1
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Khananshvili D. Neuronal and astrocyte NCX isoform/splice variants: How do they participate in Na + and Ca 2+ signalling? Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102818. [PMID: 37918135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 gene isoforms and their splice variants are characteristically expressed in different regions of the brain. The tissue-specific splice variants of NCX1-3 isoforms show specific expression profiles in neurons and astrocytes, whereas the relevant NCX isoform/splice variants exhibit diverse allosteric modes of Na+- and Ca2+-dependent regulation. In general, overexpression of NCX1-3 genes leads to neuroprotective effects, whereas their ablation gains the opposite results. At this end, the partial contributions of NCX isoform/splice variants to neuroprotective effects remain unresolved. The glutamate-dependent Na+ entry generates Na+ transients (in response to neuronal cell activities), whereas the Na+-driven Ca2+ entry (through the reverse NCX mode) raises Ca2+ transients. This special mode of signal coupling translates Na+ transients into the Ca2+ signals while being a part of synaptic neurotransmission. This mechanism is of general interest since disease-related conditions (ischemia, metabolic stress, and stroke among many others) trigger Na+ and Ca2+ overload with deadly outcomes of downstream apoptosis and excitotoxicity. The recently discovered mechanisms of NCX allosteric regulation indicate that some NCX variants might play a critical role in the dynamic coupling of Na+-driven Ca2+ entry. In contrast, the others are less important or even could be dangerous under altered conditions (e.g., metabolic stress). This working hypothesis can be tested by applying advanced experimental approaches and highly focused computational simulations. This may allow the development of structure-based blockers/activators that can selectively modulate predefined NCX variants to lessen the life-threatening outcomes of excitotoxicity, ischemia, apoptosis, metabolic deprivation, brain injury, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khananshvili
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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2
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Brazhe A, Verisokin A, Verveyko D, Postnov D. Astrocytes: new evidence, new models, new roles. Biophys Rev 2023; 15:1303-1333. [PMID: 37975000 PMCID: PMC10643736 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-023-01145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have been in the limelight of active research for about 3 decades now. Over this period, ideas about their function and role in the nervous system have evolved from simple assistance in energy supply and homeostasis maintenance to a complex informational and metabolic hub that integrates data on local neuronal activity, sensory and arousal context, and orchestrates many crucial processes in the brain. Rapid progress in experimental techniques and data analysis produces a growing body of data, which can be used as a foundation for formulation of new hypotheses, building new refined mathematical models, and ultimately should lead to a new level of understanding of the contribution of astrocytes to the cognitive tasks performed by the brain. Here, we highlight recent progress in astrocyte research, which we believe expands our understanding of how low-level signaling at a cellular level builds up to processes at the level of the whole brain and animal behavior. We start our review with revisiting data on the role of noradrenaline-mediated astrocytic signaling in locomotion, arousal, sensory integration, memory, and sleep. We then briefly review astrocyte contribution to the regulation of cerebral blood flow regulation, which is followed by a discussion of biophysical mechanisms underlying astrocyte effects on different brain processes. The experimental section is closed by an overview of recent experimental techniques available for modulation and visualization of astrocyte dynamics. We then evaluate how the new data can be potentially incorporated into the new mathematical models or where and how it already has been done. Finally, we discuss an interesting prospect that astrocytes may be key players in important processes such as the switching between sleep and wakefulness and the removal of toxic metabolites from the brain milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Brazhe
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1/24, Moscow, 119234 Russia
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklay Str., 16/10, Moscow, 117997 Russia
| | - Andrey Verisokin
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Darya Verveyko
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Kursk State University, Radishcheva st., 33, Kursk, 305000 Russia
| | - Dmitry Postnov
- Department of Optics and Biophotonics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya st., 83, Saratov, 410012 Russia
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3
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Purushotham SS, Buskila Y. Astrocytic modulation of neuronal signalling. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1205544. [PMID: 37332623 PMCID: PMC10269688 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1205544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal signalling is a key element in neuronal communication and is essential for the proper functioning of the CNS. Astrocytes, the most prominent glia in the brain play a key role in modulating neuronal signalling at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and network levels. Over the past few decades, our knowledge about astrocytes and their functioning has evolved from considering them as merely a brain glue that provides structural support to neurons, to key communication elements. Astrocytes can regulate the activity of neurons by controlling the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular milieu, as well as releasing chemicals and gliotransmitters that modulate neuronal activity. The aim of this review is to summarise the main processes through which astrocytes are modulating brain function. We will systematically distinguish between direct and indirect pathways in which astrocytes affect neuronal signalling at all levels. Lastly, we will summarize pathological conditions that arise once these signalling pathways are impaired focusing on neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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4
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Thapaliya P, Pape N, Rose CR, Ullah G. Modeling the heterogeneity of sodium and calcium homeostasis between cortical and hippocampal astrocytes and its impact on bioenergetics. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1035553. [PMID: 36794264 PMCID: PMC9922870 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1035553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that neuronal activity-evoked changes in sodium concentration in astrocytes Na a represent a special form of excitability, which is tightly linked to all other major ions in the astrocyte and extracellular space, as well as to bioenergetics, neurotransmitter uptake, and neurovascular coupling. Recently, one of us reported that Na a transients in the neocortex have a significantly higher amplitude than those in the hippocampus. Based on the extensive data from that study, here we develop a detailed biophysical model to further understand the origin of this heterogeneity and how it affects bioenergetics in the astrocytes. In addition to closely fitting the observed experimental Na a changes under different conditions, our model shows that the heterogeneity in Na a signaling leads to substantial differences in the dynamics of astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the two brain regions, and leaves cortical astrocytes more susceptible to Na+ and Ca2+ overload under metabolic stress. The model also predicts that activity-evoked Na a transients result in significantly larger ATP consumption in cortical astrocytes than in the hippocampus. The difference in ATP consumption is mainly due to the different expression levels of NMDA receptors in the two regions. We confirm predictions from our model experimentally by fluorescence-based measurement of glutamate-induced changes in ATP levels in neocortical and hippocampal astrocytes in the absence and presence of the NMDA receptor's antagonist (2R)-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Thapaliya
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nils Pape
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Neurobiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Neurobiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ghanim Ullah
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Ghanim Ullah ✉
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5
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Goenaga J, Araque A, Kofuji P, Herrera Moro Chao D. Calcium signaling in astrocytes and gliotransmitter release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1138577. [PMID: 36937570 PMCID: PMC10017551 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1138577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia are as numerous in the brain as neurons and widely known to serve supportive roles such as structural scaffolding, extracellular ionic and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support. However, over the past two decades, several lines of evidence indicate that astrocytes, which are a type of glia, play active roles in neural information processing. Astrocytes, although not electrically active, can exhibit a form of excitability by dynamic changes in intracellular calcium levels. They sense synaptic activity and release neuroactive substances, named gliotransmitters, that modulate neuronal activity and synaptic transmission in several brain areas, thus impacting animal behavior. This "dialogue" between astrocytes and neurons is embodied in the concept of the tripartite synapse that includes astrocytes as integral elements of synaptic function. Here, we review the recent work and discuss how astrocytes via calcium-mediated excitability modulate synaptic information processing at various spatial and time scales.
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6
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Oprea L, Desjardins N, Jiang X, Sareen K, Zheng JQ, Khadra A. Characterizing spontaneous Ca 2+ local transients in OPCs using computational modeling. Biophys J 2022; 121:4419-4432. [PMID: 36352783 PMCID: PMC9748374 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous Ca2+ local transients (SCaLTs) in isolated oligodendrocyte precursor cells are largely regulated by the following fluxes: store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Ca2+ pumping through Ca2+-ATPases, and Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release through ryanodine receptors and inositol-trisphosphate receptors. However, the relative contributions of these fluxes in mediating fast spiking and the slow baseline oscillations seen in SCaLTs remain incompletely understood. Here, we developed a stochastic spatiotemporal computational model to simulate SCaLTs in a homogeneous medium with ionic flow between the extracellular, cytoplasmic, and endoplasmic-reticulum compartments. By simulating the model and plotting both the histograms of SCaLTs obtained experimentally and from the model as well as the standard deviation of inter-SCaLT intervals against inter-SCaLT interval averages of multiple model and experimental realizations, we revealed the following: (1) SCaLTs exhibit very similar characteristics between the two data sets, (2) they are mostly random, (3) they encode information in their frequency, and (4) their slow baseline oscillations could be due to the stochastic slow clustering of inositol-trisphosphate receptors (modeled as an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck noise process). Bifurcation analysis of a deterministic temporal version of the model showed that the contribution of fluxes to SCaLTs depends on the parameter regime and that the combination of excitability, stochasticity, and mixed-mode oscillations are responsible for irregular spiking and doublets in SCaLTs. Additionally, our results demonstrated that blocking each flux reduces SCaLTs' frequency and that the reverse (forward) mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchange decreases (increases) SCaLTs. Taken together, these results provide a quantitative framework for SCaLT formation in oligodendrocyte precursor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Oprea
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kushagra Sareen
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James Q Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anmar Khadra
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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7
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Kim HB, Lu Y, Oh SC, Morris J, Miyashiro K, Kim J, Eberwine J, Sul JY. Astrocyte ethanol exposure reveals persistent and defined calcium response subtypes and associated gene signatures. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102147. [PMID: 35716779 PMCID: PMC9293641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a critical role in brain function, but their contribution during ethanol (EtOH) consumption remains largely understudied. In light of recent findings on the heterogeneity of astrocyte physiology and gene expression, an approach with the ability to identify subtypes and capture this heterogeneity is necessary. Here, we combined measurements of calcium signaling and gene expression to define EtOH-induced astrocyte subtypes. In the absence of a demonstrated EtOH receptor, EtOH is believed to have effects on the function of many receptors and downstream biological cascades that underlie calcium responsiveness. This mechanism of EtOH-induced calcium signaling is unknown and this study provides the first step in understanding the characteristics of cells displaying these observed responses. To characterize underlying astrocyte subtypes, we assessed the correlation between calcium signaling and astrocyte gene expression signature in response to EtOH. We found that various EtOH doses increased intracellular calcium levels in a subset of astrocytes, distinguishing three cellular response types and one nonresponsive subtype as categorized by response waveform properties. Furthermore, single-cell RNA-seq analysis of astrocytes from the different response types identified type-enriched discriminatory gene expression signatures. Combining single-cell calcium responses and gene expression analysis identified specific astrocyte subgroups among astrocyte populations defined by their response to EtOH. This result provides a basis for identifying the relationship between astrocyte susceptibility to EtOH and corresponding measurable markers of calcium signaling and gene expression, which will be useful to investigate potential subgroup-specific influences of astrocytes on the physiology and pathology of EtOH exposure in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Bum Kim
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Youtao Lu
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Seonkyung C Oh
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacqueline Morris
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Miyashiro
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; PENN Program in Single Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Eberwine
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; PENN Program in Single Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jai-Yoon Sul
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; PENN Program in Single Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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8
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Frank D, Zlotnik A, Boyko M, Gruenbaum BF. The Development of Novel Drug Treatments for Stroke Patients: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5796. [PMID: 35628606 PMCID: PMC9145977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke is a critical condition that can result in disability and death. The consequences of this medical condition depend on various factors, including the size of the stroke, affected brain region, treatment onset, and the type of treatment. The primary objective of stroke treatment is to restart ischemic penumbra tissue perfusion and reduce infarct volume by sustaining blood flow. Recent research on the condition's pathological pathways and processes has significantly improved treatment options beyond restoring perfusion. Many studies have concentrated on limiting injury severity via the manipulation of molecular mechanisms of ischemia, particularly in animal research. This article reviews completed and ongoing research on the development of acute ischemic stroke drugs. This study focuses on three main categories of antithrombotic drugs, thrombolytic drugs, and neuroprotective agents. The paper outlines findings from animal and clinical trials and explores the working mechanisms of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Frank
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Alexander Zlotnik
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Matthew Boyko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (A.Z.); (M.B.)
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9
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Casamassa A, Cuomo O, Pannaccione A, Cepparulo P, Laudati G, Valsecchi V, Annunziato L, Pignataro G. IN BRAIN POST-ISCHEMIC PLASTICITY, Na+/Ca2+ EXCHANGER 1 AND Ascl1 INTERVENE IN MICROGLIA-DEPENDENT CONVERSION OF ASTROCYTES INTO NEURONAL LINEAGE. Cell Calcium 2022; 105:102608. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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10
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Jackson JG, Krizman E, Takano H, Lee M, Choi GH, Putt ME, Robinson MB. Activation of Glutamate Transport Increases Arteriole Diameter in v ivo: Implications for Neurovascular Coupling. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:831061. [PMID: 35308116 PMCID: PMC8930833 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.831061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to meet the energetic demands of cell-to-cell signaling, increases in local neuronal signaling are matched by a coordinated increase in local blood flow, termed neurovascular coupling. Multiple different signals from neurons, astrocytes, and pericytes contribute to this control of blood flow. Previously, several groups demonstrated that inhibition/ablation of glutamate transporters attenuates the neurovascular response. However, it was not determined if glutamate transporter activation was sufficient to increase blood flow. Here, we used multiphoton imaging to monitor the diameter of fluorescently labeled cortical arterioles in anesthetized C57/B6J mice. We delivered vehicle, glutamate transporter substrates, or a combination of a glutamate transporter substrate with various pharmacologic agents via a glass micropipette while simultaneously visualizing changes in arteriole diameter. We developed a novel image analysis method to automate the measurement of arteriole diameter in these time-lapse analyses. Using this workflow, we first conducted pilot experiments in which we focally applied L-glutamate, D-aspartate, or L-threo-hydroxyaspartate (L-THA) and measured arteriole responses as proof of concept. We subsequently applied the selective glutamate transport substrate L-THA (applied at concentrations that do not activate glutamate receptors). We found that L-THA evoked a significantly larger dilation than that observed with focal saline application. This response was blocked by co-application of the potent glutamate transport inhibitor, L-(2S,3S)-3-[3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzoylamino]benzyloxy]-aspartate (TFB-TBOA). Conversely, we were unable to demonstrate a reduction of this effect through co-application of a cocktail of glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. These studies provide the first direct evidence that activation of glutamate transport is sufficient to increase arteriole diameter. We explored potential downstream mechanisms mediating this transporter-mediated dilation by using a Ca2+ chelator or inhibitors of reversed-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange, nitric oxide synthetase, or cyclo-oxygenase. The estimated effects and confidence intervals suggested some form of inhibition for a number of these inhibitors. Limitations to our study design prevented definitive conclusions with respect to these downstream inhibitors; these limitations are discussed along with possible next steps. Understanding the mechanisms that control blood flow are important because changes in blood flow/energy supply are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders and are used as a surrogate measure of neuronal activity in widely used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G. Jackson
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hajime Takano
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Meredith Lee
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Grace H. Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mary E. Putt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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11
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Piccialli I, Ciccone R, Secondo A, Boscia F, Tedeschi V, de Rosa V, Cepparulo P, Annunziato L, Pannaccione A. The Na +/Ca 2+ Exchanger 3 Is Functionally Coupled With the Na V1.6 Voltage-Gated Channel and Promotes an Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca 2+ Refilling in a Transgenic Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:775271. [PMID: 34955845 PMCID: PMC8692738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.775271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The remodelling of neuronal ionic homeostasis by altered channels and transporters is a critical feature of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Different reports converge on the concept that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), as one of the main regulators of Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations and signalling, could exert a neuroprotective role in AD. The activity of NCX has been found to be increased in AD brains, where it seemed to correlate with an increased neuronal survival. Moreover, the enhancement of the NCX3 currents (INCX) in primary neurons treated with the neurotoxic amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ1-42) oligomers prevented the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and neuronal death. The present study has been designed to investigate any possible modulation of the INCX, the functional interaction between NCX and the NaV1.6 channel, and their impact on the Ca2+ homeostasis in a transgenic in vitro model of AD, the primary hippocampal neurons from the Tg2576 mouse, which overproduce the Aβ1-42 peptide. Electrophysiological studies, carried in the presence of siRNA and the isoform-selective NCX inhibitor KB-R7943, showed that the activity of a specific NCX isoform, NCX3, was upregulated in its reverse, Ca2+ influx mode of operation in the Tg2576 neurons. The enhanced NCX activity contributed, in turn, to increase the ER Ca2+ content, without affecting the cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations of the Tg2576 neurons. Interestingly, our experiments have also uncovered a functional coupling between NCX3 and the voltage-gated NaV1.6 channels. In particular, the increased NaV1.6 currents appeared to be responsible for the upregulation of the reverse mode of NCX3, since both TTX and the Streptomyces griseolus antibiotic anisomycin, by reducing the NaV1.6 currents, counteracted the increase of the INCX in the Tg2576 neurons. In agreement, our immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the NCX3/NaV1.6 co-expression was increased in the Tg2576 hippocampal neurons in comparison with the WT neurons. Collectively, these findings indicate that NCX3 might intervene in the Ca2+ remodelling occurring in the Tg2576 primary neurons thus emerging as a molecular target with a neuroprotective potential, and provide a new outcome of the NaV1.6 upregulation related to the modulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in AD neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Piccialli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Boscia
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Tedeschi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria de Rosa
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Cepparulo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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12
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Astrocyte Gliotransmission in the Regulation of Systemic Metabolism. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11110732. [PMID: 34822390 PMCID: PMC8623475 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11110732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal brain function highly relies on the appropriate functioning of astrocytes. These glial cells are strategically situated between blood vessels and neurons, provide significant substrate support to neuronal demand, and are sensitive to neuronal activity and energy-related molecules. Astrocytes respond to many metabolic conditions and regulate a wide array of physiological processes, including cerebral vascular remodeling, glucose sensing, feeding, and circadian rhythms for the control of systemic metabolism and behavior-related responses. This regulation ultimately elicits counterregulatory mechanisms in order to couple whole-body energy availability with brain function. Therefore, understanding the role of astrocyte crosstalk with neighboring cells via the release of molecules, e.g., gliotransmitters, into the parenchyma in response to metabolic and neuronal cues is of fundamental relevance to elucidate the distinct roles of these glial cells in the neuroendocrine control of metabolism. Here, we review the mechanisms underlying astrocyte-released gliotransmitters that have been reported to be crucial for maintaining homeostatic regulation of systemic metabolism.
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13
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Ahmadpour N, Kantroo M, Stobart JL. Extracellular Calcium Influx Pathways in Astrocyte Calcium Microdomain Physiology. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1467. [PMID: 34680100 PMCID: PMC8533159 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are complex glial cells that play many essential roles in the brain, including the fine-tuning of synaptic activity and blood flow. These roles are linked to fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ within astrocytes. Recent advances in imaging techniques have identified localized Ca2+ transients within the fine processes of the astrocytic structure, which we term microdomain Ca2+ events. These Ca2+ transients are very diverse and occur under different conditions, including in the presence or absence of surrounding circuit activity. This complexity suggests that different signalling mechanisms mediate microdomain events which may then encode specific astrocyte functions from the modulation of synapses up to brain circuits and behaviour. Several recent studies have shown that a subset of astrocyte microdomain Ca2+ events occur rapidly following local neuronal circuit activity. In this review, we consider the physiological relevance of microdomain astrocyte Ca2+ signalling within brain circuits and outline possible pathways of extracellular Ca2+ influx through ionotropic receptors and other Ca2+ ion channels, which may contribute to astrocyte microdomain events with potentially fast dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jillian L. Stobart
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MG R3E 0T5, Canada; (N.A.); (M.K.)
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14
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Benfey NJ, Li VJ, Schohl A, Ruthazer ES. Sodium-calcium exchanger mediates sensory-evoked glial calcium transients in the developing retinotectal system. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109791. [PMID: 34610307 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Various types of sensory stimuli have been shown to induce Ca2+ elevations in glia. However, a mechanistic understanding of the signaling pathways mediating sensory-evoked activity in glia in intact animals is still emerging. During early development of the Xenopus laevis visual system, radial astrocytes in the optic tectum are highly responsive to sensory stimulation. Ca2+ transients occur spontaneously in radial astrocytes at rest and are abolished by silencing neuronal activity with tetrodotoxin. Visual stimulation drives temporally correlated increases in the activity patterns of neighboring radial astrocytes. Following blockade of all glutamate receptors (gluRs), visually evoked Ca2+ activity in radial astrocytes persists, while neuronal activity is suppressed. The additional blockade of either glu transporters or sodium-calcium exchangers (NCX) abolishes visually evoked responses in glia. Finally, we demonstrate that blockade of NCX alone is sufficient to prevent visually evoked responses in radial astrocytes, highlighting a pivotal role for NCX in glia during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Benfey
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Vanessa J Li
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Anne Schohl
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2B4 Canada
| | - Edward S Ruthazer
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H3A 2B4 Canada.
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15
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Héja L, Szabó Z, Péter M, Kardos J. Spontaneous Ca 2+ Fluctuations Arise in Thin Astrocytic Processes With Real 3D Geometry. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:617989. [PMID: 33732110 PMCID: PMC7957061 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.617989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in astrocytes are regarded as a critical non-neuronal signal to regulate neuronal functions. Although such fluctuations can be evoked by neuronal activity, rhythmic astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations may also spontaneously arise. Experimental studies hint that these spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations may lie behind different kinds of emerging neuronal synchronized activities, like epileptogenic bursts or slow-wave rhythms. Despite the potential importance of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in astrocytes, the mechanism by which they develop is poorly understood. Using simple 3D synapse models and kinetic data of astrocytic Glu transporters (EAATs) and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), we have previously shown that NCX activity alone can generate markedly stable, spontaneous Ca2+ oscillation in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain. Here, we extend that model by incorporating experimentally determined real 3D geometries of 208 excitatory synapses reconstructed from publicly available ultra-resolution electron microscopy datasets. Our simulations predict that the surface/volume ratio (SVR) of peri-synaptic astrocytic processes prominently dictates whether NCX-mediated spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations emerge. We also show that increased levels of intracellular astrocytic Na+ concentration facilitate the appearance of Ca2+ fluctuations. These results further support the principal role of the dynamical reshaping of astrocyte processes in the generation of intrinsic Ca2+ oscillations and their spreading over larger astrocytic compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Péter
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), Budapest, Hungary.,Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), Budapest, Hungary
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16
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Cho J, Huh Y. Astrocytic Calcium Dynamics Along the Pain Pathway. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:594216. [PMID: 33192331 PMCID: PMC7596274 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.594216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, once thought to be passive cells merely filling the space between neurons in the nervous system, are receiving attention as active modulators of the brain and spinal cord physiology by providing nutrients, maintaining homeostasis, and modulating synaptic transmission. Accumulating evidence indicates that astrocytes are critically involved in chronic pain regulation. Injury induces astrocytes to become reactive, and recent studies suggest that reactive astrocytes can have either neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects. While the exact mechanisms underlying the transition from resting astrocytes to reactive astrocytes remain unknown, astrocytic calcium increase, coordinated by inflammatory molecules, has been suggested to trigger this transition. In this mini review article, we will discuss the roles of astrocytic calcium, channels contributing to calcium dynamics in astrocytes, astrocyte activations along the pain pathway, and possible relationships between astrocytic calcium dynamics and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeiwon Cho
- Brain and Cognitive Science, Scranton College, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeowool Huh
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, South Korea.,Translational Brain Research Center, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea
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17
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Semyanov A, Henneberger C, Agarwal A. Making sense of astrocytic calcium signals — from acquisition to interpretation. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:551-564. [DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Rose CR, Ziemens D, Verkhratsky A. On the special role of NCX in astrocytes: Translating Na +-transients into intracellular Ca 2+ signals. Cell Calcium 2019; 86:102154. [PMID: 31901681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
As a solute carrier electrogenic transporter, the sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX1-3/SLC8A1-A3) links the trans-plasmalemmal gradients of sodium and calcium ions (Na+, Ca2+) to the membrane potential of astrocytes. Classically, NCX is considered to serve the export of Ca2+ at the expense of the Na+ gradient, defined as a "forward mode" operation. Forward mode NCX activity contributes to Ca2+ extrusion and thus to the recovery from intracellular Ca2+ signals in astrocytes. The reversal potential of the NCX, owing to its transport stoichiometry of 3 Na+ to 1 Ca2+, is, however, close to the astrocytes' membrane potential and hence even small elevations in the astrocytic Na+ concentration or minor depolarisations switch it into the "reverse mode" (Ca2+ import/Na+ export). Notably, transient Na+ elevations in the millimolar range are induced by uptake of glutamate or GABA into astrocytes and/or by the opening of Na+-permeable ion channels in response to neuronal activity. Activity-related Na+ transients result in NCX reversal, which mediates Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space, thereby generating astrocyte Ca2+ signalling independent from InsP3-mediated release from intracellular stores. Under pathological conditions, reverse NCX promotes cytosolic Ca2+ overload, while dampening Na+ elevations of astrocytes. This review provides an overview on our current knowledge about this fascinating transporter and its special functional role in astrocytes. We shall delineate that Na+-driven, reverse NCX-mediated astrocyte Ca2+ signals are involved neurone-glia interaction. Na+ transients, translated by the NCX into Ca2+ elevations, thereby emerge as a new signalling pathway in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Daniel Ziemens
- Institute of Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain
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19
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Song S, Luo L, Sun B, Sun D. Roles of glial ion transporters in brain diseases. Glia 2019; 68:472-494. [PMID: 31418931 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glial ion transporters are important in regulation of ionic homeostasis, cell volume, and cellular signal transduction under physiological conditions of the central nervous system (CNS). In response to acute or chronic brain injuries, these ion transporters can be activated and differentially regulate glial functions, which has subsequent impact on brain injury or tissue repair and functional recovery. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about major glial ion transporters, including Na+ /H+ exchangers (NHE), Na+ /Ca2+ exchangers (NCX), Na+ -K+ -Cl- cotransporters (NKCC), and Na+ -HCO3 - cotransporters (NBC). In acute neurological diseases, such as ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), these ion transporters are rapidly activated and play significant roles in regulation of the intra- and extracellular pH, Na+ , K+ , and Ca2+ homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, and myelin formation. However, overstimulation of these ion transporters can contribute to glial apoptosis, demyelination, inflammation, and excitotoxicity. In chronic brain diseases, such as glioma, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), glial ion transporters are involved in the glioma Warburg effect, glial activation, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damages. These findings suggest that glial ion transporters are involved in tissue structural and functional restoration, or brain injury and neurological disease development and progression. A better understanding of these ion transporters in acute and chronic neurological diseases will provide insights for their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Song
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lanxin Luo
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Baoshan Sun
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Pólo Dois Portos, Instituto National de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Dois Portos, Portugal
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Héja L, Simon Á, Szabó Z, Kardos J. Feedback adaptation of synaptic excitability via Glu:Na + symport driven astrocytic GABA and Gln release. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107629. [PMID: 31103619 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutamatergic transmission composed of the arriving of action potential at the axon terminal, fast vesicular Glu release, postsynaptic Glu receptor activation, astrocytic Glu clearance and Glu→Gln shuttle is an abundantly investigated phenomenon. Despite its essential role, however, much less is known about the consequences of the mechanistic connotations of Glu:Na+ symport. Due to the coupled Na+ transport, Glu uptake results in significantly elevated intracellular astrocytic [Na+] that markedly alters the driving force of other Na+-coupled astrocytic transporters. The resulting GABA and Gln release by reverse transport through the respective GAT-3 and SNAT3 transporters help to re-establish the physiological Na+ homeostasis without ATP dissipation and consequently leads to enhanced tonic inhibition and replenishment of axonal glutamate pool. Here, we place this emerging astrocytic adjustment of synaptic excitability into the centre of future perspectives. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Simon
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Magyar tudósok körútja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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21
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Semyanov A. Spatiotemporal pattern of calcium activity in astrocytic network. Cell Calcium 2019; 78:15-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Heterogeneity of Activity-Induced Sodium Transients between Astrocytes of the Mouse Hippocampus and Neocortex: Mechanisms and Consequences. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2620-2634. [PMID: 30737311 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2029-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity-related sodium transients induced by glutamate uptake represent a special form of astrocyte excitability. Astrocytes of the neocortex, as opposed to the hippocampus proper, also express ionotropic glutamate receptors, which might provide additional sodium influx. We compared glutamate-related sodium transients in astrocytes and neurons in slices of the neocortex and hippocampus of juvenile mice of both sexes, using widefield and multiphoton imaging. Stimulation of glutamatergic afferents or glutamate application induced sodium transients that were twice as large in neocortical as in hippocampal astrocytes, despite similar neuronal responses. Astrocyte sodium transients were reduced by ∼50% upon blocking NMDA receptors in the neocortex, but not hippocampus. Neocortical, but not hippocampal, astrocytes exhibited marked sodium increases in response to NMDA. These key differences in sodium signaling were also observed in neonates and in adults. NMDA application evoked local calcium transients in processes of neocortical astrocytes, which were dampened upon blocking sodium/calcium exchange (NCX) with KB-R7943 or SEA0400. Mathematical computation based on our data predict that NMDA-induced sodium increases drive the NCX into reverse mode, resulting in calcium influx. Together, our study reveals a considerable regional heterogeneity in astrocyte sodium transients, which persists throughout postnatal development. Neocortical astrocytes respond with much larger sodium elevations to glutamatergic activity than hippocampal astrocytes. Moreover, neocortical astrocytes experience NMDA-receptor-mediated sodium influx, which hippocampal astrocytes lack, and which drives calcium import through reverse NCX. This pathway thereby links sodium to calcium signaling and represents a new mechanism for the generation of local calcium influx in neocortical astrocytes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocyte calcium signals play a central role in neuron-glia interaction. Moreover, activity-related sodium transients may represent a new form of astrocyte excitability. Here we show that activation of NMDA receptors results in prominent sodium transients in neocortical, but not hippocampal, astrocytes in the mouse brain. NMDA receptor activation is accompanied by local calcium signaling in processes of neocortical astrocytes, which is augmented by sodium-driven reversal of the sodium/calcium exchanger. Our data demonstrate a significant regional heterogeneity in the magnitude and mechanisms of astrocyte sodium transients. They also suggest a close interrelation between NMDA-receptor-mediated sodium influx and calcium signaling through the reversal of sodium/calcium exchanger, thereby establishing a new pathway for the generation of local calcium signaling in astrocyte processes.
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