1
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Domin H, Burnat G. mGlu4R, mGlu7R, and mGlu8R allosteric modulation for treating acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmacol Rep 2024:10.1007/s43440-024-00657-7. [PMID: 39348087 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuroprotection, defined as safeguarding neurons from damage and death by inhibiting diverse pathological mechanisms, continues to be a promising approach for managing a range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including acute conditions such as ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). These pathophysiological conditions involve excessive glutamatergic (Glu) transmission activity, which can lead to excitotoxicity. Inhibiting this excessive Glu transmission has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating the CNS disorders mentioned. In particular, ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including metabotropic glutamatergic receptors (mGluRs), have been recognized as promising options for inhibiting excessive Glu transmission. This review discusses the complex interactions of mGlu receptors with their subtypes, including the formation of homo- and heterodimers, which may vary in function and pharmacology depending on their protomer composition. Understanding these intricate details of mGlu receptor structure and function enhances researchers' ability to develop targeted pharmacological interventions, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review also summarizes the current knowledge of the neuroprotective potential of ligands targeting group III mGluRs in preclinical cellular (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) models of ischemic stroke, TBI, PD, AD, and MS. In recent years, experiments have shown that compounds, especially those activating mGlu4 or mGlu7 receptors, exhibit protective effects in experimental ischemia models. The discovery of allosteric ligands for specific mGluR subtypes has led to reports suggesting that group III mGluRs may be promising targets for neuroprotective therapy in PD (mGlu4R), TBI (mGlu7R), and MS (mGlu8R).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Domin
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, Kraków, 31-343, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Burnat
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Neurobiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, Kraków, 31-343, Poland
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2
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Sobierajski E, Lauer G, Czubay K, Grabietz H, Beemelmans C, Beemelmans C, Meyer G, Wahle P. Development of myelin in fetal and postnatal neocortex of the pig, the European wild boar Sus scrofa. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:947-966. [PMID: 37000250 PMCID: PMC10147765 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Myelination of the neocortex of altricial species is mostly a postnatal event, and the appearance of myelin has been associated with the end of the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity in rodent visual cortex. Due to their precocality, ungulates may tell a different story. Here, we analyzed the development of PDGFRα positive oligodendrocyte precursor cells and expression of myelin proteins in the laminar compartments of fetal and postnatal porcine cortex from E45 onwards. Precursor cell density initially increased and then decreased but remained present at P90. MAG and MBP staining were detectable at E70 in subventricular zone and deep white matter, ascending into gyral white matter at E85, and into the gray matter and marginal zone at E100 (birth in pig at E114). Protein blots confirmed the declining expression of PDGFRα from E65 onwards, and the increase of MBP and MAG expression from E80 onwards. Somatosensory input elicited by spontaneous activity is considered important for the formation of the body representation. Indeed, PDGFRα, MBP and MAG expression started earlier in somatosensory than in visual cortex. Taken together, myelination proceeded in white and gray matter and marginal zone of pig cortex before birth with an areal-specific time course, and an almost mature pattern was present at P5 in visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Sobierajski
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Developmental Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44870, Bochum, Germany
| | - German Lauer
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Developmental Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44870, Bochum, Germany
| | - Katrin Czubay
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Developmental Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44870, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hannah Grabietz
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Developmental Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44870, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christa Beemelmans
- Regionalverband Ruhr Grün, Forsthof Üfter Mark, Forsthausweg 306, 46514, Schermbeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Beemelmans
- Regionalverband Ruhr Grün, Forsthof Üfter Mark, Forsthausweg 306, 46514, Schermbeck, Germany
| | - Gundela Meyer
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38200, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Petra Wahle
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Developmental Neurobiology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44870, Bochum, Germany.
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3
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Zhang M, Liu Y, Wu S, Zhao X. Ca 2+ Signaling in Oligodendrocyte Development. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:1071-1080. [PMID: 31222426 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00705-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Calcium signaling has essential roles in the development of the nervous system, from neural induction to the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of both neuronal and glia cells. The temporal and spatial dynamics of Ca2+ signals control the highly diverse yet specific transcriptional programs that establish the complex structures of the nervous system. Ca2+-signaling pathways are shaped by interactions among metabotropic signaling cascades, ion channels, intracellular Ca2+ stores, and a multitude of downstream effector proteins that activate specific genetic programs. Progress in the last decade has led to significant advances in our understanding of the functional architecture of Ca2+ signaling networks involved in oligodendrocyte development. In this review, we summarize the molecular and functional organizations of Ca2+-signaling networks during the differentiation of oligodendrocyte, especially its impact on myelin gene expression, proliferation, migration, and myelination. Importantly, the existence of multiple routes of Ca2+ influx opens the possibility that the activity of calcium channels can be manipulated pharmacologically to encourage oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination after demyelinating episodes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuming Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Xianghui Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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4
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Xiang Y, Han H, Ji S, Wei L, Yang P, Zhang J. The developmental expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 in prenatal human frontal lobe and neurogenesis regions. Brain Dev 2019; 41:567-576. [PMID: 30954358 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Metabotropic glutamate receptors, besides ionotropic receptors, mediate the complicated effect of glutamate on neurogenesis. Previous studies showed that metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGluR4) regulated the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. However, little is known about the expression pattern of mGluR4 on prenatal central nervous system in vivo, especially the human being. METHODS The normal brain tissues of human fetus were collected and divided into 4 groups according to the gestational age: 9-11 W, 14-16 W, 22-24 W and 32-36 W. Then the expression of mGluR4 was evaluated at mRNA and protein levels by means of PCR or immunohistochemistry method, respectively. The type of cell expressing mGluR4 was further investigated using double-labeling immunofluorescence. RESULTS RT-PCR showed that the mRNA of mGluR4 could be detected in frontal lobe from 9 W to 32 W and real-time PCR quantificationally demonstrated the mRNA increased with development. Similarly, immnoreactivity was found in all layers of frontal lobe, VZ/SVZ. The intensity scores analysis showed that the staining became stronger and the range extended gradually with development. The double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that mGluR4 was present in neural stem/progenitor cells (nestin-positive cells after 9 W), young neurons (DCX-positive cells after 9 W), mature neurons (NeuN-positive cells in cortex after 32 W), as well as typical astrocytes (GFAP-positive cells in medulla after 32 W). CONCLUSION These results supply an important evidence that mGluR4 is expressed in prenatal human cerebrum, and main kinds of cells related to neurogenesis are involved in its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Xi'an Huashan Central Hospital, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China
| | - Shengfeng Ji
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China
| | - Liang Wei
- Department of Human Anatomy & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, China
| | - Pengbo Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Xi'an Medical University, China.
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5
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Habermacher C, Angulo MC, Benamer N. Glutamate versus GABA in neuron-oligodendroglia communication. Glia 2019; 67:2092-2106. [PMID: 30957306 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin sheaths around axons are formed by glial cells named oligodendrocytes (OLs). In turn, OLs are generated by oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) during postnatal development and in adults, according to a process that depends on the proliferation and differentiation of these progenitors. The maturation of OL lineage cells as well as myelination by OLs are complex and highly regulated processes in the CNS. OPCs and OLs express an array of receptors for neurotransmitters, in particular for the two main CNS neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA, and are therefore endowed with the capacity to respond to neuronal activity. Initial studies in cell cultures demonstrated that both glutamate and GABA signaling mechanisms play important roles in OL lineage cell development and function. However, much remains to be learned about the communication of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons with oligodendroglia in vivo. This review focuses on recent major advances in our understanding of the neuron-oligodendroglia communication mediated by glutamate and GABA in the CNS, and highlights the present controversies in the field. We discuss the expression, activation modes and potential roles of synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors along OL lineage progression. We review the properties of OPC synaptic connectivity with presynaptic glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the brain and consider the implication of glutamate and GABA signaling in activity-driven adaptive myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Habermacher
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - María C Angulo
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Najate Benamer
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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6
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Sosunov A, Olabarria M, Goldman JE. Alexander disease: an astrocytopathy that produces a leukodystrophy. Brain Pathol 2019; 28:388-398. [PMID: 29740945 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexander Disease (AxD) is a degenerative disorder caused by mutations in the GFAP gene, which encodes the major intermediate filament of astrocytes. As other cells in the CNS do not express GFAP, AxD is a primary astrocyte disease. Astrocytes acquire a large number of pathological features, including changes in morphology, the loss or diminution of a number of critical astrocyte functions and the activation of cell stress and inflammatory pathways. AxD is also characterized by white matter degeneration, a pathology that has led it to be included in the "leukodystrophies." Furthermore, variable degrees of neuronal loss take place. Thus, the astrocyte pathology triggers alterations in other cell types. Here, we will review the neuropathology of AxD and discuss how a disease of astrocytes can lead to severe pathologies in non-astrocytic cells. Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of AxD will also lead to a better understanding of how astrocytes interact with other CNS cells and how astrocytes in the gliosis that accompanies many neurological disorders can damage the function and survival of other cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markel Olabarria
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - James E Goldman
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
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7
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Spampinato SF, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Sortino MA, Caraci F. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Glial Cells: A New Potential Target for Neuroprotection? Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:414. [PMID: 30483053 PMCID: PMC6243036 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation that finally lead to slow neuronal degeneration and death. Although neurons are the principal target, glial cells are important players as they contribute by either exacerbating or dampening the events that lead to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. A dysfunction of the glutamatergic system is a common event in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors belong to a large family of G protein-coupled receptors largely expressed in neurons as well as in glial cells. They often appear overexpressed in areas involved in neurodegeneration, where they can modulate glutamatergic transmission. Of note, mGlu receptor upregulation may involve microglia or, even more frequently, astrocytes, where their activation causes release of factors potentially able to influence neuronal death. The expression of mGlu receptors has been also reported on oligodendrocytes, a glial cell type specifically involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. Here we will provide a general overview on the possible involvement of mGlu receptors expressed on glial cells in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative disorders and the potential use of subtype-selective mGlu receptor ligands as candidate drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Negative allosteric modulators (NAM) of mGlu5 receptors might represent a relevant pharmacological tool to develop new neuroprotective strategies in these diseases. Recent evidence suggests that targeting astrocytes and microglia with positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of mGlu3 receptor or oligodendrocytes with mGlu4 PAMS might represent novel pharmacological approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Copani
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neuromed, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Troina, Italy
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8
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Zhang Z, Zheng X, Luan Y, Liu Y, Li X, Liu C, Lu H, Chen X, Liu Y. Activity of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 4 Suppresses Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis With Inhibition of Gli-1 in Human Glioblastoma Cells. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:320. [PMID: 29867331 PMCID: PMC5962807 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal glioma variant in the adult brain and among the deadliest of human cancers. Increasing evidence has shown that metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) expression may play roles in regulating the growth of neural stem cells as well as several cancer cell lines. Here, we investigated the effects of mGluR4 on the growth and apoptosis of the LN229 GBM cell line. Involvement of Gli-1, one of the key transcription factors in the sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, was further explored. In this study, mGluR4 was activated using selective agonist VU0155041; and gene-targeted siRNAs were used to generate loss of function of mGluR4 and Gli-1 in LN229 cells. The results demonstrated that LN229 cells expressed mGluR4 and the agonist VU0155041 decreased cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Activation of mGluR4 inhibited cyclin D1 expression, activated pro-caspase-8/9/3, and disrupted the balance of Bcl-2/Bax expression, which indicated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of LN229 cells, respectively. Furthermore, Gli-1 expression was reduced by mGluR4 activation in LN229 cells, and downregulation of Gli-1 expression by gene-targeted siRNA resulted in both inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis. Moreover, VU0155041 treatment substantially blocked SHH-induced cyclin D1 expression and cell proliferation, while increasing TUNEL-positive cells and the activation of apoptosis-related proteins. We concluded that activation of mGluR4 expressed in LN229 cells could inhibit GBM cell growth by decreasing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Further suppression of intracellular Gli-1 expression might be involved in the action of mGluR4 on cancer cells. Our study suggested a novel role of mGluR4, which might serve as a potential drug target for control of GBM cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Luan
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yingfei Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Chongxiao Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haixia Lu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Institute of Neurobiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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9
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Mogha A, D'Rozario M, Monk KR. G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Myelinating Glia. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:977-987. [PMID: 27670389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily represents the largest class of functionally selective drug targets for disease modulation and therapy. GPCRs have been studied in great detail in central nervous system (CNS) neurons, but these important molecules have been relatively understudied in glia. In recent years, however, exciting new roles for GPCRs in glial cell biology have emerged. We focus here on the key roles of GPCRs in a specialized subset of glia, myelinating glia. We highlight recent work firmly establishing GPCRs as regulators of myelinating glial cell development and myelin repair. These advances expand our understanding of myelinating glial cell biology and underscore the utility of targeting GPCRs to promote myelin repair in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Mogha
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Mitchell D'Rozario
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelly R Monk
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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10
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Marinelli C, Bertalot T, Zusso M, Skaper SD, Giusti P. Systematic Review of Pharmacological Properties of the Oligodendrocyte Lineage. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:27. [PMID: 26903812 PMCID: PMC4751280 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrogenesis and oligodendrocyte precursor maturation are essential processes during the course of central nervous system development, and lead to the myelination of axons. Cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage are generated in the germinal zone from migratory bipolar oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and acquire cell surface markers as they mature and respond specifically to factors which regulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival. Loss of myelin underlies a wide range of neurological disorders, some of an autoimmune nature—multiple sclerosis probably being the most prominent. Current therapies are based on the use of immunomodulatory agents which are likely to promote myelin repair (remyelination) indirectly by subverting the inflammatory response, aspects of which impair the differentiation of OPCs. Cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage express and are capable of responding to a diverse array of ligand-receptor pairs, including neurotransmitters and nuclear receptors such as γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, adenosine triphosphate, serotonin, acetylcholine, nitric oxide, opioids, prostaglandins, prolactin, and cannabinoids. The intent of this review is to provide the reader with a synopsis of our present state of knowledge concerning the pharmacological properties of the oligodendrocyte lineage, with particular attention to these receptor-ligand (i.e., neurotransmitters and nuclear receptor) interactions that can influence oligodendrocyte migration, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination, and an appraisal of their therapeutic potential. For example, many promising mediators work through Ca2+ signaling, and the balance between Ca2+ influx and efflux can determine the temporal and spatial properties of oligodendrocytes (OLs). Moreover, Ca2+ signaling in OPCs can influence not only differentiation and myelination, but also process extension and migration, as well as cell death in mature mouse OLs. There is also evidence that oligodendroglia exhibit Ca2+ transients in response to electrical activity of axons for activity-dependent myelination. Cholinergic antagonists, as well as endocannabinoid-related lipid-signaling molecules target OLs. An understanding of such pharmacological pathways may thus lay the foundation to allow its leverage for therapeutic benefit in diseases of demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Marinelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua Padua, Italy
| | - Thomas Bertalot
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua Padua, Italy
| | - Morena Zusso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua Padua, Italy
| | - Stephen D Skaper
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Giusti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua Padua, Italy
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11
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Larson VA, Zhang Y, Bergles DE. Electrophysiological properties of NG2(+) cells: Matching physiological studies with gene expression profiles. Brain Res 2015; 1638:138-160. [PMID: 26385417 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
NG2(+) glial cells are a dynamic population of non-neuronal cells that give rise to myelinating oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. These cells express numerous ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, which endow them with a complex electrophysiological profile that is unique among glial cells. Despite extensive analysis of the electrophysiological properties of these cells, relatively little was known about the molecular identity of the channels and receptors that they express. The generation of new RNA-Seq datasets for NG2(+) cells has provided the means to explore how distinct genes contribute to the physiological properties of these progenitors. In this review, we systematically compare the results obtained through RNA-Seq transcriptional analysis of purified NG2(+) cells to previous physiological and molecular studies of these cells to define the complement of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors expressed by NG2(+) cells in the mammalian brain and discuss the potential significance of the unique physiological properties of these cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:NG2-glia(Invited only).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Larson
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dwight E Bergles
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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