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Park Y, KC N, Paneque A, Cole PD. Tau, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, and Neurofilament Light Chain as Brain Protein Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood for Diagnosis of Neurobiological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6295. [PMID: 38928000 PMCID: PMC11204270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126295] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological damage is the pathological substrate of permanent disability in various neurodegenerative disorders. Early detection of this damage, including its identification and quantification, is critical to preventing the disease's progression in the brain. Tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), as brain protein biomarkers, have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, disease monitoring, prognostic assessment, and treatment efficacy. These biomarkers are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood proportionally to the degree of neuron and astrocyte damage in different neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Here, we review how Tau, GFAP, and NfL biomarkers are detected in CSF and blood as crucial diagnostic tools, as well as the levels of these biomarkers used for differentiating a range of neurological diseases and monitoring disease progression. We also discuss a biosensor approach that allows for the real-time detection of multiple biomarkers in various neurodegenerative diseases. This combined detection system of brain protein biomarkers holds significant promise for developing more specific and accurate clinical tools that can identify the type and stage of human neurological diseases with greater precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkyu Park
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Nirajan KC
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Alysta Paneque
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Peter D. Cole
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; (N.K.); (A.P.)
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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2
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de Reus AJEM, Basak O, Dykstra W, van Asperen JV, van Bodegraven EJ, Hol EM. GFAP-isoforms in the nervous system: Understanding the need for diversity. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102340. [PMID: 38401182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament (IF) protein expressed in specific types of glial cells in the nervous system. The expression of GFAP is highly regulated during brain development and in neurological diseases. The presence of distinct GFAP-isoforms in various cell types, developmental stages, and diseases indicates that GFAP (post-)transcriptional regulation has a role in glial cell physiology and pathology. GFAP-isoforms differ in sub-cellular localisation, IF-network assembly properties, and IF-dynamics which results in distinct molecular interactions and mechanical properties of the IF-network. Therefore, GFAP (post-)transcriptional regulation is likely a mechanism by which radial glia, astrocytes, and glioma cells can modulate cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J E M de Reus
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Onur Basak
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Werner Dykstra
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessy V van Asperen
- Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Unité Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Unversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1 CNRS UMR 5261, INSERM U1315, Lyon, France
| | - Emma J van Bodegraven
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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3
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Žugec M, Furlani B, Castañon MJ, Rituper B, Fischer I, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Barbagallo GMV, Di Rosa M, Tibullo D, Parenti R, Vicario N, Simčič S, Pozo Devoto VM, Stokin GB, Wiche G, Jorgačevski J, Zorec R, Potokar M. Plectin plays a role in the migration and volume regulation of astrocytes: a potential biomarker of glioblastoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:14. [PMID: 38263015 PMCID: PMC10807171 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01002-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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and intermediate filament (IF) proteins is altered in malignant glioblastoma (GBM), yet the expression of the major IF-based cytolinker, plectin (PLEC), and its contribution to GBM migration and invasiveness, are unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of plectin in affecting the distribution of plasmalemmal AQP4 aggregates, migratory properties, and regulation of cell volume in astrocytes. METHODS In human GBM, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), AQP4 and PLEC transcripts was analyzed using publicly available datasets, and the colocalization of PLEC with AQP4 and with GFAP was determined by immunohistochemistry. We performed experiments on wild-type and plectin-deficient primary and immortalized mouse astrocytes, human astrocytes and permanent cell lines (U-251 MG and T98G) derived from a human malignant GBM. The expression of plectin isoforms in mouse astrocytes was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Transfection, immunolabeling and confocal microscopy were used to assess plectin-induced alterations in the distribution of the cytoskeleton, the influence of plectin and its isoforms on the abundance and size of plasmalemmal AQP4 aggregates, and the presence of plectin at the plasma membrane. The release of plectin from cells was measured by ELISA. The migration and dynamics of cell volume regulation of immortalized astrocytes were assessed by the wound-healing assay and calcein labeling, respectively. RESULTS A positive correlation was found between plectin and AQP4 at the level of gene expression and protein localization in tumorous brain samples. Deficiency of plectin led to a decrease in the abundance and size of plasmalemmal AQP4 aggregates and altered distribution and bundling of the cytoskeleton. Astrocytes predominantly expressed P1c, P1e, and P1g plectin isoforms. The predominant plectin isoform associated with plasmalemmal AQP4 aggregates was P1c, which also affected the mobility of astrocytes most prominently. In the absence of plectin, the collective migration of astrocytes was impaired and the dynamics of cytoplasmic volume changes in peripheral cell regions decreased. Plectin's abundance on the plasma membrane surface and its release from cells were increased in the GBM cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Plectin affects cellular properties that contribute to the pathology of GBM. The observed increase in both cell surface and released plectin levels represents a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in the diagnostics and treatment of GBMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Žugec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Borut Furlani
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maria J Castañon
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Boštjan Rituper
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irmgard Fischer
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe M V Barbagallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saša Simčič
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Victorio Martin Pozo Devoto
- International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gorazd B Stokin
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucestershire NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gerhard Wiche
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Simone L, Capobianco DL, Di Palma F, Binda E, Legnani FG, Vescovi AL, Svelto M, Pisani F. GFAP serves as a structural element of tunneling nanotubes between glioblastoma cells and could play a role in the intercellular transfer of mitochondria. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221671. [PMID: 37886397 PMCID: PMC10598779 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long F-actin-positive plasma membrane bridges connecting distant cells, allowing the intercellular transfer of cellular cargoes, and are found to be involved in glioblastoma (GBM) intercellular crosstalk. Glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) is a key intermediate filament protein of glial cells involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and linked to GBM progression. Whether GFAP plays a role in TNT structure and function in GBM is unknown. Here, analyzing F-actin and GFAP localization by laser-scan confocal microscopy followed by 3D reconstruction (3D-LSCM) and mitochondria dynamic by live-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we show the presence of GFAP in TNTs containing functional mitochondria connecting distant human GBM cells. Taking advantage of super-resolution 3D-LSCM, we show the presence of GFAP-positive TNT-like structures in resected human GBM as well. Using H2O2 or the pro-apoptotic toxin staurosporine (STS), we show that GFAP-positive TNTs strongly increase during oxidative stress and apoptosis in the GBM cell line. Culturing GBM cells with STS-treated GBM cells, we show that STS triggers the formation of GFAP-positive TNTs between them. Finally, we provide evidence that mitochondria co-localize with GFAP at the tip of close-ended GFAP-positive TNTs and inside receiving STS-GBM cells. Summarizing, here we found that GFAP is a structural component of TNTs generated by GBM cells, that GFAP-positive TNTs are upregulated in response to oxidative stress and pro-apoptotic stress, and that GFAP interacts with mitochondria during the intercellular transfer. These findings contribute to elucidate the molecular structure of TNTs generated by GBM cells, highlighting the structural role of GFAP in TNTs and suggesting a functional role of this intermediate filament component in the intercellular mitochondria transfer between GBM cells in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Simone
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - D. L. Capobianco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - F. Di Palma
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - E. Binda
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - F. G. Legnani
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neurologic Institute IRCCS Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - A. L. Vescovi
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - M. Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - F. Pisani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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5
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Radu R, Petrescu GED, Gorgan RM, Brehar FM. GFAPδ: A Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859247. [PMID: 35372061 PMCID: PMC8971704 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GFAPδ, the delta isoform of the glial fibrillary acidic protein, is mainly expressed in the subventricular zone of the brain, together with other neural stem cell markers like nestin. The authors of this paper were among the first that described in detail the expression of GFAPδ and its correlation with malignancy and invasiveness in cerebral astrocytoma. Later, several papers confirmed these findings, showing that the alternative splice variant GFAPδ is overexpressed in glioblastoma (CNS WHO grade 4) compared with lower grade gliomas. Other studies suggested that a high GFAPδ/α ratio is associated with a more malignant and invasive behavior of glioma cells. Moreover, the changing of GFAPδ/α ratio affects the expression of high-malignant genes. It is now suggested that discriminating between predominant GFAP isoforms, GFAPδ or GFAPα, is useful for assessing the malignancy state of astrocytoma, and may even contribute to the classification of gliomas. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the literature with emphasize on the role of GFAPδ as a potential biomarker, and as a possible therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Radu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bagdasar-Arseni Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - George E. D. Petrescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bagdasar-Arseni Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: George E. D. Petrescu,
| | - Radu M. Gorgan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bagdasar-Arseni Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Felix M. Brehar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bagdasar-Arseni Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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6
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Uceda-Castro R, van Asperen JV, Vennin C, Sluijs JA, van Bodegraven EJ, Margarido AS, Robe PAJ, van Rheenen J, Hol EM. GFAP splice variants fine-tune glioma cell invasion and tumour dynamics by modulating migration persistence. Sci Rep 2022; 12:424. [PMID: 35013418 PMCID: PMC8748899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common form of malignant primary brain tumours in adults. Their highly invasive nature makes the disease incurable to date, emphasizing the importance of better understanding the mechanisms driving glioma invasion. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament protein that is characteristic for astrocyte- and neural stem cell-derived gliomas. Glioma malignancy is associated with changes in GFAP alternative splicing, as the canonical isoform GFAPα is downregulated in higher-grade tumours, leading to increased dominance of the GFAPδ isoform in the network. In this study, we used intravital imaging and an ex vivo brain slice invasion model. We show that the GFAPδ and GFAPα isoforms differentially regulate the tumour dynamics of glioma cells. Depletion of either isoform increases the migratory capacity of glioma cells. Remarkably, GFAPδ-depleted cells migrate randomly through the brain tissue, whereas GFAPα-depleted cells show a directionally persistent invasion into the brain parenchyma. This study shows that distinct compositions of the GFAPnetwork lead to specific migratory dynamics and behaviours of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Uceda-Castro
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessy V van Asperen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claire Vennin
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline A Sluijs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma J van Bodegraven
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andreia S Margarido
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre A J Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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7
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van Asperen JV, Robe PA, Hol EM. GFAP Alternative Splicing and the Relevance for Disease – A Focus on Diffuse Gliomas. ASN Neuro 2022; 14:17590914221102065. [PMID: 35673702 PMCID: PMC9185002 DOI: 10.1177/17590914221102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament protein that is
characteristic for astrocytes and neural stem cells, and their malignant analogues in
glioma. Since the discovery of the protein 50 years ago, multiple alternative splice
variants of the GFAP gene have been discovered, leading to different GFAP isoforms. In
this review, we will describe GFAP isoform expression from gene to protein to network,
taking the canonical isoforms GFAPα and the main alternative variant GFAPδ as the starting
point. We will discuss the relevance of studying GFAP and its isoforms in disease, with a
specific focus on diffuse gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy V. van Asperen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre A.J.T. Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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van Asperen JV, Fedorushkova DM, Robe PAJT, Hol E. Investigation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in body fluids as a potential biomarker for glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomarkers 2021; 27:1-12. [PMID: 34844498 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2021.2006313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liquid biopsies are promising diagnostic tools for glioma. In this quantitative systematic review, we investigate whether the detection of intermediate filaments (IF) in body fluids can be used as a tool for glioma diagnosis and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included all studies in which IF-levels were determined in patients with glioma and healthy controls. Of the 28 identified eligible studies, 12 focused on levels of GFAP in serum (sGFAP) and were included for metadata analysis. RESULTS In all studies combined, 62.7% of all grade IV patients had detectable levels of sGFAP compared to 12.7% of healthy controls. sGFAP did not surpass the limit of detection in lower grade patients or healthy controls, but sGFAP was significantly elevated in grade IV glioma (0.12 ng/mL (0.06 - 0.18), P < 0.001) and showed an average median difference of 0.15 ng/mL (0.04 - 0.25, P < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. sGFAP levels were linked to tumour volume, but not to patient outcome. CONCLUSION The presence of sGFAP is indicative of grade IV glioma, but additional studies are necessary to fully determine the usefulness of GFAP in body fluids as a tool for grade IV glioma diagnosis and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy Van van Asperen
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daria M Fedorushkova
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre A J T Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,University Hospital Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Elly Hol
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Fifty years have passed since the discovery of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by Lawrence Eng and colleagues. Now recognized as a member of the intermediate filament family of proteins, it has become a subject for study in fields as diverse as structural biology, cell biology, gene expression, basic neuroscience, clinical genetics and gene therapy. This review covers each of these areas, presenting an overview of current understanding and controversies regarding GFAP with the goal of stimulating continued study of this fascinating protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albee Messing
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham
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10
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Bodegraven EJ, Sluijs JA, Tan AK, Robe PAJT, Hol EM. New GFAP splice isoform (GFAPµ) differentially expressed in glioma translates into 21 kDa N‐terminal GFAP protein. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21389. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001767r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Bodegraven
- Department of Translational Neurosciences University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline A. Sluijs
- Department of Translational Neurosciences University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - A. Katherine Tan
- Department of Translational Neurosciences University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Pierre A. J. T. Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational Neurosciences University Medical Center Utrecht Brain CenterUtrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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11
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Bozic I, Savic D, Lavrnja I. Astrocyte phenotypes: Emphasis on potential markers in neuroinflammation. Histol Histopathol 2020; 36:267-290. [PMID: 33226087 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), have numerous integral roles in all CNS functions. They are essential for synaptic transmission and support neurons by providing metabolic substrates, secreting growth factors and regulating extracellular concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters. Astrocytes respond to CNS insults through reactive astrogliosis, in which they go through many functional and molecular changes. In neuroinflammatory conditions reactive astrocytes exert both beneficial and detrimental functions, depending on the context and heterogeneity of astrocytic populations. In this review we profile astrocytic diversity in the context of neuroinflammation; with a specific focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and its best-described animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We characterize two main subtypes, protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes and describe the role of intermediate filaments in the physiology and pathology of these cells. Additionally, we outline a variety of markers that are emerging as important in investigating astrocytic biology in both physiological conditions and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bozic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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12
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Liu Y, He S, Chen Y, Liu Y, Feng F, Liu W, Guo Q, Zhao L, Sun H. Overview of AKR1C3: Inhibitor Achievements and Disease Insights. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11305-11329. [PMID: 32463235 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) is known as a hormone activity regulator and prostaglandin F (PGF) synthase that regulates the occupancy of hormone receptors and cell proliferation. Because of the overexpression in metabolic diseases and various hormone-dependent and -independent carcinomas, as well as the emergence of clinical drug resistance, an increasing number of studies have investigated AKR1C3 inhibitors. Here, we briefly review the physiological and pathological function of AKR1C3 and then summarize the recent development of selective AKR1C3 inhibitors. We propose our viewpoints on the current problems associated with AKR1C3 inhibitors with the aim of providing a reference for future drug discovery and potential therapeutic perspectives on novel, potent, selective AKR1C3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, Huaian 223005, People's Republic of China.,Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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13
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Oudart M, Tortuyaux R, Mailly P, Mazaré N, Boulay AC, Cohen-Salmon M. AstroDot - a new method for studying the spatial distribution of mRNA in astrocytes. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs239756. [PMID: 32079659 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.239756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are morphologically complex and use local translation to regulate distal functions. To study the distribution of mRNA in astrocytes, we combined mRNA detection via in situ hybridization with immunostaining of the astrocyte-specific intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). mRNAs at the level of GFAP-immunolabelled astrocyte somata, and large and fine processes were analysed using AstroDot, an ImageJ plug-in and the R package AstroStat. Taking the characterization of mRNAs encoding GFAP-α and GFAP-δ isoforms as a proof of concept, we showed that they mainly localized on GFAP processes. In the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, the density and distribution of both α and δ forms of Gfap mRNA changed as a function of the region of the hippocampus and the astrocyte's proximity to amyloid plaques. To validate our method, we confirmed that the ubiquitous Rpl4 (large subunit ribosomal protein 4) mRNA was present in astrocyte processes as well as in microglia processes immunolabelled for ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1; also known as IAF1). In summary, this novel set of tools allows the characterization of mRNA distribution in astrocytes and microglia in physiological or pathological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Oudart
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Romain Tortuyaux
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Philippe Mailly
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Orion Imaging Facility, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Noémie Mazaré
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241 CNRS, Unité1050 INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
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14
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Danielsson A, Barreau K, Kling T, Tisell M, Carén H. Accumulation of DNA methylation alterations in paediatric glioma stem cells following fractionated dose irradiation. Clin Epigenetics 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32046773 PMCID: PMC7014676 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-020-0817-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation is an important therapeutic tool. However, radiotherapy has the potential to promote co-evolution of genetic and epigenetic changes that can drive tumour heterogeneity, formation of radioresistant cells and tumour relapse. There is a clinical need for a better understanding of DNA methylation alterations that may follow radiotherapy to be able to prevent the development of radiation-resistant cells. METHODS We examined radiation-induced changes in DNA methylation profiles of paediatric glioma stem cells (GSCs) in vitro. Five GSC cultures were irradiated in vitro with repeated doses of 2 or 4 Gy. Radiation was given in 3 or 15 fractions. DNA methylation profiling using Illumina DNA methylation arrays was performed at 14 days post-radiation. The cellular characteristics were studied in parallel. RESULTS Few fractions of radiation did not result in significant accumulation of DNA methylation alterations. However, extended dose fractionations changed DNA methylation profiles and induced thousands of differentially methylated positions, specifically in enhancer regions, sites involved in alternative splicing and in repetitive regions. Radiation induced dose-dependent morphological and proliferative alterations of the cells as a consequence of the radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS DNA methylation alterations of sites with regulatory functions in proliferation and differentiation were identified, which may reflect cellular response to radiation stress through epigenetic reprogramming and differentiation cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Danielsson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Kristell Barreau
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Teresia Kling
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Tisell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Carén
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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15
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van Bodegraven EJ, van Asperen JV, Sluijs JA, van Deursen CBJ, van Strien ME, Stassen OMJA, Robe PAJ, Hol EM. GFAP alternative splicing regulates glioma cell-ECM interaction in a DUSP4-dependent manner. FASEB J 2019; 33:12941-12959. [PMID: 31480854 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900916r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. Their highly invasive character and the heterogeneity of active oncogenic pathways within single tumors complicate the development of curative therapies and cause poor patient prognosis. Glioma cells express the intermediate filament protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the level of its alternative splice variant GFAP-δ, relative to its canonical splice variant GFAP-α, is higher in grade IV compared with lower-grade and lower malignant glioma. In this study we show that a high GFAP-δ/α ratio induces the expression of the dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) in focal adhesions. By focusing on pathways up- and downstream of DUSP4 that are involved in the cell-extracellular matrix interaction, we show that a high GFAP-δ/α ratio equips glioma cells to better invade the brain. This study supports the hypothesis that glioma cells with a high GFAP-δ/α ratio are highly invasive and more malignant cells, thus making GFAP alternative splicing a potential therapeutic target.-Van Bodegraven, E. J., van Asperen, J. V., Sluijs, J. A., van Deursen, C. B. J., van Strien, M. E., Stassen, O. M. J. A., Robe, P. A. J., Hol, E. M. GFAP alternative splicing regulates glioma cell-ECM interaction in a DUSP4-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J van Bodegraven
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessy V van Asperen
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline A Sluijs
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen B J van Deursen
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam E van Strien
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar M J A Stassen
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.,Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Pierre A J Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neurosciences, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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van Bodegraven EJ, van Asperen JV, Robe PAJ, Hol EM. Importance of GFAP isoform-specific analyses in astrocytoma. Glia 2019; 67:1417-1433. [PMID: 30667110 PMCID: PMC6617972 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are a heterogenous group of malignant primary brain tumors that arise from glia cells or their progenitors and rely on accurate diagnosis for prognosis and treatment strategies. Although recent developments in the molecular biology of glioma have improved diagnosis, classical histological methods and biomarkers are still being used. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a classical marker of astrocytoma, both in clinical and experimental settings. GFAP is used to determine glial differentiation, which is associated with a less malignant tumor. However, since GFAP is not only expressed by mature astrocytes but also by radial glia during development and neural stem cells in the adult brain, we hypothesized that GFAP expression in astrocytoma might not be a direct indication of glial differentiation and a less malignant phenotype. Therefore, we here review all existing literature from 1972 up to 2018 on GFAP expression in astrocytoma patient material to revisit GFAP as a marker of lower grade, more differentiated astrocytoma. We conclude that GFAP is heterogeneously expressed in astrocytoma, which most likely masks a consistent correlation of GFAP expression to astrocytoma malignancy grade. The GFAP positive cell population contains cells with differences in morphology, function, and differentiation state showing that GFAP is not merely a marker of less malignant and more differentiated astrocytoma. We suggest that discriminating between the GFAP isoforms GFAPδ and GFAPα will improve the accuracy of assessing the differentiation state of astrocytoma in clinical and experimental settings and will benefit glioma classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J van Bodegraven
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessy V van Asperen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre A J Robe
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105, BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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McKeon A, Benarroch EE. Glial fibrillary acid protein: Functions and involvement in disease. Neurology 2018; 90:925-930. [PMID: 29653988 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McKeon
- From the Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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