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Brockie S, Zhou C, Fehlings MG. Resident immune responses to spinal cord injury: role of astrocytes and microglia. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1678-1685. [PMID: 38103231 PMCID: PMC10960308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389630] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin, with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society. Moreover, as the global population ages, individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases, especially involving the cervical spinal cord. This makes recovery and treatment approaches particularly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity. For these reasons, it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response. This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways, as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury. Further, we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling, as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions. Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system. Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed. Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Brockie
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindy Zhou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Ge Q, Zhou S, Porras J, Fu P, Wang T, Du J, Li K. SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism-induced anxiety/depression-like behaviors require Microglia activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.02.560570. [PMID: 37873397 PMCID: PMC10592887 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been associated with a wide range of "long COVID" neurological symptoms. However, the mechanisms governing SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and its effects on long-term behavioral changes remain poorly understood. Using a highly virulent mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain, denoted as SARS2-N501Y MA30 , we demonstrated that intranasal inoculation of SARS2-N501Y MA30 results in viral dissemination to multiple brain regions, including the amygdala and hippocampus. Behavioral assays indicated a marked elevation in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors post infection. A comparative analysis of RNA expression profiles disclosed alterations in the post-infected brains. Additionally, we observed dendritic spine remodeling on neurons within the amygdala after infection. Infection with SARS2-N501Y MA30 was associated with microglial activation and a subsequent increase in microglia-dependent neuronal activity in the amygdala. Pharmacological inhibition of microglial activity subsequent to viral spike inoculation mitigates microglia-dependent neuronal hyperactivity. Transcriptomic analysis of infected brains revealed the upregulation of inflammatory and cytokine-related pathways, implicating microglia-driven neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of neuronal hyperactivity and behavioral abnormality. Overall, these data provide critical insights into the neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection and underscore microglia as a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating virus-induced neurobehavioral abnormalities.
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3
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Poletti S, Mazza MG, Benedetti F. Inflammatory mediators in major depression and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:247. [PMID: 38851764 PMCID: PMC11162479 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are highly disabling illnesses defined by different psychopathological, neuroimaging, and cognitive profiles. In the last decades, immune dysregulation has received increasing attention as a central factor in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Several aspects of immune dysregulations have been investigated, including, low-grade inflammation cytokines, chemokines, cell populations, gene expression, and markers of both peripheral and central immune activation. Understanding the distinct immune profiles characterizing the two disorders is indeed of crucial importance for differential diagnosis and the implementation of personalized treatment strategies. In this paper, we reviewed the current literature on the dysregulation of the immune response system focusing our attention on studies using inflammatory markers to discriminate between MDD and BD. High heterogeneity characterized the available literature, reflecting the heterogeneity of the disorders. Common alterations in the immune response system include high pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α. On the contrary, a greater involvement of chemokines and markers associated with innate immunity has been reported in BD together with dynamic changes in T cells with differentiation defects during childhood which normalize in adulthood, whereas classic mediators of immune responses such as IL-4 and IL-10 are present in MDD together with signs of immune-senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology Unit, Division of Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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4
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Jiao H, Kalsbeek A, Yi CX. Microglia, circadian rhythm and lifestyle factors. Neuropharmacology 2024:110029. [PMID: 38852838 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110029] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, a vital homeostasis-keeper of the central nervous system, perform critical functions such as synaptic pruning, clearance of cellular debris, and participation in neuroinflammatory processes. Recent research has shown that microglia exhibit strong circadian rhythms that not only actively regulate their own immune activity, but also affect neuronal function. Disruptions of the circadian clock have been linked to a higher risk of developing a variety of diseases. In this article we will provide an overview of how lifestyle factors impact microglial function, with a focus on disruptions caused by irregular sleep-wake patterns, reduced physical activity, and eating at the wrong time-of-day. We will also discuss the potential connection between these lifestyle factors, disrupted circadian rhythms, and the role of microglia in keeping brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Jiao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chun-Xia Yi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Olde Heuvel F, Li Z, Riedel D, Halbgebauer S, Oeckl P, Mayer B, Gotzman N, Shultz S, Semple B, Tumani H, Ludolph AC, Boeckers TM, Morganti-Kossmann C, Otto M, Roselli F. Dynamics of synaptic damage in severe traumatic brain injury revealed by cerebrospinal fluid SNAP-25 and VILIP-1. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024:jnnp-2024-333413. [PMID: 38825349 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2024-333413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers of neuronal, glial cells and inflammation in traumatic brain injury (TBI) are available but they do not specifically reflect the damage to synapses, which represent the bulk volume of the brain. Experimental models have demonstrated extensive involvement of synapses in acute TBI, but biomarkers of synaptic damage in human patients have not been explored. METHODS Single-molecule array assays were used to measure synaptosomal-associated protein-25 (SNAP-25) and visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) (along with neurofilament light chain (NFL), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8)) in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples longitudinally acquired during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay of 42 patients with severe TBI or 22 uninjured controls. RESULTS CSF levels of SNAP-25 and VILIP-1 are strongly elevated early after severe TBI and decline in the first few days. SNAP-25 and VILIP-1 correlate with inflammatory markers at two distinct timepoints (around D1 and then again at D5) in follow-up. SNAP-25 and VILIP-1 on the day-of-injury have better sensitivity and specificity for unfavourable outcome at 6 months than NFL, UCH-L1 or GFAP. Later elevation of SNAP-25 was associated with poorer outcome. CONCLUSION Synaptic damage markers are acutely elevated in severe TBI and predict long-term outcomes, as well as, or better than, markers of neuroaxonal injury. Synaptic damage correlates with initial injury and with a later phase of secondary inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Sandy Shultz
- Neuroscience, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridgette Semple
- Neuroscience, Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Albert C Ludolph
- Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus Otto
- Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Deng S, Gao Y, Lv M, Li X, Ma Y, Guo Y, Li T, Zhang Y. I-C-F-6 attenuates chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced neurological injury in mice by modulating microglia polarization. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:3917-3928. [PMID: 37987796 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02783-0] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is the leading cause of chronic cerebral dysfunction syndrome with its complex pathological mechanisms involving cortical and hippocampal neuronal loss, white matter lesions, and neuroinflammation. I-C-F-6 is a septapeptide, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of I-C-F-6 in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-induced neurological injury. C57BL/6 J mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), and BV2 microglia cells were induced with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). In vivo, mice were divided randomly into four groups: Sham, BCAS, GBE (30 mg/kg), and I-C-F-6 (0.5 mg/kg). In vitro, microglia were divided randomly into four groups: control, OGD, I-C-F-6 (25 μg/mL), and Shikonin (800 nmol/L). Through LFB, TUNEL, and NeuN staining, we found that I-C-F-6 was able to mitigate myelin pathology and reduce the number of apoptotic neurons. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining revealed that I-C-F-6 was able to reduce microglia clustering and downregulate NF-κB p65. We also observed a significant downregulation of M1 phenotype microglia signature genes, such as TNF-α, iNOS, and upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Arg-1 and IL-10, indicating that I-C-F-6 may mainly reduce polarization towards the M1 phenotype in microglia. Notably, I-C-F-6 downregulated the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins IKK-β and NF-κB p65, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and iNOS. In conclusion, I-C-F-6 can improve neurological damage, alleviate neuroinflammation, and inhibit microglia polarization to the M1 phenotype via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Deng
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Lv
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Ma
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Guo
- College of Pharmacology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuefan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Fujikawa R, Yamada J, Maeda S, Iinuma KM, Moriyama G, Jinno S. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species production accompanying alternatively activated microglia by risperidone in a mouse ketamine model of schizophrenia. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38770640 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the potential involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microglia, a major source of ROS, in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In our study, we explored how the second-generation antipsychotic risperidone (RIS) affects ROS regulation and microglial activation in the hippocampus using a mouse ketamine (KET) model of schizophrenia. KET administration resulted in schizophrenia-like behaviors in male C57BL/6J mice, such as impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response and hyper-locomotion. These behaviors were mitigated by RIS. We found that the gene expression level of an enzyme responsible for ROS production (Nox2), which is primarily associated with activated microglia, was lower in KET/RIS-treated mice than in KET-treated mice. Conversely, the levels of antioxidant enzymes (Ho-1 and Gclc) were higher in KET/RIS-treated mice. The microglial density in the hippocampus was increased in KET-treated mice, which was counteracted by RIS. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three morphological subtypes of microglia. In control mice, most microglia were resting-ramified (type I, 89.7%). KET administration shifted the microglial composition to moderately ramified (type II, 44.4%) and hyper-ramified (type III, 25.0%). In KET/RIS-treated mice, type II decreased to 32.0%, while type III increased to 34.0%. An in vitro ROS assay showed that KET increased ROS production in dissociated hippocampal microglia, and this effect was mitigated by RIS. Furthermore, we discovered that a NOX2 inhibitor could counteract KET-induced behavioral deficits. These findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of ROS production by RIS may play a crucial role in ameliorating schizophrenia-related symptoms. Moreover, modulating microglial activation to regulate ROS production has emerged as a novel avenue for developing innovative treatments for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Yamada
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Maeda
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko M Iinuma
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Shozo Jinno
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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8
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Pandya VA, Patani R. The role of glial cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:381-450. [PMID: 38802179 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.005] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has traditionally been considered a neuron-centric disease. This view is now outdated, with increasing recognition of cell autonomous and non-cell autonomous contributions of central and peripheral nervous system glia to ALS pathomechanisms. With glial research rapidly accelerating, we comprehensively interrogate the roles of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, ependymal cells, Schwann cells and satellite glia in nervous system physiology and ALS-associated pathology. Moreover, we highlight the inter-glial, glial-neuronal and inter-system polylogue which constitutes the healthy nervous system and destabilises in disease. We also propose classification based on function for complex glial reactive phenotypes and discuss the pre-requisite for integrative modelling to advance translation. Given the paucity of life-enhancing therapies currently available for ALS patients, we discuss the promising potential of harnessing glia in driving ALS therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virenkumar A Pandya
- University College London Medical School, London, United Kingdom; The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rickie Patani
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Lénárt N, Cserép C, Császár E, Pósfai B, Dénes Á. Microglia-neuron-vascular interactions in ischemia. Glia 2024; 72:833-856. [PMID: 37964690 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia is a devastating condition that results in impaired blood flow in the brain leading to acute brain injury. As the most common form of stroke, occlusion of cerebral arteries leads to a characteristic sequence of pathophysiological changes in the brain tissue. The mechanisms involved, and comorbidities that determine outcome after an ischemic event appear to be highly heterogeneous. On their own, the processes leading to neuronal injury in the absence of sufficient blood supply to meet the metabolic demand of the cells are complex and manifest at different temporal and spatial scales. While the contribution of non-neuronal cells to stroke pathophysiology is increasingly recognized, recent data show that microglia, the main immune cells of the central nervous system parenchyma, play previously unrecognized roles in basic physiological processes beyond their inflammatory functions, which markedly change during ischemic conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss some of the known microglia-neuron-vascular interactions assumed to contribute to the acute and delayed pathologies after cerebral ischemia. Because the mechanisms of neuronal injury have been extensively discussed in several excellent previous reviews, here we focus on some recently explored pathways that may directly or indirectly shape neuronal injury through microglia-related actions. These discoveries suggest that modulating gliovascular processes in different forms of stroke and other neurological disorders might have presently unexplored therapeutic potential in combination with neuroprotective and flow restoration strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Lénárt
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Cserép
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Császár
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Pósfai
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- Momentum Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Li C, Jiang M, Fang Z, Chen Z, Li L, Liu Z, Wang J, Yin X, Wang J, Wu M. Current evidence of synaptic dysfunction after stroke: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14744. [PMID: 38727249 PMCID: PMC11084978 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease in which brain tissue is damaged due to sudden obstruction of blood flow to the brain or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain, which can prompt ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. After stroke onset, ischemia, hypoxia, infiltration of blood components into the brain parenchyma, and lysed cell fragments, among other factors, invariably increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, the inflammatory response, and brain edema. These changes lead to neuronal cell death and synaptic dysfunction, the latter of which poses a significant challenge to stroke treatment. RESULTS Synaptic dysfunction occurs in various ways after stroke and includes the following: damage to neuronal structures, accumulation of pathologic proteins in the cell body, decreased fluidity and release of synaptic vesicles, disruption of mitochondrial transport in synapses, activation of synaptic phagocytosis by microglia/macrophages and astrocytes, and a reduction in synapse formation. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to synapses and the protective effects of drugs or compounds and rehabilitation therapy on synapses in stroke according to recent research. Such an exploration will help to elucidate the relationship between stroke and synaptic damage and provide new insights into protecting synapses and restoring neurologic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Li
- Department of Medical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Min Jiang
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research CenterJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Zhi‐Ting Fang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Li Li
- Department of Intensive Care UnitThe Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Ziying Liu
- Department of Medical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Moxin Wu
- Department of Medical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of Jiujiang UniversityJiujiangJiangxiChina
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research CenterJiujiangJiangxiChina
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11
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Moe A, Rayasam A, Sauber G, Shah RK, Doherty A, Yuan CY, Szabo A, Moore BM, Colonna M, Cui W, Romero J, Zamora AE, Hillard CJ, Drobyski WR. Type 2 cannabinoid receptor expression on microglial cells regulates neuroinflammation during graft-versus-host disease. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175205. [PMID: 38662453 PMCID: PMC11142740 DOI: 10.1172/jci175205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a recognized complication of immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, chimeric antigen receptor therapy, and graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While T cells and inflammatory cytokines play a role in this process, the precise interplay between the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system that propagates inflammation in the central nervous system remains incompletely understood. Using a murine model of GVHD, we demonstrate that type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) signaling plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. In these studies, we identify that CB2R expression on microglial cells induces an activated inflammatory phenotype that potentiates the accumulation of donor-derived proinflammatory T cells, regulates chemokine gene regulatory networks, and promotes neuronal cell death. Pharmacological targeting of this receptor with a brain penetrant CB2R inverse agonist/antagonist selectively reduces neuroinflammation without deleteriously affecting systemic GVHD severity. Thus, these findings delineate a therapeutically targetable neuroinflammatory pathway and have implications for the attenuation of neurotoxicity after GVHD and potentially other T cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aniko Szabo
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bob M. Moore
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Julian Romero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Francisco de Vitoria University, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Yang Q, Vazquez AL, Cui XT. Revealing in vivo cellular mechanisms of cerebral microbleeds on neurons and microglia across cortical layers. iScience 2024; 27:109371. [PMID: 38510113 PMCID: PMC10951986 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are associated with higher risk for various neurological diseases including stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the understanding of cellular pathology of CMBs, particularly in deep brain regions, remains limited. Utilizing two-photon microscopy and microprism implantation, we longitudinally imaged the impact of CMBs on neuronal and microglial activities across cortical depths in awake mice. A temporary decline in spontaneous neuronal activity occurred throughout cortical layers, followed by recovery within a week. However, significant changes of neuron-neuron activity correlations persisted for weeks. Moreover, microglial contact with neuron soma significantly increased post-microbleeds, indicating an important modulatory role of microglia. Notably, microglial contact, negatively correlated with neuronal firing rate in normal conditions, became uncorrelated after microbleeds, suggesting a decreased neuron-microglia inhibition. These findings reveal chronic alterations in cortical neuronal networks and microglial-neuronal interactions across cortical depths, shedding light on the pathology of CMBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alberto L. Vazquez
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - X. Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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13
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Uweru OJ, Okojie AK, Trivedi A, Benderoth J, Thomas LS, Davidson G, Cox K, Eyo UB. A P2RY12 deficiency results in sex-specific cellular perturbations and sexually dimorphic behavioral anomalies. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:95. [PMID: 38622726 PMCID: PMC11017545 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03079-7] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are sexually dimorphic, yet, this critical aspect is often overlooked in neuroscientific studies. Decades of research have revealed the dynamic nature of microglial-neuronal interactions, but seldom consider how this dynamism varies with microglial sex differences, leaving a significant gap in our knowledge. This study focuses on P2RY12, a highly expressed microglial signature gene that mediates microglial-neuronal interactions, we show that adult females have a significantly higher expression of the receptor than adult male microglia. We further demonstrate that a genetic deletion of P2RY12 induces sex-specific cellular perturbations with microglia and neurons in females more significantly affected. Correspondingly, female mice lacking P2RY12 exhibit unique behavioral anomalies not observed in male counterparts. These findings underscore the critical, sex-specific roles of P2RY12 in microglial-neuronal interactions, offering new insights into basal interactions and potential implications for CNS disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu J Uweru
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Akhabue K Okojie
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Aparna Trivedi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jordan Benderoth
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lauren S Thomas
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Georgia Davidson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kendall Cox
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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14
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Heir R, Abbasi Z, Komal P, Altimimi HF, Franquin M, Moschou D, Chambon J, Stellwagen D. Astrocytes Are the Source of TNF Mediating Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2278222024. [PMID: 38395613 PMCID: PMC10993029 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2278-22.2024] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) mediates homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) in response to chronic activity blockade, and prior work has established that it is released from glia. Here we demonstrate that astrocytes are the necessary source of TNF during HSP. Hippocampal cultures from rats of both sexes depleted of microglia still will increase TNF levels following activity deprivation and still express TTX-driven HSP. Slice cultures from mice of either sex with a conditional deletion of TNF from microglia also express HSP, but critically, slice cultures with a conditional deletion of TNF from astrocytes do not. In astrocytes, glutamate signaling is sufficient to reduce NFκB signaling and TNF mRNA levels. Further, chronic TTX treatment increases TNF in an NFκB-dependent manner, although NFκB signaling is dispensable for the neuronal response to TTX-driven HSP. Thus, astrocytes can sense neuronal activity through glutamate spillover and increase TNF production when activity falls, to drive HSP through the production of TNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Heir
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Zahra Abbasi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Pragya Komal
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Haider F Altimimi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Marie Franquin
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Dionysia Moschou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Julien Chambon
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - David Stellwagen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec H3G 1A4, Canada
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15
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Strohm AO, Johnston C, Hernady E, Marples B, O'Banion MK, Majewska AK. Cranial irradiation disrupts homeostatic microglial dynamic behavior. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:82. [PMID: 38570852 PMCID: PMC10993621 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03073-z] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cranial irradiation causes cognitive deficits that are in part mediated by microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. Microglia are highly reactive, exhibiting changes in shape and morphology depending on the function they are performing. Additionally, microglia processes make dynamic, physical contacts with different components of their environment to monitor the functional state of the brain and promote plasticity. Though evidence suggests radiation perturbs homeostatic microglia functions, it is unknown how cranial irradiation impacts the dynamic behavior of microglia over time. Here, we paired in vivo two-photon microscopy with a transgenic mouse model that labels cortical microglia to follow these cells and determine how they change over time in cranial irradiated mice and their control littermates. We show that a single dose of 10 Gy cranial irradiation disrupts homeostatic cortical microglia dynamics during a 1-month time course. We found a lasting loss of microglial cells following cranial irradiation, coupled with a modest dysregulation of microglial soma displacement at earlier timepoints. The homogeneous distribution of microglia was maintained, suggesting microglia rearrange themselves to account for cell loss and maintain territorial organization following cranial irradiation. Furthermore, we found cranial irradiation reduced microglia coverage of the parenchyma and their surveillance capacity, without overtly changing morphology. Our results demonstrate that a single dose of radiation can induce changes in microglial behavior and function that could influence neurological health. These results set the foundation for future work examining how cranial irradiation impacts complex cellular dynamics in the brain which could contribute to the manifestation of cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra O Strohm
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Carl Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Eric Hernady
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Brian Marples
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - M Kerry O'Banion
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Ania K Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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16
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DeVries SA, Conner B, Dimovasili C, Moore TL, Medalla M, Mortazavi F, Rosene DL. Immune proteins C1q and CD47 may contribute to aberrant microglia-mediated synapse loss in the aging monkey brain that is associated with cognitive impairment. GeroScience 2024; 46:2503-2519. [PMID: 37989825 PMCID: PMC10828237 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in learning, memory, and executive function occurs in normal aging even in the absence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). While neurons do not degenerate in humans or monkeys free of AD, there are structural changes including synapse loss and dendritic atrophy, especially in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), and these correlate with cognitive age-related impairment. Developmental studies revealed activity-dependent neuronal properties that lead to synapse remodeling by microglia. Microglia-mediated phagocytosis that may eliminate synapses is regulated by immune "eat me" and "don't eat me" signaling proteins in an activity-dependent manner, so that less active synapses are eliminated. Whether this process contributes to age-related synapse loss remains unknown. The present study used a rhesus monkey model of normal aging to investigate the balance between the "eat me" signal, complement component C1q, and the "don't eat me" signal, transmembrane glycoprotein CD47, relative to age-related synapse loss in dlPFC Area 46. Results showed an age-related elevation of C1q and reduction of CD47 at PSD95+ synapses that is associated with cognitive impairment. Additionally, reduced neuronal CD47 RNA expression was found, indicating that aged neurons were less able to produce the protective signal CD47. Interestingly, microglia do not show the hypertrophic morphology indicative of phagocytic activity. These findings suggest that in the aging brain, changes in the balance of immunologic proteins give microglia instructions favoring synapse elimination of less active synapses, but this may occur by a process other than classic phagocytosis such as trogocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A DeVries
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Bryce Conner
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christina Dimovasili
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tara L Moore
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Medalla
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Farzad Mortazavi
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Yu Y, Chen R, Mao K, Deng M, Li Z. The Role of Glial Cells in Synaptic Dysfunction: Insights into Alzheimer's Disease Mechanisms. Aging Dis 2024; 15:459-479. [PMID: 37548934 PMCID: PMC10917533 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0718] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that impacts a substantial number of individuals globally. Despite its widespread prevalence, there is currently no cure for AD. It is widely acknowledged that normal synaptic function holds a key role in memory, cognitive abilities, and the interneuronal transfer of information. As AD advances, symptoms including synaptic impairment, decreased synaptic density, and cognitive decline become increasingly noticeable. The importance of glial cells in the formation of synapses, the growth of neurons, brain maturation, and safeguarding the microenvironment of the central nervous system is well recognized. However, during AD progression, overactive glial cells can cause synaptic dysfunction, neuronal death, and abnormal neuroinflammation. Both neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction are present in the early stages of AD. Therefore, focusing on the changes in glia-synapse communication could provide insights into the mechanisms behind AD. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of the role of various glial cells, including microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, in regulating synaptic dysfunction. This may offer a new perspective on investigating the underlying mechanisms of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ran Chen
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Kaiyue Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Maoyan Deng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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18
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Tian M, Zhan Y, Cao J, Gao J, Sun J, Zhang L. Targeting blood-brain barrier for sepsis-associated encephalopathy: Regulation of immune cells and ncRNAs. Brain Res Bull 2024; 209:110922. [PMID: 38458135 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110922] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, most surviving patients show acute or chronic mental disorders, which are known as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). SAE involves many pathological processes, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. The BBB is located at the interface between the central nervous system and the surrounding environment, which protects the central nervous system (CNS) from the invasion of exogenous molecules, harmful substances or microorganisms in the blood. Recently, a growing number of studies have indicated that the BBB destruction was involved in SAE and played an important role in SAE-induced brain injury. In the present review, we firstly reveal the pathological processes of SAE such as the neurotransmitter disorders, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction and BBB destruction. Moreover, we introduce the structure of BBB, and describe the immune cells including microglia and astrocytes that participate in the BBB destruction after SAE. Furthermore, in view of the current research on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), we explain the regulatory mechanism of ncRNAs including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) on BBB in the processes of SAE. Finally, we propose some challenges and perspectives of regulating BBB functions in SAE. Hence, on the basis of these effects, both immune cells and ncRNAs may be developed as therapeutic targets to protect BBB for SAE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunliang Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinyuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinqi Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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19
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Wee IC, Arulsamy A, Corrigan F, Collins-Praino L. Long-Term Impact of Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury on Neuroinflammation and Catecholaminergic Signaling: Potential Relevance for Parkinson's Disease Risk. Molecules 2024; 29:1470. [PMID: 38611750 PMCID: PMC11013319 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071470] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. TBI triggers acute neuroinflammation and catecholamine dysfunction post-injury, both implicated in PD pathophysiology. The long-term impact on these pathways following TBI, however, remains uncertain. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham surgery or Marmarou's impact acceleration model to induce varying TBI severities: single mild TBI (mTBI), repetitive mild TBI (rmTBI), or moderate-severe TBI (msTBI). At 12 months post-injury, astrocyte reactivity (GFAP) and microglial levels (IBA1) were assessed in the striatum (STR), substantia nigra (SN), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using immunohistochemistry. Key enzymes and receptors involved in catecholaminergic transmission were measured via Western blot within the same regions. Minimal changes in these markers were observed, regardless of initial injury severity. Following mTBI, elevated protein levels of dopamine D1 receptors (DRD1) were noted in the PFC, while msTBI resulted in increased alpha-2A adrenoceptors (ADRA2A) in the STR and decreased dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH) in the SN. Neuroinflammatory changes were subtle, with a reduced number of GFAP+ cells in the SN following msTBI. However, considering the potential for neurodegenerative outcomes to manifest decades after injury, longer post-injury intervals may be necessary to observe PD-relevant alterations within these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing Chee Wee
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Head Injury Lab, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Lyndsey Collins-Praino
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
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20
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Chaves-Filho A, Eyres C, Blöbaum L, Landwehr A, Tremblay MÈ. The emerging neuroimmune hypothesis of bipolar disorder: An updated overview of neuroimmune and microglial findings. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38504593 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and multifactorial disease, with onset usually in young adulthood, which follows a progressive course throughout life. Replicated epidemiological studies have suggested inflammatory mechanisms and neuroimmune risk factors as primary contributors to the onset and development of BD. While not all patients display overt markers of inflammation, significant evidence suggests that aberrant immune signaling contributes to all stages of the disease and seems to be mood phase dependent, likely explaining the heterogeneity of findings observed in this population. As the brain's immune cells, microglia orchestrate the brain's immune response and play a critical role in maintaining the brain's health across the lifespan. Microglia are also highly sensitive to environmental changes and respond to physiological and pathological events by adapting their functions, structure, and molecular expression. Recently, it has been highlighted that instead of a single population of cells, microglia comprise a heterogeneous community with specialized states adjusted according to the local molecular cues and intercellular interactions. Early evidence has highlighted the contribution of microglia to BD neuropathology, notably for severe outcomes, such as suicidality. However, the roles and diversity of microglial states in this disease are still largely undermined. This review brings an updated overview of current literature on the contribution of neuroimmune risk factors for the onset and progression of BD, the most prominent neuroimmune abnormalities (including biomarker, neuroimaging, ex vivo studies) and the most recent findings of microglial involvement in BD neuropathology. Combining these different shreds of evidence, we aim to propose a unifying hypothesis for BD pathophysiology centered on neuroimmune abnormalities and microglia. Also, we highlight the urgent need to apply novel multi-system biology approaches to characterize the diversity of microglial states and functions involved in this enigmatic disorder, which can open bright perspectives for novel biomarkers and therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chaves-Filho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Women Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Brain Health Cluster at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Capri Eyres
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leonie Blöbaum
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Antonia Landwehr
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Women Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Brain Health Cluster at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
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21
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Stowell R, Wang KH. Dopaminergic signaling regulates microglial surveillance and adolescent plasticity in the frontal cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584167. [PMID: 38559264 PMCID: PMC10979918 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Adolescence is a sensitive period for frontal cortical development and cognitive maturation. The dopaminergic (DA) mesofrontal circuit is particularly malleable in response to changes in adolescent experience and DA activity. However, the cellular mechanisms engaged in this plasticity remain unexplored. Here, we report that microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain, are uniquely sensitive to adolescent mesofrontal DA signaling. Longitudinal in vivo two-photon imaging in mice shows that frontal cortical microglia respond dynamically to plasticity-inducing behavioral or optogenetic DA axon stimulation with increased parenchymal and DA bouton surveillance. Microglial-axon contact precedes new bouton formation, and both D1 and D2-type DA receptors regulate microglial-bouton interactions and axonal plasticity. Moreover, D2 antagonism in adults reinstates adolescent plasticity, including increased microglial surveillance and new DA bouton formation. Our results reveal that DA signaling regulates microglial surveillance and axonal plasticity uniquely in the adolescent frontal cortex, presenting potential interventions for restoring plasticity in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Stowell
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642
| | - Kuan Hong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642
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22
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Uweru OJ, Okojie KA, Trivedi A, Benderoth J, Thomas LS, Davidson G, Cox K, Eyo U. A P2RY12 Deficiency Results in Sex-specific Cellular Perturbations and Sexually Dimorphic Behavioral Anomalies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3997803. [PMID: 38496602 PMCID: PMC10942488 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3997803/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are sexually dimorphic, yet, this critical aspect is often overlooked in neuroscientific studies. Decades of research have revealed the dynamic nature of microglial-neuronal interactions, but seldom consider how this dynamism varies with microglial sex differences, leaving a significant gap in our knowledge. This study focuses on P2RY12, a highly expressed microglial signature gene that mediates microglial-neuronal interactions, we show that adult females have a significantly higher expression of the receptor than adult male microglia. We further demonstrate that a genetic deletion of P2RY12 induces sex-specific cellular perturbations with microglia and neurons in females more significantly affected. Correspondingly, female mice lacking P2RY12 exhibit unique behavioral anomalies not observed in male counterparts. These findings underscore the critical, sex-specific roles of P2RY12 in microglial-neuronal interactions, offering new insights into basal interactions and potential implications for CNS disease mechanisms.
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23
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You Y, An DD, Wan YS, Zheng BX, Dai HB, Zhang SH, Zhang XN, Wang RR, Shi P, Jin M, Wang Y, Jiang L, Chen Z, Hu WW. Cell-specific IL-1R1 regulates the regional heterogeneity of microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses and motor learning ability. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:116. [PMID: 38438808 PMCID: PMC10912170 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05111-0] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Microglia regulate synaptic function in various ways, including the microglial displacement of the surrounding GABAergic synapses, which provides important neuroprotection from certain diseases. However, the physiological role and underlying mechanisms of microglial synaptic displacement remain unclear. In this study, we observed that microglia exhibited heterogeneity during the displacement of GABAergic synapses surrounding neuronal soma in different cortical regions under physiological conditions. Through three-dimensional reconstruction, in vitro co-culture, two-photon calcium imaging, and local field potentials recording, we found that IL-1β negatively modulated microglial synaptic displacement to coordinate regional heterogeneity in the motor cortex, which impacted the homeostasis of the neural network and improved motor learning ability. We used the Cre-Loxp system and found that IL-1R1 on glutamatergic neurons, rather than that on microglia or GABAergic neurons, mediated the negative effect of IL-1β on synaptic displacement. This study demonstrates that IL-1β is critical for the regional heterogeneity of synaptic displacement by coordinating different actions of neurons and microglia via IL-1R1, which impacts both neural network homeostasis and motor learning ability. It provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the physiological role and mechanism of microglial displacement of GABAergic synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi You
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Da-Dao An
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu-Shan Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bai-Xiu Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hai-Bin Dai
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - She-Hong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, 313000, China
| | - Xiang-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Rong-Rong Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mingjuan Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Zhejiang University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of The Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Zhao S, Umpierre AD, Wu LJ. Tuning neural circuits and behaviors by microglia in the adult brain. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:181-194. [PMID: 38245380 PMCID: PMC10939815 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.12.003] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are the primary immune cells of the CNS, contributing to both inflammatory damage and tissue repair in neurological disorder. In addition, emerging evidence highlights the role of homeostatic microglia in regulating neuronal activity, interacting with synapses, tuning neural circuits, and modulating behaviors. Herein, we review how microglia sense and regulate neuronal activity through synaptic interactions, thereby directly engaging with neural networks and behaviors. We discuss current studies utilizing microglial optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to modulate adult neural circuits. These manipulations of microglia across different CNS regions lead to diverse behavioral consequences. We propose that spatial heterogeneity of microglia-neuron interaction lays the groundwork for understanding diverse functions of microglia in neural circuits and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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25
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Kusui Y, Izuo N, Tokuhara R, Asano T, Nitta A. Neuronal activation of nucleus accumbens by local methamphetamine administration induces cognitive impairment through microglial inflammation in mice. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 154:127-138. [PMID: 38395513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
More than half of methamphetamine (METH) users present with cognitive impairment, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society. However, the mechanisms of METH-induced cognitive impairment remain unclear. METH causes neuronal hyperactivation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) by aberrantly releasing dopamine, which triggers dependence. In this study, to clarify the involvement of hyperactivation of NAc in METH-induced cognitive impairment, mice were locally microinjected with METH into NAc (mice with METH (NAc)) and investigated their cognitive phenotype. Mice with METH (NAc) exhibited cognitive dysfunction in behavioral analyses and decreased long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, with NAc activation confirmed by expression of FosB, a neuronal activity marker. In the hippocampus of mice with METH (NAc), activated microglia, but not astroglia, and upregulated microglia-related genes, Il1b and C1qa were observed. Finally, administration of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic with suppressive effect on microglial activation, to mice with METH (NAc) ameliorated cognitive impairment and synaptic dysfunction by suppressing the increased expression of Il1b and C1qa in the hippocampus. In conclusion, activation of NAc by injection of METH into NAc elicited cognitive impairment by facilitating immune activation in mice. This study suggests that immunological intervention could be a therapeutic strategy for addiction-related cognitive disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Kusui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Naotaka Izuo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Reika Tokuhara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takashi Asano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Atsumi Nitta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
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26
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Ishikawa M, Yamamoto Y, Wulaer B, Kunisawa K, Fujigaki H, Ando T, Kimura H, Kushima I, Arioka Y, Torii Y, Mouri A, Ozaki N, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 deficiency associates with autism-like behavior via dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction. FEBS J 2024; 291:945-964. [PMID: 38037233 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17019] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is an enzyme of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway that is constitutively expressed in the brain. To provide insight into the physiological role of IDO2 in the brain, behavioral and neurochemical analyses in IDO2 knockout (KO) mice were performed. IDO2 KO mice showed stereotyped behavior, restricted interest and social deficits, traits that are associated with behavioral endophenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). IDO2 was colocalized immunohistochemically with tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in dopaminergic neurons. In the striatum and amygdala of IDO2 KO mice, decreased dopamine turnover was associated with increased α-synuclein level. Correspondingly, levels of downstream dopamine D1 receptor signaling molecules such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and c-Fos positive proteins were decreased. Furthermore, decreased abundance of ramified-type microglia resulted in increased dendritic spine density in the striatum of IDO2 KO mice. Both chemogenetic activation of dopaminergic neurons and treatment with methylphenidate, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, ameliorated the ASD-like behavior of IDO2 KO mice. Sequencing analysis of exon regions in IDO2 from 309 ASD samples identified a rare canonical splice site variant in one ASD case. These results suggest that the IDO2 gene is, at least in part, a factor closely related to the development of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ishikawa
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ando
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Youta Torii
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
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27
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You Y, Chen Z, Hu WW. The role of microglia heterogeneity in synaptic plasticity and brain disorders: Will sequencing shed light on the discovery of new therapeutic targets? Pharmacol Ther 2024; 255:108606. [PMID: 38346477 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108606] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Microglia play a crucial role in interacting with neuronal synapses and modulating synaptic plasticity. This function is particularly significant during postnatal development, as microglia are responsible for removing excessive synapses to prevent neurodevelopmental deficits. Dysregulation of microglial synaptic function has been well-documented in various pathological conditions, notably Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. The recent application of RNA sequencing has provided a powerful and unbiased means to decipher spatial and temporal microglial heterogeneity. By identifying microglia with varying gene expression profiles, researchers have defined multiple subgroups of microglia associated with specific pathological states, including disease-associated microglia, interferon-responsive microglia, proliferating microglia, and inflamed microglia in multiple sclerosis, among others. However, the functional roles of these distinct subgroups remain inadequately characterized. This review aims to refine our current understanding of the potential roles of heterogeneous microglia in regulating synaptic plasticity and their implications for various brain disorders, drawing from recent sequencing research and functional studies. This knowledge may aid in the identification of pathogenetic biomarkers and potential factors contributing to pathogenesis, shedding new light on the discovery of novel drug targets. The field of sequencing-based data mining is evolving toward a multi-omics approach. With advances in viral tools for precise microglial regulation and the development of brain organoid models, we are poised to elucidate the functional roles of microglial subgroups detected through sequencing analysis, ultimately identifying valuable therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi You
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Pharmacy of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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28
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Haruwaka K, Ying Y, Liang Y, Umpierre AD, Yi MH, Kremen V, Chen T, Xie T, Qi F, Zhao S, Zheng J, Liu YU, Dong H, Worrell GA, Wu LJ. Microglia enhance post-anesthesia neuronal activity by shielding inhibitory synapses. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:449-461. [PMID: 38177340 PMCID: PMC10960525 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01537-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are resident immune cells of the central nervous system and play key roles in brain homeostasis. During anesthesia, microglia increase their dynamic process surveillance and interact more closely with neurons. However, the functional significance of microglial process dynamics and neuronal interaction under anesthesia is largely unknown. Using in vivo two-photon imaging in mice, we show that microglia enhance neuronal activity after the cessation of isoflurane anesthesia. Hyperactive neuron somata are contacted directly by microglial processes, which specifically colocalize with GABAergic boutons. Electron-microscopy-based synaptic reconstruction after two-photon imaging reveals that, during anesthesia, microglial processes enter into the synaptic cleft to shield GABAergic inputs. Microglial ablation or loss of microglial β2-adrenergic receptors prevents post-anesthesia neuronal hyperactivity. Our study demonstrates a previously unappreciated function of microglial process dynamics, which enable microglia to transiently boost post-anesthesia neuronal activity by physically shielding inhibitory inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yanlu Ying
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yue Liang
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Min-Hee Yi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vaclav Kremen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tingjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tao Xie
- Translational Oncology Group, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fangfang Qi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shunyi Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yong U Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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29
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McLeod F, McDermott E, Mak S, Walsh D, Turnbull M, LeBeau FEN, Jackson A, Trevelyan AJ, Clowry GJ. AAV8 vector induced gliosis following neuronal transgene expression. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1287228. [PMID: 38495109 PMCID: PMC10944330 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1287228] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Expression of light sensitive ion channels by selected neurons has been achieved by viral mediated transduction with gene constructs, but for this to have therapeutic uses, for instance in treating epilepsy, any adverse effects of viral infection on the cerebral cortex needs to be evaluated. Here, we assessed the impact of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) carrying DNA code for a soma targeting light activated chloride channel/FusionRed (FR) construct under the CKIIa promoter. Methods Viral constructs were harvested from transfected HEK293 cells in vitro and purified. To test functionality of the opsin, cultured rodent neurons were transduced and the light response of transduced neurons was assayed using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In vivo expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence for FR. Unilateral intracranial injections of the viral construct were made into the mouse neocortex and non-invasive fluorescence imaging of FR expression made over 1-4 weeks post-injection using an IVIS Spectrum system. Sections were also prepared from injected mouse cortex for immunofluorescence staining of FR, alongside glial and neuronal marker proteins. Results In vitro, cortical neurons were successfully transduced, showing appropriate physiological responses to light stimulation. Following injections in vivo, transduction was progressively established around a focal injection site over a 4-week period with spread of transduction proportional to the concentration of virus introduced. Elevated GFAP immunoreactivity, a marker for reactive astrocytes, was detected near injection sites associated with, and proportional to, local FR expression. Similarly, we observed reactive microglia around FR expressing cells. However, we found that the numbers of NeuN+ neurons were conserved close to the injection site, indicating that there was little or no neuronal loss. In control mice, injected with saline only, astrocytosis and microgliosis was limited to the immediate vicinity of the injection site. Injections of opsin negative viral constructs resulted in comparable levels of astrocytic reaction as seen with opsin positive constructs. Discussion We conclude that introduction of an AAV8 vector transducing expression of a transgene under a neuron specific promotor evokes a mild inflammatory reaction in cortical tissue without causing extensive short-term neuronal loss. The expression of an opsin in addition to a fluorescent protein does not significantly increase neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faye McLeod
- Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gavin J. Clowry
- Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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30
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Zhao S, Wang L, Liang Y, Zheng J, Umpierre AD, Wu LJ. Chemogenetic activation of microglial Gi signaling decreases microglial surveillance and impairs neuronal synchronization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.12.579861. [PMID: 38405754 PMCID: PMC10888941 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Microglia actively survey the brain and dynamically interact with neurons to maintain brain homeostasis. Microglial Gi-protein coupled receptors (Gi-GPCRs) play a critical role in microglia-neuron communications. However, the impact of temporally activating microglial Gi signaling on microglial dynamics and neuronal activity in the homeostatic brain remains largely unknown. In this study, we employed Gi-based Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (Gi-DREADD) to selectively and temporally modulate microglial Gi signaling pathway. By integrating this chemogenetic approach with in vivo two-photon imaging, we observed that exogenous activation of microglial Gi signaling transiently inhibited microglial process dynamics, reduced neuronal activity, and impaired neuronal synchronization. These altered neuronal functions were associated with a decrease in interactions between microglia and neuron somata. Altogether, this study demonstrates that acute, exogenous activation of microglial Gi signaling can regulate neuronal circuit function, offering a potential pharmacological target for neuromodulation through microglia.
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31
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Saito K, Shigetomi E, Shinozaki Y, Kobayashi K, Parajuli B, Kubota Y, Sakai K, Miyakawa M, Horiuchi H, Nabekura J, Koizumi S. Microglia sense astrocyte dysfunction and prevent disease progression in an Alexander disease model. Brain 2024; 147:698-716. [PMID: 37955589 PMCID: PMC10834242 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander disease (AxD) is an intractable neurodegenerative disorder caused by GFAP mutations. It is a primary astrocyte disease with a pathological hallmark of Rosenthal fibres within astrocytes. AxD astrocytes show several abnormal phenotypes. Our previous study showed that AxD astrocytes in model mice exhibit aberrant Ca2+ signals that induce AxD aetiology. Here, we show that microglia have unique phenotypes with morphological and functional alterations, which are related to the pathogenesis of AxD. Immunohistochemical studies of 60TM mice (AxD model) showed that AxD microglia exhibited highly ramified morphology. Functional changes in microglia were assessed by Ca2+ imaging using hippocampal brain slices from Iba1-GCaMP6-60TM mice and two-photon microscopy. We found that AxD microglia showed aberrant Ca2+ signals, with high frequency Ca2+ signals in both the processes and cell bodies. These microglial Ca2+ signals were inhibited by pharmacological blockade or genetic knockdown of P2Y12 receptors but not by tetrodotoxin, indicating that these signals are independent of neuronal activity but dependent on extracellular ATP from non-neuronal cells. Our single-cell RNA sequencing data showed that the expression level of Entpd2, an astrocyte-specific gene encoding the ATP-degrading enzyme NTPDase2, was lower in AxD astrocytes than in wild-type astrocytes. In situ ATP imaging using the adeno-associated virus vector GfaABC1D ATP1.0 showed that exogenously applied ATP was present longer in 60TM mice than in wild-type mice. Thus, the increased ATP level caused by the decrease in its metabolizing enzyme in astrocytes could be responsible for the enhancement of microglial Ca2+ signals. To determine whether these P2Y12 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signals in AxD microglia play a significant role in the pathological mechanism, a P2Y12 receptor antagonist, clopidogrel, was administered. Clopidogrel significantly exacerbated pathological markers in AxD model mice and attenuated the morphological features of microglia, suggesting that microglia play a protective role against AxD pathology via P2Y12 receptors. Taken together, we demonstrated that microglia sense AxD astrocyte dysfunction via P2Y12 receptors as an increase in extracellular ATP and alter their morphology and Ca2+ signalling, thereby protecting against AxD pathology. Although AxD is a primary astrocyte disease, our study may facilitate understanding of the role of microglia as a disease modifier, which may contribute to the clinical diversity of AxD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Saito
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kenji Kobayashi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Bijay Parajuli
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Yuto Kubota
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Kent Sakai
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Miho Miyakawa
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Horiuchi
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Division of Homeostatic Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
- GLIA Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan
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Li GS, Yang YZ, Ma GR, Li PF, Cheng QH, Zhang AR, Zhang ZZ, Zhang FK, Yang X, Fan H, Guo HZ. Rheumatoid arthritis is a protective factor against Alzheimer's disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:863-871. [PMID: 38151584 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01397-5] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is an association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the causal relationship between RA and AD remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between RA and AD. METHODS Using publicly available genome-wide association study datasets, bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR‒Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. RESULTS The results of MR for the causal effect of RA on AD (IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 0.959, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.941-0.978, P = 2.752E-05; weighted median, OR = 0.960, 95% CI: 0.937-0.984, P = 0.001) revealed a causal association between genetic susceptibility to RA and an increased risk of AD. The results of MR for the causal effect of AD on RA (IVW, OR = 0.978, 95% CI: 0.906-1.056, P = 0.576; weighted median, OR = 0.966, 95% CI: 0.894-1.043, P = 0.382) indicated that there was no causal association between genetic susceptibility to AD and an increased risk of RA. CONCLUSIONS The results of this two-way two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a causal association between genetic susceptibility to RA and a reduced risk of AD but did not reveal a causal association between genetic susceptibility to AD and an increased or reduced risk of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Shuai Li
- Gansu Wuwei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuwei, China
| | - Yong-Ze Yang
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Guo-Rong Ma
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Peng-Fei Li
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qing-Hao Cheng
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - An-Ren Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zhuang-Zhuang Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Fu-Kang Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xin Yang
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hua Fan
- First Clinical Medical College of Gansu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hong-Zhang Guo
- People's Hospital of Gansu Province, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Naveed M, Chao OY, Hill JW, Yang YM, Huston JP, Cao R. Circadian neurogenetics and its implications in neurophysiology, behavior, and chronomedicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105523. [PMID: 38142983 PMCID: PMC10872425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm affects multiple physiological processes, and disruption of the circadian system can be involved in a range of disease-related pathways. The genetic underpinnings of the circadian rhythm have been well-studied in model organisms. Significant progress has been made in understanding how clock genes affect the physiological functions of the nervous system. In addition, circadian timing is becoming a key factor in improving drug efficacy and reducing drug toxicity. The circadian biology of the target cell determines how the organ responds to the drug at a specific time of day, thus regulating pharmacodynamics. The current review brings together recent advances that have begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms of how the circadian clock affects neurophysiological and behavioral processes associated with human brain diseases. We start with a brief description of how the ubiquitous circadian rhythms are regulated at the genetic, cellular, and neural circuit levels, based on knowledge derived from extensive research on model organisms. We then summarize the latest findings from genetic studies of human brain disorders, focusing on the role of human clock gene variants in these diseases. Lastly, we discuss the impact of common dietary factors and medications on human circadian rhythms and advocate for a broader application of the concept of chronomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Owen Y Chao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Yi-Mei Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Neurology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Nakaso K. Roles of Microglia in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Yonago Acta Med 2024; 67:1-8. [PMID: 38380436 PMCID: PMC10867232 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, microglia have attracted attention owing to their roles in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Microglia, which are brain-resident macrophages, not only act as immune cells but also perform other functions in the body. Interestingly, they exert contrasting effects on different neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to the previously reported M1 (toxic) and M2 (protective) types, microglia now also include disease-associated microglia owing to a more elaborate classification. Understanding this detailed classification is necessary to elucidate the association between microglia and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nakaso
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 683-8503 Yonago, Japan
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35
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Balak CD, Han CZ, Glass CK. Deciphering microglia phenotypes in health and disease. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102146. [PMID: 38171044 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Microglia are the major immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that perform numerous adaptive functions required for normal CNS development and homeostasis but are also linked to neurodegenerative and behavioral diseases. Microglia development and function are strongly influenced by brain environmental signals that are integrated at the level of transcriptional enhancers to drive specific programs of gene expression. Here, we describe a conceptual framework for how lineage-determining and signal-dependent transcription factors interact to select and regulate the ensembles of enhancers that determine microglia development and function. We then highlight recent findings that advance these concepts and conclude with a consideration of open questions that represent some of the major hurdles to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Balak
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Claudia Z Han
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
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Lu X, Zhan L, Chai G, Chen M, Sun W, Xu E. Hypoxic Preconditioning Attenuates Neuroinflammation via Inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 Axis Mediated by p-MLKL after Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1080-1099. [PMID: 37682454 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03628-w] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) has been reported to alleviate neuronal damage and microglial activation in hippocampal CA1 after transient global cerebral ischemia (tGCI). However, the molecular mechanism is unclear. Recent studies identified that nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB)/oligomerization domain-like receptors protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome pathway is mainly involved in the activation of microglia and that phosphorylated (p)-mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) is related to the regulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 axis. Hence, in this study, we set out to investigate whether HPC attenuates neuronal damage and microglial activation through inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 axis mediated by p-MLKL after tGCI in CA1 of male rats. We found that HPC decreased NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and inhibited M1 polarization of microglia in CA1 after tGCI. Mechanistically, HPC inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome after tGCI. Additionally, the knockdown of p-MLKL by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) administration inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome, thus attenuating M1 polarization of microglia and decreasing the release of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in CA1 post ischemia. We consider that p-MLKL in microglia may be derived from necroptotic neurons after tGCI. In conclusion, the new finding in this study is that HPC-induced neuroprotection against tGCI through inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway mediated by p-MLKL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Lu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixuan Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guorong Chai
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiyan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwen Sun
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - En Xu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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37
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Luo Y, Wang Z. The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines 2024; 12:210. [PMID: 38255315 PMCID: PMC10813633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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38
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Hu Y, Tao W. Current perspectives on microglia-neuron communication in the central nervous system: Direct and indirect modes of interaction. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00006-7. [PMID: 38195039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incessant communication that takes place between microglia and neurons is essential the development, maintenance, and pathogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS). As mobile phagocytic cells, microglia serve a critical role in surveilling and scavenging the neuronal milieu to uphold homeostasis. AIM OF REVIEW This review aims to discuss the various mechanisms that govern the interaction between microglia and neurons, from the molecular to the organ system level, and to highlight the importance of these interactions in the development, maintenance, and pathogenesis of the CNS. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Recent research has revealed that microglia-neuron interaction is vital for regulating fundamental neuronal functions, such as synaptic pruning, axonal remodeling, and neurogenesis. The review will elucidate the intricate signaling pathways involved in these interactions, both direct and indirect, to provide a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of brain function. Furthermore, gaining insights into these signals could lead to the development of innovative therapies for neural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 220023, China; School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weiwei Tao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 220023, China; School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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39
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Adeck A, Millwater M, Bragg C, Zhang R, SheikhBahaei S. Morphological deficits of glial cells in a transgenic mouse model for developmental stuttering. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.04.574051. [PMID: 38260402 PMCID: PMC10802298 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.04.574051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Vocal production involves intricate neural coordination across various brain regions. Stuttering, a common speech disorder, has genetic underpinnings, including mutations in lysosomal-targeting pathway genes. Using a Gnptab-mutant mouse model linked to stuttering, we examined neuron and glial cell morphology in vocal production circuits. Our findings revealed altered astrocyte and microglia processes in these circuits in Gnptab-mutant mice, while control regions remained unaffected. Our results shed light on the potential role of glial cells in stuttering pathophysiology and highlight their relevance in modulating vocal production behaviors.
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40
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Reverte I, Marchetti C, Pezza S, Zenoni SF, Scaringi G, Ferrucci L, D'Ottavio G, Pignataro A, Andolina D, Raspa M, Scavizzi F, Venniro M, Ramsey LA, Gross C, Caprioli D, Ragozzino D. Microglia-mediated calcium-permeable AMPAR accumulation in the nucleus accumbens drives hyperlocomotion during cocaine withdrawal. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:535-542. [PMID: 37967660 PMCID: PMC10915906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During withdrawal from cocaine, calcium permeable-AMPA receptors (CP-AMPAR) progressively accumulate in nucleus accumbens (NAc) synapses, a phenomenon linked to behavioral sensitization and drug-seeking. Recently, it has been suggested that neuroimmune alterations might promote aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity, thus contributing to substance abuse-related behaviors. Here, we investigated the role of microglia in NAc neuroadaptations after withdrawal from cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). We depleted microglia using PLX5622-supplemented diet during cocaine withdrawal, and after the place preference test, we measured dendritic spine density and the presence of CP-AMPAR in the NAc shell. Microglia depletion prevented cocaine-induced changes in dendritic spines and CP-AMPAR accumulation. Furthermore, microglia depletion prevented conditioned hyperlocomotion without affecting drug-context associative memory. Microglia displayed fewer number of branches, resulting in a reduced arborization area and microglia control domain at late withdrawal. Our results suggest that microglia are necessary for the synaptic adaptations in NAc synapses during cocaine withdrawal and therefore represent a promising therapeutic target for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Reverte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Marchetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pezza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Soami F Zenoni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scaringi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra D'Ottavio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Annabella Pignataro
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Raspa
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), International Campus "A. Buzzati-Traverso", Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Ferdinando Scavizzi
- National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), International Campus "A. Buzzati-Traverso", Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Marco Venniro
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Leslie A Ramsey
- Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore NIDA, NIH, USA
| | - Cornelius Gross
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Daniele Caprioli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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41
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Karperien AL, Jelinek HF. Morphology and Fractal-Based Classifications of Neurons and Microglia in Two and Three Dimensions. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 36:149-172. [PMID: 38468031 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-47606-8_7] [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: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Microglia and neurons live physically intertwined, intimately related structurally and functionally in a dynamic relationship in which microglia change continuously over a much shorter timescale than do neurons. Although microglia may unwind and depart from the neurons they attend under certain circumstances, in general, together both contribute to the fractal topology of the brain that defines its computational capabilities. Both neuronal and microglial morphologies are well-described using fractal analysis complementary to more traditional measures. For neurons, the fractal dimension has proved valuable for classifying dendritic branching and other neuronal features relevant to pathology and development. For microglia, fractal geometry has substantially contributed to classifying functional categories, where, in general, the more pathological the biological status, the lower the fractal dimension for individual cells, with some exceptions, including hyper-ramification. This chapter provides a review of the intimate relationships between neurons and microglia, by introducing 2D and 3D fractal analysis methodology and its applications in neuron-microglia function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L Karperien
- School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
| | - Herbert F Jelinek
- Department of Medical Sciences and Biotechnology Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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42
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Ghinea FS, Ionică MV, Liliac IM, Pătru S, Olaru DG, Popa-Wagner A. The Impact of Juvenile Microglia Transcriptomics on the Adult Brain Regeneration after Cerebral Ischemia. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2024; 50:133-150. [PMID: 38846476 PMCID: PMC11151955 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.50.01.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Microglial cells play a pivotal role in the brain's health and operation through all stages of life and in the face of illness. The contributions of microglia during the developmental phase of the brain markedly contrast with their contributions in the brain of adults after injury. Enhancing our understanding of the pathological mechanisms that involve microglial activity in brains as they age and in cerebrovascular conditions is crucial for informing the creation of novel therapeutic approaches. In this work we provide results on microglia transcriptomics in the juvenile vs injured adult brain and its impact on adult brain regeneration after cerebral ischemia. During fetal brain development, microglia cells are involved in gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis and synaptic reorganization by engulfing neuronal extensions. Within the mature, intact brain, microglial cells exhibit reduced movement of their processes in response to minimal neuronal activity, while they continuously monitor their surroundings and clear away cellular debris. Following a stroke in the adult brain, inflammation, neurodegeneration, or disruptions in neural equilibrium trigger alterations in both the genetic blueprint and the structure and roles of microglia, a state often described as "activated" microglia. Such genetic shifts include a notable increase in the pathways related to phagosomes, lysosomes, and the presentation of antigens, coupled with a rise in the expression of genes linked to cell surface receptors. We conclude that a comparison of microglia transcriptomic activity during brain development and post-stroke adult brain might provide us with new clues about how neurodegeneration occurs in the adult brain. This information could very useful to develop drugs to slow down or limit the post-stroke pathology and improve clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Semida Ghinea
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Medicine Craiova, Romania
| | - Marius Viorel Ionică
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Medicine Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Simion Pătru
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Medicine Craiova, Romania
| | - Denisa Greta Olaru
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Medicine Craiova, Romania
| | - Aurel Popa-Wagner
- Experimental Research Center for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Medicine Craiova, Romania
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43
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Wallace JL, Pollen AA. Human neuronal maturation comes of age: cellular mechanisms and species differences. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:7-29. [PMID: 37996703 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The delayed and prolonged postmitotic maturation of human neurons, compared with neurons from other species, may contribute to human-specific cognitive abilities and neurological disorders. Here we review the mechanisms of neuronal maturation, applying lessons from model systems to understand the specific features of protracted human cortical maturation and species differences. We cover cell-intrinsic features of neuronal maturation, including transcriptional, epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms, as well as cell-extrinsic features, including the roles of activity and synapses, the actions of glial cells and the contribution of the extracellular matrix. We discuss evidence for species differences in biochemical reaction rates, the proposed existence of an epigenetic maturation clock and the contributions of both general and modular mechanisms to species-specific maturation timing. Finally, we suggest approaches to measure, improve and accelerate the maturation of human neurons in culture, examine crosstalk and interactions among these different aspects of maturation and propose conceptual models to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenelle L Wallace
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alex A Pollen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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44
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Gellner AK, Reis J, Fiebich BL, Fritsch B. Cx3cr1 deficiency interferes with learning- and direct current stimulation-mediated neuroplasticity of the motor cortex. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:177-191. [PMID: 38049944 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16206] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are essential contributors to synaptic transmission and stability and communicate with neurons via the fractalkine pathway. Transcranial direct current stimulation [(t)DCS], a form of non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, modulates cortical excitability and promotes neuroplasticity, which has been extensively demonstrated in the motor cortex and for motor learning. The role of microglia and their fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 in motor cortical neuroplasticity mediated by DCS or motor learning requires further elucidation. We demonstrate the effects of pharmacological microglial depletion and genetic Cx3cr1 deficiency on the induction of DCS-induced long-term potentiation (DCS-LTP) ex vivo. The relevance of microglia-neuron communication for DCS response and structural neuroplasticity underlying motor learning are assessed via 2-photon in vivo imaging. The behavioural consequences of impaired CX3CR1 signalling are investigated for both gross and fine motor learning. We show that DCS-mediated neuroplasticity in the motor cortex depends on the presence of microglia and is driven in part by CX3CR1 signalling ex vivo and provide the first evidence of microglia interacting with neurons during DCS in vivo. Furthermore, CX3CR1 signalling is required for motor learning and underlying structural neuroplasticity in concert with microglia interaction. Although we have recently demonstrated the microglial response to DCS in vivo, we now provide a link between microglial integrity and neuronal activity for the expression of DCS-dependent neuroplasticity. In addition, we extend the knowledge on the relevance of CX3CR1 signalling for motor learning and structural neuroplasticity. The underlying molecular mechanisms and the potential impact of DCS in rescuing CX3CR1 deficits remain to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Gellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Physiology II, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Janine Reis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Neurochemistry and Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Brita Fritsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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45
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Ferrucci L, Cantando I, Cordella F, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Bezzi P. Microglia at the Tripartite Synapse during Postnatal Development: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:2827. [PMID: 38132147 PMCID: PMC10742295 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the fundamental structures of neural circuits that control brain functions and behavioral and cognitive processes. Synapses undergo formation, maturation, and elimination mainly during postnatal development via a complex interplay with neighboring astrocytes and microglia that, by shaping neural connectivity, may have a crucial role in the strengthening and weakening of synaptic functions, that is, the functional plasticity of synapses. Indeed, an increasing number of studies have unveiled the roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse formation, maturation, and elimination as well as in regulating synaptic function. Over the past 15 years, the mechanisms underlying the microglia- and astrocytes-dependent regulation of synaptic plasticity have been thoroughly studied, and researchers have reported that the disruption of these glial cells in early postnatal development may underlie the cause of synaptic dysfunction that leads to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ferrucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Iva Cantando
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Federica Cordella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science, IIT, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bezzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.F.); (F.C.); (S.D.A.); (D.R.)
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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46
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Wen W, Zhou J, Zhan C, Wang J. Microglia as a Game Changer in Epilepsy Comorbid Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2023:10.1007/s12035-023-03810-0. [PMID: 38048030 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03810-0] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most common neurological diseases, epilepsy is often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. Depression is the most universal comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Therefore, it is urgently needed to figure out potential mechanisms and the optimization of therapeutic strategies. Microglia play a pivotal role in the coexistent relationship between epilepsy and depression. Activated microglia released cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1β, orchestrating neuroinflammation especially in the hippocampus, worsening both depression and epilepsy. The decrease of intracellular K+ is a common part in various molecular changes. The P2X7-NLRP3-IL-1β is a major inflammatory pathway that disrupts brain network. Extra ATP and CX3CL1 also lead to neuronal excitotoxicity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Regulating neuroinflammation aiming at microglia-related molecules is capable of suspending the vicious mutual aggravating circle of epilepsy and depression. Other overlaps between epilepsy and depression lie in transcriptomic, neuroimaging, diagnosis and treatment. Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and amygdala enlargement (AE) may be the underlying macroscopic pathological changes according to current studies. Extant evidence shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are safe, but the effect is limited. Improvement in depression is likely to reduce the frequency of seizure. More comprehensive experiments are warranted to better understand the relationship between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrong Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 1838, Guangdong Province, China
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Neural Networks Surgery Team, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingsheng Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 1838, Guangdong Province, China
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Neural Networks Surgery Team, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chang'an Zhan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, 1838, Guangdong Province, China.
- The First Clinical Medicine College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- Neural Networks Surgery Team, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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47
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López-Pérez M, Aguirre-Garrido F, Herrera-Zúñiga L, Fernández FJ. Gene as a dynamical notion: An extensive and integrative vision. Redefining the gene concept, from traditional to genic-interaction, as a new dynamical version. Biosystems 2023; 234:105060. [PMID: 37844827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105060] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The current concept of gene has been very useful during the 20th and 21st centuries. However, recent advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics, which have further diversified the functional and adaptive profile of genetic information and its integration with cell physiology and environmental response, have contributed to focusing on additional new gene properties besides the traditional definition. Considering the inherent complexity of gene expression, whose adaptive objective must be referred to the Tortoise-Hare model, in which two tendencies converge, one focused on rapid adaptation to achieve survival, and the other that prevents an over-adaptation effect. In this context, a revision of the gene concept must be made, which must include these new mechanisms and approaches. In this paper, we propose a new conception of the idea of a gene that moves from a static and defined version of hereditary information to a dynamic idea that preponderates gene interaction (circumscribed to that established between protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, and nucleic acid-nucleic acid) and the selection it exerts, as the irreducible element that works in a coordinated way in a genomic regulatory network (GRN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos López-Pérez
- Environmental Sciences Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Lerma Unit) Av. de las Garzas N° 10, Col. El Panteón, Municipio de Lerma de Villada, Estado de México, C.P. 52005, Mexico.
| | - Félix Aguirre-Garrido
- Environmental Sciences Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Lerma Unit) Av. de las Garzas N° 10, Col. El Panteón, Municipio de Lerma de Villada, Estado de México, C.P. 52005, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Herrera-Zúñiga
- Chemistry Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Iztapalapa Unit), C.P. 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Fernández
- Biotechnology Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (Iztapalapa Unit), C.P. 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
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48
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Mukhopadhyay A, Deshpande SN, Bhatia T, Thelma BK. Significance of an altered lncRNA landscape in schizophrenia and cognition: clues from a case-control association study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1677-1691. [PMID: 37009928 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Genetic etiology of schizophrenia is poorly understood despite large genome-wide association data. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with a probable regulatory role are emerging as important players in neuro-psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Prioritising important lncRNAs and analyses of their holistic interaction with their target genes may provide insights into disease biology/etiology. Of the 3843 lncRNA SNPs reported in schizophrenia GWASs extracted using lincSNP 2.0, we prioritised n = 247 based on association strength, minor allele frequency and regulatory potential and mapped them to lncRNAs. lncRNAs were then prioritised based on their expression in brain using lncRBase, epigenetic role using 3D SNP and functional relevance to schizophrenia etiology. 18 SNPs were finally tested for association with schizophrenia (n = 930) and its endophenotypes-tardive dyskinesia (n = 176) and cognition (n = 565) using a case-control approach. Associated SNPs were characterised by ChIP seq, eQTL, and transcription factor binding site (TFBS) data using FeatSNP. Of the eight SNPs significantly associated, rs2072806 in lncRNA hsaLB_IO39983 with regulatory effect on BTN3A2 was associated with schizophrenia (p = 0.006); rs2710323 in hsaLB_IO_2331 with role in dysregulation of ITIH1 with tardive dyskinesia (p < 0.05); and four SNPs with significant cognition score reduction (p < 0.05) in cases. Two of these with two additional variants in eQTL were observed among controls (p < 0.05), acting likely as enhancer SNPs and/or altering TFBS of eQTL mapped downstream genes. This study highlights important lncRNAs in schizophrenia and provides a proof of concept of novel interactions of lncRNAs with protein-coding genes to elicit alterations in immune/inflammatory pathways of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Smita N Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research-Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Triptish Bhatia
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research-Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - B K Thelma
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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49
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Mohammadpanah M, Farrokhi S, Sani M, Moghaddam MH, Bayat AH, Boroujeni ME, Abdollahifar MA, Fathi M, Vakili K, Nikpour F, Omran HS, Ahmadirad H, Ghorbani Z, Peyvandi AA, Aliaghaei A. Exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol leads to a rise in caspase-3, morphological changes in microglial, and astrocyte reactivity in the cerebellum of rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:1077-1094. [PMID: 38145099 PMCID: PMC10734605 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad098] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of 10 mg/kg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on cerebellar neuronal and glial morphology, apoptosis and inflammatory gene expression using a series of histological assays including stereology, Sholl analysis, immunofluorescence and real-time qPCR in male Wistar rats. A decrease in the number of Purkinje neurons and the thickness of the granular layer in the cerebellum was reported in THC-treated rats. Increased expression of Iba-1 and arborization of microglial processes were evidence of microgliosis and morphological changes in microglia. In addition, astrogliosis and changes in astrocyte morphology were other findings associated with THC administration. THC also led to an increase in caspase-3 positive cells and a decrease in autophagy and inflammatory gene expression such as mTOR, BECN1 and LAMP2. However, there were no significant changes in the volume of molecular layers and white matter, the spatial arrangement of granular layers and white matter, or the spatial arrangement of granular layers and white matter in the cerebellum. Taken together, our data showed both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative properties of THC in the cerebellum, which require further study in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Mohammadpanah
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sheida Farrokhi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sani
- Department of Educational Neuroscience, Aras International Campus, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Meysam Hassani Moghaddam
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Bayat
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Eskandarian Boroujeni
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nikpour
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Salehi Omran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Ahmadirad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Ghorbani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Peyvandi
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Aliaghaei
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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50
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Olmedillas M, Brawek B, Li K, Richter C, Garaschuk O. Plaque vicinity as a hotspot of microglial turnover in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Glia 2023; 71:2884-2901. [PMID: 37596829 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the major immune cells of the brain, are functionally heterogeneous but in vivo functional properties of these cells are rarely studied at single-cell resolution. By using microRNA-9 regulated viral vectors for multicolor labeling and longitudinal in vivo monitoring of individual microglia, we followed their fate in the cortex of healthy adult mice and at the onset of amyloidosis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. In wild-type mice, microglia were rather mobile (16% of the cells migrated at least once in 10-20 days) but had a low turnover as documented by low division and death rates. Half of the migratory events were tightly associated with blood vessels. Surprisingly, basic migration properties of microglia (i.e., fraction of migrating cells, saltatory migration pattern, speed of migration, translocation distance, and strong association with blood vessels) were preserved in amyloid-depositing brains, despite amyloid plaques becoming the major destination of migration. Besides, amyloid deposition significantly increased microglial division and death rates. Moreover, the plaque vicinity became a hotspot of microglial turnover, harboring 33% of all migration, 70% of death and 54% of division events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Olmedillas
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Brawek
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kaizhen Li
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Cris Richter
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olga Garaschuk
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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