1
|
López Hanotte J, Peralta F, Reggiani PC, Zappa Villar MF. Investigating the Impact of Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin on Female Rats with and without Ovaries: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:2785-2802. [PMID: 38985243 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04204-x] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
To contribute to research on female models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), our aim was to study the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in female rats, and to evaluate a potential neuroprotective action of ovarian steroids against STZ. Female rats were either ovariectomized (OVX) or kept with ovaries (Sham) two weeks before ICV injections. Animals were injected with either vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid, aCSF) or STZ (3 mg/kg) and separated into four experimental groups: Sham + aCSF, Sham + STZ, OVX + aCSF and OVX + STZ. Nineteen days post-injection, we assessed different behavioral aspects: burying, anxiety and exploration, object recognition memory, spatial memory, and depressive-like behavior. Immunohistochemistry and Immunoblot analyses were performed in the hippocampus to examine changes in AD-related proteins and neuronal and microglial populations. STZ affected burying and exploratory behavior depending on ovarian status, and impaired recognition but not spatial memory. STZ and ovariectomy increased depressive-like behavior. Interestingly, STZ did not alter the expression of β-amyloid peptide or Tau phosphorylated forms. STZ affected the neuronal population from the Dentate Gyrus, where immature neurons were more vulnerable to STZ in OVX rats. Regarding microglia, STZ increased reactive cells, and the OVX + STZ group showed an increase in the total cell number. In sum, STZ partially affected female rats, compared to what was previously reported for males. Although AD is more frequent in women, reports about the effect of ICV-STZ in female rats are scarce. Our work highlights the need to deepen into the effects of STZ in the female brain and study possible sex differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette López Hanotte
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Facundo Peralta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Paula Cecilia Reggiani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
- Cátedra de Citología, Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Zappa Villar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duarte-Guterman P, Richard JE, Lieblich SE, Eid RS, Lamers Y, Galea LAM. Cellular and molecular signatures of motherhood in the adult and ageing rat brain. Open Biol 2023; 13:230217. [PMID: 37989220 PMCID: PMC10681025 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230217] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is marked by robust changes, including brain changes to volume, structure, connectivity and neuroplasticity. Although some brain changes are restricted to pregnancy and the postpartum, others are long-lasting. Few studies have examined possible mechanisms of these changes or the effects of multiple pregnancies. We characterized various cellular and molecular signatures of parity (nulliparous, primiparous, biparous) in the rat hippocampus. We investigated density of neural stems cells (Sox2), microglia (Iba-1) and levels of a synaptic protein (PSD-95), cell signalling pathways, neuroinflammation, and the tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway, one week after weaning their pups from the last pregnancy (age of dam: seven months) and in middle-age (age of dam: 13 months). Parity increased PSD-95 levels in both age groups and prevented the age-related decrease in neural stem cell density observed in nulliparous rats. Biparity increased cell signalling phosphoproteins (pp70S6K, S6RP) and number of microglia in the dentate gyrus, regardless of age. Parity resulted in transient changes to the TRP-KYN system. Thus, previous parity has lasting effects on synaptic plasticity with fewer lasting effects on inflammation and cell signalling phosphoproteins in the whole hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Duarte-Guterman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J. E. Richard
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S. E. Lieblich
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R. S. Eid
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Y. Lamers
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L. A. M. Galea
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bustamante-Barrientos FA, Méndez-Ruette M, Ortloff A, Luz-Crawford P, Rivera FJ, Figueroa CD, Molina L, Bátiz LF. The Impact of Estrogen and Estrogen-Like Molecules in Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration: Beneficial or Harmful? Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:636176. [PMID: 33762910 PMCID: PMC7984366 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.636176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens and estrogen-like molecules can modify the biology of several cell types. Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) belong to the so-called classical family of estrogen receptors, while the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) represents a non-classical estrogen receptor mainly located in the plasma membrane. As estrogen receptors are ubiquitously distributed, they can modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in several tissues and organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Estrogens can exert neuroprotective roles by acting as anti-oxidants, promoting DNA repair, inducing the expression of growth factors, and modulating cerebral blood flow. Additionally, estrogen-dependent signaling pathways are involved in regulating the balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), thus influencing neurogenic processes. Since several estrogen-based therapies are used nowadays and estrogen-like molecules, including phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens, are omnipresent in our environment, estrogen-dependent changes in cell biology and tissue homeostasis have gained attention in human health and disease. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on the current knowledge of estrogen and estrogen-like molecules and their impact on cell survival and neurodegeneration, as well as their role in NSPCs proliferation/differentiation balance and neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Bustamante-Barrientos
- Immunology Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Cells for Cells, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maxs Méndez-Ruette
- Neuroscience Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander Ortloff
- Departamento de Ciencias Veterinarias y Salud Pública, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Patricia Luz-Crawford
- Immunology Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco J Rivera
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Carlos D Figueroa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Laboratory of Cellular Pathology, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Molina
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Luis Federico Bátiz
- Neuroscience Program, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB), Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Medicina, School of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruddy RM, Adams KV, Morshead CM. Age- and sex-dependent effects of metformin on neural precursor cells and cognitive recovery in a model of neonatal stroke. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax1912. [PMID: 31535024 PMCID: PMC6739114 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Resident neural stem and progenitor cells, collectively termed neural precursor cells (NPCs), reside in a well-defined neurogenic niche in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and contribute to ongoing postnatal neurogenesis. It is well established that the NPC niche can alter the behavior of NPCs. NPC activation is a promising therapeutic strategy for brain repair. The drug metformin has been shown to activate neural stem cells, promote differentiation, and lead to functional motor recovery in a neonatal stroke model. We demonstrate that metformin-induced NPC expansion and functional recovery is sex hormone dependent. Metformin increases the size of the NPC pool in adult females, but not males, and promotes cognitive recovery in a model of brain injury in females, but not males. Our data demonstrate that metformin has age- and sex-dependent effects on NPCs that correlate with functional recovery, which has important implications for neural repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Ruddy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kelsey V. Adams
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sex steroid hormone modulation of neural stem cells: a critical review. Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:28. [PMID: 31146782 PMCID: PMC6543604 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0242-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While numerous in vivo experiments have sought to explore the effects of sex chromosome composition and sex steroid hormones on cellular proliferation and differentiation within the mammalian brain, far fewer studies as reviewed here, have explored these factors using a direct in vitro approach. Generally speaking, in vivo studies provide the gold standard to demonstrate applicable findings in regards to the role hormones play in development. However, in the case of neural stem cell (NSC) biology, there remain many unknown factors that likely contribute to observations made within the developed brain, specifically in regions where there are abundant sex steroid hormone receptors. For these reasons, using a NSC in vitro model may provide a more controlled and refined system to explore the direct effects of sex and hormone response, limiting the vast array of other influences on NSCs occurring during development and within adult cellular niches. These specific cellular models may have the ability to greatly improve the mechanistic understanding of changes occurring within the developing brain during the hormonal organization process, in addition to other modifications that may contribute to neuro-psychiatric sex-biased diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Home sweet home: the neural stem cell niche throughout development and after injury. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:125-141. [PMID: 28776186 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells and their progeny reside in two distinct neurogenic niches within the mammalian brain: the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus. The interplay between the neural stem cells and the niche in which they reside can have significant effects on cell kinetics and neurogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the changes to the niche that occur through postnatal development and aging, as well as following injury, is relevant for developing therapeutics and interventions to promote neural repair. We discuss changes that occur within the neural stem and progenitor cell populations, the vasculature, extracellular matrix, microglia, and secreted proteins through aging which impact cell behavior within the neurogenic niches. We examine neural precursor cell and niche responses to injury in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia, juvenile cranial irradiation, and adult stroke. This review examines the interplay between the niche and stem cell behavior through aging and following injury as a means to understand intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate neurogenesis in vivo.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lim S, Kim IK, Choi JW, Seo HH, Lim KH, Lee S, Lee HB, Kim SW, Hwang KC. Gender-dimorphic effects of adipose-derived stromal vascular fractions on HUVECs exposed to oxidative stress. Int J Med Sci 2017; 14:911-919. [PMID: 28824330 PMCID: PMC5562200 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.19998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) are a heterogeneous collection of cells within adipose tissue that are being studied for various clinical indications. In this study, we aimed to determine whether SVF transplantation into impaired tissues has differential effects on inflammatory and angiogenetic properties with regard to gender. As reactive oxygen species have been implicated in cardiovascular disease development, we investigated differences in gene and protein expression related to inflammation and angiogenesis in HUVECs co-cultured with adipose-derived SVFs from male (M group) and female (F group) individuals under oxidative stress conditions. The expression of several inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-33) and angiogenetic (platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)) factors differed dramatically between male and female donors. Anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenetic responses were observed in HUVECs co-cultured with SVFs under oxidative stress conditions, and these characteristics may exhibit partially differential effects according to gender. Using network analysis, we showed that co-culturing HUVECs with SVFs ameliorated pyroptosis/apoptosis via an increase in oxidative stress. Activation of caspase-1 and IL-1B was significantly altered in HUVECs co-cultured with SVFs from female donors. These findings regarding gender-dimorphic regulation of adipose-derived SVFs provide valuable information that can be used for evidence-based gender-specific clinical treatment of SVF transplantation for understanding of cardiovascular disease, allowing for the development of additional treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Lim
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Kwon Kim
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Cell Therapy Center, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Won Choi
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang-Hee Seo
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hee Lim
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biosafety Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju City, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seahyoung Lee
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon-Bum Lee
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Woo Kim
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Chul Hwang
- Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon Metropolitan City, 22711, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Bio-Medical Convergence, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 25601, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Capilla-Gonzalez V, Herranz-Pérez V, García-Verdugo JM. The aged brain: genesis and fate of residual progenitor cells in the subventricular zone. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:365. [PMID: 26441536 PMCID: PMC4585225 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the adult mammalian brain through life. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the largest source of stem cells in the nervous system, and continuously generates new neuronal and glial cells involved in brain regeneration. During aging, the germinal potential of the SVZ suffers a widespread decline, but the causes of this turn down are not fully understood. This review provides a compilation of the current knowledge about the age-related changes in the NSC population, as well as the fate of the newly generated cells in the aged brain. It is known that the neurogenic capacity is clearly disrupted during aging, while the production of oligodendroglial cells is not compromised. Interestingly, the human brain seems to primarily preserve the ability to produce new oligodendrocytes instead of neurons, which could be related to the development of neurological disorders. Further studies in this matter are required to improve our understanding and the current strategies for fighting neurological diseases associated with senescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Capilla-Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Department of Cell Biology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, University of Valencia, CIBERNED Valencia, Spain ; Department of Stem Cells, Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Seville, Spain
| | - Vicente Herranz-Pérez
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Department of Cell Biology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, University of Valencia, CIBERNED Valencia, Spain ; Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroregeneration Mixed Unit, IIS Hospital La Fe Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel García-Verdugo
- Laboratory of Comparative Neurobiology, Department of Cell Biology, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, University of Valencia, CIBERNED Valencia, Spain ; Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroregeneration Mixed Unit, IIS Hospital La Fe Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ransome MI, Boon WC. Testosterone-induced adult neurosphere growth is mediated by sexually-dimorphic aromatase expression. Front Cell Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26217181 PMCID: PMC4491627 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We derived adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) from the sub-ventricular zone of male and female mice to examine direct responses to principal sex hormones. In the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) NSPCs of both sexes expressed nestin and sox2, and could be maintained as neurospheres without addition of any sex hormones. The reverse was not observed; neither testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2) nor progesterone (P4) was able to support neurosphere growth in the absence of EGF and FGF2. Ten nanomolar T, E2 or P4 induced nestin(+) cell proliferation within 20 min and enhanced neurosphere growth over 7 days irrespective of sex, which was abolished by Erk inhibition with 20 μM U0126. Maintaining neurospheres with each sex hormone did not affect subsequent neuronal differentiation. However, 10 nM T, E2 or P4 added during differentiation increased βIII tubulin(+) neuron production with E2 being more potent compared to T and P4 in both sexes. Androgen receptor (AR) inhibition with 20 μM flutamide but not aromatase inhibition with 10 μM letrozole reduced basal and T-induced neurosphere growth in females, while only concurrent inhibition of AR and aromatase produced the same effect in males. This sex-specific effect was supported by higher aromatase expression in male neurospheres compared to females measured by Western blot and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. Ten micromolar menadione induced oxidative stress, impaired neurosphere growth and up-regulated aromatase expression in both sexes. However, under oxidative stress letrozole significantly exacerbated impaired neurosphere growth in males only. While both E2 and T could prevent oxidative stress-induced growth reduction in both sexes, the effects of T were dependent on innate aromatase activity. We show for the first time that intrinsic androgen and estrogen signaling may impact the capacity of NSPCs to produce neural progenitors under pathological conditions of oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Ransome
- Steroid Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah Chin Boon
- Steroid Neurobiology Laboratory, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Koutmani Y, Karalis KP. Neural stem cells respond to stress hormones: distinguishing beneficial from detrimental stress. Front Physiol 2015; 6:77. [PMID: 25814957 PMCID: PMC4356227 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs), the progenitors of the nervous system, control distinct, position-specific functions and are critically involved in the maintenance of homeostasis in the brain. The responses of these cells to various stressful stimuli are shaped by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors via mechanisms that are age and developmental stage-dependent and still remain, to a great extent, elusive. Increasing evidence advocates for the beneficial impact of the stress response in various settings, complementing the extensive number of studies on the detrimental effects of stress, particularly in the developing brain. In this review, we discuss suggested mechanisms mediating both the beneficial and detrimental effects of stressors on NSC activity across the lifespan. We focus on the specific effects of secreted factors and we propose NSCs as a “sensor,” capable of distinguishing among the different stressors and adapting its functions accordingly. All the above suggest the intriguing hypothesis that NSCs are an important part of the adaptive response to stressors via direct and indirect, specific mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yassemi Koutmani
- Center for Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Katia P Karalis
- Center for Experimental Surgery, Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece ; Endocrine Division, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
James MI, Howells LM, Karmokar A, Higgins JA, Greaves P, Cai H, Dennison A, Metcalfe M, Garcea G, Lloyd DM, Berry DP, Steward WP, Brown K. Characterization and propagation of tumor initiating cells derived from colorectal liver metastases: trials, tribulations and a cautionary note. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117776. [PMID: 25658706 PMCID: PMC4319830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor initiating cells (TIC) are increasingly being put forward as a potential target for intervention within colorectal cancer. Whilst characterisation and outgrowth of these cells has been extensively undertaken in primary colorectal cancers, few data are available describing characteristics within the metastatic setting. Tissue was obtained from patients undergoing surgical resection for colorectal liver metastases, and processed into single cell suspension for assessment. Tumor initiating cells from liver metastases were characterised using combinations of EPCAM, Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, CD133 and CD26. CD133 expression was significantly lower in patients who had received chemotherapy, but this was accounted for by a decrease observed in the male patient cohort only. ALDHhigh populations were rare (0.4 and 0.3% for EPCAM+/ALDHhigh/CD133- and EPCAM+/ALDHhigh/CD133+ populations respectively) and below the limits of detection in 28% of samples. Spheroid outgrowth of metastatic tumor cells across all samples could not be readily achieved using standard spheroid-formation techniques, thus requiring further method validation to reliably propagate cells from the majority of tissues. Spheroid formation was not enhanced using additional growth factors or fibroblast co-culture, but once cells were passaged through NOD-SCID mice, spheroid formation was observed in 82% samples, accompanied by a significant increase in CD26. Order of spheroid forming ability was ALDHhigh>CD133>CD26. Samples sorted by these markers each had the ability to reform ALDHhigh, CD133 and CD26 positive populations to a similar extent, suggestive of a high degree of plasticity for each population. Ex vivo TIC models are increasingly being utilised to assess efficacy of therapeutic interventions. It is therefore essential that such investigations use well-characterised models that are able to sustain TIC populations across a large patient cohort in order that the inherent heterogeneity observed in cancer populations is maintained.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- AC133 Antigen
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Cell Proliferation
- Coculture Techniques
- Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4/metabolism
- Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
- Female
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Flow Cytometry
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/secondary
- Male
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Middle Aged
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Peptides/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/pathology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hong Cai
- University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Dennison
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giuseppe Garcea
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - David M. Lloyd
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Karen Brown
- University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tajiri N, Duncan K, Borlongan MC, Pabon M, Acosta S, de la Pena I, Hernadez-Ontiveros D, Lozano D, Aguirre D, Reyes S, Sanberg PR, Eve DJ, Borlongan CV, Kaneko Y. Adult stem cell transplantation: is gender a factor in stemness? Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15225-43. [PMID: 25170809 PMCID: PMC4200754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy now constitutes an important area of regenerative medicine. The aging of the population has mandated the discovery and development of new and innovative therapeutic modalities to combat devastating disorders such as stroke. Menstrual blood and Sertoli cells represent two sources of viable transplantable cells that are gender-specific, both of which appear to have potential as donor cells for transplantation in stroke. During the subacute phase of stroke, the use of autologous cells offers effective and practical clinical application and is suggestive of the many benefits of using the aforementioned gender-specific cells. For example, in addition to being exceptionally immunosuppressive, testis-derived Sertoli cells secrete many growth and trophic factors and have been shown to aid in the functional recovery of animals transplanted with fetal dopaminergic cells. Correspondingly, menstrual blood cells are easily obtainable and exhibit angiogenic characteristics, proliferative capability, and pluripotency. Of further interest is the ability of menstrual blood cells, following transplantation in stroke models, to migrate to the infarct site, secrete neurotrophic factors, regulate the inflammatory response, and be steered towards neural differentiation. From cell isolation to transplantation, we emphasize in this review paper the practicality and relevance of the experimental and clinical use of gender-specific stem cells, such as Sertoli cells and menstrual blood cells, in the treatment of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tajiri
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Kelsey Duncan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mia C Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mibel Pabon
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Sandra Acosta
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Ike de la Pena
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diana Hernadez-Ontiveros
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Diego Lozano
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Daniela Aguirre
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Stephanny Reyes
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Paul R Sanberg
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA. psanberg@.usf.edu
| | - David J Eve
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Yuji Kaneko
- Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kaneko Y, Dailey T, Weinbren NL, Rizzi J, Tamboli C, Allickson JG, Kuzmin-Nichols N, Sanberg PR, Eve DJ, Tajiri N, Borlongan CV. The battle of the sexes for stroke therapy: female- versus male-derived stem cells. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2014; 12:405-412. [PMID: 23469849 DOI: 10.2174/1871527311312030013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapy is a major discipline of regenerative medicine that has been continually growing over the last two decades. The aging of the population necessitates discovery of therapeutic innovations to combat debilitating disorders, such as stroke. Menstrual blood and Sertoli cells are two gender-specific sources of viable transplantable cells for stroke therapy. The use of autologous cells for the subacute phase of stroke offers practical clinical application. Menstrual blood cells are readily available, display proliferative capacity, pluripotency and angiogenic features, and, following transplantation in stroke models, have the ability to migrate to the infarct site, regulate the inflammatory response, secrete neurotrophic factors, and have the possibility to differentiate into neural lineage. Similarly, the testis-derived Sertoli cells secrete many growth and trophic factors, are highly immunosuppressive, and exert neuroprotective effects in animal models of neurological disorders. We highlight the practicality of experimental and clinical application of menstrual blood cells and Sertoli cells to treat stroke, from cell isolation and cryopreservation to administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kaneko
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Travis Dailey
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Nathan L Weinbren
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Jessica Rizzi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Cyrus Tamboli
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | | | | | - Paul R Sanberg
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - David J Eve
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Naoki Tajiri
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| | - Cesar V Borlongan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li R, Strykowski R, Meyer M, Mulcrone P, Krakora D, Suzuki M. Male-specific differences in proliferation, neurogenesis, and sensitivity to oxidative stress in neural progenitor cells derived from a rat model of ALS. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48581. [PMID: 23144905 PMCID: PMC3493558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor dysfunction and the loss of large motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem. A clear genetic link to point mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene has been shown in a small group of familial ALS patients. The exact etiology of ALS is still uncertain, but males have consistently been shown to be at a higher risk for the disease than females. Here we present male-specific effects of the mutant SOD1 transgene on proliferation, neurogenesis, and sensitivity to oxidative stress in rat neural progenitor cells (rNPCs). E14 pups were bred using SOD1(G93A) transgenic male rats and wild-type female rats. The spinal cord and cortex tissues were collected, genotyped by PCR using primers for the SOD1(G93A) transgene or the male-specific Sry gene, and cultured as neurospheres. The number of dividing cells was higher in male rNPCs compared to female rNPCs. However, SOD1(G93A) over-expression significantly reduced cell proliferation in male cells but not female cells. Similarly, male rNPCs produced more neurons compared to female rNPCs, but SOD1(G93A) over-expression significantly reduced the number of neurons produced in male cells. Finally we asked whether sex and SOD1(G93A) transgenes affected sensitivity to oxidative stress. There was no sex-based difference in cell viability after treatment with hydrogen peroxide or 3-morpholinosydnonimine, a free radical-generating agent. However, increased cytotoxicity by SOD1(G93A) over-expression occurred, especially in male rNPCs. These results provide essential information on how the mutant SOD1 gene and sexual dimorphism are involved in ALS disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruojia Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Rachel Strykowski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael Meyer
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Patrick Mulcrone
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Dan Krakora
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bali N, Arimoto JM, Iwata N, Lin SW, Zhao L, Brinton RD, Morgan TE, Finch CE. Differential responses of progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (Pgrmc1) and the classical progesterone receptor (Pgr) to 17β-estradiol and progesterone in hippocampal subregions that support synaptic remodeling and neurogenesis. Endocrinology 2012; 153:759-69. [PMID: 22147012 PMCID: PMC3275384 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) modulate neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling in the hippocampus during the rat estrous cycle and in response to deafferenting lesions, but little is known about the steroidal regulation of hippocampal progesterone receptors associated with these processes. We examined the neuronal expression of progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (Pgrmc1) and the classical progesterone receptor (Pgr), by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Pgr, a transcription factor, has been associated with synaptic remodeling and other major actions of P4, whereas Pgrmc1 is implicated in P4-dependent proliferation of adult neuroprogenitor cells and with rapid P4 effects on membranes. Ovariectomized adult rats were given E2, P4, or E2+P4 on two schedules: a 4-d model of the rodent estrous cycle and a 30-d model of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Pgr was hormonally responsive only in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and the induction of Pgr by E2 was partly antagonized by P4 only on the 30-d schedule. In CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus (DG) neurons, Pgr was largely unresponsive to all hormone treatments. In contrast to Pgr, Pgrmc1 was generally induced by E2 and/or P4 throughout the hippocampus in CA1, CA3, and DG neurons. In neuroprogenitor cells of the DG (immunopositive for bromodeoxyuridine and doublecortin), both Pgrmc1 and Pgr were detected. The differential regulation of hippocampal Pgrmc1 and Pgr by E2 and P4 may guide drug development in hormonal therapy for support of neurogenesis and synaptic regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Bali
- University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, California 90089-0191, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Waldron J, Lecanu L. Age and sex differences in neural stem cell transplantation: a descriptive study in rats. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2011; 4:25-37. [PMID: 24198528 PMCID: PMC3781847 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s18653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether neural stem cell (NSC) sexual dimorphism previously demonstrated in vitro translates in vivo in NSC transplantation experiments and constitutes a defining factor of the transplantation outcome. Methods NSCs isolated from the subventricular zone of 2-day-old or 20-month-old male and female rats were grown as neurospheres prior to being transplanted in the striatum of 2-day-old or 20-month-old male and female recipient animals. The outcome of the transplantation and the NSC differentiation status were analyzed 8 weeks later by assessing the expression of the markers doublecortin (DCX) for neuroblasts, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocytes, nestin for stem cells, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) for neuronal cholinergic phenotype by immunofluorescence. Results No NSCs were detected in the brain of rat pups 8 weeks after transplantation. However, the endogenous neurogenesis was dramatically increased in a sex-dependent manner. These data suggest that the transplanted NSCs may have triggered endogenous neurogenesis by the intermediate growth factors they may have produced or the production they may have induced. However, NSCs transplanted into the striatum of adult rats were detectable at week 8. NSC survival was dependent on the sex and age of the donor and the recipient. Some of the transplanted cells were found to express DCX, GFAP, and ChAT, supporting an ongoing differentiation process toward astroglial and neuronal cholinergic phenotypes. Conclusion The outcome of the NSC transplantation was highly dependent on the sex and age of the combination donor/recipient. Data generated from our work may allow us in the future to answer the question “What NSCs and for whom?” and consequently lead to the optimization of the grafting process and improvement of the clinical prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Waldron
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Waldron J, McCourty A, Lecanu L. Neural stem cell sex dimorphism in aromatase (CYP19) expression: a basis for differential neural fate. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2010; 3:175-82. [PMID: 24198523 PMCID: PMC3781747 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation and pharmacologic activation of endogenous neurogenesis are two approaches that trigger a great deal of interest as brain repair strategies. However, the success rate of clinical attempts using stem cells to restore neurologic functions altered either after traumatic brain injury or as a consequence of neurodegenerative disease remains rather disappointing. This suggests that factors affecting the fate of grafted NSCs are largely understudied and remain to be characterized. We recently reported that aging differentially affects the neurogenic properties of male and female NSCs. Although the sex steroids androgens and estrogens participate in the regulation of neurogenesis, to our knowledge, research on how gender-based differences affect the capacity of NSCs to differentiate and condition their neural fate is lacking. In the present study, we explored further the role of cell sex as a determining factor of the neural fate followed by differentiating NSCs and its relationship with a potential differential expression of aromatase (CYP19), the testosterone-metabolizing enzyme. Results Using NSCs isolated from the subventricular zone of three-month-old male and female Long-Evans rats and maintained as neurospheres, we showed that differentiation triggered by retinoic acid resulted in a neural phenotype that depends on cell sex. Differentiated male NSCs mainly expressed markers of neuronal fate, including βIII-tubulin, microtubule associated protein 2, growth-associated protein 43, and doublecortin. In contrast, female NSCs essentially expressed the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Quantification of the expression of aromatase showed a very low level of expression in undifferentiated female NSCs, whereas aromatase expression in male NSCs was 14-fold greater than the female level. Conclusion Our results confirm our previous data that the neural phenotype acquired by differentiating NSCs largely depends on cell sex, and that differential expression of aromatase in undifferentiated NSCs might contribute to this sex-based dimorphism. Although still preliminary, our discovery may have clinical application in the development of future brain repair strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Waldron
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|