1
|
Baldwin KT, Murai KK, Khakh BS. Astrocyte morphology. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:547-565. [PMID: 38180380 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.09.006] [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] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are predominant glial cells that tile the central nervous system (CNS). A cardinal feature of astrocytes is their complex and visually enchanting morphology, referred to as bushy, spongy, and star-like. A central precept of this review is that such complex morphological shapes evolved to allow astrocytes to contact and signal with diverse cells at a range of distances in order to sample, regulate, and contribute to the extracellular milieu, and thus participate widely in cell-cell signaling during physiology and disease. The recent use of improved imaging methods and cell-specific molecular evaluations has revealed new information on the structural organization and molecular underpinnings of astrocyte morphology, the mechanisms of astrocyte morphogenesis, and the contributions to disease states of reduced morphology. These insights have reignited interest in astrocyte morphological complexity as a cornerstone of fundamental glial biology and as a critical substrate for multicellular spatial and physiological interactions in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Baldwin
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Keith K Murai
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jing Y, Dogan I, Reetz K, Romanzetti S. Neurochemical changes in the progression of Huntington's disease: A meta-analysis of in vivo 1H-MRS studies. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106574. [PMID: 38914172 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106574] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) allows measuring specific brain metabolic alterations in Huntington's disease (HD), and these metabolite profiles may serve as non-invasive biomarkers associated with disease progression. Despite this potential, previous findings are inconsistent. Accordingly, we performed a meta-analysis on available in vivo1H-MRS studies in premanifest (Pre-HD) and symptomatic HD stages (Symp-HD), and quantified neurometabolic changes relative to controls in 9 Pre-HD studies (227 controls and 188 mutation carriers) and 14 Symp-HD studies (326 controls and 306 patients). Our results indicated decreased N-acetylaspartate and creatine in the basal ganglia in both Pre-HD and Symp-HD. The overall level of myo-inositol was decreased in Pre-HD while increased in Symp-HD. Besides, Symp-HD patients showed more severe metabolism disruption than Pre-HD patients. Taken together, 1H-MRS is important for elucidating progressive metabolite changes from Pre-HD to clinical conversion; N-acetylaspartate and creatine in the basal ganglia are already sensitive at the preclinical stage and are promising biomarkers for tracking disease progression; overall myo-inositol is a possible characteristic metabolite for distinguishing HD stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Jing
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; JARA-Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging (INM-11), Research Centre Jülich and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lopes AR, Costa Silva DG, Rodrigues NR, Kemmerich Martins I, Paganotto Leandro L, Nunes MEM, Posser T, Franco J. Investigating the impact of Psidium guajava leaf hydroalcoholic extract in improving glutamatergic toxicity-induced oxidative stress in Danio rerio larvae. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2024; 87:457-470. [PMID: 38576186 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2337366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Glutamate is one of the predominant excitatory neurotransmitters released from the central nervous system; however, at high concentrations, this substance may induce excitotoxicity. This phenomenon is involved in numerous neuropathologies. At present, clinically available pharmacotherapeutic agents to counteract glutamatergic excitotoxicity are not completely effective; therefore, research to develop novel compounds is necessary. In this study, the main objective was to determine the pharmacotherapeutic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Psidium guajava (PG) in a model of oxidative stress-induced by exposure to glutamate utilizing Danio rerio larvae (zebrafish) as a model. Data showed that treatment with glutamate produced a significant increase in oxidative stress, chromatin damage, apoptosis, and locomotor dysfunction. All these effects were attenuated by pre-treatment with the classical antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Treatment with PG inhibited oxidative stress responsible for cellular damage induced by glutamate. However, exposure to PG failed to prevent glutamate-initiated locomotor damage. Our findings suggest that under conditions of oxidative stress, PG can be considered as a promising candidate for treatment of glutamatergic excitotoxicity and consequent neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Rubim Lopes
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia - CIPBiotec, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Dennis Guilherme Costa Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Nathane Rosa Rodrigues
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Bioquímica e Toxicologia Compostos Bioativos - GBToxBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Illana Kemmerich Martins
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia - CIPBiotec, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luana Paganotto Leandro
- Departamento de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica - PPGBTox, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Mauro Eugênio Medina Nunes
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia - CIPBiotec, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Thais Posser
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia - CIPBiotec, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Franco
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biotecnologia - CIPBiotec, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sompol P. Targeting Reactive Astrocytes in Vascular Dementia: Investigation of Neuronal-Astrocyte-Vascular Interactions. Neurosci Insights 2024; 19:26331055241255332. [PMID: 38784154 PMCID: PMC11113058 DOI: 10.1177/26331055241255332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically known as neuronal support cells, astrocytes are now widely studied for their close structural and functional interactions with multiple neural cell types and cerebral vessels where they maintain an ideal environment for optimized brain function. Under pathological conditions, astrocytes become reactive and lose key protective functions. In this commentary, we discuss our recent work in The Journal of Neuroscience (Sompol et al., 2023) that showed Ca2+ dysregulation in reactive astrocytes, as well as hyperactivation of the Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CN) and the Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFATs), in a diet-induced hyperhomocystienemia (HHcy) mouse model of Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID). Intravital multiphoton imaging coupled with whisker stimulation was used to explore astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and neurovascular function under active phase, fully awake conditions. Interestingly, evoked Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes were greater, even though intercorrelated Ca2+ signaling across networks of astrocytes was impaired in HHcy mice. Blockade of astrocytic CN/NFAT reduced signs of astrocyte reactivity, normalized cerebrovascular function, and improved hippocampal synaptic strength and hippocampal dependent cognition in HHcy mice, revealing a previously unrecognized deficit regarding neuron-astrocyte-vascular interactions. These findings strongly support the use of astrocyte targeting strategies to mitigate pathophysiological changes associated with VCID and other Alzheimer's-related dementias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zimmer TS, Orr AL, Orr AG. Astrocytes in selective vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:289-302. [PMID: 38521710 PMCID: PMC11006581 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Selective vulnerability of specific brain regions and cell populations is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. Mechanisms of selective vulnerability involve neuronal heterogeneity, functional specializations, and differential sensitivities to stressors and pathogenic factors. In this review we discuss the growing body of literature suggesting that, like neurons, astrocytes are heterogeneous and specialized, respond to and integrate diverse inputs, and induce selective effects on brain function. In disease, astrocytes undergo specific, context-dependent changes that promote different pathogenic trajectories and functional outcomes. We propose that astrocytes contribute to selective vulnerability through maladaptive transitions to context-divergent phenotypes that impair specific brain regions and functions. Further studies on the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in disease may provide new therapeutic approaches to enhance resilience against neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till S Zimmer
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam L Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tong H, Yang T, Xu S, Li X, Liu L, Zhou G, Yang S, Yin S, Li XJ, Li S. Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3845. [PMID: 38612657 PMCID: PMC11011923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073845] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reis FMCV, Maesta-Pereira S, Ollivier M, Schuette PJ, Sethi E, Miranda BA, Iniguez E, Chakerian M, Vaughn E, Sehgal M, Nguyen DCT, Yuan FTH, Torossian A, Ikebara JM, Kihara AH, Silva AJ, Kao JC, Khakh BS, Adhikari A. Control of feeding by a bottom-up midbrain-subthalamic pathway. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2111. [PMID: 38454000 PMCID: PMC10920831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46430-5] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigative exploration and foraging leading to food consumption have vital importance, but are not well-understood. Since GABAergic inputs to the lateral and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (l/vlPAG) control such behaviors, we dissected the role of vgat-expressing GABAergic l/vlPAG cells in exploration, foraging and hunting. Here, we show that in mice vgat l/vlPAG cells encode approach to food and consumption of both live prey and non-prey foods. The activity of these cells is necessary and sufficient for inducing food-seeking leading to subsequent consumption. Activation of vgat l/vlPAG cells produces exploratory foraging and compulsive eating without altering defensive behaviors. Moreover, l/vlPAG vgat cells are bidirectionally interconnected to several feeding, exploration and investigation nodes, including the zona incerta. Remarkably, the vgat l/vlPAG projection to the zona incerta bidirectionally controls approach towards food leading to consumption. These data indicate the PAG is not only a final downstream target of top-down exploration and foraging-related inputs, but that it also influences these behaviors through a bottom-up pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando M C V Reis
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Sandra Maesta-Pereira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Matthias Ollivier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Peter J Schuette
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ekayana Sethi
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Blake A Miranda
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Emily Iniguez
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Meghmik Chakerian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eric Vaughn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Megha Sehgal
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Darren C T Nguyen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Faith T H Yuan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Anita Torossian
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Juliane M Ikebara
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H Kihara
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Alcino J Silva
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jonathan C Kao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Baljit S Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Avishek Adhikari
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Benarroch E. What Is the Role of the "GABA Tone" in Normal and Pathological Conditions? Neurology 2024; 102:e209152. [PMID: 38252909 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
|
9
|
Ricci C. Neurodegenerative Disease: From Molecular Basis to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:967. [PMID: 38256040 PMCID: PMC10815646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020967] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of age-related disorders characterised by the progressive degeneration or death of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schneider Y, Gauer C, Andert M, Hoffmann A, Riemenschneider MJ, Krebs W, Chalmers N, Lötzsch C, Naumann UJ, Xiang W, Rothhammer V, Beckervordersandforth R, Schlachetzki JCM, Winkler J. Distinct forebrain regions define a dichotomous astrocytic profile in multiple system atrophy. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38167307 PMCID: PMC10759635 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing recognition of a dichotomous role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative processes has heightened the need for unraveling distinct astrocytic subtypes in neurological disorders. In multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare, rapidly progressing atypical Parkinsonian disease characterized by increased astrocyte reactivity. However the specific contribution of astrocyte subtypes to neuropathology remains elusive. Hence, we first set out to profile glial fibrillary acidic protein levels in astrocytes across the human post mortem motor cortex, putamen, and substantia nigra of MSA patients and observed an overall profound astrocytic response. Matching the post mortem human findings, a similar astrocytic phenotype was present in a transgenic MSA mouse model. Notably, MSA mice exhibited a decreased expression of the glutamate transporter 1 and glutamate aspartate transporter in the basal ganglia, but not the motor cortex. We developed an optimized astrocyte isolation protocol based on magnetic-activated cell sorting via ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit beta 2 and profiled the transcriptomic landscape of striatal and cortical astrocytes in transgenic MSA mice. The gene expression profile of astrocytes in the motor cortex displayed an anti-inflammatory signature with increased oligodendroglial and pro-myelinogenic expression pattern. In contrast, striatal astrocytes were defined by elevated pro-inflammatory transcripts accompanied by dysregulated genes involved in homeostatic functions for lipid and calcium metabolism. These findings provide new insights into a region-dependent, dichotomous astrocytic response-potentially beneficial in the cortex and harmful in the striatum-in MSA suggesting a differential role of astrocytes in MSA-related neurodegenerative processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Schneider
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Gauer
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Andert
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Hoffmann
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M J Riemenschneider
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - W Krebs
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Data Integration and Analysis (CUBiDA), University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - N Chalmers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Lötzsch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - U J Naumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - W Xiang
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - V Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - R Beckervordersandforth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - J Winkler
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barnett D, Bohmbach K, Grelot V, Charlet A, Dallérac G, Ju YH, Nagai J, Orr AG. Astrocytes as Drivers and Disruptors of Behavior: New Advances in Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targeting. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7463-7471. [PMID: 37940585 PMCID: PMC10634555 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1376-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging as key regulators of cognitive function and behavior. This review highlights some of the latest advances in the understanding of astrocyte roles in different behavioral domains across lifespan and in disease. We address specific molecular and circuit mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate behavior, discuss their functional diversity and versatility, and highlight emerging astrocyte-targeted treatment strategies that might alleviate behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in pathologic conditions. Converging evidence across different model systems and manipulations is revealing that astrocytes regulate behavioral processes in a precise and context-dependent manner. Improved understanding of these astrocytic functions may generate new therapeutic strategies for various conditions with cognitive and behavioral impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barnett
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| | - Kirsten Bohmbach
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Grelot
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Paris-Saclay University, Paris-Saclay Institute for Neurosciences, Paris, 91400, France
| | - Yeon Ha Ju
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Texas-Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jun Nagai
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Laboratory for Glia-Neuron Circuit Dynamics, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Anna G Orr
- Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10021
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yuan WQ, Huang WP, Jiang YC, Xu H, Duan CS, Chen NH, Liu YJ, Fu XM. The function of astrocytes and their role in neurological diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3932-3961. [PMID: 37831013 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16160] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes have countless links with neurons. Previously, astrocytes were only considered a scaffold of neurons; in fact, astrocytes perform a variety of functions, including providing support for neuronal structures and energy metabolism, offering isolation and protection and influencing the formation, function and elimination of synapses. Because of these functions, astrocytes play an critical role in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The regulation of the secretiory factors, receptors, channels and pathways of astrocytes can effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of CNS diseases, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease. The expression of aquaporin 4 in AS is directly related to NMO and indirectly involved in the clearance of Aβ and tau proteins in AD. Connexin 43 has a bidirectional effect on glutamate diffusion at different stages of stroke. Interestingly, astrocytes reduce the occurrence of PD through multiple effects such as secretion of related factors, mitochondrial autophagy and aquaporin 4. Therefore, this review is focused on the structure and function of astrocytes and the correlation between astrocytes and CNS diseases and drug treatment to explore the new functions of astrocytes with the astrocytes as the target. This, in turn, would provide a reference for the development of new drugs to protect neurons and promote the recovery of nerve function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qin Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Chao Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Xu
- College of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chong-Shen Duan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Fu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wilton DK, Mastro K, Heller MD, Gergits FW, Willing CR, Fahey JB, Frouin A, Daggett A, Gu X, Kim YA, Faull RLM, Jayadev S, Yednock T, Yang XW, Stevens B. Microglia and complement mediate early corticostriatal synapse loss and cognitive dysfunction in Huntington's disease. Nat Med 2023; 29:2866-2884. [PMID: 37814059 PMCID: PMC10667107 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating monogenic neurodegenerative disease characterized by early, selective pathology in the basal ganglia despite the ubiquitous expression of mutant huntingtin. The molecular mechanisms underlying this region-specific neuronal degeneration and how these relate to the development of early cognitive phenotypes are poorly understood. Here we show that there is selective loss of synaptic connections between the cortex and striatum in postmortem tissue from patients with HD that is associated with the increased activation and localization of complement proteins, innate immune molecules, to these synaptic elements. We also found that levels of these secreted innate immune molecules are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of premanifest HD patients and correlate with established measures of disease burden.In preclinical genetic models of HD, we show that complement proteins mediate the selective elimination of corticostriatal synapses at an early stage in disease pathogenesis, marking them for removal by microglia, the brain's resident macrophage population. This process requires mutant huntingtin to be expressed in both cortical and striatal neurons. Inhibition of this complement-dependent elimination mechanism through administration of a therapeutically relevant C1q function-blocking antibody or genetic ablation of a complement receptor on microglia prevented synapse loss, increased excitatory input to the striatum and rescued the early development of visual discrimination learning and cognitive flexibility deficits in these models. Together, our findings implicate microglia and the complement cascade in the selective, early degeneration of corticostriatal synapses and the development of cognitive deficits in presymptomatic HD; they also provide new preclinical data to support complement as a therapeutic target for early intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Wilton
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
| | - Kevin Mastro
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Molly D Heller
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Frederick W Gergits
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Carly Rose Willing
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Jaclyn B Fahey
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Arnaud Frouin
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Anthony Daggett
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yejin A Kim
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suman Jayadev
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ted Yednock
- Annexon Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - X William Yang
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beth Stevens
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US.
- Stanley Center, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nanclares C, Noriega-Prieto JA, Labrada-Moncada FE, Cvetanovic M, Araque A, Kofuji P. Altered calcium signaling in Bergmann glia contributes to spinocerebellar ataxia type-1 in a mouse model of SCA1. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106318. [PMID: 37802154 PMCID: PMC10624966 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106318] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion of glutamine (Q) encoding CAG repeats in the ATAXIN1 (ATXN1) gene and characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and eventual deterioration of bulbar functions. SCA1 shows severe degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and activation of Bergmann glia (BG), a type of cerebellar astroglia closely associated with PCs. Combining electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging techniques, and chemogenetic approaches, we have investigated the electrical intrinsic and synaptic properties of PCs and the physiological properties of BG in SCA1 mouse model expressing mutant ATXN1 only in PCs. PCs of SCA1 mice displayed lower spontaneous firing rate and larger slow afterhyperpolarization currents (sIAHP) than wildtype mice, whereas the properties of the synaptic inputs were unaffected. BG of SCA1 mice showed higher calcium hyperactivity and gliotransmission, manifested by higher frequency of NMDAR-mediated slow inward currents (SICs) in PC. Preventing the BG calcium hyperexcitability of SCA1 mice by loading BG with the calcium chelator BAPTA restored sIAHP and spontaneous firing rate of PCs to similar levels of wildtype mice. Moreover, mimicking the BG hyperactivity by activating BG expressing Gq-DREADDs in wildtype mice reproduced the SCA1 pathological phenotype of PCs, i.e., enhancement of sIAHP and decrease of spontaneous firing rate. These results indicate that the intrinsic electrical properties of PCs, but not their synaptic properties, were altered in SCA1 mice and that these alterations were associated with the hyperexcitability of BG. Moreover, preventing BG hyperexcitability in SCA1 mice and promoting BG hyperexcitability in wildtype mice prevented and mimicked, respectively, the pathological electrophysiological phenotype of PCs. Therefore, BG plays a relevant role in the dysfunction of the electrical intrinsic properties of PCs in SCA1 mice, suggesting that they may serve as potential targets for therapeutic approaches to treat the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Nanclares
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | | | - Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hastings N, Yu Y, Huang B, Middya S, Inaoka M, Erkamp NA, Mason RJ, Carnicer‐Lombarte A, Rahman S, Knowles TPJ, Bance M, Malliaras GG, Kotter MRN. Electrophysiological In Vitro Study of Long-Range Signal Transmission by Astrocytic Networks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301756. [PMID: 37485646 PMCID: PMC10582426 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are diverse brain cells that form large networks communicating via gap junctions and chemical transmitters. Despite recent advances, the functions of astrocytic networks in information processing in the brain are not fully understood. In culture, brain slices, and in vivo, astrocytes, and neurons grow in tight association, making it challenging to establish whether signals that spread within astrocytic networks communicate with neuronal groups at distant sites, or whether astrocytes solely respond to their local environments. A multi-electrode array (MEA)-based device called AstroMEA is designed to separate neuronal and astrocytic networks, thus allowing to study the transfer of chemical and/or electrical signals transmitted via astrocytic networks capable of changing neuronal electrical behavior. AstroMEA demonstrates that cortical astrocytic networks can induce a significant upregulation in the firing frequency of neurons in response to a theta-burst charge-balanced biphasic current stimulation (5 pulses of 100 Hz × 10 with 200 ms intervals, 2 s total duration) of a separate neuronal-astrocytic group in the absence of direct neuronal contact. This result corroborates the view of astrocytic networks as a parallel mechanism of signal transmission in the brain that is separate from the neuronal connectome. Translationally, it highlights the importance of astrocytic network protection as a treatment target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
- Electrical Engineering DivisionDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Yi‐Lin Yu
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Department of Neurological SurgeryTri‐Service General HospitalNational Defence Medical CentreTaipei, Neihu District11490Taiwan
| | - Botian Huang
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | - Sagnik Middya
- Electrical Engineering DivisionDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Misaki Inaoka
- Electrical Engineering DivisionDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Nadia A. Erkamp
- Yusuf Hamied Department of ChemistryCentre for Misfolding DiseasesUniversity of CambridgeLensfield RoadCambridgeCB2 1EWUK
| | - Roger J. Mason
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | | | - Saifur Rahman
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Yusuf Hamied Department of ChemistryCentre for Misfolding DiseasesUniversity of CambridgeLensfield RoadCambridgeCB2 1EWUK
- Cavendish LaboratoryDepartment of PhysicsUniversity of CambridgeJ J Thomson AveCambridgeCB3 0HEUK
| | - Manohar Bance
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering DivisionDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0QQUK
- Wellcome‐MRC Cambridge Stem Cell InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 0AWUK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Paryani F, Kwon JS, Ng CW, Madden N, Ofori K, Tang A, Lu H, Li J, Mahajan A, Davidson SM, Basile A, McHugh C, Vonsattel JP, Hickman R, Zody M, Houseman DE, Goldman JE, Yoo AS, Menon V, Al-Dalahmah O. Multi-OMIC analysis of Huntington disease reveals a neuroprotective astrocyte state. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.08.556867. [PMID: 37745577 PMCID: PMC10515780 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.556867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal loss and astrogliosis. One hallmark of HD is the selective neuronal vulnerability of striatal medium spiny neurons. To date, the underlying mechanisms of this selective vulnerability have not been fully defined. Here, we employed a multi-omic approach including single nucleus RNAseq (snRNAseq), bulk RNAseq, lipidomics, HTT gene CAG repeat length measurements, and multiplexed immunofluorescence on post-mortem brain tissue from multiple brain regions of HD and control donors. We defined a signature of genes that is driven by CAG repeat length and found it enriched in astrocytic and microglial genes. Moreover, weighted gene correlation network analysis showed loss of connectivity of astrocytic and microglial modules in HD and identified modules that correlated with CAG-repeat length which further implicated inflammatory pathways and metabolism. We performed lipidomic analysis of HD and control brains and identified several lipid species that correlate with HD grade, including ceramides and very long chain fatty acids. Integration of lipidomics and bulk transcriptomics identified a consensus gene signature that correlates with HD grade and HD lipidomic abnormalities and implicated the unfolded protein response pathway. Because astrocytes are critical for brain lipid metabolism and play important roles in regulating inflammation, we analyzed our snRNAseq dataset with an emphasis on astrocyte pathology. We found two main astrocyte types that spanned multiple brain regions; these types correspond to protoplasmic astrocytes, and fibrous-like - CD44-positive, astrocytes. HD pathology was differentially associated with these cell types in a region-specific manner. One protoplasmic astrocyte cluster showed high expression of metallothionein genes, the depletion of this cluster positively correlated with the depletion of vulnerable medium spiny neurons in the caudate nucleus. We confirmed that metallothioneins were increased in cingulate HD astrocytes but were unchanged or even decreased in caudate astrocytes. We combined existing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with a GWA study conducted on HD patients from the original Venezuelan cohort and identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the metallothionein gene locus associated with delayed age of onset. Functional studies found that metallothionein overexpressing astrocytes are better able to buffer glutamate and were neuroprotective of patient-derived directly reprogrammed HD MSNs as well as against rotenone-induced neuronal death in vitro. Finally, we found that metallothionein-overexpressing astrocytes increased the phagocytic activity of microglia in vitro and increased the expression of genes involved in fatty acid binding. Together, we identified an astrocytic phenotype that is regionally-enriched in less vulnerable brain regions that can be leveraged to protect neurons in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Paryani
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Ji-Sun Kwon
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Chris W Ng
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Engineering
| | - Nacoya Madden
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Kenneth Ofori
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Alice Tang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Juncheng Li
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Aayushi Mahajan
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Shawn M. Davidson
- Princeton University, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics
| | | | | | - Jean Paul Vonsattel
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Richard Hickman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | | | - David E. Houseman
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Biological Engineering
| | - James E. Goldman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Andrew S. Yoo
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
| | - Vilas Menon
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Osama Al-Dalahmah
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Patani R, Hardingham GE, Liddelow SA. Functional roles of reactive astrocytes in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:395-409. [PMID: 37308616 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in uncovering the mechanisms that underlie neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease, therapies that prevent neuronal loss remain elusive. Targeting of disease-defining markers in conditions such as Alzheimer disease (amyloid-β and tau) or Parkinson disease (α-synuclein) has been met with limited success, suggesting that these proteins do not act in isolation but form part of a pathological network. This network could involve phenotypic alteration of multiple cell types in the CNS, including astrocytes, which have a major neurosupportive, homeostatic role in the healthy CNS but adopt reactive states under acute or chronic adverse conditions. Transcriptomic studies in human patients and disease models have revealed the co-existence of many putative reactive sub-states of astrocytes. Inter-disease and even intra-disease heterogeneity of reactive astrocytic sub-states are well established, but the extent to which specific sub-states are shared across different diseases is unclear. In this Review, we highlight how single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing and other 'omics' technologies can enable the functional characterization of defined reactive astrocyte states in various pathological scenarios. We provide an integrated perspective, advocating cross-modal validation of key findings to define functionally important sub-states of astrocytes and their triggers as tractable therapeutic targets with cross-disease relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rickie Patani
- Department of Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, Human Stem Cells and Neurodegeneration Laboratory, London, UK
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shane A Liddelow
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Qian K, Jiang X, Liu ZQ, Zhang J, Fu P, Su Y, Brazhe NA, Liu D, Zhu LQ. Revisiting the critical roles of reactive astrocytes in neurodegeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2697-2706. [PMID: 37037874 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes, an integral component of the central nervous system (CNS), contribute to the maintenance of physiological homeostasis through their roles in synaptic function, K+ buffering, blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintenance, and neuronal metabolism. Reactive astrocytes refer to astrocytes undergoing morphological, molecular and functional remodelling in response to pathological stimuli. The activation and differentiation of astrocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still controversies regarding their subset identification, function and nomenclature in neurodegeneration. In this review, we revisit the multidimensional roles of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, we propose a precise linkage between astrocyte subsets and their functions based on single-cell sequencing analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Qian
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Nadezda A Brazhe
- Biophysics Department, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pathak D, Sriram K. Neuron-astrocyte omnidirectional signaling in neurological health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1169320. [PMID: 37363320 PMCID: PMC10286832 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1169320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are an abundantly distributed population of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that perform myriad functions in the normal and injured/diseased brain. Astrocytes exhibit heterogeneous phenotypes in response to various insults, a process known as astrocyte reactivity. The accuracy and precision of brain signaling are primarily based on interactions involving neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, pericytes, and dendritic cells within the CNS. Astrocytes have emerged as a critical entity within the brain because of their unique role in recycling neurotransmitters, actively modulating the ionic environment, regulating cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism, and influencing cellular crosstalk in diverse neural injury conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. However, little is known about how an astrocyte functions in synapse formation, axon specification, neuroplasticity, neural homeostasis, neural network activity following dynamic surveillance, and CNS structure in neurological diseases. Interestingly, the tripartite synapse hypothesis came to light to fill some knowledge gaps that constitute an interaction of a subpopulation of astrocytes, neurons, and synapses. This review highlights astrocytes' role in health and neurological/neurodegenerative diseases arising from the omnidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons at the tripartite synapse. The review also recapitulates the disruption of the tripartite synapse with a focus on perturbations of the homeostatic astrocytic function as a key driver to modulate the molecular and physiological processes toward neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Purushotham SS, Buskila Y. Astrocytic modulation of neuronal signalling. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1205544. [PMID: 37332623 PMCID: PMC10269688 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1205544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal signalling is a key element in neuronal communication and is essential for the proper functioning of the CNS. Astrocytes, the most prominent glia in the brain play a key role in modulating neuronal signalling at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and network levels. Over the past few decades, our knowledge about astrocytes and their functioning has evolved from considering them as merely a brain glue that provides structural support to neurons, to key communication elements. Astrocytes can regulate the activity of neurons by controlling the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular milieu, as well as releasing chemicals and gliotransmitters that modulate neuronal activity. The aim of this review is to summarise the main processes through which astrocytes are modulating brain function. We will systematically distinguish between direct and indirect pathways in which astrocytes affect neuronal signalling at all levels. Lastly, we will summarize pathological conditions that arise once these signalling pathways are impaired focusing on neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tran O, Hughes HJ, Carter T, Török K. Development and characterization of novel jGCaMP8f calcium sensor variants with improved kinetics and fluorescence response range. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1155406. [PMID: 37275778 PMCID: PMC10234427 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1155406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Genetically encoded biosensors for monitoring intracellular calcium changes have advanced our understanding of cell signaling and neuronal activity patterns in health and disease. Successful application of GCaMP biosensors to a wide range of biological questions requires that sensor properties such as brightness and dynamic range, ligand affinity and response kinetics be tuned to the specific conditions or phenomena to be investigated. Random as well as rational targeted mutations of such sensor molecules have led to a number of important breakthroughs in this field, including the calcium sensors GCaMP6f and GCaMP6fu. jGCaMP8f of the most recently developed generation is promising a step-change in in vivo imaging with further increased fluorescence dynamic range. Here, we critically examine the biophysical properties of jGCaMP8f and report development by rational design of two novel variants of jGCaMP8f. Methods We determined the in vitro biophysical properties of jGCaMP8f and selected variants by fluorescence spectroscopies and compared their performance monitoring intracellular Ca2+ transients with previously developed fast and bright GCaMP sensors by live cell imaging. Results We demonstrate that the physiologically highly relevant Mg2+ not only majorly affects the kinetic responses of GCaMPs but also their brightness and fluorescence dynamic range. We developed novel variants jGCaMP8f L27A which has threefold faster off-kinetics and jGCaMP8f F366H which shows a ∼3-fold greater dynamic range than jGCaMP8f, in vitro as well as in HEK293T cells and endothelial cell line HUVEC in response to ATP stimulation. Discussion We discuss the importance of optimization of biosensors for studying neurobiology in the context of the novel variants of jGCaMP8f. The jGCaMP8f F366H variant with a large dynamic range has the potential to improve in vivo imaging outcomes with increased signal-to-noise ratio. The L27A variant with faster kinetics than jGCaMP8f has larger cellular responses than previous fast GCaMP variants. The jGCaMP8f generation and novel improved variants presented here will further increase the application potential of GECIs in health and disease.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ren B, Burkovetskaya M, Jung Y, Bergdolt L, Totusek S, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Stauch K, Korade Z, Dunaevsky A. Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, aberrant excitability and altered cell cycle of astrocytes in fragile X syndrome. Glia 2023; 71:1176-1196. [PMID: 36594399 PMCID: PMC10023374 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most prevalent heritable form of intellectual disability, is caused by the transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene. While neuronal contribution to FXS has been extensively studied in both animal and human-based models of FXS, the roles of astrocytes, a type of glial cells in the brain, are largely unknown. Here, we generated a human-based FXS model via differentiation of astrocytes from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and characterized their development, function, and proteomic profiles. We identified shortened cell cycle, enhanced Ca2+ signaling, impaired sterol biosynthesis, and pervasive alterations in the proteome of FXS astrocytes. Our work identified astrocytic impairments that could contribute to the pathogenesis of FXS and highlight astrocytes as a novel therapeutic target for FXS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baiyan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Maria Burkovetskaya
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Yoosun Jung
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lara Bergdolt
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Steven Totusek
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MIND Institute, and Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at UC Davis School of Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kelly Stauch
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Zeljka Korade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, CHRI, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Anna Dunaevsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nanclares C, Poynter J, Martell-Martinez HA, Vermilyea S, Araque A, Kofuji P, Lee MK, Covelo A. Dysregulation of astrocytic Ca 2+ signaling and gliotransmitter release in mouse models of α-synucleinopathies. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:597-610. [PMID: 36764943 PMCID: PMC10119048 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02547-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN) appearing in the postmortem brain of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other α-synucleinopathies. While most studies of α-synucleinopathies have focused on neuronal and synaptic alterations as well as dysfunctions of the astrocytic homeostatic roles, whether the bidirectional astrocyte-neuronal communication is affected in these diseases remains unknown. We have investigated whether the astrocyte Ca2+ excitability and the glutamatergic gliotransmission underlying astrocyte-neuronal signaling are altered in several transgenic mouse models related to α-synucleinopathies, i.e., mice expressing high and low levels of the human A53T mutant α-synuclein (G2-3 and H5 mice, respectively) globally or selectively in neurons (iSyn mice), mice expressing human wildtype α-synuclein (I2-2 mice), and mice expressing A30P mutant α-synuclein (O2 mice). Combining astrocytic Ca2+ imaging and neuronal electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal slices of these mice, we have found that compared to non-transgenic mice, astrocytes in G2-3 mice at different ages (1-6 months) displayed a Ca2+ hyperexcitability that was independent of neurotransmitter receptor activation, suggesting that the expression of α-synuclein mutant A53T altered the intrinsic properties of astrocytes. Similar dysregulation of the astrocyte Ca2+ signal was present in H5 mice, but not in I2-2 and O2 mice, indicating α-synuclein mutant-specific effects. Moreover, astrocyte Ca2+ hyperexcitability was absent in mice expressing the α-synuclein mutant A53T selectively in neurons, indicating that the effects on astrocytes were cell-autonomous. Consistent with these effects, glutamatergic gliotransmission was enhanced in G2-3 and H5 mice, but was unaffected in I2-2, O2 and iSyn mice. These results indicate a cell-autonomous effect of pathogenic A53T expression in astrocytes that may contribute to the altered neuronal and synaptic function observed in α-synucleinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Nanclares
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jonah Poynter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Hector A Martell-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Scott Vermilyea
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 2101 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Michael K Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 2101 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Ana Covelo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, 4-125 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, 33077, Bordeaux, France.
- University of Bordeaux, 33077, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Khakh BS, Goldman SA. Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1522:42-59. [PMID: 36864567 PMCID: PMC10145027 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease-related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial-directed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lange J, Gillham O, Flower M, Ging H, Eaton S, Kapadia S, Neueder A, Duchen MR, Ferretti P, Tabrizi SJ. PolyQ length-dependent metabolic alterations and DNA damage drive human astrocyte dysfunction in Huntington’s disease. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 225:102448. [PMID: 37023937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the Huntingtin gene. Astrocyte dysfunction is known to contribute to HD pathology, however our understanding of the molecular pathways involved is limited. Transcriptomic analysis of patient-derived PSC (pluripotent stem cells) astrocyte lines revealed that astrocytes with similar polyQ lengths shared a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Notably, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) modules from iPSC derived astrocytes showed significant overlap with WGCNA modules from two post-mortem HD cohorts. Further experiments revealed two key elements of astrocyte dysfunction. Firstly, expression of genes linked to astrocyte reactivity, as well as metabolic changes were polyQ length-dependent. Hypermetabolism was observed in shorter polyQ length astrocytes compared to controls, whereas metabolic activity and release of metabolites were significantly reduced in astrocytes with increasing polyQ lengths. Secondly, all HD astrocytes showed increased DNA damage, DNA damage response and upregulation of mismatch repair genes and proteins. Together our study shows for the first time polyQ-dependent phenotypes and functional changes in HD astrocytes providing evidence that increased DNA damage and DNA damage response could contribute to HD astrocyte dysfunction.
Collapse
|
27
|
Amani H, Soltani Khaboushan A, Terwindt GM, Tafakhori A. Glia Signaling and Brain Microenvironment in Migraine. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3911-3934. [PMID: 36995514 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is a complicated neurological disorder affecting 6% of men and 18% of women worldwide. Various mechanisms, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, altered mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter disturbances, cortical hyperexcitability, genetic factors, and endocrine system problems, are responsible for migraine. However, these mechanisms have not completely delineated the pathophysiology behind migraine, and they should be further studied. The brain microenvironment comprises neurons, glial cells, and vascular structures with complex interactions. Disruption of the brain microenvironment is the main culprit behind various neurological disorders. Neuron-glia crosstalk contributes to hyperalgesia in migraine. In the brain, microenvironment and related peripheral regulatory circuits, microglia, astrocytes, and satellite cells are necessary for proper function. These are the most important cells that could induce migraine headaches by disturbing the balance of the neurotransmitters in the nervous system. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are the prominent reactions glial cells drive during migraine. Understanding the role of cellular and molecular components of the brain microenvironment on the major neurotransmitters engaged in migraine pathophysiology facilitates the development of new therapeutic approaches with higher effectiveness for migraine headaches. Investigating the role of the brain microenvironment and neuroinflammation in migraine may help decipher its pathophysiology and provide an opportunity to develop novel therapeutic approaches for its management. This review aims to discuss the neuron-glia interactions in the brain microenvironment during migraine and their potential role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of migraine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Amani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gisela M Terwindt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Keshavarz Blvd., Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pereira CADS, Medaglia NDC, Ureshino RP, Bincoletto C, Antonioli M, Fimia GM, Piacentini M, Pereira GJDS, Erustes AG, Smaili SS. NAADP-Evoked Ca2+ Signaling Leads to Mutant Huntingtin Aggregation and Autophagy Impairment in Murine Astrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065593. [PMID: 36982672 PMCID: PMC10058390 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by mutations in the huntingtin gene (mHtt), causing an unstable repeat of the CAG trinucleotide, leading to abnormal long repeats of polyglutamine (poly-Q) in the N-terminal region of the huntingtin, which form abnormal conformations and aggregates. Alterations in Ca2+ signaling are involved in HD models and the accumulation of mutated huntingtin interferes with Ca2+ homeostasis. Lysosomes are intracellular Ca2+ storages that participate in endocytic and lysosomal degradation processes, including autophagy. Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is an intracellular second messenger that promotes Ca2+ release from the endo-lysosomal system via Two-Pore Channels (TPCs) activation. Herein, we show the impact of lysosomal Ca2+ signals on mHtt aggregation and autophagy blockade in murine astrocytes overexpressing mHtt-Q74. We observed that mHtt-Q74 overexpression causes an increase in NAADP-evoked Ca2+ signals and mHtt aggregation, which was inhibited in the presence of Ned-19, a TPC antagonist, or BAPTA-AM, a Ca2+ chelator. Additionally, TPC2 silencing revert the mHtt aggregation. Furthermore, mHtt has been shown co-localized with TPC2 which may contribute to its effects on lysosomal homeostasis. Moreover, NAADP-mediated autophagy was also blocked since its function is dependent on lysosomal functionality. Taken together, our data show that increased levels of cytosolic Ca2+ mediated by NAADP causes mHtt aggregation. Additionally, mHtt co-localizes with the lysosomes, where it possibly affects organelle functions and impairs autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cássia Arruda de Souza Pereira
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Natalia de Castro Medaglia
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema 09913-030, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bincoletto
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Manuela Antonioli
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS “L. Spallanzani”, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS “L. Spallanzani”, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS “L. Spallanzani”, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gustavo José da Silva Pereira
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Adolfo Garcia Erustes
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-5576-4449
| | - Soraya Soubhi Smaili
- Departament of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ezkurdia A, Ramírez MJ, Solas M. Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease: A Focus on Insulin Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054354. [PMID: 36901787 PMCID: PMC10001958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main type of dementia and is a disease with a profound socioeconomic burden due to the lack of effective treatment. In addition to genetics and environmental factors, AD is highly associated with metabolic syndrome, defined as the combination of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Among these risk factors, the connection between AD and T2DM has been deeply studied. It has been suggested that the mechanism linking both conditions is insulin resistance. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates not only peripheral energy homeostasis but also brain functions, such as cognition. Insulin desensitization, therefore, could impact normal brain function increasing the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders in later life. Paradoxically, it has been demonstrated that decreased neuronal insulin signalling can also have a protective role in aging and protein-aggregation-associated diseases, as is the case in AD. This controversy is fed by studies focused on neuronal insulin signalling. However, the role of insulin action on other brain cell types, such as astrocytes, is still unexplored. Therefore, it is worthwhile exploring the involvement of the astrocytic insulin receptor in cognition, as well as in the onset and/or development of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaia Ezkurdia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J. Ramírez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Solas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdISNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Reyes-Ortiz AM, Abud EM, Burns MS, Wu J, Hernandez SJ, McClure N, Wang KQ, Schulz CJ, Miramontes R, Lau A, Michael N, Miyoshi E, Van Vactor D, Reidling JC, Blurton-Jones M, Swarup V, Poon WW, Lim RG, Thompson LM. Single-nuclei transcriptome analysis of Huntington disease iPSC and mouse astrocytes implicates maturation and functional deficits. iScience 2023; 26:105732. [PMID: 36590162 PMCID: PMC9800269 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by expanded CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene that alters cellular homeostasis, particularly in the striatum and cortex. Astrocyte signaling that establishes and maintains neuronal functions are often altered under pathological conditions. We performed single-nuclei RNA-sequencing on human HD patient-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived astrocytes and on striatal and cortical tissue from R6/2 HD mice to investigate high-resolution HD astrocyte cell state transitions. We observed altered maturation and glutamate signaling in HD human and mouse astrocytes. Human HD astrocytes also showed upregulated actin-mediated signaling, suggesting that some states may be cell-autonomous and human specific. In both species, astrogliogenesis transcription factors may drive HD astrocyte maturation deficits, which are supported by rescued climbing deficits in HD drosophila with NFIA knockdown. Thus, dysregulated HD astrocyte states may induce dysfunctional astrocytic properties, in part due to maturation deficits influenced by astrogliogenesis transcription factor dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Reyes-Ortiz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Edsel M. Abud
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Mara S. Burns
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Sarah J. Hernandez
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Nicolette McClure
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Keona Q. Wang
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Corey J. Schulz
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Ricardo Miramontes
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Alice Lau
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Neethu Michael
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Emily Miyoshi
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - David Van Vactor
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Cell Biology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John C. Reidling
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Wayne W. Poon
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Ryan G. Lim
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Leslie M. Thompson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yang Z, Gong M, Yang C, Chen C, Zhang K. Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Glia in Brain Disease Research and Treatment. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:103-140. [PMID: 37735301 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_697] [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] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Glia are integral components of neural networks and are crucial in both physiological functions and pathological processes of the brain. Many brain diseases involve glial abnormalities, including inflammatory changes, mitochondrial damage, calcium signaling disturbance, hemichannel opening, and loss of glutamate transporters. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived glia provide opportunities to study the contributions of glia in human brain diseases. These cells have been used for human disease modeling as well as generating new therapies. This chapter introduces glial involvement in brain diseases, then summarizes different methods of generating iPSC-derived glia disease models of these cells. Finally, strategies for treating disease using iPSC-derived glia are discussed. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview and shed light on the applications of iPSC-derived glia in brain disease research and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Yang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyue Gong
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanyan Yang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunhai Chen
- Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cvetanovic M, Gray M. Contribution of Glial Cells to Polyglutamine Diseases: Observations from Patients and Mouse Models. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:48-66. [PMID: 37020152 PMCID: PMC10119372 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are broadly characterized neuropathologically by the degeneration of vulnerable neuronal cell types in a specific brain region. The degeneration of specific cell types has informed on the various phenotypes/clinical presentations in someone suffering from these diseases. Prominent neurodegeneration of specific neurons is seen in polyglutamine expansion diseases including Huntington's disease (HD) and spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). The clinical manifestations observed in these diseases could be as varied as the abnormalities in motor function observed in those who have Huntington's disease (HD) as demonstrated by a chorea with substantial degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) or those with various forms of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) with an ataxic motor presentation primarily due to degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Due to the very significant nature of the degeneration of MSNs in HD and Purkinje cells in SCAs, much of the research has centered around understanding the cell autonomous mechanisms dysregulated in these neuronal cell types. However, an increasing number of studies have revealed that dysfunction in non-neuronal glial cell types contributes to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Here we explore these non-neuronal glial cell types with a focus on how each may contribute to the pathogenesis of HD and SCA and the tools used to evaluate glial cells in the context of these diseases. Understanding the regulation of supportive and harmful phenotypes of glia in disease could lead to development of novel glia-focused neurotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Cvetanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Michelle Gray
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Brandebura AN, Paumier A, Onur TS, Allen NJ. Astrocyte contribution to dysfunction, risk and progression in neurodegenerative disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:23-39. [PMID: 36316501 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing appreciation that non-neuronal cells contribute to the initiation, progression and pathology of diverse neurodegenerative disorders. This Review focuses on the role of astrocytes in disorders including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The important roles astrocytes have in supporting neuronal function in the healthy brain are considered, along with studies that have demonstrated how the physiological properties of astrocytes are altered in neurodegenerative disorders and may explain their contribution to neurodegeneration. Further, the question of whether in neurodegenerative disorders with specific genetic mutations these mutations directly impact on astrocyte function, and may suggest a driving role for astrocytes in disease initiation, is discussed. A summary of how astrocyte transcriptomic and proteomic signatures are altered during the progression of neurodegenerative disorders and may relate to functional changes is provided. Given the central role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative disorders, potential strategies to target these cells for future therapeutic avenues are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Brandebura
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adrien Paumier
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tarik S Onur
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicola J Allen
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ahamad S, Bhat SA. The Emerging Landscape of Small-Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15993-16032. [PMID: 36490325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT). The new insights into HD's cellular and molecular pathways have led to the identification of numerous potent small-molecule therapeutics for HD therapy. The field of HD-targeting small-molecule therapeutics is accelerating, and the approval of these therapeutics to combat HD may be expected in the near future. For instance, preclinical candidates such as naphthyridine-azaquinolone, AN1, AN2, CHDI-00484077, PRE084, EVP4593, and LOC14 have shown promise for further optimization to enter into HD clinical trials. This perspective aims to summarize the advent of small-molecule therapeutics at various stages of clinical development for HD therapy, emphasizing their structure and design, therapeutic effects, and specific mechanisms of action. Further, we have highlighted the key drivers involved in HD pathogenesis to provide insights into the basic principle for designing promising anti-HD therapeutic leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh202002, India
| | - Shahnawaz A Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh202002, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kilb W, Kirischuk S. GABA Release from Astrocytes in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415859. [PMID: 36555501 PMCID: PMC9784789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) mediating a variety of homeostatic functions, such as spatial K+ buffering or neurotransmitter reuptake. In addition, astrocytes are capable of releasing several biologically active substances, including glutamate and GABA. Astrocyte-mediated GABA release has been a matter of debate because the expression level of the main GABA synthesizing enzyme glutamate decarboxylase is quite low in astrocytes, suggesting that low intracellular GABA concentration ([GABA]i) might be insufficient to support a non-vesicular GABA release. However, recent studies demonstrated that, at least in some regions of the CNS, [GABA]i in astrocytes might reach several millimoles both under physiological and especially pathophysiological conditions, thereby enabling GABA release from astrocytes via GABA-permeable anion channels and/or via GABA transporters operating in reverse mode. In this review, we summarize experimental data supporting both forms of GABA release from astrocytes in health and disease, paying special attention to possible feedback mechanisms that might govern the fine-tuning of astrocytic GABA release and, in turn, the tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition in the CNS.
Collapse
|
36
|
Endo F, Kasai A, Soto JS, Yu X, Qu Z, Hashimoto H, Gradinaru V, Kawaguchi R, Khakh BS. Molecular basis of astrocyte diversity and morphology across the CNS in health and disease. Science 2022; 378:eadc9020. [PMID: 36378959 PMCID: PMC9873482 DOI: 10.1126/science.adc9020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, a type of glia, are abundant and morphologically complex cells. Here, we report astrocyte molecular profiles, diversity, and morphology across the mouse central nervous system (CNS). We identified shared and region-specific astrocytic genes and functions and explored the cellular origins of their regional diversity. We identified gene networks correlated with astrocyte morphology, several of which unexpectedly contained Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk genes. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated reduction of candidate genes reduced astrocyte morphological complexity and resulted in cognitive deficits. The same genes were down-regulated in human AD, in an AD mouse model that displayed reduced astrocyte morphology, and in other human brain disorders. We thus provide comprehensive molecular data on astrocyte diversity and mechanisms across the CNS and on the molecular basis of astrocyte morphology in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumito Endo
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA
| | - Atsushi Kasai
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Joselyn S. Soto
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA
| | - Xinzhu Yu
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA
| | - Zhe Qu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, USA
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan,Molecular Research Center for Children’s Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan,Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan,Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University; Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology; Pasadena, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA
| | - Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA,Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles USA,Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Barry J, Peng A, Levine MS, Cepeda C. Calcium imaging: A versatile tool to examine Huntington's disease mechanisms and progression. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1040113. [PMID: 36408400 PMCID: PMC9669372 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1040113] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that causes chorea, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. It is characterized by accumulation of mutant Htt protein, which primarily impacts striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), as well as cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs), causing synapse loss and eventually cell death. Perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis is believed to play a major role in HD, as altered Ca2+ homeostasis often precedes striatal dysfunction and manifestation of HD symptoms. In addition, dysregulation of Ca2+ can cause morphological and functional changes in MSNs and CPNs. Therefore, Ca2+ imaging techniques have the potential of visualizing changes in Ca2+ dynamics and neuronal activity in HD animal models. This minireview focuses on studies using diverse Ca2+ imaging techniques, including two-photon microscopy, fiber photometry, and miniscopes, in combination of Ca2+ indicators to monitor activity of neurons in HD models as the disease progresses. We then discuss the future applications of Ca2+ imaging to visualize disease mechanisms and alterations associated with HD, as well as studies showing how, as a proof-of-concept, Ca2+imaging using miniscopes in freely-behaving animals can help elucidate the differential role of direct and indirect pathway MSNs in HD symptoms.
Collapse
|
38
|
Kruyer A. Astrocyte Heterogeneity in Regulation of Synaptic Activity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193135. [PMID: 36231097 PMCID: PMC9562199 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our awareness of the number of synapse regulatory functions performed by astroglia is rapidly expanding, raising interesting questions regarding astrocyte heterogeneity and specialization across brain regions. Whether all astrocytes are poised to signal in a multitude of ways, or are instead tuned to surrounding synapses and how astroglial signaling is altered in psychiatric and cognitive disorders are fundamental questions for the field. In recent years, molecular and morphological characterization of astroglial types has broadened our ability to design studies to better analyze and manipulate specific functions of astroglia. Recent data emerging from these studies will be discussed in depth in this review. I also highlight remaining questions emerging from new techniques recently applied toward understanding the roles of astrocytes in synapse regulation in the adult brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vanisova M, Stufkova H, Kohoutova M, Rakosnikova T, Krizova J, Klempir J, Rysankova I, Roth J, Zeman J, Hansikova H. Mitochondrial organization and structure are compromised in fibroblasts from patients with Huntington's disease. Ultrastruct Pathol 2022; 46:462-475. [PMID: 35946926 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2022.2100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Huntington´s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with onset in adulthood that leads to a complete disability and death in approximately 20 years after onset of symptoms. HD is caused by an expansion of a CAG triplet in the gene for huntingtin. Although the disease causes most damage to striatal neurons, other parts of the nervous system and many peripheral tissues are also markedly affected. Besides huntingtin malfunction, mitochondrial impairment has been previously described as an important player in HD. This study focuses on mitochondrial structure and function in cultivated skin fibroblasts from 10 HD patients to demonstrate mitochondrial impairment in extra-neuronal tissue. Mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial fission, and cristae organization were significantly disrupted and signs of elevated apoptosis were found. In accordance with structural changes, we also found indicators of functional alteration of mitochondria. Mitochondrial disturbances presented in fibroblasts from HD patients confirm that the energy metabolism damage in HD is not localized only to the central nervous system, but also may play role in the pathogenesis of HD in peripheral tissues. Skin fibroblasts can thus serve as a suitable cellular model to make insight into HD pathobiochemical processes and for the identification of possible targets for new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vanisova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Stufkova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kohoutova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Rakosnikova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Krizova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klempir
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Rysankova
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Roth
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Zeman
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Hansikova
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Molecular Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Huntington's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061432. [PMID: 35740453 PMCID: PMC9219859 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease described 150 years ago by George Huntington. The genetic defect was identified in 1993 to be an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 4. In the following almost 30 years, a considerable amount of research, using mainly animal models or in vitro experiments, has tried to unravel the complex molecular cascades through which the transcription of the mutant protein leads to neuronal loss, especially in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and identified excitotoxicity, transcriptional dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired proteostasis, altered axonal trafficking and reduced availability of trophic factors to be crucial contributors. This review discusses the pathogenic cascades described in the literature through which mutant huntingtin leads to neuronal demise. However, due to the ubiquitous presence of huntingtin, astrocytes are also dysfunctional, and neuroinflammation may additionally contribute to Huntington’s disease pathology. The quest for therapies to delay the onset and reduce the rate of Huntington’s disease progression is ongoing, but is based on findings from basic research.
Collapse
|
41
|
Nakajima H, Fujita S, Kakae M, Nagayasu K, Oh-Hora M, Shirakawa H, Kaneko S. Orai2 channel regulates prostaglandin E 2 production in TNFα/IL1α-stimulated astrocytes. Glia 2022; 70:1666-1680. [PMID: 35506586 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are glial cells that serve homeostatic functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research, however, suggests that under pathological conditions, astrocytes are stimulated by various factors and actively participate in CNS inflammation. In the present study, we found that astrocytes upregulate various inflammatory factors including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) by co-stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-1alpha (IL1α). These TNFα/IL1α-stimulated astrocytes also showed increased Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and increased expression of Orai2, a member of the store-operated calcium channel (SOCC) family. To reveal the role of Orai2, we used astrocytes in which Orai2 was knocked-down (KD) or knocked-out (KO). The expression of the prostaglandin E synthase Ptges and the production of PGE2 were higher in Orai2-KD astrocytes than in WT astrocytes when stimulated with TNFα and IL1α. Orai2-KO astrocytes also showed increased expression of Ptges and increased PGE2 production. The expression of Ptgs2, another PGE2 synthetic enzyme, was also upregulated in Orai2-KO astrocytes. Moreover, Orai2-KO astrocytes showed increased store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and increased Orai1 expression. These results suggest that Orai2 is upregulated in TNFα/IL1α-stimulated astrocytes and reduces PGE2 production to some extent, modulating CNS inflammation. Our findings may aid in understanding how astrocytes are associated with inflammatory responses, and the identification of new targets that modulate astrocytic reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Nakajima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Fujita
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Kakae
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Oh-Hora
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Immunology, Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
McClenahan SJ, Kent CN, Kharade SV, Isaeva E, Williams JC, Han C, Terker A, Gresham R, Lazarenko RM, Days EL, Romaine IM, Bauer JA, Boutaud O, Sulikowski GA, Harris R, Weaver CD, Staruschenko A, Lindsley CW, Denton JS. VU6036720: The First Potent and Selective In Vitro Inhibitor of Heteromeric Kir4.1/5.1 Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:357-370. [PMID: 35246480 PMCID: PMC9092466 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Heteromeric Kir4.1/Kir5.1 (KCNJ10/KCNJ16) inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels play key roles in the brain and kidney, but pharmacological tools for probing their physiology and therapeutic potential have not been developed. Here, we report the discovery, in a high-throughput screening of 80,475 compounds, of the moderately potent and selective inhibitor VU0493690, which we selected for characterization and chemical optimization. VU0493690 concentration-dependently inhibits Kir4.1/5.1 with an IC50 of 0.96 μM and exhibits at least 10-fold selectivity over Kir4.1 and ten other Kir channels. Multidimensional chemical optimization of VU0493690 led to the development of VU6036720, the most potent (IC50 = 0.24 μM) and selective (>40-fold over Kir4.1) Kir4.1/5.1 inhibitor reported to date. Cell-attached patch single-channel recordings revealed that VU6036720 inhibits Kir4.1/5.1 activity through a reduction of channel open-state probability and single-channel current amplitude. Elevating extracellular potassium ion by 20 mM shifted the IC50 6.8-fold, suggesting that VU6036720 is a pore blocker that binds in the ion-conduction pathway. Mutation of the "rectification controller" asparagine 161 to glutamate (N161E), which is equivalent to small-molecule binding sites in other Kir channels, led to a strong reduction of inhibition by VU6036720. Renal clearance studies in mice failed to show a diuretic response that would be consistent with inhibition of Kir4.1/5.1 in the renal tubule. Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics profiling revealed that high VU6036720 clearance and plasma protein binding may prevent target engagement in vivo. In conclusion, VU6036720 represents the current state-of-the-art Kir4.1/5.1 inhibitor that should be useful for probing the functions of Kir4.1/5.1 in vitro and ex vivo. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Heteromeric inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels comprising Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 subunits play important roles in renal and neural physiology and may represent inhibitory drug targets for hypertension and edema. Herein, we employ high-throughput compound library screening, patch clamp electrophysiology, and medicinal chemistry to develop and characterize the first potent and specific in vitro inhibitor of Kir4.1/5.1, VU6036720, which provides proof-of-concept that drug-like inhibitors of this channel may be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J McClenahan
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Caitlin N Kent
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Sujay V Kharade
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Elena Isaeva
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Jade C Williams
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Changho Han
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Andrew Terker
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Robert Gresham
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Roman M Lazarenko
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Emily L Days
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Ian M Romaine
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Joshua A Bauer
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Olivier Boutaud
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Gary A Sulikowski
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Raymond Harris
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - C David Weaver
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Alexander Staruschenko
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| | - Jerod S Denton
- Departments of Anesthesiology (S.J.M., S.V.K., R.G., R.M.L., J.S.D.), Biochemistry (J.A.B.), Chemistry (C.N.K., J.C.W., I.M.R., C.D.W., G.A.S., C.W.L.), Pharmacology (E.L.D., C.D.W., C.W.L., C.H., O.B., J.S.D.), and Nephrology (A.T., R.H.), and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (J.A.B., G.S., C.D.W., C.W.L., J.S.D.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (E.I.); and Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lee HG, Wheeler MA, Quintana FJ. Function and therapeutic value of astrocytes in neurological diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:339-358. [PMID: 35173313 PMCID: PMC9081171 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that perform diverse functions in health and disease. Astrocyte dysfunction is found in numerous diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Astrocytes regulate glutamate and ion homeostasis, cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism and respond to environmental factors, all of which have been implicated in neurological diseases. Astrocytes also exhibit significant heterogeneity, driven by developmental programmes and stimulus-specific cellular responses controlled by CNS location, cell-cell interactions and other mechanisms. In this Review, we highlight general mechanisms of astrocyte regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets, including drugs that alter astrocyte metabolism, and therapies that target transporters and receptors on astrocytes. Emerging ideas, such as engineered probiotics and glia-to-neuron conversion therapies, are also discussed. We further propose a concise nomenclature for astrocyte subsets that we use to highlight the roles of astrocytes and specific subsets in neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Gyun Lee
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Wheeler
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rieder P, Gobbo D, Stopper G, Welle A, Damo E, Kirchhoff F, Scheller A. Astrocytes and Microglia Exhibit Cell-Specific Ca2+ Signaling Dynamics in the Murine Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:840948. [PMID: 35431801 PMCID: PMC9006623 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.840948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord is the main pathway connecting brain and peripheral nervous system. Its functionality relies on the orchestrated activity of both neurons and glial cells. To date, most advancement in understanding the spinal cord inner mechanisms has been made either by in vivo exposure of its dorsal surface through laminectomy or by acute ex vivo slice preparation, likely affecting spinal cord physiology in virtue of the necessary extensive manipulation of the spinal cord tissue. This is especially true of cells immediately responding to alterations of the surrounding environment, such as microglia and astrocytes, reacting within seconds or minutes and for up to several days after the original insult. Ca2+ signaling is considered one of the most immediate, versatile, and yet elusive cellular responses of glia. Here, we induced the cell-specific expression of the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator GCaMP3 to evaluate spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes and microglia. Ca2+ signals were then characterized in acute ex vivo (both gray and white matter) as well as in chronic in vivo (white matter) preparations using MSparkles, a MATLAB-based software for automatic detection and analysis of fluorescence events. As a result, we were able to segregate distinct astroglial and microglial Ca2+ signaling patterns along with method-specific Ca2+ signaling alterations, which must be taken into consideration in the reliable evaluation of any result obtained in physiological as well as pathological conditions. Our study revealed a high degree of Ca2+ signaling diversity in glial cells of the murine spinal cord, thus adding to the current knowledge of the astonishing glial heterogeneity and cell-specific Ca2+ dynamics in non-neuronal networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Rieder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Davide Gobbo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gebhard Stopper
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anna Welle
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, University of Saarland, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Elisa Damo
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anja Scheller,
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Satarker S, Bojja SL, Gurram PC, Mudgal J, Arora D, Nampoothiri M. Astrocytic Glutamatergic Transmission and Its Implications in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071139. [PMID: 35406702 PMCID: PMC8997779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative disorders involve impaired neurotransmission, and glutamatergic neurotransmission sets a prototypical example. Glutamate is a predominant excitatory neurotransmitter where the astrocytes play a pivotal role in maintaining the extracellular levels through release and uptake mechanisms. Astrocytes modulate calcium-mediated excitability and release several neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, including glutamate, and significantly modulate neurotransmission. Accumulating evidence supports the concept of excitotoxicity caused by astrocytic glutamatergic release in pathological conditions. Thus, the current review highlights different vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms of astrocytic glutamate release and their implication in neurodegenerative diseases. As in presynaptic neurons, the vesicular release of astrocytic glutamate is also primarily meditated by calcium-mediated exocytosis. V-ATPase is crucial in the acidification and maintenance of the gradient that facilitates the vesicular storage of glutamate. Along with these, several other components, such as cystine/glutamate antiporter, hemichannels, BEST-1, TREK-1, purinergic receptors and so forth, also contribute to glutamate release under physiological and pathological conditions. Events of hampered glutamate uptake could promote inflamed astrocytes to trigger repetitive release of glutamate. This could be favorable towards the development and worsening of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, across neurodegenerative diseases, we review the relations between defective glutamatergic signaling and astrocytic vesicular and non-vesicular events in glutamate homeostasis. The optimum regulation of astrocytic glutamatergic transmission could pave the way for the management of these diseases and add to their therapeutic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Sree Lalitha Bojja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Jayesh Mudgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Devinder Arora
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (S.S.); (S.L.B.); (P.C.G.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wang S, Wang B, Shang D, Zhang K, Yan X, Zhang X. Ion Channel Dysfunction in Astrocytes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Physiol 2022; 13:814285. [PMID: 35222082 PMCID: PMC8864228 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.814285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). Ion channels in these cells not only function in ion transport, and maintain water/ion metabolism homeostasis, but also participate in physiological processes of neurons and glial cells by regulating signaling pathways. Increasing evidence indicates the ion channel proteins of astrocytes, such as aquaporins (AQPs), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels, and P2X7 receptors (P2X7R), are strongly associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and characteristic proteins in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Since ion channel protein dysfunction is a significant pathological feature of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases, we discuss these critical proteins and their signaling pathways in order to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, which may yield new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijian Wang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Biyao Wang
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Dehao Shang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaige Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Yan
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Center of Implant Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hao Y, Plested AJ. Seeing glutamate at central synapses. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 375:109531. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
48
|
Park HJ, Han A, Kim JY, Choi J, Bae HS, Cho GB, Shin H, Shin EJ, Lee KI, Kim S, Lee JY, Song J. SUPT4H1-edited stem cell therapy rescues neuronal dysfunction in a mouse model for Huntington's disease. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:8. [PMID: 35046408 PMCID: PMC8770473 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a severe inherited neurological disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene (HTT), leading to the accumulation of mutant huntingtin with polyglutamine repeats. Despite its severity, there is no cure for this debilitating disease. HTT lowering strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) showed promising results very recently. Attempts to develop stem cell-based therapeutics have shown efficacy in preclinical HD models. Using an HD patient’s autologous cells, which have genetic defects, may hamper therapeutic efficacy due to mutant HTT. Pretreating these cells to reduce mutant HTT expression and transcription may improve the transplanted cells’ therapeutic efficacy. To investigate this, we targeted the SUPT4H1 gene that selectively supports the transcription of long trinucleotide repeats. Transplanting SUPT4H1-edited HD-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells (iPSC-NPCs) into the YAC128 HD transgenic mouse model improved motor function compared to unedited HD iPSC-NPCs. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed reduced mutant HTT expression without compensating wild-type HTT expression. Further, SUPT4H1 editing increased neuronal and decreased reactive astrocyte differentiation in HD iPSC-NPCs compared to the unedited HD iPSC-NPCs. This suggests that ex vivo editing of SUPT4H1 can reduce mutant HTT expression and provide a therapeutic gene editing strategy for autologous stem cell transplantation in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea.
| | - Areum Han
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea
| | - Jiwoo Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea
| | - Hee Sook Bae
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Gyu-Bon Cho
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Hyejung Shin
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Kang-In Lee
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Seokjoong Kim
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea
| | - Jae Young Lee
- Toolgen Inc., 219 Gasan Digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08594, Korea.
| | - Jihwan Song
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA Stem Cell Institute, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea. .,iPS Bio, Inc., 3F, 16 Daewangpangyo-ro 712 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13522, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mokrane N, Snabi Y, Cens T, Guiramand J, Charnet P, Bertaud A, Menard C, Rousset M, de Jesus Ferreira MC, Thibaud JB, Cohen-Solal C, Vignes M, Roussel J. Manipulations of Glutathione Metabolism Modulate IP 3-Mediated Store-Operated Ca 2+ Entry on Astroglioma Cell Line. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:785727. [PMID: 34975458 PMCID: PMC8719003 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.785727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of the redox status involves the activation of intracellular pathways as Nrf2 which provides hormetic adaptations against oxidative stress in response to environmental stimuli. In the brain, Nrf2 activation upregulates the formation of glutathione (GSH) which is the primary antioxidant system mainly produced by astrocytes. Astrocytes have also been shown to be themselves the target of oxidative stress. However, how changes in the redox status itself could impact the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in astrocytes is not known, although this could be of great help to understand the neuronal damage caused by oxidative stress. Indeed, intracellular Ca2+ changes in astrocytes are crucial for their regulatory actions on neuronal networks. We have manipulated GSH concentration in astroglioma cells with selective inhibitors and activators of the enzymes involved in the GSH cycle and analyzed how this could modify Ca2+ homeostasis. IP3-mediated store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), obtained after store depletion elicited by Gq-linked purinergic P2Y receptors activation, are either sensitized or desensitized, following GSH depletion or increase, respectively. The desensitization may involve decreased expression of the proteins STIM2, Orai1, and Orai3 which support SOCE mechanism. The sensitization process revealed by exposing cells to oxidative stress likely involves the increase in the activity of Calcium Release-Activated Channels (CRAC) and/or in their membrane expression. In addition, we observe that GSH depletion drastically impacts P2Y receptor-mediated changes in membrane currents, as evidenced by large increases in Ca2+-dependent K+ currents. We conclude that changes in the redox status of astrocytes could dramatically modify Ca2+ responses to Gq-linked GPCR activation in both directions, by impacting store-dependent Ca2+-channels, and thus modify cellular excitability under purinergic stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nawfel Mokrane
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Yassin Snabi
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Cens
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France
| | - Janique Guiramand
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Charnet
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France
| | - Anaïs Bertaud
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Claudine Menard
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Rousset
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Céleste de Jesus Ferreira
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Catherine Cohen-Solal
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Vignes
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julien Roussel
- UMR 5247 Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Montpellier, France.,Department of Biological Sciences, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hastings N, Kuan WL, Osborne A, Kotter MRN. Therapeutic Potential of Astrocyte Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221105499. [PMID: 35770772 PMCID: PMC9251977 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is an attractive treatment strategy for a variety of brain disorders, as it promises to replenish lost functions and rejuvenate the brain. In particular, transplantation of astrocytes has come into light recently as a therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); moreover, grafting of astrocytes also showed positive results in models of other conditions ranging from neurodegenerative diseases of older age to traumatic injury and stroke. Despite clear differences in etiology, disorders such as ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as traumatic injury and stroke, converge on a number of underlying astrocytic abnormalities, which include inflammatory changes, mitochondrial damage, calcium signaling disturbance, hemichannel opening, and loss of glutamate transporters. In this review, we examine these convergent pathways leading to astrocyte dysfunction, and explore the existing evidence for a therapeutic potential of transplantation of healthy astrocytes in various models. Existing literature presents a wide variety of methods to generate astrocytes, or relevant precursor cells, for subsequent transplantation, while described outcomes of this type of treatment also differ between studies. We take technical differences between methodologies into account to understand the variability of therapeutic benefits, or lack thereof, at a deeper level. We conclude by discussing some key requirements of an astrocyte graft that would be most suitable for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wei-Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|