the pathology induced by amyloid-β aggregates. Indeed, treating APP/PS1 transgenic mice with a 5-month oral regimen of PAP-1, starting at 9 months of age, when the animals already manifest cognitive deficits and amyloid pathology, reduced neuroinflammation, decreased cerebral amyloid load, enhanced hippocampal neuronal plasticity, and improved behavioural deficits. The observed decrease in cerebral amyloid deposition was consistent with the in vitro finding that PAP-1 enhanced amyloid-β uptake by microglia. Collectively, these results provide proof-of-concept data to advance Kv1.3 blockers to Alzheimer's disease clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2805 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jacopo Di Lucente
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2805 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David Paul Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Silvia Hilt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, 2700 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Med Sci 1-C, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Srikant Rangaraju
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2805 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.,Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of California Davis Medical Center, 4860 Y Street, Suite 3900, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Can K, Menzfeld C, Rinne L, Rehling P, Kügler S, Golubiani G, Dudek J, Müller M. Neuronal Redox-Imbalance in Rett Syndrome Affects Mitochondria as Well as Cytosol, and Is Accompanied by Intensified Mitochondrial O 2 Consumption and ROS Release. Front Physiol 2019; 10:479. [PMID: 31114506 PMCID: PMC6503037 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT), an X chromosome-linked neurodevelopmental disorder affecting almost exclusively females, is associated with various mitochondrial alterations. Mitochondria are swollen, show altered respiratory rates, and their inner membrane is leaking protons. To advance the understanding of these disturbances and clarify their link to redox impairment and oxidative stress, we assessed mitochondrial respiration in defined brain regions and cardiac tissue of male wildtype (WT) and MeCP2-deficient (Mecp2-/y) mice. Also, we quantified for the first time neuronal redox-balance with subcellular resolution in cytosol and mitochondrial matrix. Quantitative roGFP1 redox imaging revealed more oxidized conditions in the cytosol of Mecp2-/y hippocampal neurons than in WT neurons. Furthermore, cytosol and mitochondria of Mecp2-/y neurons showed exaggerated redox-responses to hypoxia and cell-endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Biochemical analyzes exclude disease-related increases in mitochondrial mass in Mecp2-/y hippocampus and cortex. Protein levels of complex I core constituents were slightly lower in Mecp2-/y hippocampus and cortex than in WT; those of complex V were lower in Mecp2-/y cortex. Respiratory supercomplex-formation did not differ among genotypes. Yet, supplied with the complex II substrate succinate, mitochondria of Mecp2-/y cortex and hippocampus consumed more O2 than WT. Furthermore, mitochondria from Mecp2-/y hippocampus and cortex mediated an enhanced oxidative burden. In conclusion, we further advanced the molecular understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in RTT. Intensified mitochondrial O2 consumption, increased mitochondrial ROS generation and disturbed redox balance in mitochondria and cytosol may represent a causal chain, which provokes dysregulated proteins, oxidative tissue damage, and contributes to neuronal network dysfunction in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Can
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christiane Menzfeld
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lena Rinne
- Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Rehling
- Zentrum Biochemie und Molekulare Zellbiologie, Institut für Zellbiochemie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gocha Golubiani
- Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Jan Dudek
- Zentrum Biochemie und Molekulare Zellbiologie, Institut für Zellbiochemie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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36
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Jin LW, Lucente JD, Nguyen HM, Singh V, Singh L, Chavez M, Bushong T, Wulff H, Maezawa I. Repurposing the KCa3.1 inhibitor senicapoc for Alzheimer's disease. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:723-738. [PMID: 31019997 PMCID: PMC6469250 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Microglia play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We here tested the therapeutic hypothesis that the Ca2+‐activated potassium channel KCa3.1 constitutes a potential target for treating AD by reducing neuroinflammation. Methods To determine if KCa3.1 is relevant to AD, we tested if treating cultured microglia or hippocampal slices with Aβ oligomer (AβO) activated KCa3.1 in microglia, and if microglial KCa3.1 was upregulated in 5xFAD mice and in human AD brains. The expression/activity of KCa3.1 was examined by qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and whole‐cell patch‐clamp. To investigate the role of KCa3.1 in AD pathology, we resynthesized senicapoc, a clinically tested KCa3.1 blocker, and determined its pharmacokinetic properties and its effect on microglial activation, Aβ deposition and hippocampal long‐term potentiation (hLTP) in 5xFAD mice. Results We found markedly enhanced microglial KCa3.1 expression/activity in brains of both 5xFAD mice and AD patients. In hippocampal slices, microglial KCa3.1 expression/activity was increased by AβO treatment, and its inhibition diminished the proinflammatory and hLTP‐impairing activities of AβO. Senicapoc exhibited excellent brain penetrance and oral availability, and in 5xFAD mice, reduced neuroinflammation, decreased cerebral amyloid load, and enhanced hippocampal neuronal plasticity. Interpretation Our results prompt us to propose repurposing senicapoc for AD clinical trials, as senicapoc has excellent pharmacological properties and was safe and well‐tolerated in a prior phase‐3 clinical trial for sickle cell anemia. Such repurposing has the potential to expedite the urgently needed new drug discovery for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California
| | - Jacopo Di Lucente
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis Davis California
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis Davis California
| | - Latika Singh
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis Davis California
| | - Monique Chavez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California
| | - Trevor Bushong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis Davis California
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis Medical Center Sacramento California
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37
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Yeh H, Ikezu T. Transcriptional and Epigenetic Regulation of Microglia in Health and Disease. Trends Mol Med 2018; 25:96-111. [PMID: 30578089 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells that maintain brain homeostasis and contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies of microglia at transcriptomic and epigenetic levels revealed specific molecular pathways that regulate microglia development, maturation, and reactive states. The transcription factor PU.1 plays a key role in regulating several microglial functions. Environmental factors such as microbiota, early life stress, and maternal immune activation can dysregulate PU.1 and innate immune response. This review discusses the epigenetic regulation of key transcriptional factors in human and murine microglia, highlighting their networks for shaping the microglial function. PU.1 and other microglia-specific transcriptional factors can be further studied to determine their therapeutic applications in neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Yeh
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Tsuneya Ikezu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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38
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Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complex Dysfunction in MeCP2 Knock-Down Astrocytes: Protective Effects of Quercetin Hydrate. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 67:16-27. [PMID: 30519865 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play the central role in CNS metabolism to support neuronal functions. Mehyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is the global transcription factor with differential expression in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. MeCP2 mutation and downstream detrimental effects have been reported in astrocytes also in MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorder-Rett syndrome. Several studies have shown mitochondrial impairment linked to ROS production and reduced ATP synthesis in Rett patients and models, but consequences of MeCP2 deficiency on mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes in astrocytes and effect of known antioxidant quercetin aglycone has not yet been reported. The present study aimed to investigate effect of quercetin on mitochondrial functioning in MeCP2-deficient astrocytes. Our data show onefold upregulated Uqcrc1 and Ndufv2 gene expression, subtle change in protein expression, and significantly reduced mitochondrial respiratory chain complex-II and complex-III enzyme activities in MeCP2 knock-down astrocytes. Intracellular calcium robustly increased and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, while no change in ROS was observed in MeCP2 knock-down astrocytes. Quercetin increased MeCP2 and normalized Uqcrc1 and Ndufv2 gene expression but did not modulate MeCP2 and Ndufv2 proteins expression. Interestingly, quercetin upregulated significantly the mitochondrial respiratory complex-II, complex-III, and complex-IV activities in dose-dependent manner. It also restored intracellular calcium level and mitochondrial membrane potential. In vitro observations suggest the beneficial effect of quercetin in mitochondrial functioning in MeCP2-deficient condition. There are no reports focusing on role of quercetin in mitochondrial function in MeCP2-deficient astrocytes, and these observations serve as preliminary data to evaluate quercetin's effects in vivo.
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39
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Vogel Ciernia A, Yasui DH, Pride MC, Durbin-Johnson B, Noronha AB, Chang A, Knotts TA, Rutkowsky JR, Ramsey JJ, Crawley JN, LaSalle JM. MeCP2 isoform e1 mutant mice recapitulate motor and metabolic phenotypes of Rett syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:4077-4093. [PMID: 30137367 PMCID: PMC6240741 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 cause the majority of Rett syndrome (RTT) cases. Two differentially spliced isoforms of exons 1 and 2 (MeCP2-e1 and MeCP2-e2) contribute to the diverse functions of MeCP2, but only mutations in exon 1, not exon 2, are observed in RTT. We previously described an isoform-specific MeCP2-e1-deficient male mouse model of a human RTT mutation that lacks MeCP2-e1 while preserving expression of MeCP2-e2. However, RTT patients are heterozygous females that exhibit delayed and progressive symptom onset beginning in late infancy, including neurologic as well as metabolic, immune, respiratory and gastrointestinal phenotypes. Consequently, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of symptom development in MeCP2-e1 mutant females and males. A delayed and progressive onset of motor impairments was observed in both female and male MeCP2-e1 mutant mice, including hind limb clasping and motor deficits in gait and balance. Because these motor impairments were significantly impacted by age-dependent increases in body weight, we also investigated metabolic phenotypes at an early stage of disease progression. Both male and female MeCP2-e1 mutants exhibited significantly increased body fat compared to sex-matched wild-type littermates prior to weight differences. Mecp2e1-/y males exhibited significant metabolic phenotypes of hypoactivity, decreased energy expenditure, increased respiratory exchange ratio, but decreased food intake compared to wild-type. Untargeted analysis of lipid metabolites demonstrated a distinguishable profile in MeCP2-e1 female mutant liver characterized by increased triglycerides. Together, these results demonstrate that MeCP2-e1 mutation in mice of both sexes recapitulates early and progressive metabolic and motor phenotypes of human RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dag H Yasui
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Pride
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Blythe Durbin-Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adriana B Noronha
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alene Chang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Trina A Knotts
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Rutkowsky
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jon J Ramsey
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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40
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Lv QQ, You C, Zou XB, Deng HZ. Acyl-carnitine, C5DC, and C26 as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children. Psychiatry Res 2018; 267:277-280. [PMID: 29945069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that shown a close association with impaired lipid metabolism. The acyl-carnitine spectrum status in Chinese children with ASD has not been reported. In this study, we assessed the levels of blood acyl-carnitines in Chinese children with ASD and examined the relation between acyl-carnitine profiles and the intelligence levels. Blood levels of acyl-carnitines were determined by tandem mass spectrometry in 60 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children. Chinese Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI) was used in ASD group. Blood levels of free carnitine, glutaricyl carnitine, octyl carnitine, twenty four carbonyl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine in the ASD group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Glutaryl carnitine and carnosyl carnitine might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of ASD. The changes in the acyl-carnitine spectrum indicate potential mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal fatty acid metabolism in preschool ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Lv
- Child Developmental & Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Department of Pediatrics, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao 276826, China
| | - Cong You
- Child Developmental & Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Zou
- Child Developmental & Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Hong-Zhu Deng
- Child Developmental & Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
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Di Lucente J, Nguyen HM, Wulff H, Jin LW, Maezawa I. The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is required for microglial pro-inflammatory activation in vivo. Glia 2018; 66:1881-1895. [PMID: 30043400 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microglia show a rich repertoire of activation patterns regulated by a complex ensemble of surface ion channels, receptors, and transporters. We and others have investigated whether microglia vary their K+ channel expression as a means to achieve functional diversity. However, most of the prior studies were conducted using in vitro models such as BV2 cells, primary microglia, or brain slices in culture, which may not accurately reflect microglia physiology in adult individuals. Here we employed an in vivo mouse model of selective innate immune activation by intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharides (ICV-LPS) to determine the role of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 channel in LPS-induced M1-like microglial activation. Using microglia acutely isolated from adult brains, we detected Kv1.3 and Kir2.1 currents, and found that ICV-LPS increased the current density and RNA expression of Kv1.3 but did not affect those of Kir2.1. Genetic knockout of Kv1.3 abolished LPS-induced microglial activation exemplified by Iba-1 immunoreactivity and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS. Moreover, Kv1.3 knockout mitigated the LPS-induced impairment of hippocampal long-term potentiation (hLTP), suggesting that Kv1.3 activity regulates pro-inflammatory microglial neurotoxicity. Pharmacological intervention using PAP-1, a small molecule that selectively blocks homotetrameric Kv1.3 channels, achieved anti-inflammatory and hLTP-recovery effects similar to Kv1.3 knockout. We conclude that Kv1.3 is required for microglial M1-like pro-inflammatory activation in vivo. A significant implication of our in vivo data is that Kv1.3 blockers could be therapeutic candidates for neurological diseases where microglia-mediated neurotoxicity is implicated in the pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Lucente
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California
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Vaz RL, Outeiro TF, Ferreira JJ. Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Drug Discovery in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2018; 9:347. [PMID: 29910763 PMCID: PMC5992294 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Movement disorders can be primarily divided into hypokinetic and hyperkinetic. Most of the hypokinetic syndromes are associated with the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson’s disease (PD). By contrast, hyperkinetic syndromes encompass a broader array of diseases, including dystonia, essential tremor, or Huntington’s disease. The discovery of effective therapies for these disorders has been challenging and has also involved the development and characterization of accurate animal models for the screening of new drugs. Zebrafish constitutes an alternative vertebrate model for the study of movement disorders. The neuronal circuitries involved in movement in zebrafish are well characterized, and most of the associated molecular mechanisms are highly conserved. Particularly, zebrafish models of PD have contributed to a better understanding of the role of several genes implicated in the disease. Furthermore, zebrafish is a vertebrate model particularly suited for large-scale drug screenings. The relatively small size of zebrafish, optical transparency, and lifecycle, are key characteristics that facilitate the study of multiple compounds at the same time. Several transgenic, knockdown, and mutant zebrafish lines have been generated and characterized. Therefore, it is central to critically analyze these zebrafish lines and understand their suitability as models of movement disorders. Here, we revise the pathogenic mechanisms, phenotypes, and responsiveness to pharmacotherapies of zebrafish lines of the most common movement disorders. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by including all studies reporting the characterization of zebrafish models of the movement disorders selected from five bibliographic databases. A total of 63 studies were analyzed, and the most relevant data within the scope of this review were gathered. The majority (62%) of the studies were focused in the characterization of zebrafish models of PD. Overall, the zebrafish models included display conserved biochemical and neurobehavioral features of the phenomenology in humans. Nevertheless, in light of what is known for all animal models available, the use of zebrafish as a model for drug discovery requires further optimization. Future technological developments alongside with a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of these disorders should enable the development of novel zebrafish lines that can prove useful for drug discovery for movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita L Vaz
- TechnoPhage, SA, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,The Medical School, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquim J Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,CNS-Campus Neurológico Sénior, Torres Vedras, Portugal
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Liu M, Fitzgibbon M, Wang Y, Reilly J, Qian X, O'Brien T, Clapcote S, Shen S, Roche M. Ulk4 regulates GABAergic signaling and anxiety-related behavior. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:43. [PMID: 29391390 PMCID: PMC5804027 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitation/inhibition imbalance has been proposed as a fundamental mechanism in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, in which copy number variations of the Unc-51 like kinase 4 (ULK4) gene encoding a putative Serine/Threonine kinase have been reported in approximately 1/1000 of patients suffering pleiotropic clinical conditions of schizophrenia, depression, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay, language delay, intellectual disability, or behavioral disorder. The current study characterized behavior of heterozygous Ulk4 +/tm1a mice, demonstrating that Ulk4 +/tm1a mice displayed no schizophrenia-like behavior in acoustic startle reactivity and prepulse inhibition tests or depressive-like behavior in the Porsolt swim or tail suspension tests. However, Ulk4 +/tm1a mice exhibited an anxiety-like behavioral phenotype in several tests. Previously identified hypo-anxious (Atp1a2, Ptn, and Mdk) and hyper-anxious (Gria1, Syngap1, and Npy2r) genes were found to be dysregulated accordingly in Ulk4 mutants. Ulk4 was found to be expressed in GABAergic neurons and the Gad67+ interneurons were significantly reduced in the hippocampus and basolateral amygdala of Ulk4 +/tm1a mice. Transcriptome analyses revealed a marked reduction of GABAergic neuronal subtypes, including Pvalb, Sst, Cck, Npy, and Nos3, as well as significant upregulation of GABA receptors, including Gabra1, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5, and Gabrb3. This is the first evidence that Ulk4 plays a major role in regulating GABAergic signaling and anxiety-like behavior, which may have implications for the development of novel anxiolytic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marie Fitzgibbon
- Physiology, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Yanqin Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jamie Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Xiaohong Qian
- National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Engineering Research Center for Protein Drugs, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Steve Clapcote
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
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Jena PK, Sheng L, Di Lucente J, Jin LW, Maezawa I, Wan YJY. Dysregulated bile acid synthesis and dysbiosis are implicated in Western diet-induced systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity. FASEB J 2018; 32:2866-2877. [PMID: 29401580 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700984rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to identify the intrinsic links that explain the effect of a Western diet (WD) on cognitive dysfunction. Specific pathogen-free, wild-type mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high-fat, high-sucrose WD after weaning and were euthanized at 10 mo of age to study the pathways that affect cognitive health. The results showed that long-term WD intake reduced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA in the brain and isolated microglia. A WD also activated ERK1/2 and reduced postsynaptic density-95 in the brain, suggesting postsynaptic damage. Moreover, WD-fed mice had increased inflammatory signaling in the brain, ileum, liver, adipose tissue, and spleen, which was accompanied by microglia activation. In the brain, as well as in the digestive tract, a WD reduced signaling regulated by retinoic acid and bile acids (BAs), whose receptors form heterodimers to control metabolism and inflammation. Furthermore, a WD intake caused dysbiosis and dysregulated BA synthesis with reduced endogenous ligands for BA receptors, i.e., farnesoid X receptor and G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor in the liver and brain. Together, dysregulated BA synthesis and dysbiosis were accompanied by systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity induced by WD.-Jena, P. K., Sheng, L., Di Lucente, J., Jin, L.-W., Maezawa, I., Wan, Y.-J. Y. Dysregulated bile acid synthesis and dysbiosis are implicated in Western diet-induced systemic inflammation, microglial activation, and reduced neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasant Kumar Jena
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and
| | - Lili Sheng
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and
| | - Jacopo Di Lucente
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and.,Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA; and
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Sharma K, Singh J, Frost EE, Pillai PP. MeCP2 in central nervous system glial cells: current updates. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Chen YJ, Nguyen HM, Maezawa I, Jin LW, Wulff H. Inhibition of the potassium channel Kv1.3 reduces infarction and inflammation in ischemic stroke. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2017; 5:147-161. [PMID: 29468176 PMCID: PMC5817832 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Inhibitors of the voltage‐gated K+ channel Kv1.3 are currently in development as immunomodulators for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. As Kv1.3 is also expressed on microglia and has been shown to be specifically up‐regulated on “M1‐like” microglia, we here tested the therapeutic hypothesis that the brain‐penetrant small‐molecule Kv1.3‐inhibitor PAP‐1 reduces secondary inflammatory damage after ischemia/reperfusion. Methods We studied microglial Kv1.3 expression using electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry, and evaluated PAP‐1 in hypoxia‐exposed organotypic hippocampal slices and in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with 8 days of reperfusion in both adult male C57BL/6J mice (60 min MCAO) and adult male Wistar rats (90 min MCAO). In both models, PAP‐1 administration was started 12 h after reperfusion. Results We observed Kv1.3 staining on activated microglia in ischemic infarcts in mice, rats, and humans and found higher Kv1.3 current densities in acutely isolated microglia from the infarcted hemisphere than in microglia isolated from the contralateral hemisphere of MCAO mice. PAP‐1 reduced microglia activation and increased neuronal survival in hypoxia‐exposed hippocampal slices as effectively as minocycline. In mouse MCAO, PAP‐1 dose‐dependently reduced infarct area, improved neurological deficit score, and reduced brain levels of IL‐1β and IFN‐γ without affecting IL‐10 and brain‐derived nerve growth factor (BDNF) levels or inhibiting ongoing phagocytosis. The beneficial effects on infarct area and neurological deficit score were reproduced in rats providing confirmation in a second species. Interpretation Our findings suggest that Kv1.3 constitutes a promising therapeutic target for preferentially inhibiting “M1‐like” inflammatory microglia/macrophage functions in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Je Chen
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis 95616 California
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis 95616 California
| | - Izumi Maezawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis, Sacramento 95817 California.,M.I.N.D. Institute University of California Davis 95817 California
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine University of California Davis, Sacramento 95817 California.,M.I.N.D. Institute University of California Davis 95817 California
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology University of California Davis 95616 California
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Jin XR, Chen XS, Xiao L. MeCP2 Deficiency in Neuroglia: New Progress in the Pathogenesis of Rett Syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:316. [PMID: 29046627 PMCID: PMC5632713 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disease predominantly caused by mutations of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. Generally, RTT has been attributed to neuron-centric dysfunction. However, increasing evidence has shown that glial abnormalities are also involved in the pathogenesis of RTT. Mice that are MeCP2-null specifically in glial cells showed similar behavioral and/or neuronal abnormalities as those found in MeCP2-null mice, a mouse model of RTT. MeCP2 deficiency in astrocytes impacts the expression of glial intermediate filament proteins such as fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 and induces neuron toxicity by disturbing glutamate metabolism or enhancing microtubule instability. MeCP2 deficiency in oligodendrocytes (OLs) results in down-regulation of myelin gene expression and impacts myelination. While MeCP2-deficient microglia cells fail in response to environmental stimuli, release excessive glutamate, and aggravate impairment of the neuronal circuit. In this review, we mainly focus on the progress in determining the role of MeCP2 in glial cells involved in RTT, which may provide further insight into a therapeutic intervention for RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Rui Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Collaborative Program for Brain Research, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,The Cadet Brigade of Clinic Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing-Shu Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Collaborative Program for Brain Research, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Collaborative Program for Brain Research, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Valacchi G, Pecorelli A, Cervellati C, Hayek J. 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts: Key mediator in Rett syndrome oxinflammation. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 111:270-280. [PMID: 28063942 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the last 15 years a strong correlation between oxidative stress (OxS) and Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder known to be caused in 95% of the cases, by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, has been well documented. Here, we revised, summarized and discussed the current knowledge on the role of lipid peroxidation byproducts, with special emphasis on 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), in RTT pathophysiology. The posttranslational modifications of proteins via 4HNE, known as 4HNE protein adducts (4NHE-PAs), causing detrimental effects on protein functions, appear to contribute to the clinical severity of the syndrome, since their levels increase significantly during the subsequent 4 clinical stages, reaching the maximum degree at stage 4, represented by a late motor deterioration. In addition, 4HNE-PA are only partially removed due to the compromised functionality of the proteasome activity, contributing therefore to the cellular damage in RTT. All this will lead to a characteristic subclinical inflammation, defined "OxInflammation", derived by a positive feedback loop between OxS byproducts and inflammatory mediators that in a long run further aggravates the clinical features of RTT patients. Therefore, in a pathology completely orphan of any therapy, aiming 4HNE as a therapeutic target could represent a coadjuvant treatment with some beneficial impact in these patients..
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Animal Sciences, NC State University, NC Research Campus, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Department of Animal Sciences, NC State University, NC Research Campus, 600 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital, AOUS, Viale Mario Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Increased Mitochondrial Mass and Cytosolic Redox Imbalance in Hippocampal Astrocytes of a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome: Subcellular Changes Revealed by Ratiometric Imaging of JC-1 and roGFP1 Fluorescence. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:3064016. [PMID: 28894505 PMCID: PMC5574314 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3064016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with mutations in the MECP2 gene. Mostly girls are affected, and an apparently normal development is followed by cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, epilepsy, and irregular breathing. Various indications suggest mitochondrial dysfunction. In Rett mice, brain ATP levels are reduced, mitochondria are leaking protons, and respiratory complexes are dysregulated. Furthermore, we found in MeCP2-deficient mouse (Mecp2−/y) hippocampus an intensified mitochondrial metabolism and ROS generation. We now used emission ratiometric 2-photon imaging to assess mitochondrial morphology, mass, and membrane potential (ΔΨm) in Mecp2−/y hippocampal astrocytes. Cultured astrocytes were labeled with the ΔΨm marker JC-1, and semiautomated analyses yielded the number of mitochondria per cell, their morphology, and ΔΨm. Mecp2−/y astrocytes contained more mitochondria than wild-type (WT) cells and were more oxidized. Mitochondrial size, ΔΨm, and vulnerability to pharmacological challenge did not differ. The antioxidant Trolox opposed the oxidative burden and decreased the mitochondrial mass, thereby dampening the differences among WT and Mecp2−/y astrocytes; mitochondrial size and ΔΨm were not markedly affected. In conclusion, mitochondrial alterations and redox imbalance in RTT also involve astrocytes. Mitochondria are more numerous in Mecp2−/y than in WT astrocytes. As this genotypic difference is abolished by Trolox, it seems linked to the oxidative stress in RTT.
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van Liempd SM, Cabrera D, Lee FY, González E, Dell'Angelica EC, Ghiani CA, Falcon-Perez JM. BLOC-1 deficiency causes alterations in amino acid profile and in phospholipid and adenosine metabolism in the postnatal mouse hippocampus. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5231. [PMID: 28701731 PMCID: PMC5507893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05465-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1) is a protein complex involved in the formation of endosomal tubular structures that mediates the sorting of protein cargoes to specialised compartments. In this study, we present insights into the metabolic consequences caused by BLOC-1 deficiency in pallid mice, which carry a null mutation in the Bloc1s6 gene encoding an essential component of this complex. The metabolome of the hippocampus of pallid mice was analysed using an untargeted, liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometric approach. After data pre-treatment, statistical analysis and pathway enrichment, we have identified 28 metabolites that showed statistically significant changes between pallid and wild-type control. These metabolites included amino acids, nucleobase-containing compounds and lysophospholipids. Interestingly, pallid mice displayed increased hippocampal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid (NAAG) and their precursor glutamine. Expression of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SNAT1), which transports glutamine into neurons, was also upregulated. Conversely, levels of the neurotransmitter precursors phenylalanine and tryptophan were decreased. Interestingly, many of these changes could be mapped to overlapping metabolic pathways. The observed metabolic alterations are likely to affect neurotransmission and neuronal homeostasis and in turn could mediate the memory and behavioural impairments observed in BLOC-1-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M van Liempd
- Metabolomics Platform. CIC bioGUNE, CIBER, Derio, 48260, Spain.
| | - D Cabrera
- Metabolomics Platform. CIC bioGUNE, CIBER, Derio, 48260, Spain
| | - F Y Lee
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - E González
- Metabolomics Platform. CIC bioGUNE, CIBER, Derio, 48260, Spain
| | - E C Dell'Angelica
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - C A Ghiani
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - J M Falcon-Perez
- Metabolomics Platform. CIC bioGUNE, CIBER, Derio, 48260, Spain. .,IKERBASQUE Research Foundation, Bilbao, Spain.
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